PLANTS, WITH GLASS EOOFS. 



191 



aspect of the lofty botanic stove, are not to be expected from them. 

 The low span-roofed house, with a sunk passage in the centre, com- 

 bines the advantage of the best type of houses and pits for plant- 

 growing purposes. 



Fig. 156. 



Low span-roofed house, with sunk-path. 



The Orchard House. This is a comparatively modern structure, 

 first suggested by Mr. Rivers, and now a favourite with many 

 amateurs. Those about constructing one would do well to provide 

 themselves with Mr. Rivers's book, and also with Mr. Pearson's, both 

 on the orchard house. The best orchard houses in England are un- 

 doubtedly those in Mr. Pearson's nursery at Chilwell, near Notting- 

 ham. Mr. Pearson's advice on the subject of building orchard houses 

 is valuable. " Having had eighteen houses erected within the last few 

 years, each being an improvement on the former ones and seeing 

 that Mr. Foster, who built them, and is largely engaged in their 

 manufacture, is constantly making improvements in their construc- 

 tion I have arrived at the conclusion that amateur building is a 

 mistake. It appears advisable to take advantage of experience acquired 

 at other people's expense rather than make mistakes at our own cost. 

 The houses built by Mr. Foster, of Beeston, near Nottingham, are by 

 far the best I have hitherto met with. They are constructed of all 

 sizes, adapted to the requirements of the smallest or the largest estab- 

 lishments, and they are not only of an ornamental, but a durable 

 character. The mode by which Mr. Foster ties the span of his houses, 

 and renders them firm in their construction, is particularly merito- 

 rious, and far superior to anything I have yet seen for strength and 

 elegance. It is perfectly novel in design, and has been secured by a 



