The National tribune., 1891-03-05
OUR RURAL TOPICS.
Some Practical Suggestions for Our
Agricultural Readers
HOT EDA

HoT-BEDa
The hot-bed should be made this month, or
its usefulness will be lessened. The object Of
a hot bed is to secure growth Of tender plants
in Winter, in order that they may be trans
planted during mild weather. thus avoiding the
loss Of time required for termination and for
producing an early supply OF the desired crop
before the main or later crops are ready. In
less the hot-bed are properly managed, how
ever. no advantage will be derived from them.
rs they may be so forced with warmth and
rich soil as TO make but little progress when
transplanted in the open air.
A hot-bed may DO or any preferred size, and
should face the south. IL should be made Of
thick lumber, three feet wide, Of any desired
length, with a slope Of at least six inches from
the back TO the front, so as to shed tho rain,
but the slope shonld be 50 arranged As to allow
as much sunshine as possible. II the frame is
Is inches Deep at least one foot should be IN
the ground, aud the earth banked up as close
10 the front edge as possible. Fill in with
fresh horse manure, well trampled, until six
inches thick and then cover the manure with
four inches Of rich soil, wetting the whole with
urine In short time the manure will begin
10 heat, when two inches more Of soil may be
added. II the heat becomes too great it may
be reduced with cold water. There are many
modes of making the hOt-bed. however, and
securing the heat. much depending on the kind
Of manure.
One mistake made is in keeping the young
plants warm from the start, allowing too much
~ 81 Il "A
lack hardness If tho plants can DO grown in
as cold temperature as may be risked without
danger they will be all the better for il when
transplanted, though they may not make as
much growth while in the hot-bed hot bed
should be 1eally protection against frost
rather than TO forco the plants too rapidly.
Experience has taught the tOmatO-growers to
use only cold frames, which are made later in
the season, ia order 10 secure hardy plants that
will start right of in growth when trans
planted. Give plenty Of air when tho weather
is dry and clear aud the temperature is above
the freezing point and guard against overhead
ing. Water moderately. as satuTation il of no
advantage. Hardness is more important than
large plsnts.-PhiIadelphiG Record
SOW PLASTER EARLY.
Experience shows that to do the most good
plaster or gypsum must be dissolved. II sown
after Spring rains have mostly passed little or
no benefit is derived from its use. Many
farmers go 50 far rs % SOW plaster before vsge-
tatiOn starts in tho Spring, and even sometimes
on the snow. and they affirm that It shows bet
ter results than can be had from later sowing
American CNitipat0r.
NOTES.
Gooseberry and currant bushes should be
pruned now. Cut out some Of the central
shoots where too crowded. Cut them close tc
the main stem, or they will sprout worse shan
ever. Leave young wood in preference 10 old
Cuttings Of eyergreeus inserted in pots OF
boxes Of sand and placed over a little bottom
heat will be rooted by tho time Spring comes
DecduOus shrubs should have their shoots cut
into lengths Of about nino inches and be buried
in earth ia n dark cellar, to DO planted out Of
doors in Spring.
Apples which have boon frozen In cellars, a.
they often are when sudden cold comes up
should DO thRwCd ont gradually, when but lit
tie, if any, harm will occur u them. Ia fact
some recommend their being placed wher,
they will freeze, for preservation; but this ear
hardly DO recommended, for when once fFozer
they do not seem 10 possess their original flavor
Practical Farmer.
bee tree recently cut in IIazetOn, Shis
was7ee Co, Mich, yielded 100 pounds Of honey
Many persons are naturally unfit for hoe
keeping. says g. VI. D00lIJlie, from careless
ness aud inaccuracy about their work. | know
OF no outdoor pursuit where 80 much depend!
on the right thing being done at the right time
and in the right way. Willingness 20 work
hard, and determination % succeed. character
iZe the prosperous bee keepers. Orange Judd
Farmer.