GREENHOUSES AND HOTBEDS. 259 



By this treatment the results will be perfect flowers in size, shape and 

 fragrance; in fact, a flower that will recommend itself and sell at sight. 



As to varieties, we like Victoria Regina better than any other we have 

 tried. It is superior in color and seems to stand our hot, dry summers 

 better than all others. 



GREENHOUSES AND HOTBEDS. 



REPORT ON GREENHOUSES AND HOTBEDS. 



BY GUST. MALMQUIST, MINNEAPOLIS. 



My report on greenhouses and hotbeds for the last year will of necessity 

 be short as no special new features in construction, etc. have been intro- 

 duced during the season. 



Quite a number of new greenhouses have been built, but no special im- 

 provements have been made, except in glazing, the Gasser's zinc joints 

 have been used to some extent, and reported favorably, as it strengthens 

 the roof and makes the houses more air tight, which certainly in the 

 winter time effects a saving of fuel. 



However, if it benefits tbe plants, it is a question which is open to dis- 

 cussion, and has to be decided by experience. The cost of those joints is 

 nearly made up in less glass needed. 



For heating, steam is universally used now in any new structures and 

 the system of overhead heating seems to be preferred. 



Hotbeds for forcing vegetables and spring plants are more and more 

 superseded by houses heated by steam or hot water, and such houses 

 will be found cheaper in the long run than the old style of hotbeds, 

 even taking in account the assistance of nature in handling the hot- 

 beds. 



GREENHOUSES AND HOTBEDS. 



BY E. KAGEL, MINNEAPOLIS, MINN. 



I think there has been a great deal of improvement in greenhouses, as 

 in everything else, in the last fifteen years, and it is likely to continue so. 

 To build a greenhouse in the best practical manner, and at the same time 

 the most economical way, is perhaps the most important part of the con- 

 struction to the working florist and other men of moderate means, and to 

 show how to do that is my present purpose. 



If for beginners, I would advise them to work out a plan suitable to all 

 their future requirements, and start the first house so as to form a part of 

 the whole system complete. In locating, it is advisable to get a position 

 as nearly facing the south as possible and a gentle slope towards the 

 south, say not more than four feet in one hundred, which will allow more 

 sunlight in the houses, is an advantage. If more than one house is to be 

 built, if the slope is more than four feet in one hundred, I would prefer 

 level ground. 



Having selected the location, the next thing is to consider the size of 

 the houses,and I should say that having tried nearly every size and shape 

 I have come to the conclusion that a house of moderate size is by far the 



