rawberry or asparagus halm, or any other loose stuff.
Let the bottom be extended nine inches wider than the frame you intend
to make use of, the height of the bed being at the back four feet, and
in the front, three feet nine inches. Beat it well down with a fork;
then put the box on, and fill it three parts full with the shovellings
of the dung that is left; after which, place on the light, and let it be
close shut down. As soon as you discover the heat rising, admit air by
opening the frame about an inch: when it increases, so as to become very
hot, admit more air, by extending the aperture to two inches. It must
remain in this situation about a week; then fork it up above a foot
deep, and if caked together, or in the least dry, give it more water.
From two to four pots is generally sufficient; but the quantity must be
regulated by the state of the bed. Here it is necessary to observe, that
moisture is of most important consequence to the seed-bed, and nothing
is so well calculated to sweeten and cleanse it from impurity as water.

In two or three days after forking up, it will be necessary to take off
the box and light, for the purpose of making the bed even. In doing
this, stir it up from about the depth of a foot, and shake it to pieces;
then put on the box again, and give the light one or two inches of air,
according to the temperature of the weather.

It will now be necessary to wrap up the bed with straw, pea-halm, or
hay, about eighteen inches wide at the bottom, drawing it in gradually
to a foot wide, within three inches of the top of the box.

In three or four days stir up the bed in the same manner as before,
observing that if it be in the least dry, or inclined to a burning heat,
to give it three or more pots of water, as shall seem necessary. It must
be stirred up again in three or four days, and beat down gently with a
fork, when it will be in a fit state to receive the old tan or mould in
which the seed is to be deposited.

A seed-bed should always lay a fortnight or three weeks before the seed
is attempted to be sown; as many evil consequences are to be apprehended
from sowing it before, from the firing of the bed, or the impure nature
of the dung. If this be not strictly attended to, the plants will not
be brought to that degree of perfection, as might reasonably be expected
from a bed in its proper heat and condition.[2]

After the bed has been laid and dealt with according to the foregoing
direct