The Hot-Bed and Cold-Frame 



it in layers a few inches in depth, and tramp 

 down each layer before another is added. 



When the pile is eighteen inches or two feet 

 in depth, finish off by rounding it over in such 

 a manner that it will shed rain, or cover it 

 with oil-cloth. Leave it in this condition for 

 a few days till fermentation sets in. This can 

 be told by a warm moisture which will be seen 

 rising from it. The mass should then be well 

 forked over, shaking out the long straw, as 

 this is done, and made into another compact 

 heap, as at first. In two or three days it will 

 give evidence of further heating. After this 

 it is likely to be in a condition for final dispo- 

 sition in the bed. As the manure is now thrown 

 into shape, pack it down well, making it as 

 uniformly compact as possible. It is quite 

 important that the foundation should have 

 considerable solidity, as you will soon discover 

 that a heap of loose litter amounts to next to 

 nothing for hot-bed purposes. There should 

 be not less than two feet of this material. 



The frame, which the wise gardener will 

 have constructed in advance of the season, 

 should now be put in place, and fitted with 

 sash. Bank up well outside the frame with 



69 



