Fig. 3. Lath Screen.
There are many kinds of screens in use to prevent the drying out of small seeds in out-door seedage and to protect the young seedlings. These are used also in the shading of cuttings. The common lath screen ([Fig. 3]) is the most useful for general purposes. It is simply a square frame made from common laths laid at right angles in a double series. The interstices between the laths are equal in width to the laths themselves. These screens are laid horizontally upon a light frame-work a few inches above the seeds. The passage of the sun constantly moves the shadows over the bed, and sufficient shade is afforded while thorough ventilation is allowed. This and all other elevated screens are useful in shading and protecting the young plants as well, but when used for this purpose they are usually raised a greater distance above the beds. A brush screen consisting of a low frame covered with boughs, is often used, as shown in [Fig. 4]. This is cheaper than the lath screens, and is equally as good for most purposes. The brush is often laid directly upon the ground, especially in large beds. This answers the purpose of shading, but it does not allow of weeding and it must be taken off soon after the seeds germinate, or slender plants will be injured in its removal. Brush screens are sometimes raised three or four feet to allow of weeding. A screen for frames is shown in [Fig. 5]. It is a simple covering of muslin stretched over the top and sides of a rough frame-work. The cloth is usually omitted from the front side. This style of screens is much used by nurserymen, especially for cutting beds. Whitewashing the sashes also affords good shading. A more elaborate and permanent screen is shown in [Fig. 6]. It is built of slats, usually 3-inch stuff. This shed screen is oftenest used for the protection of tender plants, but it affords an exceedingly useful and convenient place for the storage of pots and boxes of slow-germinating seeds.
Fig. 4. Brush Screen.
Fig. 5. Screen for Frames.
