301 
Von Martius on Stove CULTIVATION. 
The following aphoristic summary of Professor von Martius’s Re- 
marks on the scientific objects and the utility of Plant Houses, addressed, 
in fourteen letters, to the editor of ‘ Flora,’ we think not unsuited to a 
Kew Garden Miscellany. The memoir i» extenso, though full of in- 
terest, is beyond our scope and limits. Tts title is 
Bemerkungen über die wissenschaftliche Bestimmung und die Leistigungen 
unserer Gewächshäuser; von Hofrath Dr. von Martius, Vorstand 
und Conservator des kón. botanischen Gartens in München. In 
Briefen an den Herausgeber. Flora per 1853, n. 11, ete. (Sepa- 
rately printed, 126 pages.)* 
1. First of all it is to be determined what plants are to be cultivated 
in a given Plant-house, or its separate parts. The more select the 
choice, the more judicious their grouping according to habits and cul- 
ture, the easier and cheaper will be the execution of the structure, and 
the treatment of its contents. . 
2. The distinction between a Serre d’exhibition, “ein hohes Schau- 
haus” (large stove conservatory?) and a low stove, “ein niedrigeres 
Gewiichshaus,” must be kept rigidly in view, according to their diffe- 
rent requirements; and it is preferable, accordingly, as regards eco- 
nomy and management, to have two separate buildings, instead of one, 
for accomplishing the objects in contemplation. Plants of low and 
humble growth should be banished from a large building destined 
chiefly for trees and tall shrubs, and placed in one of suitable elevation. 
3. In the construction of a Stove-Conservatory, it is an important 
consideration, whether the intention is to exhibit the growth and habit 
of its inmates, or chiefly their flowers and fruits. 
4. In order to favour, in the greatest degree possible, the harmonious 
growth of the plants, to obtain a uniform development of branches and 
leaves, such a building must be capable of admitting light from all sides. 
5. But this object may be attained in our climate, by admitting light 
to the North, from above, independent of its indispensable access from 
* : i 4 i the translation of this importan 
Ric Vani o Oe da taeda wies E sin OC aS Ail has d E 
work of much difficulty, Could its talented author, Dr. von Martius, visit any of — 
sheen envidia. when first-rate tropical houses are managed by men of 
first-rate ability, we think he would find reason to alter his opinion very materially — 
on many of the points he discusses,—Eb. 
