eleven] come and see MY CABBAGES 



Over this place a layer of leaf mold, and on top 

 about five inches of the finest garden soil. The 

 manure, as you place it in the pit, should be trodden 

 in layers about six inches thick. A hotbed made 

 with two feet of manure will soon show heat enough 

 for seed. Care must be taken not to overheat — 

 especially when the sun comes out suddenly. The 

 starting plants must not be forced so as to draw 

 them. Thoroughly sprinkle the frame at night. 

 The top sash must, of course, slant so as to shed rain, 

 and it should be easily raised to furnish ventila- 

 tion. Close it invariably at night, to avoid chill- 

 ing the plants. The size of your hotbed you can 

 learn to adjust to your growing needs. I make 

 quite as much use of a cold frame, which is only a 

 hotbed without bottom heat. It is useful for start- 

 ing plants in the spring, and it comes very handy 

 for protecting roses or other tender plants in the 

 winter. 



The census tells us that there is nothing that pays 

 better for the country than the vegetable garden. 

 The average value of garden stuff, to the acre, in 

 the United States, is about $147.00, while for wheat 

 the average is only about $12.00 per acre, and the 

 average for wheat, corn, oats, and hay, combined, 



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