366 Description of a Method of protecting tender Plants, 



placed in the pits, be below the level of the surface of the 

 ground. 



The frames proper to cover these pits are twelve feet in 

 length by six in breadth ; I prefer them of that, to a larger 

 size, for such can be conveniently carried where wanted be- 

 tween two men, and can be easily opened and shut, to give 

 light and air to the pits, by a single person. 



The timbers to form the sides and ends of the frames are 

 required to be about three inches square, and quite straight. 

 These, when joined together, are placed on a level floor, and 

 slips of timber two inches in breadth and one in thickness, 

 are nailed lengthways on them at intervals of nine inches. 

 When the timber work is finished, the straw is fastened on 

 in layers in the manner of thatch, and tied to the bars by 

 rope yarn. The straw used is what is called in this country 

 reed; it is prepared by taking the wheat in handfulls out of 

 the sheaf, and beating it against a door firmly fixed on edge ; 

 by this method of threshing, the straw is very little bruised 

 except at the points, and is consequently preferred for 

 thatching. 



The frames are always kept under shelter in summer, be- 

 ing perfectly dried before they are put up, and with proper 

 care will last for several years. 



When the plants are put into the pits the frames are laid 

 over them. My method of giving air, is by placing in the 

 ground, near the centre of each pit, a forked stick about four 

 feet or more in length, strong enough to support the frames 

 when raised like the lid of a box, to a sufficient height, 

 and they remain in that position night and day, unless when 



