The Busy Woman's Garden Book 



some way in the house or with the costly assistance 

 of the florists. 



The depth of the pit should not be less than 

 three feet and four, from the top of the frame, 

 is better, as it is upon the depth of the manure 

 that the length or duration of the heat depends. 

 A shallow pit will give a quick heat which soon 

 gives out, usually when most needed, during a 

 sudden cold wave, and as the expense of a foot 

 more or less counts for little it is best to be on 

 the safe side and have sufficient heat. 



If economy must be observed or the bed is 

 for temporary use, a rough frame of boards will 

 answer every purpose; it need not even extend 

 below the surface of the ground, but merely rest 

 upon it, but such construction is not to be recom- 

 mended except for temporary structures or where 

 it is desired to remove the frame as soon at it 

 has served its purpose in supplying plants for 

 spring planting ; but a well built, permanent hot- 

 bed has by no means served its mission with the 

 passing of the spring months, it may be profitably 

 kept in commission the year around. 



16 



