. annual expense. The hot-bed should have a southern or southeastern exposure, and should be made with fresh horse manure, which must be laid iu a heap preparatory to being used; when in a proper state of fei-meutation, place the frame on the heap. Six inches of rich loamy soil must be spread over the manure, then cover the frame with the sashes, and after standing a few days to allow the rank heat and steam to pass off, the seed can be sown. The heap should be made two feet longer and wider than the frame. Where the ground is well drained, a better plan is to dig out a space the size of the f
. annual expense. The hot-bed should have a southern or southeastern exposure, and should be made with fresh horse manure, which must be laid iu a heap preparatory to being used; when in a proper state of fei-meutation, place the frame on the heap. Six inches of rich loamy soil must be spread over the manure, then cover the frame with the sashes, and after standing a few days to allow the rank heat and steam to pass off, the seed can be sown. The heap should be made two feet longer and wider than the frame. Where the ground is well drained, a better plan is to dig out a space the size of the frame from 1 to 2 feet deep, according to the season and the heat required, in which the manure is placed, care being taken to pack it firmly and evenly. In addition to the hot-bed frame, mats or shutters will be required to cover the sash during cold days and nights. COLD FRAMES.—The cold frame for w'intering Cab- bage, Cauliflower, Ijettuce Plants, etc., should be con- structed of 1-inch boards 1 foot high at the back by 9 inches high in front and 6 feet wide; 5 short posts to the length of 16 feet boards will answer to keep in position. The shutters should be 6 feet 4 inches long by 3 feet wide, made of common rough boards. The soil should be en- riched by old and well-decayed manure; the object being to preserve and not to grow the plants during the winter. Give plenty of air by raising the shutters every mild, pleasant day, but on no consideration open the frame or expose the plants to the sun when the ground or plants are frozen, as it will destroy them. Very many who read this article on hot-beds and cold- frames do not require the expense for a kw vegetable and flower plants. To such there is an excellent substitute on hand in most dwellings, in the kitchen or basement win- dows, facing south or east, inside of which is a temperature' usually not far from that required for the vegetation of seeds, and where seeds of early vegetables, or tender plants for the flower bor
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