105 
the material being placed witliin the pit. This is readily 
effected by the removal of the trestles and boards, and a com- 
mon hotbed will then take its place ; which, in its turn, gives 
place in autumn to the former fittings, whilst the manure is ap- 
plied to the borders. 
If the pit or pits to be thus employed, occupy such a situa- 
tion as will admit of heat being applied by linings of manure, 
then the exterior wails should be pigeon-holed as it is termed ; 
that is, have holes left through them, of the size of a single 
brick, so that they may be closed or opened at pleasure. Again, 
if a pit can be placed with convenience, with its back or 
northern side against a wall, at the back of which manure can 
be used without inconvenience, an opening may there be made 
and manure put into it; which, as it cools, may be changed at 
pleasure; whilst the bed above, supported on the boards, remains 
undisturbed and efficiently heated. We, here, throw out these 
hints, that those unaccustomed to their consideration, may be 
assisted in availing themselves, in the most efficient and conve- 
nient manner, of the numerous gratifications that are derivable 
from expedients so simple and inexpensive. These, however, 
are but one or two out of a multitude of purposes to which such 
erections and frames may be apjilied ; as will be shown on fur- 
ther consideration of this subject. 
We may now offer a description of the glazed and opaque 
protectors. By referring to the sketch it will be seen that they 
rest on a small stone coping, placed on the brickwork, which 
forms a finish to the pit and strength to the fabric. Two things 
may be noticed as being novel in these matters : the one, that 
the protector has a north sloping light or sash; and the other, 
that the roof to the sash has a very flat inclination or pitch. In 
the first place, as to the north sash, we were anxious that the 
amateur, and especially lady amateurs, should be able to give 
air with the utmost facility. We are aware that lady gardeners 
are averse to have any thing to do with the old hotbed frame ; 
the lights of which are, for the most part, cumbrous to lift and 
adjust as may be desired. Moreover, in giving air, how fre- 
quently does destruction befal the glass of loose lights ? Now 
this north light moves on hinges, from the point a of the pro- 
tector. The north light, therefore, is made to lift up as easily 
as the lid of a box ; and its opening for tlie admission of air 
293. AUCTAEIUM. 
