294 SATURDAY IN MY GARDEN 



frame in which year after year hundreds of shrubby calceolarias 

 have been " struck " and wintered. Its framework consists of the 

 sides of an old flat packing-case, the bottom of which was knocked 

 out. A glass covering which cost only a few shillings was made 

 to fit over the top, and the thing was complete. 



Ready-made frames are, however, easily procurable from the 

 horticultural builders. A small frame will cost from ten to twelve 

 shillings, larger and more elaborate erections proportionately more. 

 But hi any case it will be money well spent, for by its aid wonders 

 can be performed which would be utterly impossible without it. 



Where there is room in the vicinity of a greenhouse it is a good 

 plan to have a low frame fixed close up to the lower panels of the 

 greenhouse and on its sunniest side. If trap doors be cut in the 

 panels, so that the heat from the hot-water pipes may circulate 

 through the frame, slight frost can easily be excluded, while if the 

 cold become intense the use of a few mats will effectually pre- 

 serve the plants from damage. A frame constructed on this prin- 

 ciple is also far more effective for propagating purposes than an 

 absolutely cold frame. Thus one finds it easy to " strike " cut- 

 tings of geraniums, violas, pentstemons and the like in early 

 autumn, and to keep them growing steadily until the time comes 

 for planting them out of doors. 



The hotbed may be used for a variety of purposes, and is 

 especially valuable in propagating work in the absence of a heated 

 glasshouse. For example the seeds of flowers and vegetables 

 may by its aid be germinated and grown on at a much earlier 

 period of the year than is possible without it, chrysanthemum 

 cuttings may be struck, and dahlia roots started. But excellent 

 as are the advantages of a hotbed it would be a mistake to sup- 

 pose that the utilisation of its beneficent influence can be carried 

 into operation until a day or two before the time arrives for seed- 

 sowing or the striking of cuttings. 



The making of a hotbed is a comparatively simple matter, but 

 it takes time, and the amateur gardener who intends to employ 

 it to the best advantage must set about its construction several 

 weeks before he intends to sow his seed or plant his cuttings. 



