58 GARDEN FARMING 



the freshness of the manure, the quantity of litter, straw, leaves, or 

 peat it contains, and the compactness and depth of the heap. Fresh 

 manure, well composted and thoroughly packed in a deep heap, 

 will give maximum heat. 



The location of the hotbed. The hotbed should be located on 

 a main line of travel between the house and some important out- 

 building. It should be on well-drained soil and in a place not 

 exposed to north or west winds. Other important requisites are ex- 

 posure to full sunlight and nearness to an adequate water supply. 



FIG. 14. Hotbed protectors made of salt hay, a substitute for straw mats 



Care of the hotbed. Provision should be made for the protection 

 of the hotbed during severe weather. This can be done by means 

 of straw mats or board shutters or both. Straw mats are usually 

 made from rye straw cut before any grain has formed in the heads. 

 Strong cord is used for warp, and the straw, arranged in small 

 wisps with the heads overlapping in the middle, is for the filler. 

 Well-made mats are a most effective protection and if properly 

 cared for when not in use, will last several years. A substitute for 

 straw mats, made by packing a slatted frame about 2 ^ inches thick 



