WINDOW GARDENING. 



81 



Fig. 72 is intended purely for ornamental purposes suitable for the grounds of 

 those of humbler means than those who can afford such rich designs as our last. 



It is a straight roofed span conservatory with cast iron fronts ; sides about four 

 feet six inches high with top and bottom ventilation, glazed with twenty-six ounce 

 sheet glass, enamel painted throughout with ornamental finish, crestings, &c. 

 This style of conservatory is set upon a foundation of white stone or granite, 

 which gives a fine contrast with the green and shrubbery. 



In general the handsomest, lightest, strongest and most serviceable conservato- 

 ries are constructed of iron frames, yet few or none are made in this country and no 

 one offers them as a specialty. We find nearly all the best styles and designs 

 of this character offered only by English horticultural manufacturers. 



In England, nearly every one has either its Window Garden or its green house, 

 and scarcely any family of intelligence but knows something of culture and prop- 

 agation of indoor plants. 



Fig. 72.— A Small Greenhouse. 



Here we love these delicate treasures dearly and our taste is rapidly developing 

 in this branch of rural pleasures, yet the green house is still to many a mystery, 

 and seems an enormous expense. If good and suitable designs could be built 

 for ^100 to $500, their number would be quadrupled every year, and their 

 general use be considered a desirable fashion. 



An important consideration in the management of greenhouses is an abundance 

 of light. It is quite essential that the conservatory should be placed on the 

 sunny side of the house, and that its windows or door should open into the parlor 

 or dining-room, and, if possible, avoid planting trees too near to cover it with 

 their shade. If the location is southwestern or northerly, much more heat 

 will be required ; and both for economy and enjoyment, only one position is 

 desirable, and that is southerly. 



