21 JANUARY 1949, Page 15

In the Garden The cold greenhouse, so-called, is often aggressively

true to its adjective. It seems sometimes to accentuate frost and proves a useless protection, partly for the reason that ventilation is a necessity. A very slight warming may suffice, and it is suggested by cloche experts as a useful tip that a layer of leaves underneath the shelf will develop enough heat to make all the difference. Perhaps the plants most in need of the ventilation are chrysanthemums, and great care should be taken not to spill water on the floor. It encourages a most damaging fungus. W. BEACH THOMAS.