-.# 



342 FLOWER GARDEN OF PROTECTING PLANTS, &c. [Nov. 



very well, but they are a harbour for all kinds of vermin, 

 especially rats and mice, which would destroy every 

 thing. It may be useful to say a few words on the na- 

 ture of tan or tanner's bark. Many suppose that the 

 smallest quantity will produce heat, If three or four 

 cart loads of it are put into one heap, and protected 

 from the rain, it will ferment ; and when the first fer- 

 mentation is abated, by mixing it with leaves, a sub- 

 stantial hot-bed may be made. Or put it by itself into 

 a pit, and where there is no pit, boards may be substi- 

 tuted to keep it together; either of these methods will 

 produce a lasting heat. But in small quantities and 

 exposed to rain, &c. no heat will be produced, but rather 

 the contrary. It is excellent when dry in keeping out 

 frost from any plants, being a body not easily penetra- 

 ted, similar to dry sand, saw-dust, or dry leaves. Fre- 

 quently the same opinion is held in regard to stable 

 manure, small portions of which will never produce 

 heat. 



OF PROTECTING PLANTS IN THE GARDEN. 



During this or next month, according to the state of 

 the season, protect all the plants that are in the ground, 

 which are not completely hardy. To avoid repetition, 

 these will be designated in the general list. The co- 

 verings may be straw, Russia mats, canvass, boxes or 

 barrels. The two latter must be perforated in the top, 

 to let the damp air pass off, or the plant would become 

 musty, or finally mortify. Those covered with straw 

 or mats should have small stakes placed round the 



