Feb.] the KITCHEN-GARDEN. 129 
frames, ribs, and pack-thread, and if, at the intersections of the 
latter, a small square or round bit of the same paper, is pasted on 
the inside and to the lars^e sheets over those parts, it will give addi- 
tional strength against rain and winds- 
After the paper is thus pasted on, and perfectly dry^ then it must 
be oiled over with linseed oil, either raw or boiled: the latter I think 
is rather apt to harden the paper, and cause it to crack, therefore 
would prefer the former. Having, however, the oil and a painter's 
soft brush, lay it on lightly, and brush the outside of the paper all 
over, equally in every part; which done, place the frame in some dry- 
covered shed, there to remain till the whole is thoroughly dry, then 
it may be used when wanted, and will answer extremely well for va- 
rious purposes. 
If the base-frames are well painted with the following composi- 
tion, they will last a long time — To every six pounds of melted pitch, 
add half a pint of linseed oil, and a pound of brick dust well pulveri- 
zed, mix them all together and use them warm. This is the best 
pigment for all timber exposed to the weather, for no moisture can 
penetrate through it. 
You may also, form lights of the above kind, for your common 
hot-bed frames, when glass cannot be conveniently had, which will 
answer a very good purpose. 
These covers of oiled-paper, are used not only for early cauli- 
flower and cabbage plants, but also for early sallading, cucumbers, 
&c. and are excellent for covering cuttings of exotic and other 
plants, and for various other purposes. 
Cabbage Plants. 
Continue to protect your autumn-sown cabbage plants, from the 
severity of the weather, agreeably to the general precautionary di- 
rections given in the month of October, which see. But be very par- 
ticular that such as are in frames, and consequently under occasion- 
al protection, which renders them still more tender than those pro- 
tected under the shade of bows, Sec. and that have got frozen, either 
in consequence of neglect in covering, or of the extreme severity 
of the weather, are not to be exposed to the influence of the sun 
whilst shining stroyighj^ until they are gradually thawed, and also 
the earth in which they stand; but at intervals, when the rays are 
not too powerful, you may admit them to the plants, in order to 
accomplish this end the sooner; but it must be done with great pre- 
caution. This observation is not only applicable to cabbage and 
cauliflower plants, but to all other plants under similar circum- 
stances. 
The cabbage plants which were sown last month, should as soon 
in this, as they have arrived to the height of three or four inches, 
or their leaves to the size of a quarter-dollar, be transplanted into 
a new hot-bed, at the distance of three or four inches, plant from 
plant every way; in ordei' to promote their growth, give them 
strength, and the better to prepare them for planting out in the open 
ground, as soon as the season arrives for that purpose. 
R 
