AND FLOWER-GARDEN DIRECTORY. 15 
whose propagation in the open ground is attended with difficulty, 
can be successfully multiplied by the use of the pit or hot-bed. To 
construct a pit of six feet wide, five feet long, two feet deep at the 
top, and one foot deep at bottom, double-cased all round, to set 
six inches in the ground, would cost complete $15, and, with ordi- 
nary care, would last several years, and in which seventy-five 
medium-sized plants, in pots from three to six inches each, can be 
kept as securely, if not in a better condition, than in a green-house; 
for the heat of the pit, with proper attention, could be kept more 
regular. In many gardens, the entire cost would be saved the 
first season. The pit should have a southern exposure. Tan or 
saw-dust should be placed between the outer and inner cases, 
which will keep out the frost. Sifted coal-ashes, in theabscence of 
manure, should be placed in the bottom to the depth of six inches. 
In mild weather, the sdsh should be raised to admit air, but care 
should be taken to close up the pit on the approach of frost. Wa- 
ter the plants sparingly, and do not give them an over supply, or 
you may have an accumulation of dampness which cannot be 
easily counteracted, and which, if not removed, will seriously in- 
jure the plants. If the green-fly should make his appearance in 
the pit, place a few live coals in a pan at the bottom and a hand- 
ful of tobacco-leaves over the same, closing up the pit to keep in 
the smoke. Let the pit remain closed for one hour, and these 
troublesome pests will readily be exterminated. After the ex- 
piration of an hour, remove the sash and give air. Fumigation 
should only be done in clear open weather. 
If desirable, the pit can be so constructed that it can be taken 
apart without injury, in the spring, and housed until is again re- 
‘quired in the fall. This can be effected by having hooks and 
staples fixed at each corner, at bottom and top, on the inside, (in- 
stead of the usual manner of nailing,) which will hold it securely 
together. Pits constructed on this plan are frequently resorted to 
where the grounds are limited. In very cold weather, the sash 
should be covered with shutters, or some other article, which will 
keep the frost from them. A roller, made fast at the top of the 
