VEGETABLE PLANTS. 13 



would amount to $50, which is much more 

 than the cost of constructing the furnace-bed, 

 including cost of pipes. 



So we contend that a bed of this construction 

 is cheaper, even for the first year of use, than the 

 common manure-beds ; while, in after years, 

 when manure-beds have to be refilled entirely, 

 at as great cost as at first, the fire-beds are 

 ready to start any day desired, at no cost what- 

 ever. Of course, the spent manure taken from 

 a hot-bed can be used for fertilizing the soil, 

 but in most instances it is so fire-fanged and 

 burned out as to be of comparatively little 

 value. 



The time and care required in attending a 

 fire-bed is no more than in those of the com- 

 mon construction. A fierce, hot fire is not 

 required. In moderate weather we have found 

 it necessary to replenish the fuel but two or 

 three times per day, a slow and gentle, but 

 long-continued development of heat being all 

 that is required. For the purpose of keeping 

 a good supply of warm water for watering the 

 growing plants, we place a large pan or kettle 

 over the fireplace. 



As it will not do to use cold water, which 

 would chill and injure the plants, early in the 



