1 14 GARDEN AND FARM TOPICS. 



pacity should not be less than one horse power to 120 

 square feet of radiating surface, which, represented in 

 two-inch pipe, is, in round numbers, 240 lineal feet. This 

 boiler should be provided with an automatic and positive- 

 acting steam trap, to return the condensation which gathers 

 in the vessel above mentioned to the boiler, thereby main- 

 taining at all times sufficient water; in fact, establishing 

 complete circulation, much the same as by hot water ; 

 and when you add to this an efficient automatic damper- 

 regulator, (do not let yourself be humbugged into any dia- 

 phragm nuisance,) you have ' The coming heating appa- 

 ratus? compared to which any other hitherto in use, of 

 whatever form, is a cumbersome, wasteful, and inefficient 

 affair. Five seasons' use speaks volumes for its superi- 

 ority, and it has already the entire endorsement of some 

 of the most successful and progressive commercial florists 

 of the country." 



HEATING BY HOT-BEDS. 



(From Henderson's Hand-Book of Plants.) 



The preparation of the heating material for the hot- 

 bed is a matter of importance. It should be manure 

 fresh from the horse-stable, and when they can be pro- 

 cured, it is better to mix it with about an equal bulk 

 of leaves from the woods, or refuse hops. If the weather 

 is very cold, the bulk of manure must be of good size, 

 from five to six wagon loads, thrown into a compact 

 round heap, else the mass may be so chilled that heat 

 will not generate. If a shed is convenient, the manure 

 may be placed there, especially if the quantity is small, to 

 be protected from cold until the heat begins to rise. The 

 heap should be turned and well broken up before being 

 used for the hot-beds, so that the rank steam may escape, 



