80 



GENERAL ADVICE 



It is advisable to place the manure in the pit in 

 layers, each stratum to be thoroughly trodden 

 down before another one is put in. These layers 

 should be from four to eight inches in thickness. 

 By this means the mass is easily made uniform in 

 consistency. Manure which has too much straw 

 for the best results, and which will therefore soon 

 part with its heat, will spring up quickly when 



Section of a hotbed. 



the pressure of the feet is removed. Manure 

 which has too little straw, and which therefore 

 will not heat well or will spend its heat quickly, 

 will pack down into a soggy mass underneath the 

 feet. When the manure has sufficient litter, it 

 will give a springy feeling to the feet as a person 

 walks over it, but will not fluff up when the 



