130 THE PRINCIPLES OF FLORICULTURE 



manure should be packed solidly, special care being taken 

 to have the manure along the sides and in the corners 

 packed as firmly as in the center. 



The sashes are then placed on the frames, and the 

 manure will again ferment, emitting strong fumes of am- 

 monia. The temperature of the fermenting manure should 

 be carefully taken with a soil thermometer, and when it 

 has cooled to 90, the bed is covered with a top-dressing of 

 carefully prepared soil. This top-dressing should be from 

 six to ten inches deep, depending upon the crop to be 

 grown. 



After sowing the seeds or transplanting the plants in 

 this soil, the sashes are again placed on the frames, and 

 stable manure or soil is banked against the outside. This 

 is to assist in retaining the heat and in excluding the cold. 

 It is necessary to give careful attention to the watering 

 and ventilating of hotbeds. Too much water renders 

 the soil cold, and the seedlings are easily chilled; if in- 

 sufficient air is admitted, the plants are spindling and weak, 

 and the fumes from the fermenting manure would kill 

 them. If too much cold air is admitted, the growth is 

 seriously checked. In ventilating, it is customary to use 

 a small block of wood to prop up the sash. Hotbeds and 

 frames should be protected with mats and shutters during 

 the night. The careful gardener will apply the cover early 

 enough in the afternoon, so that the frames may become 

 warmed somewhat before evening. Success with frames 

 and hotbeds depends in a large measure on the attention 

 given them. 



103. System and business principles. A business man 

 who lacks system seldom is a success. The range fore- 

 man who does not have his work well organized is ineffi- 

 cient. The best workmen are those who have a system. 



