JANUARY: FIRST WEEK 5 



were painted when the machine was new. Paint is much 

 cheaper than new machinery, to say nothing of the added 

 pleasure of having clean, bright-looking tools to use. 



The hand sprayer, whether of the knapsack or the com- 

 pressed-air t3^e, should also be overhauled unless it has 

 been used occasionally since summer for other jobs. If it 

 fails to work take out the plunger and soak the washer in oil 

 for several hours; or if the washer is worn or cracked beyond 

 use get a piece of heavy leather and cut out a new one, being 

 sure to make it an exact dupUcate of the old. If the nozzle 

 or any valve or spring has become corroded soak it for a day 

 or so in kerosene and then clean thoroughly. 



By all means go over the cold-frame and hot-bed sashes 

 and put them into shape unless they are comparatively new. 

 Few other things will deteriorate so quickly if neglected, so 

 that water can soak through to the wood. Kept in good 

 condition, on the other hand, they will last for many years. 

 In making repairs it is important to use only the best grades 

 of paint and putty. In putting in new glass or in patching, 

 scrape back to sound dry wood, and give a coat of paint be- 

 fore putting the putty on. The putty should be appUed 

 under the glass as well as over it. What is known as Hquid 

 putty may be bought for about sixty cents a quart from 

 your seedsman; this is a semi-liquid paste that is very good 

 for this work, as it hardens on the outside but remains 

 plastic inside, adhering better to glass than to wood and 

 making future repairs much easier. After repairing the 

 sash should be given a coat of "outside white" or of special 

 greenhouse paint, applied extra thick over all joints and 

 mortises. 



New sash should be ordered now if you are going to 

 want any for this spring's work. Get those of the best 

 quality, even if they cost fifty cents or a dollar more. They 

 should be so constructed that there is the least possible ex- 

 posure where the pieces are mortised together. 



