56 THE PRINCIPLES OF FLORICULTURE 



for practically the same conditions regarding maintenance 

 and up-keep prevail as in large, separated houses. 



Several disadvantages of this type of construction might 

 be mentioned. In sections where snow-falls are heavy, 

 there is often an accumulation of snow in the furrows 

 which causes a serious strain on the roof. To overcome 

 this, metal gutters are now most frequently used, for they 

 are rapid conductors of heat. Heating pipes are placed 

 beneath the gutters, and this serves to melt the snow as 

 it falls. Occasionally steam pipes are placed on the outside 

 of gutters, and they are so valved that when a heavy fall 

 of snow is in progress, live steam may be turned into them, 

 thus melting the snow rapidly. 



It is quite essential that the roofs, and especially the 

 gutters, be strongly supported. Gutters should be large 

 enough to dispose of a large volume of water rapidly, for 

 after a heavy downpour, sufficient water should not 

 accumulate in the gutters to cause them to overflow and 

 produce drip in the houses. 



Another serious objection to ridge-and-furrow houses 

 is the loss of light which results in the center house from 

 the shade of those on either side. This is especially ob- 

 jectionable during the morning and late afternoon. There 

 is also considerable shade cast by the gutters at all hours of 

 the day. In ranges in which there is a large output, 

 shade cast by gutters is not considered objectionable. 

 It is claimed that while those benches just below the 

 gutters may not produce as many blooms during certain 

 months, they will bloom more freely and with better 

 perfection after those plants which have received full 

 sunlight have become diminished in productiveness. 

 Therefore, the yearly average is as great on the shaded 

 benches as it is on the unshaded! The prices received 



