MARCH. -49 



HEATING HORTICULTURAL BUILDINGS, 



PARTICULARLY UPON THE TANK SYSTEM. 



There are a variety of plans for heating glass erections. 

 First, we have the old-fashioned flues ; and whatever may be 

 said to tlie contrary, if they are well constructed, they answer 

 the purpose entirely. Many of tlie late John Wilinot's houses, 

 in which were produced the fruit for which his name was so 

 famous throughout the country, were heated in this primitive 

 manner; and we know several amateurs who quite {)refer this 

 plan to hot water circulating in pipes. We do not agree 

 with them; on the contrary, we should never think of heating 

 a new house with flues, although one of our old erections so 

 heated contains plants which, for health and luxuriance, are 

 undistinguishable from any other portion of our collection. 

 Of Polmaise we can say nothing favourable, having never 

 seen a house heated entirely upon the principle, although we 

 have seen many modifications of it which were called Pol- 

 maise, and to which we should prefer flues. Arnott's stoves 

 we have seen fixed at considerable cost, and we have also wit- 

 nessed their removal to make room for hot- water pipes. But 

 of the tank system we can speak in the most unqualified praise; 

 and, after many years' experience, without the slightest failure, 

 pronounce it unequalled for the general purposes of amateur 

 gardeners. Believing that many of our readers are similarly 

 interested in the question with our esteemed correspondent, 

 we print a letter of inquiry we have received upon the subject, 

 and gladly give such information as we possess. 



I am about to build a small tank, about 18 feet in length, and 9 

 feet in breadth, and of proportionate height, chiefly for the purpose of 

 growing a few Orchids and Ferns, as well as for striking cuttings, 

 and hastening into bloom plants for my conservatory. I am especially 

 anxious for the benefit of your judgment and experience as to the 

 material of which the tank should be made, whether of wood, slate, 

 or iron. 



Tanks are beginning to come into great use at this place, and 

 some difference of opinion exists as to the proper material of which 

 they should be made. Two friends of mine had them made of wood; 

 but they soon began to leak, so that they were taken up, and re- 

 placed by iron ones. Another friend has one of wood, and it answers 

 well. Slate has not been tried yet, though recommended by yourself 

 for many garden purposes. 



You will confer a very great favour on myself and on many 

 others, by giving, at an early period, full and complete instructions 

 on tank-building. I ask the favour somewhat confidently, knowing, 



NEW SERIES. VOL. I. NO. III. F 



