622 HOME AND HOUSEHOLD. 



panes of glass lapping like shingles, and let it stand two or 

 three days, or longer if the weather is cold. Now fill on top of 

 the manure from four to six inches of good, rich, finely pulver- 

 ized garden soil, which, if of stiff clay, should be mixed with 

 sand, and cover the bed as before. Leave it for a few days, 

 taking the precaution to raise a bank of earth around the out- 

 side of the frame, to further protect it. In a short time stir 

 the soil and sow the seed in drills, marked with flat sticks. 

 Label the sticks with each variety. Give the bed fresh air each 

 day, and sprinkle with warm water as often as may be required. 

 Use great care in attending the bed. When the day is warm, 

 the sash should be taken off and replaced at night ; and, unless 

 it is cold enough to chill the plants, fresh air should be ad- 

 mitted at all times. Sometimes the bed heats, and then it is nec- 

 essary to watch it closely. Examine it by putting the hand 

 down several inches.. If it is hot, remove the sash, use tepid 

 water, and make deep holes in the bed with sticks, for the 

 escape of heat, and then fill up when the heat is reduced. If 

 the nights are very cold, cover with mats or blankets. If such 

 a frame is large enough, garden vegetables can be had several 

 weeks earlier than when grown in the ordinary manner. Flow- 

 ers may also be raised by planting the seeds in the pots in- 

 tended for them, and sinking them in the hot-beds. 



HOUSE PLANTS. 



Much enjoyment may be obtained from window gardening, 

 and most plants will live indoors under proper conditions of 

 light and temperature. Select a window which admits a plenty 

 of light ; and, as plants have periods of rest and sleep, shut off 

 the bright glare of the lamp at night. A few plants carefully 

 cultivated look much better and give more satisfaction than an 

 over-crowded windowful left to themselves. The pots for win- 

 dow plants should be filled one or two inches with charcoal, to 

 keep the soil sweet, and to assist in the drainage. It is an 

 excellent plan to place plants out of doors during a warm and 

 gentle'rain, but great care should be used in watering them, as 

 they are easily injured. Water should never be poured upon 

 them, but they should be watered once a day from a watering- 



