BASS

or BAST MATS. These are prepared, chiefly in Ru ia, from the inner bark of various Limes ( Tilia ), and are very largely used in this country by nurserymen for packing purposes. They are also extensively employed as coverings, being excellent preventatives of the effects of frost. They are beneficial as a covering for beds of early vegetables, to prevent radiation during the night. For tying purposes they are now greatly superseded by Raffia Gra . Archangel Mats are larger, and of better quality than the St. Peters burgh. Dunnage Mats are heavy, and generally used for covering, as they are much cheaper.