MATERIALS OF CONSTRUCTION. 105 



undoubtedly, be found cheaper in the end. But the cost of con- 

 struction will vary, according as the details are understood by 

 the constructors ; for if Mr. Resorr can make a vinery of iron as 

 cheaply as of wood, then other tradesmen, when they have prop- 

 erly understood the nature of the work, will surely be able to 

 do the same. The Palm-house at Kew was constructed by a 

 tradesman from Dublin, while some of the most extensive hot- 

 house builders in England lived within the sound of their ham- 

 mers, and the material and workmen were all brought across the 

 channel, costing nearly as much as if brought to America ; yet 

 the workmanship was superior, and the cost said to be less, — 

 proving that practice and knowledge of the details lessen the 

 original cost of construction.* 



* As instances of comparatively easy transportability of iron hot- 

 houses, we might mention, that the whole of the materials of the 

 immense structure at Kew were manufactured and fitted together at 

 Dublin, and transported from thence to London. The unequalled range 

 of forcing-houses at Windsor, one thousand feet in length, was made at 

 Birmingham, and fitted together in the works, before they were trans- 

 ported to their final destination. Now it would have been just as easy, 

 and perhaps little more expensive, to have shipped them to New York, 

 or Boston, or Philadelphia, or Baltimore. When this is done in England, 

 how long will American enterprise be behind them ? We prophesy, not 

 long. 



