RETROSPECT OF THE LATE WINTER. 
83 
jT a vaporous atmosphere, even wliile in the external air the thermometer showed 
i)° of frost, no mischief was occasioned. 
Having seen that one of the most cold and sombre winters upon record 
is been passed in security, we begin to think of sliada as well as of light. A 
'aith sun is doubtless of great utility to plants under certain circumstances ; it 
imulates vegetation, attracts the ascending fluids, promotes laboration and 
cretion ; but on the other hand the direct ray frequently burns, etiolates the 
btals of flowers, and scalds fruit. We require therefore a certain semitransparent 
edium, which shall produce a twofold efiect ; first, that of a softened diffusion of 
le direct ray ; and second, that of protection from the cold of frosty nights, 
lose, but clear cloth, whether of linen or cotton, strained tight upon accurately 
lade deal frames would answer the purpose well. These should be made to slide 
7er the common glazed sashes, and be guarded from the force of wind by strips of 
ood fastened to the midribs of the rafters, also by a pin or two to fix the frame 
; top and bottom. Two advantages would attend the use of the screens, which 
'innot be obtained by a covering of mats on rollers : — security of position, avoiding 
'lose troublesome and injurious nailings and fixings, which so perplex the gardener 
\ windy weather ; and above all, the increased temperature of the house, occa- 
oned by the intervention of a stratum of air between the glass and the fabric of 
be screen, which would tend much to prevent that radiation which rapidly cools a 
ouse. Trouble and expense attend all the labours of man ; but when we reflect 
‘pon the great decrease of cost in glass, the super-excellence and strength of the 
9W sheet glass, and the security from breakage conferred by sliding screens, 
ersons who can afford good erections should not hesitate at a trifle to obtain 
nmense advantages. 
We next require a good varnish for the fabric, one which will rather aid its 
'ansparency without rendering it liable to crack. If some preparation of Indian 
ibber could be employed, it might effect every object ; if not, common soft oil 
aot linseed) would preserve the fabric for a year ; and calico will soon be so cheap, 
jiat a renewal will be a mere trifle. The addition of a small quantity of white 
beached wax to the droppings of olive oil, laid on while warm with a soft flat 
rush, would give texture to the covering. 
Having seen the destruction of numbers of beautifully made screens, which 
fdien new gave every promise to supersede glass, we must come back to^ glazed 
ishes, and fortunately the price is reduced just at the time when the quality is of 
rst-rate excellence. A year or two since we had only the quarrees of wretched 
^own glass, which snapped by dozens under the influence of a night’s frost ; now, 
jbth large pieces six inches by nine, it is a rare circumstance to see a broken pane, 
|ad so true are the edges that a sash may be glazed without a single lap. The 
3curacy of the fittings, and the solidity of the glass, will secure at least 3 ° of 
Innperature in excess ; and when, in addition, we cover with a calico-prepared 
Ibreen, so fitted as not to be disturbed by an}?' force of wind, a forcing-house may 
