26 THE CULTUEE OF THE GRAPE 



ground ; to the si?! is nailed, covering ahont bv^o inches 

 of it and going down two inches into the •';S-.''.':i, V'ick 

 plank, finished v.-ith a bevel, like a water r.c,'-'.:. This, 

 from the top of the sill to the earth, makes a r.o-id- w'ork 

 of at least twelve inches, which is necessary, -i-; gl-.-^s so 

 near the earth would be very liable to be orDken, and 

 would also be covered with the soil spattered up oy the 

 rain. In winter, it will be prudent to tack or othec-sise 

 secure above this, boards, one foot in width, t, prevent 

 the breakage of the glass from the ice and saow falling 

 from the roof 



The sills are of timber six inches square. AH the 

 measurements are after the work is finished. 



The timber which forms the support for tLe riftcrs, 

 and is immediately over the sill, and called the pl-j.to, is 

 five inches thick by six inches wide. The ntfik, or up- 

 right pieces, which support this plate, are of pi-ii two 

 inches thick by six inches wide, and are morliied into 

 the sill and plate, and secured by wooden pins. The dll 

 and plate are carried round the four sides of the hou-ie 

 on a level, and are secured together ; this i^'jikos lie 

 frame, thus for, very firm, and prevents the !.''«'■.> e;,Js 

 from pressing in or out from any cause. Before the roof 

 was put on, the plate was strengthened and braced, aud 

 kept in place by iron rods one inch thick and about 

 fifteen feet apart, which are rnn through it and fastened 

 by nuts, and crossing the house. 



A cleat, five eighths of an incl in thickness and ont 

 inch wide, was nailed on the sill, and plate, pikI studs 

 10 f jrm a ral)bet for the sashes ; these are placed in, from 

 the outer side^so that the sashes, when closed, are on the 



