THE BARK BED, &C. 163 



tained, if it is very fresh and of a raw nature, 

 place it in a heap for a week or more, to cause it 

 to ferment and heat ; and if very wet, then 

 spread it out for a few days in fine weather to 

 dry ; but when obtained in a proper state, being 

 only moderately moist, it may be conveyed direct 

 to the hothouse, and placed into the pit, as soon 

 as it may be wanted for making the bark bed. 

 A tanner's fork is the most proper tool for the 

 purpose of shifting the bark from place to place, 

 with four or five times or more ; but a common 

 dung fork, with the tines near together, will be a 

 good substitute, when the former is not at hand. 

 The tan when carried to the s pit, should be 

 forked up well and regular, to form the bed, 

 which should be raised a few inches above the 

 top of the pit, to allow for settling. It will then 

 ferment, and will be at a proper heat generally 

 in about a week or ten days to receive the pine 

 plants ; but sometimes the heat will then be too 

 powerful, which must be carefully attended to. 

 This may be ascertained by running sticks some 

 distance down into the bed, and draw them up 

 daily, and feel the ends ; and when the heat has 



