32 VEGETABLE GROWING. 



HOT-BEDS. 



This very convenient form of plant- bed is not as gen- 

 erally used in the South as it merits ; probably from the 

 fact that many persons do not understand the princi- 

 ples underlying a successful operation of the same. 



When any undecomposed manure, leaves or other 

 vegetable matter begins to decay, a certain amount of 

 hea 1 is given off; if the pile is large and in a compact 

 heap, the amount of heat evolved will be considerable. 

 This is due to the breaking down of plant tissues 

 through the actions of low forms of life, such as bac- 

 teria and molds. This breaking down takes place in 

 the presence of moisture ; vegetable matter stored in 

 a dry state, will remain undecomposed for an indefinite 

 time. An application of this fact will make it possi- 

 ble for every one who keeps a horse or cow to provide 

 himself with a hot bed. 



During the early part of the season the manure may 

 be stored away dry, and kept so, and when the time to 

 fix a hot-bed comes, it may be prepared in a way sim- 

 ilar to making a compost heap. 



SELECTION OF A LOCATION. 



Four points should be borne in mind when one is 

 selecting the place for a hot bed- 

 First. It must be sheltered from cold winds that is, 

 it should be in a warm spot ; there should be a wind- 

 break of some kind ; the bed should be free to the full 

 sun all day ; the south side of the barn may be used 

 in some cases. 



Second It must be protected from rains ; the drip- 

 pings of eaves must be carried away and the surface 

 drained so that water will not run under. 



Third. Water must be handy, or the needed supply 

 may not be applied. 



