DREER’S VEGETABLES UNDER GLASS. 27 
time is used to better advantage, since there is no period of 
enforced idleness in the winter season, nor is time sacrificed 
in lifting and shifting the sashes, the shutters, &c. 
We present in this chapter several illustrations of the 
sash-covered forcing house—a most useful structure. Such 
a house is exactly adapted to the needs of the progressive 
gardener who has begun in a small way and who has accu- 
mulated a considerable number of sashes. It is the connect- 
ing link between the old way and the new way, and is now 
much used here and in New England. Methods everywhere 
are undergoing a rapid change. 
On some of the largest market farms near Boston will 
now (1896) be seen extensive sash-covered houses for forcing 
vegetables. The owners have been impressed by the better 
economy of the large greenhouse as compared with ‘‘strings’’ 
(cold frames), and have taken this method of turning to 
account their otherwise out-of-date glass. 
The several illustrations for this chapter are from photo- 
graphs of Philadelphia establishments, and are suited to the 
requirements of this latitude. 
By reference to the interior view of Mr. Reichner’s house 
it will be seen how the sashes are laid on to form the roof. 
The construction of the house is also shown in part, and it is 
easy to realize that the glass roof can be wholly removed. 
The peak or highest part of the roof is not much more 
than six feet above the surface of the middle bed, and the 
‘‘square’’ of the house is about two feet above the ground. 
The permanent glass sides in Mr. Reichner’s house are 24 
inches high ; in Mr. Esher’s house 20 inches high. 
The beds are made directly upon the ground, three in 
number, separated by sunken walks, a little over a foot in 
width at the top, and a foot in depth. 
The soil of the beds is held in place by 
ee | ee ie boards, and the boards along the walks are 
supported by iron braces, of the shape shown 
