227 
in a few years, if the specimen is favorably situated, the cover- 
ing may perhaps be dispensed with altogether, the wood having 
become sufficiently hardy, and the tree so much acclimated as 
to bear the full rig^r of the season. 
209 Pits and Frames for Half-hardy Plants. Connected witli 
the above subject is that of pits and frames for the protection 
of such plants as do not really require to be kept in a green- 
house, but still demand some shelter from the rigor of severe 
winters. Pits, from two to three feet deep, are the most 
conveniently protected from the effects of frost, inasmuch as 
their sides, at a little distance from the surface, would be in no 
wise exposed to it; and as its elevation would be inconsider- 
able, the top could be readily covered over with straw, mats, 
or other suitable materials. Pits however, are more damp 
than frames on the surface of the ground, and many of the 
more succulent plants are liable to damp off in them. Hence 
frames are best, if due attention be paid to covering them 
properly in severe frosts. Whether pits or elevated frames be 
used, we strongly recommend that the pots be plunged to their 
rims in dry sand, this will prevent the immediate penetration 
of cold to the roots of the plants; and also equalize the moist- 
ure of the soil in which they are planted. 
Very frequently a situation for a frame can be found outside 
a liouse, or its offices, against a wall, that is kept dry, if not 
warm, by a fire within ; the advantage of this is incalculable. 
Here plants may be kept in an atmosphere sufficiently dry to 
prevent the baneful effects of damp, which is generally more 
destructive than cold. When a plant begins to flag from 
drought it can be watered ; but till it exhibits such want, it is 
safest without being watered; indeed, water is rarely required 
in a cold frame during winter. The expense, and the casual- 
ties attending glass, is not unfrequently an obstacle to the use 
of winter frames in flower gardens; this, however, may be 
dispensed with altogether. Oiled paper is oftentimes used in 
lieu of it, and used successfully ; but a better substitute by far, 
is varnished calico. So cheap is calico that it may be purchas- 
ed of good quality for the purpose, thirty inches wide, for 
threepence the yard. This, when stretched on frames, which 
an ingenious gardener would make himself, and brushed over 
with varnish, which may be bought for eighteen-pence a pint, 
2U. ACCTARIOM. 
