BARK-BED HEAT. 287 



the bark should be fresh but for later forcing, 

 part of the waste bark from a hot-house, to the 

 extent of one-third or a half, may be mixed with 

 the new ; or in want of a sufficient quantity of 

 tan to make the bed with wholly, of the size 

 required, a part may be tan, and a part stable 

 dung ; this may be made in a pit or without, as 

 the dung will keep the bed in proper form, and 

 the bark being mixed with the dung, the heat 

 will be more durable than that of a bed made 

 entirely of the latter. 



The plants at all seasons, if practicable, ought 

 to have been previously raised, and of proper 

 growth, with two or three rough leaves, by the 

 time the principal hotbed for their reception is 

 ready, otherwise they will be deprived of the 

 advantages of the first and main heat of the 

 bed ; but if such cannot be the case, the seed 

 may be sown at once, where the plants are to 

 remain ; treat these beds as directed for the 

 other hotbeds, with regard to air, water, cover- 

 ing, shading, &c. 



