CHAPTER VIII. 



SOLID BEDS— SUB-WATERING BEDS— RAISED BENCHES WITH 



WOODEN, SIvATE AND TILE BOTTOMS— TESTIMONY 



OF CARNATION GROWERS-SOIL FOR BEDS 



AND BENCHES. 



THERE are but two fundi mental principles in the con- 

 struction of beds or benches for carnations in the house. 

 They involve sub and surface heat to the roots of the plants. 

 The old stjde wooden bench is too well known to need a descrip- 

 tion. It may be constructed chiefly of iron with a slate or tile bot- 

 tom. Messrs. Bassett and Washburn prefer an elevated bench 

 bottomed with two-inch drain tile, laid close together, and sup- 

 ported by cross timber corresponding to the length of the tile. The 

 Vessy bench has advocates and theoretically possesses some mer- 

 its. I give the originator's description. 



"W^e raise the surface of the ground twelve to twenty-four 

 inches as desired, and hold it in place on each side of walk with two- 

 inch hemlock, well coated with cement on the inside. This bed is 

 made level and firm. Upon this we lay four-inch common drain 

 tiles as close together as they can be laid. Above this we put 

 hemlock side boards eight inches wide to hold the soil for plants, 

 which is put upon the tiles. The boards above and below are 

 held in position by two by four pieces at the ends of the boards, 

 and are stayed across at intervals of about four feet with strong 

 galvanized wire. This bed affords perfect drainage, a cool, airy 

 bottom, lasts longer and holds a greater weight than do raised 

 benches of wood with tile bottoms." 



Beds for carnations can be made directly on the floor of the 

 house. They can be elevated eighteen-inches to two feet on com- 

 mon earth laterally supported by a cemented course of brick or 

 planks, which adds to the convenience of the constant attention 

 they require during their in-door life. 



The sub-watering bed is described and illustrated in the 

 chapter under that head. Solid beds and raised benches are still 



