How to Grow Plants from Seeds 183 



FIG. 107. Adding the soil and raking it smooth. 



the frame rises 8 inches and the back 14 inches. Earth 

 or manure should be banked about the frame to its upper 

 edge. 



The pit is finally well sprinkled with water and the 

 sash put in place. The decay of the manure gives rather 

 violent heating within a few days, but after about 10 

 days the temperature lowers ; the frame may then be 

 ventilated and flats containing seeds placed within. 

 Under no circumstances should seeds be planted or flats 

 with seeds be placed within the hotbed during the period 

 of violent heating. The temperature may be determined 

 by the use of a hotbed or a dairy thermometer. Thrust 

 the bulb end into the manure. The temperature will 

 often rise to 110 F. or higher ; when it drops to 80 or 

 85, and not before, it is safe to place seeds in flats 

 within the frame. 



Surface hotbeds are made by placing the frame on 

 a bed of manure which is placed upon the surface of the 

 ground. No pit is dug. The frame is constructed as for 



