How to manage a Garden 



even roof. Since, then, the choice is thus narrowed 

 down to the three forms first named, it behoves us to 

 consider their relative value for general purposes of 

 cultivation. The lean-to has an advantage which is also 

 enjoyed by the hip-roofed shape in that it can be built 

 against any existing wall, when the cost is thus much 

 lessened. It is also on this account, and if it does not 

 face a windy quarter, much warmer; but there is not 

 the same amount of light, and the back being merely a 

 blank wall, the plants grow in a very one-sided way, 

 their balance and perfect symmetry of form being thus 

 destroyed. In consideration of this, the choice of a 

 span-roofed structure is about the best for general pur- 

 poses; for we have more light, more opportunity for 

 ventilation, more sunshine, and greater advantage in 

 showing off the beauty of the plants. 



Some Remarks on Construction. 



It is not of course expected that the amateur should 

 build his own greenhouse, nor would it be advised that 

 he should do so, unless he were by trade thoroughly 

 qualified to undertake the work ; but he should certainly 

 be acquainted with the details so as to supervise in 

 some manner and take an intelligent interest in what 

 is going on. It is not suggested that builders are dis- 

 honest, but it is certainly more reasonable to suppose 

 that better work will be put in when the one for whom 

 it is being done shows himself to be quite capable of 

 fair and intelligent criticism, and who is anxious to know 

 whether he is getting a full pound's worth for every 



