28 COLD FBATVfES. 



the five sticks is taken around the upright twine, 

 and the straw made fast by a slip-knot. This is re- 

 peated until the top row of pegs is reached, when 

 the mat is finished. Some gardeners nse seven pieces 

 of twine, and state that the mats last twice as long 

 as when made with five. Two expert men or boys 

 accustomed to the work will make eight mats a day, 

 working nine hours. 



These mats will be found useful for many things, 

 as well as protecting hot-beds from frost ; they will 

 last much longer if rolled up and placed under cover 

 when not needed out of doors. 



COLD FRAMES. 



These frames may be constructed of rough hem- 

 lock boards, placing them two deep in the rear of 

 the bed, and only one in front. 



When a suitable situation has been chosen, the 

 length of the frame should be north and south, so 

 that the beds will secure the advantage of the morn- 

 ing sun. The width or distance between the rear 

 and front boards of the frame should be five feet 

 ten inches, and the length as necessity may demand. 

 The top of the frame, when properly made, should 

 be eight or ten inches above the level of the adjoin- 

 ing surface, and the top board of the rear of the 

 frame about two inches higher than the fi-ont one ; 

 so that, when the sash is placed in position, there will 

 be enough fall from rear to front to readily carry off 

 the water. The boards are nailed fast to posts driven 

 well into the ground, one at either end of the boards, 

 and one in the middle, to strengthen the frame. 



