COLD FRAMES. WINTER PROTECTION. 45 



CHAPTER Yin. 



COLD FRAMES. WINTER PROTECTION. 



Many of the plants used for the decoration of the flower- 

 borders in summer may be kept through the winter in 

 what are termed cold-frames, or sunken pits. These are 

 formed by excavating the earth about 2 feet deep and of 

 a width to suit the usual 6-foot sash, and of such length 

 as may be required. The sides of the pit are boarded up, 

 on the front or south side, to a height of 8 or 10 inches, 

 and at the back or north side, some 6 inches higher, to 

 give the necessary slope to carry off the water from the 

 sashes and to better catch the sun's rays. Thus formed, 

 the frame will measure about 3 feet deep from the sash in 

 front and about 3^-. feet at the back. Or, if the work is 

 desired to be permanent, the sides may be built of brick 

 instead of boards. 



Above all other considerations, the place where the pit is 

 built must be free from standing water, and if not naturally 

 dry, must be drained so as to carry off the water. When- 

 ever practicable, the situation should be warm .and well 

 sheltered, as such a position will save a great deal in 

 winter covering. In such a pit tender Roses can be kept 

 in the best possible condition, better, in our opinion, than 

 in any green-house. If kept in pots, (which is the best 

 way to keep them) the pots should be plunged to the rim 

 in sawdust, leaves, tan bark, or some such light material. 

 Besides Roses, the plants embraced in the following list 

 may be wintered over with safety, provided that care is 

 taken to admit light and air, whenever the weather will 

 permit. The pits must be thoroughly covered up at night 

 \\ith mats and shutters; this, if well done, will keep 



