GOLD FBAMES 47 



protected in winter ; cuttings of bedding and other plants will quickly 

 root on it, and many other uses may be found for it. 



For making hotbeds the best stable manure should be used, to- 

 gether with plenty of leaves, those of the Oak or Chestnut for choice. 



Stable manure by itself heats too quickly and dies out too rapidly. 

 By adding leaves, heat is not generated so quickly but is more lasting 

 and suitable for plants. 



The whole should be well mixed and turned over (any dry portions 

 being thoroughly wetted) every other day for about a week or so, to 

 allow the rank steam to escape. 



In making the hotbed, the litter and leaves should be placed evenly 

 layer after layer, and in such a way as to be 6 to 12 inches longer and wider 

 than the frame intended for it. As the bed proceeds it should be evenly 

 and firmly trodden down, the better to secure a uniform heat. "When 

 finished and settled down the hotbed should be 3 to 4 feet high, sloping 

 from the back to the front, and facing south. The surface may be 

 covered with a layer of well-rotted manure, and upon this may be a 

 covering of prepared soil or coco-nut fibre, varying in thickness 

 according to particular requirements. 



It is advisable to tilt the ends of the lights at first to allow the escape 

 of rank steam. Shading may be done, if necessary, by mats, canvas, or 

 whitening the glass. 



When any plants described in this work require the assistance of a 

 hotbed, the fact will be found mentioned. 



Cold Frames 



Besides hotbeds, cold frames are very convenient, more particularly 

 for raising seeds of rather tender hardy plants, or for protecting peren- 

 nial plants in winter that have been grown in the open air during the 

 summer and autumn months. In very severe winters the frames may 

 be banked round with litter, and covered with one or more layers of 

 Eussian mats if needed. In fine mild wintry weather the lights should 

 be taken off or well propped up during the warmest portion of the day, 

 when not frosty, and should be closed early enough to retain a fair 

 proportion of sun heat for the night. Cold frames are of various sizes 

 and makes to suit different kinds of plants ; but they are rather expen- 

 sive. The amateur, however, can easily improvise a frame good enough 

 for practical purposes. See page 100. 



Labelling 



After seeds of annuals, biennials, or indeed any plant, have been 

 properly sown, it is important that each kind should be distinctly 

 labelled. Wooden labels varying from 3 to 12 inches long may be 



