THE AMATEUa 8 GEEENHOUSE 



CHAPTER I. 



THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE PLANT HOUSE. 



Before we begin to construct, we must determine on the 

 site. Now, a bold beginning may be made by the assertion 

 that any site will suit for a plant house, provided the owner 

 will furnish it with plants adapted to the site, and resolve 

 never to make selections without first considering the suit- 

 ability of the house for their protection. Suppose we have a 

 high damp wall facing north, and wish to cover in the space in 

 front of it with glass for plant-growing. It may be a prudent 

 proceeding to erect there a substantial lean-to, and to construct 

 against the face of the wall inside the house a rockery, and 

 plant the rockery with ferns, and make a lovely scene rich in 

 botanical interest. Or suppose the wall faces south and the 

 position is particularly dry and hot, we may still proceed to 

 cover the space in front with a lean-to, and make a border next 

 the wall for climbers that love sun and a stage in front for a 

 collection of succulents, which never flourish so well as in a 

 " roasting situation." Or we may plant vines outside and 

 train them up the rafters, and winter all the bedding plants 

 on stages or beds of earth supported by brickwork in the 

 centre. The question of accessibility is of the utmost im- 

 portance. Tou will not care to walk far through wind and 

 rain, perhaps, to see the first flowers of the primulas and 

 hyacinths, or to cull bouquets for the friends who will visit 

 you on New Year's day ; nor on a night of keen frost and 

 falling snow will you benefit your health by walking long jour- 

 neys to stir up the fading fire on which the lives of your pets 

 depend. Think of these things in time, and if your owu 

 health does not enter into the question, be not quite oblivious 

 of the health of the gardener. Not only is the position of 

 the house important, but that also of the stoke-hole and fur- 

 nace, if artificial heat is employed. Where it is possible to 



