FLORICULTURE 509 



pit are protected by the warmth of the soil. In latitudes where the 

 pit will be found of greatest use the soil does not freeze to a depth of 

 more than 10 to 15 inches. Seedling plants may be held over winter 

 in trays or flats in pits as safely as in frames. 



The same precautions in regard to ventilation, covering, and 

 watering must be observed in the care of a pit as in the case of a cold 

 frame. (F. B. 195.) 



A COUNTRY GREENHOUSE. 



The successful farmer aims to secure the greatest results with 

 the least expenditure. The following country greenhouse for general 

 use, on account of its minimum cost, the wide range of its utility and 

 the results it will produce, will appeal to all. 



A large part of it can be made from lumber of the cheapest 

 grade. Choose a sunny location that will be convenient to the house. 

 Begin by making an excavation three to four feet deep by ten feet 

 wide by any multiple of eight feet in length, depending upon the 

 capacity desired. The long way of the house should be north and 

 south. If the ground is very wet the excavation should be drained. 

 Inside of this excavation set posts, preferably cedar, six feet apart 

 with the tops extending just above the ground. Saw off the posts at 

 an angle to correspond to the desired pitch of the roof and on them 

 spike a two by four for a rafter plate. The rafters should be also 

 two by fours and spaced for the ordinary three by six hotbed sash. 

 The rafters should be notched to the plate for greater rigidness. The 

 sash should be screwed on them and the joint covered with a weather 

 strip. The ridge joint should also be protected with comb boards. 

 In the first place the posts should be set at a distance of several inches 

 from the walls of the excavation. On the side next the excavation 

 wall they should be boarded with heavy boards, and the dirt then 

 tamped in the intervening space. On the inside of the posts nail 

 boards with a close joint such as shiplap. Between the two walls is 

 left an air-chamber which can be filled in with sawdust or fine ma- 

 nure. In the south end of the house make a window at least two 

 feet square and in the north end make the door. An inclined walk 

 to the door should be made. It is much more convenient than a 

 stairway. These openings give good ventilation for general pur- 

 poses. Both ends of the building should be heavily boarded on both 

 sides of the joists and the intervening air space filled with sawdust. 

 Through the center of the building in line with the openings should 

 be left an alley. Hotbeds may be constructed and filled with the 

 heating material as detailed in the description of hotbeds. Or, if 

 fire is to be used in the building, the regular greenhouse bins and 

 boxes may be used on either side along the alley. Circumstances will 

 determine which shall be used. If flowers and vegetables are to be 

 kept in storage for home use or higher prices, the greenhouse bins 

 and trays, which can easily be removed, may be the better. The 

 added cost of fuel will be a consideration which should not be over- 

 looked. The average farmer can, if he so desires, make his basement 

 walls of sand and gravel and cement. In a combination greenhouse 

 and hotbed as just described, there are many advantages over the 



