THE SELECTION OF A LOCATION 39 



the houses. Large amounts of water mlist be used in plant 

 culture and unless this percolates readily through the soil, 

 stagnant conditions are brought about which are detri- 

 mental to plant growth and which cause disease. Outside 

 surface drainage is important, for large quantities of water 

 accumulate by reason of the large areas of glass roofs, 

 and unless this water is disposed of, serious results to the 

 foundations of the houses may follow. Money spent in 

 providing adequate drainage is money well spent, but 

 forethought in selecting the site makes it possible to 

 eliminate much of this expense, and the later financial 

 results will be better. It is especially important that all 

 basement areas and boiler rooms be so drained that there 

 is no standing water in them during any season of the 

 year. 



33. Slope of the land. As a rule, land which slopes 

 gradually to the south and east is most ideal for light con- 

 ditions. Although greenhouses are frequently built on 

 quite steep slopes, a gradual slope is to be preferred 

 because of increased ease in constructing and working 

 the houses. Coal transportation, cartage and other work 

 about the range are also done more easily. Greenhouses 

 most generally extend from east to west, for reasons men- 

 tioned in the chapter on greenhouse construction, conse- 

 quently it may be necessary to grade somewhat before 

 houses are built, if the slope to the east is very pronounced. 



34. Amount of land available. In locating a new 

 range one should always provide plenty of room for ex- 

 pansion. One rarely foresees future developments of 

 the business. Many ranges have grown far beyond the 

 expectations of their builders, and a number of prominent 

 growers now regret that they have no more land available 

 on which to build additional houses. A division of the 



