26 OF FRAMING. [March. 



inches each way larger than the frame : at the corners, 

 place a stick or rod perpendicularly. The ground ought 

 to be higher than that around it, to prevent water from get- 

 ting into the bed, which, if low, must be filled up ; or, if 

 supposed that water may lodge there, a little brushwood 

 might be put under the manure, which would keep it from 

 being inundated. The manure must be built up square 

 and level, shaking, mixing and beating it regularly with 

 the back of the fork. When you have it to the desired 

 height, (from two to three feet will be sufficient for annu- 

 als,) leave the centre of the bed a little higher than the 

 sides, thus allowing it more to subside. When finished, 

 put on the frame and sash or sashes, keep them close until 

 the heat arises, covering them at night with mats or shut- 

 ters. As soon as you feel the heat increased, give air by 

 tilting the sashes a few inches to let off the steam and 

 stagnated air, observing to close in the afternoon, and cover 

 at night. If the heat is violent, about half an inch of air 

 might be left during the night. In about three days, if all 

 has been properly attended to, the bed will be what is 

 termed sweet. Then put in about six inches of fine gar- 

 den soil ; if heavy, mix a little sand with it. Spread it 

 level, and, when the soil is heated through, sow in small 

 drills from one-eighth to an inch deep, according to the 

 size of the seeds ; cover with very fine sifted soil. Some 

 very small kinds do best when sown upon the surface. 

 When sown, give gentle sprinklings of water until they 

 come up, when it will be necessary to give air freely 

 during the day to prevent them from being weak, or damp- 

 ing off, which many of them will do if they have not air 

 regularly admitted. 



