PRACTICAL EXERCISES 21 
feet in depth is dug. If it is desirable to make one 
so large, the length may be six or nine feet, with a 
width of three feet—the length of a window sash to 
be used over it. The sides and ends of the pit are 
supported by a lining of plank held by corner posts. 
The plank frame should extend above the surface of 
the ground eight inches at the front and twelve inches 
at the back. The hot-bed is heated by horse manure, 
containing straw bedding or one-third leaves. Pre- 
pare the manure by stacking it in a compost heap, 
turning it over every three or four days, and restack- 
ing. After three or four days more, mix it carefully 
and spread it evenly in the hot-bed pit, about fifteen 
inches deep. Tramp down firmly. Scatter four or five 
inches of good garden loam over the manure in the 
hot-bed. Make frames for the sash, place them over 
the hot-bed and allow the bed to heat up. Do not 
plant any seeds in it until the temperature subsides 
to at least 90 degrees. 
Early lettuce, radishes, cabbages, tomatoes, egg- 
plants and other vegetables may be sown thickly in 
rows four or six inches apart in the hot-bed, and under 
proper care by the time warm weather comes the 
school will have plants from its own garden with which 
to supply the club or neighborhood. 
In addition to the sash, mats of carpet will be needed 
on cold nights. During bright days, it may be neces- 
sary to lift the sash a little to allow the hot air to 
escape and give ventilation. Hot-beds should be_ 
watered in the morning on bright days. 
Draw a plan of the hot-bed and keep a notebook 
record of the work done. 
4, Cultural requirements of vegetables. Place in 
the notebook the following table and fill out the cul- 
