Four] Cf)e flotfoefc 33 



from the stalls in the morning, and should be mixed 

 with a quantity of litter long straw or leaves. This 

 serves as fuel, insuring a continuous heat. Without it 

 the heat germinated by the manure would quickly die 

 out and the bed become cold. Throw the manure 

 loosely into the frame, close the sash and wait for 

 fermentation or heating. This should take place 

 in from twelve to twenty- four hours; if longer than 

 that it will be as well to throw out the manure and 

 begin again, making sure this time that the manure is 

 absolutely fresh. When the thermometer by rising 

 to 100 or more degrees shows that fermentation is 

 well under way, the manure should be well tramped 

 down, as level and smooth as possible. Over this 

 place a couple of inches of fine, old, well-rotted ma- 

 nure. This will afford nourishment for the young 

 plants should they make sufficient growth to need it, 

 or on account of stress of weather be detained in the 

 hotbed longer than expected. If this is not supplied 

 the tender roots of the plants are apt to go in search 

 of the crude manure in the bottom of the hotbed, and 

 be injured by contact with it. When plants that have 

 come up thrifty suddenly turn yellow and look as if 

 they had been scalded, though sufficiently protected 

 from the sun, it is probable that their roots have been 

 burned by the manure. This may be determined by 

 digging down to the roots.. If they have reached the 

 manure the cause is evident; other plants in the same 

 beds, with shallower roots, it will be observed, are not 



