This soil is prepared during the fall by mixing together some
well rotted sods, which have been thrown together early in the
summer for this purpose, and one-third its bulk of old, rotted
manure. Rotted refuse hops from the brewery make an excel-
lent manure for this purpose.
The situation of the hot-bed should be well sheltered from
the ‘westerly and northerly winds, and have a full southern
exposure. Such a shelter can be made, when necessary, by plant-
ing a double row of evergreens on the north, east, and west sides
of the ground set apart for the frames. In most parts of our
country the westerly are the prevailing winds, and it is of
more importance to have the shelter on the north and west
sides than on the east. Until the evergreens become large
enough, a high board fence may be erected, but in a few years
the trees will make a most effectual shelter. The Norway Spruce
and the White Spruce are excellent trees for such a purpose.
Beginners are very apt to keep their frames too close and the
heat too great. If the result be not the entire burning up of the
seeds or plants, it is very sure to be the production of long-drawn,
spindling, sickly plants, too tender to be ever of any value. The
remedy for this is to lift the sashes, and let in air. This may be
very nicely regulated, from the merest crack to any width.
When the weather and strength of the plants will admit, the


sashes may be drawn off entirely.
19


268 COLD FRAMES.—TOOLS.
COLD FRAMES.
