FORMATION AND MANAGEMENT OF HOT-BEDS. 



55 



however, by far the warmest covering, and in hot-bed cul- 

 ture are almost indispensable. They are always made at 

 home, during wet days or stormy weather in winter. The 

 manner of making them is very simple, and will readily 

 be learned at the first attempt. The "uprights," (or 

 warps), are formed of five strands of a tarred string, 

 known as " marline ; " these are tightly strained 10 inches 

 apart, by being attached to five strong nails at bottom of 

 a wall, corresponding with the same number 7 feet from 

 the bottom. Against these strings (beginning at the bot- 

 tom) are laid small handfuls of rye straw, the cut side 



Fig. 22. MAKING A ST11AW MAT. 



out, as long and straight as can be procured ; this is se- 

 cured to the uprights by a lighter kind of tarrea string, 

 by taking a single turn around the upright and the straw, 

 and so continued until the mat is finished. Some use a 

 frame to which the strings, forming the warp, are attach- 

 ed, as shown in fig. 22. This allows the operator to have 

 his work upright or horizontal, as may be most convenient. 

 Two workmen will make about five mats in a day. 



