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LXXXIV. Description of a Method of protecting Cauliflovocr 

 and other tender Plants during Winter. Bi) Mr. James 

 Drummond*. 



IV/f Y success for several years past in protecting catdijtcmoer 

 ''-•*- plants, in earthen pits, from frost and snoie, during win- 

 ter, by means of wooden frames covered permanently with 

 straw, induces me to send an account of the plan to the Hor- 

 ticultural Society. 



My pits are mostly made in a south and east border, in an 

 inclosure or yard which I have for hot beds, composts, &c., 

 the fences of which afford good shelter fi-om the cold quarters. 

 To form the pits, I first make the ground as level as I can, 

 and as firm as possible, by trampling in wet weather, I then 

 cut them out ten feet in length by four in breadth, making 

 the sides and ends as firm as possible by beating the soil 

 when wet with the spade. The depth of the pit is according 

 to the description of plants to be kept in them. Nine inches 

 is sufficient for cauliflower plants, and for these care must be 

 taken that a sufficient quantity of proper soil is left, or placed 

 in the bottom of the pit in which they are to be pricked out. 

 Each pit of the above dimensions holds about four hundred 

 cauliflower plants. For plants in pots the depth of the pits 

 must be proportioned to the height of the plants, the tops of 

 which must, when placed in the pits, be below the level of the 

 surface of the ground. 



The frames proper to cover these pits are twelve feet in 

 length by six in breadth ; I prefer them of that, to a larger 

 size, for such can be conveniently carried where wanted be- 

 tween two men, and can be easily opened and shut, to give 

 light and air to the pits, by a single person. 



Tlie timbers to form the sides and ends of the frames are 

 required to be about three inches square, and quite straight. 

 These, when joined together, are placed on a level floor, and 

 slips of timber two inches in breadth and one in thickness 

 are nailed lengthways on them at intervals of nine inches. 

 When the timber work is finished, the straw is fastened on in 

 layers in the manner of thatch, and tied to the bars by rope 

 yarn. The straw used is what is called in this country 7eed ; 

 it is prepared by taking the wheat in handfuls out of the 

 sheaf, and beating it against a door firmly fixed on edge : by 

 this method of threshing, the straw is very little bruisetl 

 excei)t at the points, and is consequently preferred for 

 thatching. 



» From lilt Tiaiisaclionb of the Horticultural Society, vol. v. Part III. 



The 



