REMARKS ON VERANDAHS FOR PLANTS, ETC. 99 



are plunged or grown, the tank of course must be placed level, and 

 the upper part be covered with bricks, leaving passages about two 

 inches wide leading to the front and back of the bed. Tubes must 

 also be placed through the soil, so as to allow the heat to be conveyed 

 from the chamber beneath to above the surface of the earth, or other 

 material. When the arches or pillars upon which the bottom of the 

 tank, if it be of copper or other metal, is to be placed, are built, 

 spread a layer of slates extending the length of the tank, upon which 

 spread a thin layer of sand in order to have the tank laid perfectly 

 level. If the tank be formed of slates or similar material, the layer 

 of sand will not be recmired. It is advisable to have a fire-flue con- 

 structed along the front of the chamber, so that when dry heat is 

 required, it could be made available. A few open places should be 

 left along the front of the bed to allow it to pass from beneath to the 

 space above. In order to form a basis for the earth, or other ma- 

 terial, it can easily be done with slates ; upon them place a layer of 

 good coal-ashes mortar, and on it spread brick-bats, not broken into 

 small fragments, but as such usually are to be had at the brick-yard, 

 about four inches deep ; over these lay some spray sticks, in order to 

 prevent the soil. &c, from running down amongst the broken bricks. 

 I have seen several pits constructed in this manner, in which Pine 

 and other plants were grown in the greatest luxuriance. There is 

 not an excess of moisture in the soil, &c, neither in the surface tem- 

 perature, but it is in a perfectly congenial state. Another valuable 

 point is provided for, the temperature is always so readily at com- 

 mand. 



ARTICLE III. 



REMARKS ON VERANDAHS, FOR PLANTS, &c. 



BY FLORA. 



I am of opinion that, for cottage or villa residences, no species of 

 greenhouse, so far as convenience is concerned, has more advantages 

 than a structure in the verandah fashion, that is, a covered projection, 

 having a glazed front, and the roof wholly or in part of the same 

 material. I have noticed several which have very recently been 

 erected in the environs of London. Such a structure may he placed 

 against the front or one or more ends of the dwelling-house, the 

 principal windows opening into it in the French manner, and the 



i 2 



