PROCKEDINGS. XVU 



Concerning this contrivance Mr. Spencer says : — " I think it 

 will be a preferable structure (In several important particulars) 

 to Mr. Ewing's newly invented glass Avails for growing some 

 kinds of frviits. The model in question is similar in some 

 respects to the one proposed by Mr. Rivers in the Gardener's 

 Chronicle, but I think it will be found an improvement so far 

 as regards the ventilation at top and bottom. I sliould propose 

 this kind of case or house to be placed due north and south, and 

 the ends should be glass, particularly the south one ; wlien 

 glazed I propose placing strips of vulcanized Indian rubber 

 under a bead that will be screwed down over the glass, which is 

 laid flat on the rafters. It will be perceived that buildings of 

 this description may very easily be taken down (the bars, &c., 

 being numbered for the purpose), and the woodwork and glass 

 packed away in a small space, and as easily refixed in spring, or 

 when wanted. The size, or rather width, may likewise be 

 increased for the growth of such things as vines and figs, requir- 

 ing larger space for their leaves." Mr. Spencer adcis : — " Since 

 writing the above I have seen Mr. Rivers's opinion on glass 

 walls. I think, Avith him, that they will prove expensive, while 

 it must be admitted that they will not be a protection (regarded 

 as a fence) ; and this will bring them to be considered merely 

 as structures for growing fruits, when I feel confident that the 

 simple and easily constructed houses which the model repre- 

 sents will have great advantages in more ways than one, part of 

 which are — the ease with which they can be ventilated, cheap- 

 ness of erection, and the facilities for training and managing the 

 trees grown in them. The opening of the bottom ventilators, 

 which all move at once, is imperfectly shown in the model. A 

 wheel, Avith three or four cogs and a pulley or two, Avould be an 

 improvement." It Avas observed that such a house would, no 

 doubt, be found useful for many gardening purposes, but that it 

 could not be compared Avith glass walls, on account of tlie dissi- 

 milarity of the purposes they Avere severally intended to answer. 



Mr. Lawrence, of Parliament-street, sent a new description of 

 Flower Stand. 



III.— NOVELTIES FROM THE SOCIETY'S GARDEN. 



Echeveria retusa. — A hardy greenhouse succulent, Avhich Avas 

 stated to be a very suitable plant for window gardens. 



Along Avith it Avere examples of — 



Beurre Ranee Pear. — From a wall. 



Reinette du Canada Apple. — In warm seasons this groAvs 

 very large, and has a brisk Nonpareil flavour. It partakes of 



