ASPARAGUS IN HOTBEDS. 133 
stable litter should be put into the frame and firmly 
packed, with an inch or two of sand spread over it. This 
bed should be allowed to stand until the heat of the ma- 
43. Rhubarb under a forcing-house bench. 
nure has declined to about 70 degrees, and not below 65 
degrees, before the crowns are placed on it. For this 
work advantage should be taken of a day when the 
weather is mild, as the crowns are easily damaged by 
frost. Large crowns five or six years old are preferable 
