

Showing the cold-frame in which are Pansy seedlings, being shaded 
by lath frames. 

Our faithful helper, Tom Oliver, weeding the seed-bed. 
A cold frame is ideal for germinating Pansy seeds. The 
one shown in these pictures is 60x 6 ft. but it may be 
made similarly on a much smaller scale if desired. 
Only half of the cold frame is shown, because a very 
important part is underground. In order to exclude moles 
and gophers the soil was first dug out to a depth of about 
ten inches and made very level. Then boards were sunk to 
that depth all around it and galvanized wire screen of %- 
inch mesh was laid completely over the floor of the seed 
bed and nailed to the boards around it so it would be mole- 
proof. Then soil, etc., was filled in even with the ground 
as described on the preceding page. 
The lath frames are made in sections, the length of a 
lath by six feet, so they may be removed easily. The lath 
is nailed 1% inches apart. This seems to make sufficient 
shade, allows good ventilation, and the seedlings do not 
become as tender as they would under glass. Cloth frames 
would be advisable in places where the seed beds need pro- 
tection from heavy storms. When seed is sown late in the 
fall or early spring, hot-bed sash is preferable to the lath 
frames, although the lath frames may be placed on top of 
the glass on very warm days for shade, 
A very simple method for those growing a small quantity of 
plants is to use a box about eight inches deep, placed in full sun- 
shine. For shading this, slit open a flour sack; tack one side of it to 
the back of the box at the top, make a wide hem in the opposite side 
of the cloth through which a narrow board may be placed to weight 
it down so the wind won’t blow it off. This covering may be easily 
thrown back for sprinkling. If one is troubled with snails, ants, etce., 
eating the seed or seedlings, set the box on a table with the legs 
placed in cans of water. 
