312 HOT-BEDS. 



would be safe to put seeds in the ground, and when 

 but little else can be done outside.^ Now we measure a 

 space twelve by seven feet (to give a projection of a 

 foot all round outside the frame), on a spot well shel- 

 tered from cold winds, and open to the sun. Begin by 

 setting boards on edge, secured by stakes, and fill in, 

 first with a layer of straw, leaves, or other similar ma- 

 terial, and then a layer of manure, beating it down with 

 the fork, but not treading it hard. Thus continue, until 

 you have used sufficient litter to make it, with the ma- 

 nure, about two feet high. Put on the frame, cover the 

 outside bank with boards laid flat, fill in with about 

 four inches of tan, put on the sashes, and while the heat 

 is getting up, we will get ready our seeds, and prepare 

 materials for potting. 



We shall want some bits of charcoal for drainage, from 

 which we can sift the dust to mix in the soil for potting. 

 We last fall secured some excellent peat, laid up a little 

 loam, and saved a remnant of the old hot-bed (if we had 

 one). These, in equal parts, with a generous sprinkling 

 of the coal dust, make a good soil for present purposes. 



In about a week after the bed is made, the heat will 

 be up, as we may find by thrusting a sharp stick into 





