i879-] HEATING BY HOT WATER. 469 



positions to, those now occupied by the men under whom they serve, 

 and upon whom, indeed, they must depend for their chief source of 

 practical information. 



It might be argued that were this suggestion acted upon, a number 

 of anomalies not easily dealt with would arise ; but, for my part, I 

 fail to see that any intolerable incongruities could possibly occur that 

 might be detrimental to the interests of the Societies. On the other 

 hand, I firmly believe that the Societies would be strengthened 

 financially, and the present members would be gratified to know 

 that they were encouraging in no mean way that love for the profes- 

 sion which must dwell in the breast of every young gardener who 

 aspires to the attainment of giving satisfaction to those whom he may 

 in future have to serve in the capacity of gardener. At any rate, 

 it would be highly desirable to hear the opinions of more influential 

 men and young gardeners too upon this subject, as I think it worthy 

 of every intelligent gardener's careful consideration. If a society like 

 "The Royal Caledonian Horticultural" were to take the initiative, I 

 am bound to say others would speedily follow. James Boyd. 



MOUNTMELYILLE GARDENS. 



HEATING- BY HOT WATER. 



I do not intend to encroach upon your space to discuss further what 

 has been termed the side issues of this question, as they are compara- 

 tively unimportant. Mr Hammond differs from me when I say that a 

 house situated above the level of others will be the hottest. He does 

 not think that that proves anything in favour of elevation increasing 

 circulation. It only proves that the hotter water gets there. He also 

 says that " it is not a well-known fact that a house situated above the 

 level of the others in a range is the hottest ; " and probably it may not 

 be so in all cases — that may depend a little on the arrangement — but 

 I could point to many practical examples in support of my statement 

 if it were necessary. I may remark that I merely stated that as a 

 practical illustration of the fact that elevation increases circulation, 

 thinking that it was self-evident to all gardeners. But though the 

 practical workings of different apparatus may be disputed as not 

 being uniform, the principle upon which hot water circulates remains 

 unaltered. I will now deal with what Mr Hammond considers the 

 points of practical value at issue on this subject ; but first, I may 

 remark that if what Mr Makenzie has already written on the subject^ 

 with his numerous quotations from the best authorities, does not con- 

 vince Mr Hammond that he is in error, I despair of being able to do 

 so. He asks, " Is a continuous rise in the flow from the top of the 

 boiler to the furthest points of extension in the compartments to be 



