The New Plant and Bulb Company, of Lion Walk, Colchester, have sent us the accompanying illustration and description of a new shading for hothouses which they have brought out. We think very highly of it, especially for moderate-sized houses and pits. The arrangement of having the shading elevated a foot above the glass is a step in the right direction for the purpose of keeping down the heat of houses in summer, for so fixed it does so more effectively than when lying on the glass.

In A compartment - the Bamboo Mat partially unrolled, with box at top complete for its protection - the mode of rolling up - the staples, at the bottom of the box inside, to which the upper edge of the mat is attached by stout twine - are shown.

In B compartment - the cover of the box has been removed to show the mat rolled up when not in use.

CC are the bearers upon which the mat is supported, 10 to 12 inches above the level of the glass.

DD, the screw pulleys round which the cords run to pull up the mat.

To let down the shading, loosen the cords which have been fastened to the hooks placed in the front wall below the glass, the mats will fall down by their own weight. In rolling up again, see that the cord hangs straight down the middle of the mat, then pull up steadily and fasten.

The mats are fastened above to five or six staples, firmly driven in at the bottom of the box cover inside, by tying to them the thick bamboo at end of mat with strong twine.

It is as well to have a wooden roller tied by string to the lower end of the mat, to make it roll up more easily.