STAGING, BEDS, ETC. 101 
these, though inexpensive and useful, are far from 
ornamental, however. For small structures a paraffin cask, 
with the head knocked out and burnt out inside, answers 
capitally. Where, as usual, the water from the outside 
gutters is led into a tank, a length of piping from the main, 
with a tap, should be fixed as well, for use in dry weather. 
Bottom Heat Beds.—When these are required, as in 
forcing and propagating houses, for cucumber growing, etc., 
the usual and best plan is to place the pipes in a brick pit, 
with a false bottom consisting of 
sheets of corrugated iron or some- IN 
thing of the kind laid over them, 
the soil or plunging material 
being placed on this again, as 
shown in the accompanying 
sketch (Fig. 69). A bed con- 
structed of some sheets of this 
‘‘ galvanized ’’ iron laid on cross- 
bearers 6in. or 8in. above two 
or three rows of 4in. hot water 
pipes, in a brick pit about 4ft. 
wide, and covered with 3in, or Fig. 69. 
4in. of cocoa-nut fibre refuse, as shown in the Fig., will afford 
a steady and genial bottom heat—enough for all ordinary 
purposes. Top heat must, however, be provided by means 
of other rows of piping, fixed in any convenient position 
above the bed, and this may be covered with small glazed 
sashes, or with loose sheets of glass laid over it, to conserve 
both the warmth and moisture. The cocoa-nut fibre must 
be kept constantly moist, as when dry it loses its conducting 
power and also becomes a refuge for hosts of insects, 
