22 FARM-GARDENING AND SEED-GROWING. 



manure, and one that is free from the eggs which produce 

 the Cabbage Maggot. 



COLD-FRAMES OR COLD-BEDS. 



These are constructed of common plank, usually about 

 twelve inches high at the back, and eight inches at the 

 front; in width according to the length of the sashes to 

 be used, and in length to suit the number of sashes re- 

 quired ; the planks must be supported by durable posts 

 firmly set in the ground, to which they are nailed. They 

 should always be erected in a sheltered position, facing 

 southward, if possible, and on ground nearly or quite 

 level, or perhaps gently sloping to the south. Some use 

 slides upon which to run the sashes up and down ; these 

 are very convenient. They are placed at such a distance 

 apart that the edges of the sashes rest on the slides, and 

 are separated' by a narrow strip, thus making the opera- 

 tion of airing quite easy. The slides are dovetailed into 

 the plank ; hence they are held firm, and yet can be 

 readily removed when occasion may require. The soil 

 of a cold-bed should be light, dry, and free from stones, 

 and enriched according to its intended use ; for if designed 

 only as a place in which to preserve plants during winter, 

 moderate fertility is all that is required j but if used for 

 growing and forcing crops for market, it must be made 

 and kept rich by liberal applications of fertilizers. 



The soil should be spaded deep and finely pulverized 

 twice before planting, adding well-rotted stable-manure 

 and bone-flour, which should be thoroughly worked into 

 the soil in quantity according to the intended use of the 

 bed, the surface finely raked, and the front slightly raised. 

 This is from the fact that the sashes inclining to the front 

 carry the water that way, more or less leakage taking 

 place, beside the lower board shading inside of the frame 

 renders the lower part wet and cold, and a little elevation 



