FEB.] THE KITCHEN-GARDEN. J21 



ihimes, ribs, and packed thread, and if, at the intersections of the 

 latter, a small square OP round bit of the same paper, is pasted 

 on the inside and to the large sheets over those parts, it will give 

 additional strength against rain and winds. 



After the paper is thus pasted on, and perfectly dry, then it 

 must be oiled over with linseed oil, either raw or boiled : the latter 

 I think is rather apt to harden the paper, and cause it to crack, 

 therefore would prefer the former. Having, however, the oil and 

 a soft painters brush, lay it on lightly, and brush the outside of the 

 paper all over, equally in every part ; which done, place the frame 

 in some dry covered shed, there to remain till the whole is tho- 

 roughly dry, then it may be used when wanted, and will answer 

 extremely well for various purposes. 



If the base-frames are well painted with the following composi- 

 tion, they will last a long time. ...To every six pounds of melted 

 pitch, add half a pint of linseed oil, and a pound of brick dust well 

 pulverized, mix them well together and use them warm. This is 

 the best pigment for all timber exposed to the weather, for no mois- 

 ture can penetrate through it. 



You may also, form lights of the above kind, for your common 

 hot-bed frames, when glass cannot be conveniently had, which will 

 answer a very good purpose. 



These covers of oiled-paper, are used not only for early cauli- 

 flower and cabbage plants, but also for early sallading, cucumbers, 

 &c. and are excellent for covering cuttings of exotic and other 

 plants, and for various other purposes. 



Cabbage Plants. 



Continue to protect your autumn-sown cabbage plants, from the 

 severity of the weather, agreeably to the general precautionary di- 

 rections given in the month of October, which see. But be very par- 

 ticular that such as are in frames, and consequently under occa- 

 sional protection, which renders them still more tender than those 

 protected under the shade of bows, &c.and that have got frozen, either 

 in consequence of neglect in covering, or of the extreme severity 

 of the weather, are not to be exposed to the influence of the sun 

 whilst shining strongly, until they are gradually thawed, and also 

 the earth in which they stand ; but at intervals, when the rays are 

 not too powerful, you may admit them to the plants, in order to 

 accomplish this end the sooner; bat it must be done with great pre- 

 caution. This observation is not only applicable to cabbage and 

 cauliflower plants, but to all other plants under similar circum- 

 stances. 



The cabbage plants which were sown last month, should as soon 

 in this, as they have arrived to the height of three or four inches, 

 or their leaves to the size of a quarter-dollar, be transplanted into 

 a new hot-bed, at the distance of three or four inches, plant from 

 plant every way ; in order to promote their growth, give them 

 strength, and the better to prepare them for planting out in the open 

 ground, as soon as the season arrives for that purpose. 



R 



