The Garden Under Glass

PITS, FRAMES AND HANDLIGHTS 33 when so-called French gardening has been greatly boomed, and although I do not wish readers to rely on the stories of huge profits I would like them to realise that the cloche and the handlight are supremely useful in any gården. Miniature and Makeshift Frames I do not ad vise them—they are only meant for the very poor and the very niggardly. Experience teils me they are a delusion and their only purpose (and that an evil one) is to supply broken glass to the gården. Amateurs are inclined to form a frame of an old box and an old window-sash. If it be made into a frame bearing all the good points of a frame except its size, it may be tolerated ; but if left in the elementary box and casement stage it will be the means of destroying more plants than it will save. On this account I know many amateurs have had failures and have then railed against gårdeners who have advised frame culture. I cannot honestly recommend makeshift frames. A miniature frame, however (say 3 feet by 2 feet) properly made so that it will throw off the rain, is a very useful concern and well repays the expense incurred in making or purchasing. It will repay also a couple of good coats of paint. c