56 GARDENING FOR PROFIT. 



When finished, the mats should he 7 feet in length and 

 4}j feet in width, two being sufficient to cover three sash- 

 es. The reason for having them made one foot longer 

 than the sash is, that there may be 6 inches to overlap at 

 top and bottom, which are the most necessary points to 

 secure from frost. In making these mats they may be 

 constructed of sedge from the marshes, or salt meadow 

 hay, when rye straw cannot be procured. It is important, 

 however, that they may be made as light as possible, one 

 inch in thickness being quite sufficient. By care in hand- 

 ling them, these mats will last for six or eight years. 



