64 THE PRINCIPLES OF FLORICULTURE 



should be made somewhat larger than the frame, to cover 

 the side and the end. They are usually four and one-half 

 by seven feet. Mats may be purchased from dealers 

 and vary in price from $1 to $1.50. 



During the winter, it is necessary to cover the mats 

 with board shutters. They are made of five-eighths inch 

 narrow ceiling boards, grooved and tongued, forming tight 

 joints. They are held together by cross binders or cleats. 

 The mats fit snugly on the frames, keeping out the cold ; 

 while the shutters hold the mats in place and protect 

 them from rain or snow. The cost of shutters is approxi- 

 mately $1.75 each. 



In transplanting plants, it is often necessary to shade 

 them from the direct rays of the sun. ISome seedlings 

 germinate better in partial shade, and it is advisable to 

 have a few slat shutters for placing oyer the seeds and 

 seedlings after they are sown or transplanted in the 

 frames. Slat shutters are made of evenly spaced cypress 

 pieces about three-fourths of an inch wide and one-fourth 

 of an inch thick, and of the same size as the sash. They 

 are held in place and braced by cross binders, then securely 

 fastened with wire nails. Slats made in this way are 

 light and strong. The cost is approximately $1.25. A 

 cheaper screen is made of a light frame of one-inch material 

 with two cross braces, and covered with canvas. 



