310 HOT-BEDS. 



A friend has kindly furnished us with his method, and, 

 as we cannot improve upon it, we give his instructions 

 almost in his own words, gladly availing ourselves of the 

 aid of one who, with his hot-beds, accomplishes wonders ; 

 and whose flower garden presents a gayer appearance 

 than that of many who have unlimited green-house facili- 

 ties at command. 



To those who have a green-house, "or a forcing pit, the 

 hot-bed is not a necessity. With these aids it is easy 

 to raise flower seeds and cuttings Sufficient for every 

 want. We are writing more especially for those who 

 have no green-house, but to whom flowers are, never- 

 theless, a necessity. Such must depend upon the hot- 

 bed, and we would tell them how to make it. 



And first we must make our frame. A good size for 

 our use is five by ten feet square, ten inches high in 

 front, eighteen in the rear ; with the ends shaped, of 

 course, to match. Let these be cleated so as to prevent 

 warping, and fasten together at the corners with hasps. 

 Let in, flush with the edge, narrow strips at proper dis- 

 tances for the sashes to slide on, with a narrower one in 

 the middle for a guide. These will accommodate four 

 sashes of proper proportions for glass eight inches wide, 



