152 THE BEGINNER'S GARDEN BOOK 



which the plants need, from the earliest to the last gleam of 

 day. In the second place, while the sash are of course 

 heavier and harder to handle, their management is simple. 

 But many people have not yet come to use them, and those 

 in very cold places doubt if even two layers of glass are enough 

 to keep out the cold. Instead, the common thing is to use 

 mats and^shutters. 



Mats were formerly made of straw, tied together by string ; 

 but nowadays it is well understood that mats made of cloth 

 are easier to handle, lie closer, and last longer. An old 

 quilt is excellent. Or any one can make mats at home, of 

 clean sacks quilted together. 



Shutters are quite as much to keep the mats in place as to 

 help against the cold. There should be one to each sash, 

 tightly jointed — if possible of matched boards. But as they 

 are clumsy at best they should also be as light as possible. 

 Make them of half -inch boards, held together by cross pieces. 



And so we are equipped with all our material, and can look 

 eagerly for the coming of the first hint of spring. 



Review Questions 



1. What is a hot-bed? A cold-frame? Explain the value of 

 the rafters, and how they should be made. 



2. How do you propose to heat your hot-bed ? 



3. What size frame do you propose to use ? What kind of sash ? 

 Where will you put it ? 



4. What windbreak have you ? What covers ? 



