PREFACH. 
enn ate seed 
SEVERAL cogent reasons might be adduced for writing 
the present work, the chief being a deep conviction 
that something of the kind was really needed, to show 
the best and most economical way of constructing 
glass-houses, pits, &c., and the most desirable angle on 
which to pitch the roofs of them, according to the 
particular class of plants to be grown; as well as the 
best aspect in which to place such houses. It will be 
observed that all my angles for fruit-growing are at a 
very sharp pitch. Thisis, I think, most desirable for the 
production not only of fine fruit but also for the kind 
of wood that will ensure a good crop of fruit, especially 
in the case of Peaches, Plums, and Grapes. 
I am fully convinced of the necessity of a work like 
this for nearly all classes who require sound informa- 
tion both for building glass-houses and for their sub- 
sequent adaptation. My method of double-glazing will, 
I think, meet a want long felt, and no doubt will be 
generally adopted for early forcing; my vine border- 
protector will also doubtless supersede the usual method 
