1542 The Vegetable Industry in New York State 



rated from the floor, should be constructed three feet wide and 

 ten or twelve inches deep, and should be put in place while the 

 process of compost making is going on, so that there will be no 

 delay when the time comes for filling. Rough boards will answer 

 as it is not necessary that the boxes be tight. 



Spread the compost evenly in the beds, pressing down firmly 

 as each successive layer is added ; continue until the filled bed has 

 a uniform depth of about eight inches. Place a thermometer in 

 the center of each bed, plunging the bulb a couple of inches below 

 the surface. 



Fig. 472. — Shelf Beds in Warm Cellar 



In a short time the second stage of decomposition will set in, 

 causing a rise in temperature. In from five to eight day's, how- 

 ever, this should be over, and when the heat has fallen to from 



