CHAPTER IX. 



FORMATION AND MANAGEMENT OF 

 HOT-BEDS. 



Although we do not consider hot-beds so convenient or 

 even economical in the long run as the forcing houses, 

 elsewhere described, yet, as beginners in the business are 

 usually not over-supplied with means, and as hot-beds are 

 to be had at much less first cost than the forcing houses, 

 we give a description of their formation and management. 

 The most convenient sash for the hot-bed is the 3x6 foot 

 sash, made out of 1 inch pine, costing here, at present 

 prices, when painted and glazed, about $4 each. This is 

 almost double the cost of what they were before the reign 

 of high prices ; but as we get corresponding rates for the 

 commodities raised under them, we must not complain. 



The frame for the hot-bed is usually made movable, in 

 lengths which three sashes will cover, making, when com- 

 plete, a box-like structure, 9 feet long, (the width of 3 

 ashes, 3 feet wide), and 6 feet wide, (the length of the 

 sashes) ; at the bottom or lower part, the plank should be 

 1.5 or 18 inches high ; the back or top, 24 inches ; so that, 

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