1 



I 



Ferns are easily raised from the spores (or seeds) with a little care. Sow in pots, which 

 should be half filled with a good drainage of crocks, and the remainder, to within an inch of 

 the rim, with coarse sandy peat, or leaf-mould; make the surface smooth, and cover with a 

 thin layer of saud; on this sprinkle the spores. Set the pot in a pan of water, in a warm, 

 shady part of the greenhouse, and cover with a pane of glass. In a month or two, the plants 

 will I>e ready to pot off singly in small pots. 



CONSTRUCTION AND MANAGEMENT OF HOTBEDS. 



\vp have already alluded to the importance of a hotbed for the successful growth of many 

 of the half-hardy annuals and more delicate greenhouse plants. Though most or all kinds 

 of seeds may be raised in a frame without bottom-heat, yet this can only be done so late in 

 the season, when the weather has become warm, that many of the annuals are late in 

 blooming, and the greenhouse plants do not ripen and mature their wood, and are therefore 

 ill adapted to winter well. It is to obviate this that the hotbed Is recommended to all ama- 

 teurs. It is so easily made, and at such slight expense, that it will well repay all who 

 would secure an abundance of flowers early in the season. (See illustration, page 4.). 



Situation of the Bed. — This should be in a warm position, fully exposed to the sun, 

 facing the east or south, and sheltered by a fence or hedge on the west or north. The soil 

 should, if possible, be light and dry, as in this case the bed can be sunk a foot or more in 

 the ground; but, if damp or cold, it should be built upon the surface. 



Making the Bed. — Manure fresh from the stable is best. This should be thrown over 

 and thoroughly shaken up with the fork, making it into a conical heap. In this state it 

 should be allowed to remain four or five days, at the end of which time it should be turned 

 over, shaking it up as before. At the end of another three or four days, it will be ready to 

 make up the bed. Lay out the ground six inches larger than the frame, and put down a 

 stake at each corner. The frame may bo of any size; but the most convenient is nine by 

 three feet, which will take three lights, three by six feet, the ordinary size, which can 

 always be had ready made. Proceed to build up the bed to the height of two and a half or 

 three feet, making it rather firm, and watering, if the manure is dry. When the bed is 

 finished, put on the lights, and let it stand to settle and exhaust the violent heat. In a day 

 or two add three or four inches of light sandy loam, spreading it evenly over the bed. If 

 the seeds are to be sown in the soil of the bed, two or three more inches should be added ; 

 but, if in pots, no addition will be necessary. 



The pots being ready, and sown with the various seeds, should be put into the frame, 

 shading them during the day, and regulating the temperature by tilting the lights at the 

 back, both night and day, and covering at night with mats. Plunge the pots in the soil, 

 and, with proper care, the seeds will soon be above the soil. A thermometer placed in the 

 bed will be the safest guide to the inexperienced. It should not ri«e above 85° in the day, 

 nor sink below 60° at night. As the heat declines, linings of fre<h manure should be applied 

 around the outside of the bed; bnt, ordinarily, for seeds this is not necossnrv. 



The length or number of the frames is immaterial ; but they should be nine to twelve 

 inches deep at the front, and fifteen to eighteen inches at I he back. This will give a good 

 slope to carry off the rain. Cold frames are simply the hotbed-frame set upon a warm spot 

 of ground, covering it at night to keep in the warmth accumulated during the day. 



Commendations. — To attempt the publication of the numerous commendatory letters 

 would fill several pages of our Catalogue. Gratifying as this would be to us, we arc com- 

 pelled to omit even the briefest extracts from the hundreds of letters expressing the satisfac- 

 tory manner in which their orders have been executed, and the pleasure derived from the 

 cultivation of our seeds. 



WASHBURN'S AUTUMN CATALOGUE 



OF 



CONTAINING A LIST OK THE 



Choicest Hyacinths, Tulips, Crocuses, Lilies, &c, 



With full and explicit directions for their culture, will be forwarded, postpaid, upon receipt 

 of ten cents, to nil applicants. Address, 



WASHBURN & CO., Horticultural Hall, Boston, Mass. ' 



