98 ON THE TANK SYSTEM OF HEATING. 



through winter and planted out entire in spring, or he sown in the 

 open border in February. It continues to bloom during the whole 

 of summer and autumn. It well deserves a place in every flower- 

 border. 



Seeds may be obtained of Messrs. Backhouses, and other general 

 seedsmen. 



ARTICLE II. 



REMARKS ON THE TANK SYSTEM OF HEATING, 



BY C. C, OF SOMERSET. 



In accordance with my promise, I now forward some observations on 

 the tank system of heating, the result of experience which has 

 recently occurred. 



I noticed some remarks made, in the March Cabinet, by a person 

 who signs himself a Practical Man, on this mode of heating, and in 

 some respects I agree with his opinions ; but I beg to state, that every 

 intelligent person knows, whatever plan of heating is adopted for the 

 growth of exotics, if it be not properly managed it must certainly fail. 

 I can assure the readers of the Cabinet, that where the tank is 

 properly constructed, &c, the result will be most satisfactory. My 

 experience enables me, with the utmost confidence, to offer the follow- 

 ing particulars" to their notice. 



The bottom of the tank should be supported on arches or pillars, 

 and not be upon an entire solid mass, the water retains and distributes 

 its heat more constant and copious, also with less expense in fuel, than 

 it would if on an entire solid base. 



It is also beneficial to have a fire flue constructed along the front 

 of the house, so that, if required, any excess of moisture might be 

 dried up, whilst a due temperature too could thus be afforded to any 

 desired extent. A house provided with the means of heating thus 

 specified, could be heated to a very high temperature in a short 

 space of time, and the heat be easily and regularly retained. Such 

 a house would be, as far as its heating the area is concerned, all that 

 could be desired for the growth of Orchideous plants, and in fact 

 all moist hothouse ones. I advise the use of Stevenson's boiler, it 

 not only requires a very small portion of fuel but is very effectual in 

 every other point. 



In supplying bottom heat to a pit, in which plants, cuttings, &c, 



