78 



CALIFORNIA GARDEN FLOWERS. 



on a southern slope if possible and run east and west with the lower 

 side of the fname toward the south. If a southern exposure cannot be 

 secured, a windbreak may be constructed on the north side and the 

 ends to shut off the cold winds from these directions. The beds should 

 be near a plentiful supply of water in order that the plants may be 

 carefully and easily cared for. It is essential that a hot-bed should 

 be located where water will not collect from rains or watering. 

 Water must not stand in the soil occupied by the plants nor in the 

 manure below. The whole outfit must be well drained. 



Common horse manure containing no litter, mixed with from l /$ 

 to l /2 its amount of straw or leaves, is used for providing artificial 

 heat. Straw or leaves are added to prolong the heating period of the 

 manure and to keep it from heating too violently. The manure is 

 gathered fresh from the stable, piled up and allowed to heat. Before 

 fire-fanging, however, it should be moistened and forked over and 



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Fig. i. Sectional View of Hot-Bed Construction and Filling. 



allowed to heat again. During the heating it should be kept under 

 shelter as heavy drenchings make it almost worthless. After it is well 

 heated through the second time, it is put in the hot-bed excavation 

 almost to the sash level, care being taken to spread it evenly and to 

 have the corners well filled. After the manure has again warmed up 

 it should be firmed by tramping. The bed is now ready for the soil. 

 Usually seeds or cuttings are put into the soil bottom of the hot- 

 bed to get more direct effect from the bottom heat although seed 

 boxes or flats are also used over the heating medium. In the former 

 case five or six inches of rich soil containing much humus and sand are 

 placed upon the manure and after the temperature of the soil has 

 dropped to 90F. most seeds may be sown. A good soil can be pre- 

 pared by making a compost heap consisting of alternate layers of good 

 surface soil containing grass roots if possible and barnyard manure, 

 8 or 10 months before it is to be used. This will give a loose, rich 



