N AN IMPROVED PIT. 55 



thin in an open space where they can be fre- 

 quently turned and moved about. 



These manures being properly prepared as 

 pointed out, should be mixed in equal quantities ; 

 and to eight barrows-full of this mixture, 

 one of pure white sand, which is of use as a con- 

 ductor of heat. Nine inches of this compost 

 should be added to the turf, and raised two 

 inches highest along the middle of the pit ; tread 

 it lightly all over, and upon this lay a similar 

 quantity of peat-earth to finish, such as recom- 

 mended for dung-beds ; making in all eighteen 

 inches. Should the cow-dung and leaves not be 

 at hand, two parts of rotted horse-dung from an 

 old hot-bed, must be its substitute, previously 

 well exposed and turned in the air, under cover. 

 When earthed, the middle should be the highest 

 from end to end, in order to draw the water 

 from the centre where the plants grow, to the 

 sides where moisture is most required, and 

 where the heat is greatest. The height in the 

 middle, when completed, including the wood, 



