Devices for Forcing, Forwarding, and Protecting. 133 



placed in a sheltered, well-drained position, facing south. 

 The soil should be specially prepared by the addition to the 

 surface of sifted old hot-bed manure, about a barrow load to 

 each light being none too much. 



The management of the cold frame is very similar to that of 

 the hot-bed. It should be closely covered with mats each 

 night so long as there is any danger of frost The crops, being 

 hardier, need considerably more ventilation than those on the 

 hot-beds, whilst the water used need not be tepid. On the 

 occasion of rain on mild days in the spring-time the lights may 

 be removed entirely, so that the soil will get a good soaking ; 

 this tends to a more rapid and luxuriant growth. 



Very good results can be obtained from cold frames covered 

 with prepared paper or waterproofed calico. Either of these 

 materials may be stretched tightly on a light wooden frame- 

 work of the same size as an ordinary light, and used in the 

 same way, except that during mild days they are removed 

 entirely. Or calico may be attached to the back of the frame 

 and drawn over at night, being rolled up out of the way when- 

 ever the weather is suitable. 



The Cloche. Although there are several millions of cloches 

 in the gardens of France, where this appliance has been 

 in use for generations, it is a comparatively new introduc- 

 tion into English gardens, and its merits are not yet fully 

 appreciated ; its uses, however, are so 

 many, and the results from it so good 

 that there is no doubt its stay will 

 be permanent. Some of the uses it is 

 regularly put to are described in the 

 various chapters on French gardening, 

 but it can also be used in many other 

 ways which only become apparent with The cloche - 



familiarity. It forms a complete little frame in itself, and for 

 purposes in connection with forcing, forwarding, protecting, 

 raising early seedlings and striking cuttings, is unsurpassed. 

 For protecting and encouraging robust growth in vegetable 

 marrows, ridge cucumbers, tomatoes, and similar plants when 

 set out early in the open ground it is ideal. When used for 



