8 DECORATIVE PLANTS, TREES AND SHRUBS 



used or permanent ranges ; or that cuttings may be rooted in pots 

 or pans, of all which we are perfectly aware. But these box-lights 

 are extremely economical, are easy to handle, and if we may judge 

 by results our method of using them is so satisfactory that if to- 

 morrow we were called upon to organize a new cutting ground we 

 should proceed upon the same lines because we have thoroughly 

 proved them. 



The lights are set out over the beds as our illustration shows, the 

 space between the lines being 18 inches, a space which, while ample, 

 allows but just sufficient way for the workers to pass between, carry 

 water and give other necessary attention. It will also be noticed 

 that no space between lights is given as these are set closely together 

 not jambed, but easily, just so that a light may be removed or 

 otherwise manipulated without disturbing its neighbour. There 

 remain one or two more details which will further illustrate their 

 economy. No provision is made for ventilation from the top, but 

 a square block of wood is allocated to each light. It is i| inches in 

 thickness and 3 inches square, so if a little ventilation is needed this 

 block is inserted under the front centre, or if more is needed it is 

 stood on edge in the same position thus the light can be tilted i J 

 or 3 inches as required. For summer shading the glass is whitened, 

 or if preferred done over with summer cloud. We prefer the 

 former. Should a denser shading be called for the size of the 

 light is admirably adapted to the use of scrim, tiffany or dunnage. 

 Protection during sharp weather by the same means is easy, and 

 taking it all in all we repeat we do not know of any more economic 

 method than this. The stipulated 6 inches of sand must be 

 well firmed with the back of a spade, for cuttings, especially 

 hardwooded cuttings, must have a firm base on which to stand and 

 an equable pressure all around the bottom, though it matters little 

 about any pressure around the collar. This instruction suggests 

 that the sand used must be free and not adhesive it should not be 

 of a clayey nature, but when fairly dry run freely through the hands. 

 It goes without saying that a good level should be maintained 

 throughout, but if this cannot be then every light must have its own 

 dead level, otherwise it will be impossible to keep the moisture even. 

 We are inclined at times to take ourselves to task for referring to 

 little details, but we know how important they are in the aggregate 



