USE AND MANAGEMENT OF COLD FRAMES. 45 



carry over in cold frames, unless, indeed, it is sown very 

 late ; for example, when we sow the Wakefield here on 

 the 15th of September, the Early Summer is not sown 

 until ten or fifteen days later. 



Millions of this favorite variety for the South have 

 been lost by running to seed from having been sown too 

 early. On this subject I will give my views at length in 

 another portion of this chapter. 



When the young Cabbage plants are of sufficient size, 

 which they will be in about a month from the time of 

 sowing, they must be repianted in the boxes or frames, 

 to be covered by the sashes as winter advances. 



The boxes or frames we use are simply two boards, 

 running parallel, and nailed to posts to secure them in 

 line. The one for the back is ten or twelve inches wide, 

 and that for the front seven or eight inches, to give the 

 sashes, when placed upon them, pitch enough to carry 

 off rain, and to better catch the sun's rays. The length 

 of the frame or box may be regulated by the position in 

 which it is placed ; a convenient length is fifty or sixty 

 feet, requiring eighteen or twenty sashes. 



Shelter from the northwest is of great importance, and 

 if the ground is not sheltered naturally, a board fence six 

 feet in height is almost indispensable. The sashes should 

 face south or southeast. Each three by six foot sash will 

 hold five hundred plants of Cabbage or. Cauliflower, and 

 about eight hundred of Lettuce. These numbers will 

 determine the proper distance apart for those who have 

 not had experience. It should never be lost sight of that 

 these plants are almost hardy, and consequently will 

 stand severe freezing without injury, but to insure this 

 condition they must be treated as their nature demands ; 

 that is, after planting the Cabbage, Lettuce or Cauli- 

 flower which will be about the middle or end of Octo- 

 ber the sashes need not be put on for a month or six 

 weeks after, unless a very cold spell comes for a 



