AFTER THOUGHTS 293 



In putting out plants in the garden, choose a 

 cloudy day for it, if possible. Water well when you 

 plant. Shade for a day or two, or till they begin to 

 grow. 



Pits for wintering many varieties of plants at the 

 South can be made cheaply. Dig out a place in a well- 

 drained location to the depth of three or four feet. Set 

 up posts at each corner, the two at the north projecting 

 about a foot and a half above the ground ; the two at 

 the south about six inches. This will give the top of 

 the pit a slope toward the sun of about the right angle 

 for the glass with which it is covered to get the full 

 benefit of its rays. Cover with glazed sash, hung on 

 hinges at the higher side, or back. In mild weather 

 this sash should be lifted to admit air. Have it made to 

 fit the boarding closely all around. Bank up well to 

 the top of the frame. Cover the glass with matting, or 

 something similar, in cold weather, but remove as soon 

 as the sun comes out. Plants in such a pit will not 

 make good growth, but they will remain in good health, 

 and be ready to make a vigorous growth as soon as 

 spring comes. It is very important that the pit should 

 be well drained. If it is not the plants will mildew or 

 mold, and you will be quite sure to lose many of them. 

 Such a pit would not afford sufficient protection at 

 the North. 



Agave Americana is a fine plant for a large vase to 

 stand on the steps leading to the house, or near the 

 path, where something striking and peculiar is desired. 

 The variegated varieties are also attractive for this 

 purpose. They stand the sun well. They can be 

 taken to the cellar for wintering, if you have no green- 

 house. If you have a greenhouse, they can be made 

 to do good work in helping to make it attractive in 



