The Proper Watj to Make a Hotbed 29 



scribed by northern writers upon the subject are not 

 necessary in the southern states, where the extremes of 

 cold are not experienced. The great mass of manure 

 recommended by them is not needed here. Indeed, a 

 well -prepared coldframe, with protected exposure to the 

 south, will answer except for tomatoes, eggplants and 

 peppers. The following plan for a family garden has 

 proved quite satisfactory in the experience of the writer: 

 A single 3 x 6-foot sash will give ample space not only 

 for starting these three species, but enough for once 

 transplanting them before transferring to the coldframe, 

 where they are to be hardened off for transplanting to 

 the open ground. Excavate to the depth of eight inches 

 an area 3 feet 3 inches wide by 5 feet 8 inches long. 

 Fill this with fermenting stable manure and green cotton 

 seed mixed in equal parts, moisten it and stamp down 

 smoothly, moistening the material as it is mixed, and 

 again when put into the pit if it seems dry. 



Construct a close frame of one and one -half inch 

 heart lumber to fit over this pit. Have this two feet 

 high at the north end and one foot at the south end, the 

 sides sloping uniformly. Face the upper edge of the 

 lower end with a dressed strip on which the lower end 

 of the sash should fit closely. Face the edges of the side 

 plank with dressed strips on which the sash may slide 

 smoothly and protect with another strip which shall 

 reach to the upper edge of the sash. These side strips 

 should extend the length of the sash north of the bed, 

 to support it when open. Where side or end planks join, 

 the edges should be protected by a strip of building 

 paper and a two -inch wooden strip nailed over it. The 



