442 [Assembly 



Is very frequent ; I will quote Prof. Mapes on this point, as his 

 explanation is very clear. He says : 



" Sashes should never be made witti square ends to the glass; 

 where they lap the water will remain, sometimes in large drops 

 or globules, forming lenses ; the foci of which, from the heat of 

 the sun, destroys plants ; but, if the ends of the glass be slightly 

 curved, but one drop of water can remain, and thus the joints are 

 always clean and free from the objection before named." 



The best position for a hot bed is that which will give it a 

 south-eastern aspect, so that the plants may benefit by the morning 

 sun. Decision being made as to the location, the frame is placed 

 upon the ground, and a mark made around its inner sides ; the 

 earth is then generally dug out to a depth of some 18 inches. 

 The manure, having been previously well intermixed, is placed 

 in this receiver, and continued to a height — say of 1^ feet above 

 the surrounding soil, or higher, as in the case of preparing a bed 

 for egg plants. Indeed, the height will depend much upon the 

 quality of the manure, its compactness in the bed, as well as the 

 temperature required. The frame should then be placed on top 

 of the bed, and more manure thrown in, but leaving a space be- 

 tween it and the glass, of about 12 inches. Before putting in the 

 soil the bed should be covered up, by means of boards and mats, 

 until it shall become sufficiently heated. The mats and boards 

 are then removed, and about 7 inches of soil placed on top, which 

 should be made very even, and not in a slanting direction with 

 the sashes ; for in such case, at the time of watering, or heavy 

 rains, if there be a leakage on top, the streaming of the water 

 would be hurtful to the plants. The sashes are now slid on and 

 the mats are placed on top, and a day or more elapses, as may be 

 required, so that the soil may have its temperature increased suf- 

 ficiently, before sowing the seed, which may be permitted to be- 

 come rather warm; for such will have a tendency to destroy many 

 of those insects that feed on young plants. After this the covers 

 may be taken off", to permit the escape of steam, and drills are 

 then made by means of the garden rake, over which the seed is 

 scattered broadcast, and the rake is then used to cover it in. 

 Some persons prefer not to make drills, but scatter the seed, and 

 then sift some fine soil over it. 



