CHAPTER XI 



WINTER PRECAUTIONS 



At the North we must take especial pains to guard 

 against the results of sudden "cold snaps" and pene- 

 trating winds which blow the cold air into every 

 crevice. If we neglect to do this, we may wake up 

 some morning when the thermometer is away down 

 below zero and find our flowers frozen beyond the 

 hope of recovery. I would advise having an extra sash, 

 or "storm window," placed at every window where 

 plants are kept. If this is done, and it is snugly 

 fitted on the casing, and the glass is well puttied in, 

 there will be no need of moving the plants at night, 

 and it will be needless to use curtains at any time as 

 a protection against the entrance of frost, as the two 

 thicknesses of glass with the air space between them 

 constitute a most effectual barrier against the cold. 

 Care must be taken to see that the outside sash fits 

 snugly against the frame of the window all around, 

 also that the sash in the window has no loose joints. 

 In order to make sure of a snug fit it is well to use 

 strips of thin corner molding which can be procured 

 at any carpenter's, or the weather strips for sale in 

 most towns can be used. These, being edged with 

 rubber, can be made to fit every corner tightly, and 

 every crevice can be effectually closed against the 

 entrance of wind or frost. The outside sash can be 

 put on with screws. If the screws used are large 

 and long, they will draw it down against the wood 

 of the frame so firmly as to leave no crevice for 

 wind to get through unless the frame is warped and 

 uneven. If it is not even and flat, it is well to 



