146 GREENHOUSES 



Raised Beds. To overcome some of the 

 objections to raised benches, many growers 

 use solid raised beds, the height varying from 

 a few inches to that common for benches. 

 Such beds dry out less quickly than do 

 benches, the soil does not have to be removed 

 as frequently, and they are less expensive to 

 maintain. They are open to some of the ob- 

 jections urged against benches and do not 

 possess many of the advantages afforded by 

 culture in the open soil. The width and ar- 

 rangement follows closely that of benches. 



Raised Benches. Benches are exposed 

 continuously to conditions which favor their 

 rapid deterioration. Unless well constructed 

 of good material, they are a source of con- 

 stant annoyance. Many growers use wooden 

 benches. Others use benches having iron 

 frames, and sides and bottoms of wood, tile, 

 slate or cement slabs. Still others use solid 

 concrete benches. All forms have their ad- 

 vantages and their advocates. 



Wood Benches. Wood benches have the 

 advantage of slightly less first cost, though 

 if good material is used, the cost will be near- 

 ly as great as for iron frame benches. In 

 permanent houses nothing but cypress or 



