Planting 53 



be purchased set up and glazed in various sizes ; probably 

 the most convenient size is three feet by six feet, which 

 can be obtained in the market for about SI. 50 apiece. In 

 the colder parts of the subtropics, only a few days occur 

 during the usual winters when the thermometer will re- 

 main below freezing if the sun shines. When glazed sashes 

 are not used, some form of cloth will be required. There 

 may be found on the market a cloth prepared for that 

 purpose ; this comes in three grades. The best of these 

 grades will be found the cheapest in the end. By using a 

 double thickness of the best cloth, eggplants were carried 

 through a freeze of 14 F., in a hotbed, when the tempera- 

 ture remained below the freezing point for several days. 

 As eggplants are among the most tender plants, it will 

 readily be understood that other ordinary plants can be 

 carried through easily. During the same freeze, lettuce- 

 plants came through safely under a single thickness of cloth 

 over a coldframe. 



The best width for a coldframe is 6 feet. At this width, 

 all the cultivating and other attention can be given without 

 entering the frame, and lumber cuts economically to this 

 length. The length of the frame must depend upon in- 

 dividual desire and preparation. Beds made 6 feet wide 

 are run east and west, but if it is desirable to run the beds 

 north and south, they should be made 12 feet wide. In 

 such a frame, the cloth is fastened to a pole along the 

 middle as a ridge-pole, and allowed to unroll roof-shape 

 on each side. All materials used in the construction may 

 be 1 inch thick. The back or north sides should be 26 

 inches high, and the south sides 10 inches high. When 

 glazed sashes are used, a pitch of 4 inches is sufficient 



