198 PRIZE GARDENING 



below the surface of the ground. In making the 

 framework, hemlock lumber one inch thick was used 

 and posts two by four inches at each corner and mid- 

 way between. At the north side, the framework 

 extended one foot above ground ; at the south, it 

 extended six inches above, giving a six-inch slope to the 

 sash. The glass used in fitting sashes was eight by ten. 

 Horse manure, which had been cured under shelter, 

 freed from coarse litter and forked over a number of 

 times, was solidly tramped down in the bed to a depth 

 of eighteen inches. The sashes were then put on, and 

 left for four days before adding the soil. After cover- 

 ing with soil, the bed was let stand for four days. This 

 allowed the soil to warm up and weed seed to ger- 

 minate. It was then raked over fine and even, and the 

 soil firmed lightly with a wide board before sowing 

 the seed. 



A quick way of making up hotbeds is followed by 

 W. H. McMillen, a large Wisconsin market gardener. 

 He says : " I haul three good loads of coarse manure 

 for each frame, pile it up and let stand for five or six 

 days, then fork it over into another pile, when it will 

 begin to heat, and then pile it over again, and when it 

 is steaming well I pace off the size of the frames, 

 spreading the manure evenly, fifteen inches larger each 

 way than the frames, and tramp it down firm. I then 

 place the frames, bank them up well and put on the 

 sash, and leave it for seven or eight days. Then if the 

 manure is heated evenly, put on about four inches of 

 good earth and let down a sash at each end about six 

 inches to allow the rank heat to escape. After the third 

 day I sow the seeds. Great care must be taken that the 

 earth is warm all through. When the plants are about 

 four inches high, transplant to a cold frame, which is 

 made on the same plan as the hotbed, except with a 

 covering of cloth instead of glass." 



