22 SITUATION. 



sider it another fact in favor of a south-eastern aspect, as the 

 sun's rays will thus be made to strike the roof more obliquely, 

 and will be less likely to scorch, or otherwise injure, the plants, 

 than if shining perpendicularly to the plane of the roof. 



Many authors might be quoted, in support of a south-eastern 

 aspect ; and one of the best garden authors, of his own or any 

 other time, says, " An open aspect to the east is a point of cap- 

 ital importance, on account of the early sun." When the sun 

 can reach the garden at its rising, continuing a regular and 

 gradual influence, increasing as the day advances, it has a grad- 

 ual and most beneficial effect in dissolving the hoar frost that 

 may have been deposited the previous night. On the contrary", 

 when the sun is excluded till about ten in the morning, and 

 then suddenly darts upon it with all the force derived from its 

 increased elevation, and increased power, it is very injurious, 

 especially to fruit-bearing plants, in the spring months. The 

 powerful rays of heat at once melt the icy particles, and, imme- 

 diately acting upon the moisture thus created, scald the tender 

 blossoms and leaves, which droop and fade as if nipped by a 

 malignant blight."^ 



These remarks, it- is true, are by an English author, and have 

 reference to the climate of England ; but they apply to us in 

 full force in this country, and, in manj^ locations here, are still 

 more applicable than to any country in Europe. 



The morning sun is not only more agreeable to vegetable as 

 well as animal development, but, as we have already observed, 

 vegetation proceeds more rapidly under its influence than it does 

 during any other period of the day. This may be accounted 

 for by the fact, that the nourishing gases have been accumu- 

 lating during the partial suspension of elaboration in the night, 

 and, on the approach of the sun's vivifying beams, these functions 

 are fesumed with increased activity, and continue so, under the 

 mild influence of its less powerful and fierce effulgence, until 

 their energies are paralyzed by its burning rays, at midday, when 

 they make little more progress till the next morning. 



We have heard similar arguments adduced in favor of a south- 



* Abercrombie's Practical Gardener. 



