134 WORK UNDER GLASS 



In these cold frames and in those houses where 

 frost is excluded much of the skill of Gardencraft 

 lies hidden, because without the gentle, gradual 

 development that they induce small benefit would 

 be derived from the after-treatment in heated 

 houses. To be successful with plants under glass 

 it is essential to follow Nature's teaching in each 

 detail, and only by gently and slowly moving them 

 from dark, cold places into greater, increasing light 

 and warmth will they respond in the same way 

 that they do in their homes of the outdoor garden. 

 In winter, when they rest beneath the earth or 

 have a white covering of snow above, the sun's 

 rays do not penetrate to them ; only as the dull 

 days of mid-winter increase in length and the 

 sun's power grows do the small leaves and stems 

 rise up to be nearer the warmth and brightness. 

 No violent or sudden changes take place in the life 

 of plants out of doors and so in our houses we hold 

 things back and do not allow them to go too quickly 

 into warmth and into consequent flower. 



This and many other lessons are to be learnt by 

 watching the golden sickle moon and its neighbour- 

 ing star slowly fade from view, as the sun rises in 

 mid- January, and work begins. 



