GARDEN MECHANICS. 
231 
while rain is completely thrown off. In bad weather they may 
be shut, up as effectually as though they were in a greenhouse, 
and from the elevated position of the stage which bears them can 
never receive injury from stagnant moisture, besides which they 
are brought to a more convenient height for watering and exami¬ 
nation. In summer the stage may be lowered to the bottom tie- 
pieces, and canvass frames being substituted for the lights, it 
needs only another piece of canvas or netting to be carried round 
the sides to make a capital place for blooming plants : or if not 
thus employed, the stage may be taken out, and the frame 
wheeled over a bed of ranunculuses, pansies, or other plants re¬ 
quiring protection from the sun and rain, or moved into a shaded 
part of the garden, it becomes most excellent summer quarters 
for such things as auriculas ; and further, in the autumn, when 
not occupied by plants, seeds may be placed in it, and will dry 
thoroughly without the trouble usually attending the process. It 
is so light that when filled with pots it may be moved with ease 
upon a good walk, and the first cost is less than ‘would be that 
of common frames having an equal area. As I was determined 
to have a portable affair, all the pieces are held together with 
screws, and the lights and flaps made to unhinge, so that the 
whole may be separated and stowed away when not in requisition. 
The legs are of ordinary quartering, planed down to about three 
inches and a half square, the longitudinal bearers, or tie-pieces, 
as I have called them, are an inch and a half thick and four 
inches deep, the upper plate, ridge board, and rafters of inch 
board, cut to a width proportionate with their several positions, 
and the lights are made of inch and a half stuff. 
The width of the frame is four feet, and the length ten, though 
the size may of course be varied to suit convenience. The ad¬ 
vantage to be obtained, must be sought in the positive freedom 
from damp among the plants which must ever attend such a form, 
and in its convertibility to other purposes when not employed as 
originally designed. 
If simplicity be the test of usefulness, then a contrivance for 
supporting the flowers and foliage of hyacinths grown in glasses, 
lately put into our hands by Mr. Hamilton, Seedsman, of 
Cheapside, is surely calculated to effect its object. All who cul¬ 
tivate these charming flowers in glasses, and we are gratified to 
