i8o 



Gardening 



a blanket over the backs so that it reaches to the floor 

 all around. A well-lighted basement in which the fur- 

 nace is located is often warm enough for growing seed- 

 lings. 



Since water gives off its heat slowly, watering with 

 lukewarm water at bedtime helps to keep the soil warm 

 at night, provided evaporation is checked. But be- 

 cause of the cooling effect of the evaporation of water, 

 it is well, unless the plants are covered at night, to 

 water in the forenoon so that the top layers of soil are 

 rather dry at night. 



The hotbed. A hotbed is simple in its construction 

 and is not necessarily expensive. It consists of a glass- 

 covered frame, which is placed over a bed of decaying 

 manure. The frame and glass keep out the cold air and 

 keep in the warmth ; the decaying manure supplies heat ; 

 the glass allows the sunlight to enter during the day. 



The frame may be made of boards ij or 2 inches thick 



Glass 



Plan of 



S-'-B 7^>-^ -=t^ > :' ' > / ^1fc- d ^y$^a^^^^~a: 



FIG. 104. Diagram showing the details in the construction of a hotbed. 



