222 THE rAPvKS AND GARDENS OF PARIS. [Ciiai>. XV 



CHAPTEPt XV. 



Winter Gardens. 



There arc few tilings more worthy of the attention of those 

 interested in indoor-gardening in this country than the mode of 

 embellishing conservatories and winter-gardens which is some- 

 times seen in France, Belgium, and Piussia. Winter-gardens in 

 these countries are usually verdant at all times, being filled 

 with handsome exotic evergreens, planted and arranged so as to 

 present the appearance of a small garden of luxuriant vegetation, 

 and not that of the glass shed filled with red pots and prim plants. 

 We build more glass houses than any other nation, but have as yet 

 nearly everything to learn as to the arrangement of the most 

 important of them, or what is usually called the conservatory. 

 This in some form is an adjunct to a large class of country and 

 suburban houses ; sometimes it is well placed and an ornament to 

 the house, but more frequently a thing which would seem better 

 placed among the out-offices. As regards the form and style of 

 building little need be said, as the improvement required seems 

 so obvious. When conservatories are built near the house they 

 should always present a somewhat permanent and architectural 

 character. This is desirable for several reasons, chiefly the 

 propriety of having a j)resentable find lasting structure in such an 

 important position, and the fact that plants in bloom show to 

 greater advantage in a subdued light than in that of the ordinary 

 greenhouse. Those who remember the effect of the flowers under 

 the thick canvas of the great flower-show tent in the Pegent's Park, 

 as compared with the aspect of the same plants in a well-lighted 

 conservatory, will at once appreciate the truth of this. It should 

 also be borne in mind lliat iduiits wt)rlliy of culture for their leaf- 



