32 The Flower Garden [Chapter 



insure to each section the special treatment it requires. 

 Not all seeds germinate in the same temperature, or 

 require the same degree of moisture. There is, also, 

 a great difference in the period of germination ; some 

 seeds sprout in from three to five days ; others require 

 as many weeks. With separate sections seeds of 

 similar habits and requirements may be planted to- 

 gether. 



Florists' sash makes an expensive hotbed, and 

 quite as satisfactory results may be obtained by using 

 such old window-sash as may be picked up for about 

 twenty-five cents apiece where buildings are being torn 

 down or from junk or hardware dealers. Old sash 

 will probably need some glazing and painting, and 

 these are among the things the amateur gardener 

 should learn to do for herself, as sash must be water- 

 tight and in order at all times. A sudden hail-storm, 

 a mischievous cat or careless handling may leave one 

 with broken glass that must be replaced at once. 

 When old sash is used the back of the frame should 

 be higher than the sides by the thickness of the sash, 

 so that the sash may be fastened to it with hinges if 

 desired. A cross-piece from the back to the front for 

 the sash to rest on will give greater stability and 

 prevent draughts of cold air on a sudden fall of tem- 

 perature. 



Having constructed the pit, fill it with fresh manure 

 from the horse-stable that from young, grain-fed 

 stock being best. It must be perfectly fresh, gathered 



