Frames, Garden
Frames are portable garden structures among the most useful for various purposes at all seasons, particularly in spring and early summer, when large quantities of different subjects have to be prepared for transplanting outside. They may also be effectively employed in forcing operations, where pits are limited, by being placed on a hotbed of fermenting material, and covered with mats and dry litter, according to the state of the weather, or the amount of heat required inside. Cucumbers and Melons, and a large proportion of greenhouse winter-flowering plants in pots, as well as those for more immediate use, may be successfully cultivated in Frames during the summer. In winter, the latter may be utilised for storing plants that merely require protection from frost, by placing a quantity of dry litter round the woodwork, and covering the glass with mats, &c. Frames are made of different sizes, none being so generally useful as those having two sashes, each measuring about 6ft. long by 4ft. wide, for which, and for Fig. 31, we are indebted to Messrs. Boulton and Paul, of Norwich), or others large enough to take three sashes of similar dimensions. The frames of these sashes should be 2in. thick, and each fitted with an iron handle for opening, and a cross bar of iron for strengthening them. The Frame or box itself is usually made of deal timber, 1 1/4in. or 1 1/2in. thick, a height of 18in. being allowed at the back, and 13 1/2in. at the front, or other heights may be adopted in a similar proportion. The corners should be dovetailed, and further strengthened by pieces of wood fitted inside. Frames may be purchased ready for use, but they are expensive, and seldom so strong as those which can be made at home, somewhat like that above described. A new Three-quarter Span-roof Frame, made by Messrs. Boulton and Paul, of Norwich, is represented in Fig. 31. When made in this shape, it has the advantage of giving more height inside than with the ordinary sashes. The sashes here shown are hung to the ridge in such a way that the front ones may be turned right over on the others at the back, and the reverse. An iron prop accompanies each Frame, to hold the lights wide open for attending to the plants, and each light is provided with a fastening that serves the double purpose of securing it against wind, and raising it for ventilation. Like the ordinary Frames, these are made in various sizes. Other sorts may be procured with iron standards and framework, the sashes being made of wood, and glazed in the ordinary way, or without putty. One of the most popular and best-constructed of this description is that made by Messrs. Foster and Pearson, Nottingham A somewhat novel, but effective, mode of ventilation is adopted. The sashes are held open at any angle required, by dropping a stout hook, attached to each, into a contrivance cast in the iron rafters, something like part of a cog-wheel. This holds them safely in any position in which they are placed. The sashes may easily be removed and replaced if desired; and the ridge is made to lift up and down its whole length by a lever, as a means of ventilation in wet weather. Where expense in purchasing is no object, Frames like this are very useful and durable. They are best suited to remain where placed permanently. For sectional representations of simple and chambered Frames, see Cucumber.