f^otbeti 



where, between the early and late frosts there is hardly 

 time for the maturing of annuals. 



The hotbed should be situated on the south side 

 of a building, wall or fence, where it will have the 

 full benefit of the sun and be protected from cold 

 winds. It is also desirable that the land should slope 

 toward the south, that all surface water may drain 

 away, and that the bed may receive the greatest 

 amount of sunshine during the day. In constructing 

 a hotbed dig a pit two feet deep. This may be lined 

 with planks or bricks, or left with its earthen walls. 

 Over this build a frame of rough lumber around four 

 posts of three- or four-inch stuff, three feet two inches 

 high in the back, and two feet eight inches high in the 

 front. If the pit is not lined, this will bring the frame 

 below the surface and allow a sufficient slant for the 

 free shedding of water and the concentration of the 

 greatest amount of sunshine on the bed. Regular 

 hotbed sash are three feet by six, and cost about two 

 dollars and seventy-five cents each, glazed and 

 painted. These are usually arranged to rest on the 

 frame, simply sliding up and down, the size of the 

 bed determining the number of sash. A bed three by 

 six, however, is more easily handled than a larger 

 one; and two or more beds, set end to end, or one 

 long, narrow one divided by partitions into three-by- 

 six beds, will be more satisfactory in every way than 

 a wider one. The partitions are necessary, not alone 

 to strengthen the frame and support the sash, but to 



