130 The Profitable Culture of Vegetables. 



down the lights. For a few days the heat will probably rise 

 very high, though this depends upon the thickness and com- 

 position of the bed. Neither sowing nor planting must be done 

 whilst the heat is rising, but when it is falling, and has reached 

 85 deg. F., cucumber, tomato, and similar seed may be sown, and 

 when it passes below 75 deg. it is ready for any other subjects. 



From the time seeds or plants are put in the frame it must 

 be covered up closely each night with mats, to keep out frost 

 and to prevent the loss of heat by radiation. Of the various 

 kinds of mats in use those made of rye-straw are the best. 

 Full particulars for making and using these will be found on 

 pages 76 to 78. 



When the bed begins to cool, or if the weather becomes 

 severe, " linings " of hot manure must be put all round the 

 frame, from the top edge of the bed to the level of the lights, 

 and this lining must be renewed whenever any cooling takes 

 place ; if the lowering in the temperature is serious, pull down 

 the sides of the bed all round to the level of the frame, and 

 build it up again with fresh hot manure. If the bed is exposed 

 to high winds a screen should be placed on the windward side 

 or the temperature of the bed will be considerably reduced ; 

 brushwood or thatched hurdles, properly fixed, make an effec- 

 tive windbreak. 



The Management of the Hot-bed. The proper management 

 of a hot-bed is only acquired by experience. Beginners are 

 often impatient, and sometimes make the bed at a too early date, 

 or do not give the manure enough preparation, or sow or plant 

 before the heat is steady and so waste time and material. The 

 thing to aim at is to secure sturdy plants which make a steady 

 and healthy growth. This result is only to be secured by 

 maintaining the proper temperature ; by giving ventilation but 

 avoiding draughts and chills ; by never permitting the soil to 

 get too dry whilst being careful never to get it very wet and 

 cold by over-watering; by using only tepid water early in 

 the day so that the leaves of the plants are dry when the lights 

 are closed in the afternoon; by keeping the plants near the 

 light and at the same time shading from a too hot sun by 

 never overcrowding, and by thoroughly hardening plants before 



