250 THE ECONOMY OF THE FARM. 



the sash may be slightly raised to let the steam pass off, 

 and soon after the loam may be lightly spread over the 

 manure to the depth of six or seven inches. 



903. A day or two after the loam has been added, the 

 bed will be ready for the seed, which is generally sown in 

 drills across the bed. 



904. Sometimes the manure ferments so rapidly as to 

 give out an amount of hot steam sufficient to destroy the 

 roots of tender plants. This danger can be avoided by 

 sowing the seed in small flower pots set into the soil up 

 to the rims, which may be raised when the heat is too 

 intense, and lowered again as it moderates. 



905. The same object may be effected by thrusting 

 down a large stick in several places in the bed, and with 

 drawing it, leaving open holes which will soon lessen the 

 intensity of the heat. 



906. A sharp pointed stick thrust down into the manure 

 and allowed to remain a few minutes, will show well 

 enough the degree of heat there. 



907. But constant watchfulness is required to secure 

 such ventilation as will prevent over-heating and a feeble 

 growth, and the frames should be open at proper times 

 for this purpose, but the external air must be let in 

 cautiously, and only when it is not very cold, or the plants 

 will be injured by the chill. 



908. Cucumbers and similar plants may be sown on 

 pieces of inverted sod in the bed, when they are to be 

 started early ; they can then be removed to the garden 

 without injury as soon as the season admits of it. 



909. Cabbages, cauliflowers, melons, tomatoes, peppers, 

 celery, lettuce and many other plants, may be started in 

 the hot-bed, to be transplanted to the garden as soon as 

 the season is far enough advanced. 



