GLASS. 



115 



fall on them, nothing is gained by making them dark, and it 

 gives the house a heavy and gloomy effect. The structure is, 

 or should be, transparent. The impression on the mind is 

 that of a house covered with glass ; and, as the rafters and 

 astragals are only there as supports to the glass, they should be 

 deprived, as much as possible, of their opaque character. When 

 they are painted a dark color, the reverse effect is produced. A 

 glaring white color is, also, objectionable ; it is hurtful to the 

 eye, and generally displeasing to a refined taste : some of the 

 different shades of cream, or light stone color, will be more 

 effective and pleasing. The same may be said in regard to the 

 external portions of the roof. It may, by way of contrast, be a 

 shade or two darker than the interior; but a decidedly dark 

 color should be avoided. We have seen various plant-houses 

 painted dark, and even dark red, but have seen very few who 

 admired them. We do not wish to incur censure by finding 

 fault with the taste of those who may fancy these colors, and 

 admit that every one has an undoubted right to gratify his 

 own taste. We give our opinions for the benefit of those who 

 may choose to adopt them. 



It is a good plan to give the wood-work of the structure a 

 coat of some anti-corrosive paint before the color is put on. The 

 timber is preserved much longer ; and the house requires less 

 painting, as the timber is hardened, and more impervious to 

 moisture. For numerous preservative solutions, see Table 

 XVIII, Appendix. 



