22 



by means of tubes (?*), placed at intervals along tbe bed, 

 I would occasionally pour considerable quantities of water, 

 in order to maintain a due regulation of moisture in, and 

 throughout the soil, among which the vapour arising 

 from the water would ultimately rise. Beneath the tank 

 a space (o), might be provided, which would serve admi- 

 rably either for the cultivation of Mushrooms, or the 

 forcing of Rhubarb, or Sea Kale. Transverse partitions 

 should be introduced into the bed of soil, so as to divide 

 the roots of each plant from those of its neighbours : this 

 arrangement will admit of a complete succession of plants 

 being maintained, by the removal of those which have 

 become old and debilitated, and the substitution of young 

 and vigorous ones ; and this obstruction of the roots, will 

 not be injurious, for the Cucumber does not by any means 

 require to be permitted to extend its roots at random, but 

 will readily submit itself to any rational regimen, with 

 regard to the area from whence it is permitted to extract 

 its food. A portion of soil sufficient to support one or 

 two plants, could by this arrangement be renewed as 

 occasion might require, and the roots of the contiguous 

 plants would suffer no injury from the operation. The 

 pathway of the house, should be paved so as to admit of 

 its being occasionally washed and cleansed. 



It will be found to be highly economical in reference 

 to the consumption of fuel, to provide the structure with 

 the means of being covered at night. Shutters of light 

 frame-work, covered with any waterproof material, would 

 be found to answer the purpose admirably ; they should 

 be elevated a few inches from the surface of the glass, 

 and they should be arranged so as to confine a body 

 of air, which acting as a very slow conductor of heat, 

 would serve to prevent that incessant drain upon the 

 temperature of the internal atmosphere, which takes place 

 when the material employed is in contact with the glass, 

 as well as when coverings are altogether absent. This 



