SASH-BED CONSTRUCTION 33 



times treated with tar or other material of- 

 fensive to mice. 



Waterproof Mats, made of heavy canvas, 

 or sometimes of oiled or rubberized fabric, 

 seem to have but little advantage over com- 

 mon mats, except on coldpits, when they are 

 to be used during the entire winter. They 

 are relatively expensive. 



Wooden Shutters, 3x6 feet in size, made 

 of half-inch lumber, are occasionally used to 

 place over the mats. Their chief value is in 

 protecting hotbeds when made very early in 

 the season, and for coldpits. 



Care of Sash-bed Materials. As hot- 

 beds, coldframes and the like, are used for on- 

 ly a few months during the year, they are 

 likely to be neglected and thus deteriorate 

 rapidly. When many are used, their proper 

 care may spell the difference between finan- 

 cial success and failure. 



If movable frames are used, they should 

 be taken down and stored as soon as the 

 plants are out. If they are so constructed 

 that they do not come apart, easily, they 

 may be piled one above the other, cleaned and 

 painted. 



