234 City Homes on Country Lanes 



steaming, fork it over into a new pile, throwing the out- 

 side material into the center. When the new pile has 

 become well heated, fork the material once more into a 

 new pile. This will require from ten days to two weeks, 

 and is important, in that it gets rid of excessive heat. 

 After this process, fill the pit with the manure, packed 

 down firmly and evenly, level with the surface of the 

 surrounding earth. On top of this manure make a 

 covering of good garden loam three or four inches deep. 



When the sash has been put in place, the manure 

 will generate heat, in addition to the heat that will be 

 derived from the sun. After this heat has reached its 

 highest point and dropped back to between 80 and 90 

 degrees F. the seed should be planted. Use the best seed 

 obtainable. Until the seed germinates, the hotbed 

 should be kept shaded to hold moisture. This can be 

 done by spreading over the sash strips of old carpet, 

 heavy cloth, or newspapers. After germination, strong 

 light will be needed. The plants must be watered each 

 morning on clear days, and the sash left partially open 

 for ventilation, as it is necessary to dry the foliage to 

 prevent mildew. 



Proper ventilation is essential to the production of 

 strong, healthy plants. The sash should be raised 

 during the warmest part of the day on the side opposite 

 the direction from which the wind is blowing. By open- 

 ing it in this way instead of facing the wind, the hotbed 

 receives fresh air without receiving direct draft. On 

 cold days, raise the sash slightly three or four times a 

 day for a few minutes only. In seven- weather, cover 

 the beds with mats, straw, or manure, to keep in as much 

 heat as possible. About two weeks before transplanting 

 time the sash should he removed during the day to 



