CHAPTER III 

 SOME HINTS ON CONSTRUCTION 



Too often it happens that we are the victims of circumstance 

 and have to make the best of what falls to our lot, but when 

 we can be the architects of our own fortunes in greenhouse 

 matters it is well to know beforehand exactly what we want. 

 Without pretending to enter too much into details, which must 

 be regulated by individual cases, let me set down a few points 

 of construction of special importance to the well-doing of 

 the unheated greenhouse which have come under my own 

 notice. 



ASPECT 



To begin with, a few words on aspect, which, though they 

 may apply equally well to all plant-houses, may not be out of 

 place here. It is generally admitted that for the successful 

 culture of plants a span house, wherever it is possible, is far 

 and away the best form of glass structure. It is warmer and 

 lighter, and in it a genial atmosphere can be more easily 

 maintained. An open position, away from high walls and 

 trees, should be chosen for its site, with a run, by pre- 

 ference, from east to west which, on the whole, gives the 

 best results. But a lean-to house is often a necessity, and, in 

 such circumstances, should be placed, if possible, against a 

 south wall, especially when it is required for the bringing on 

 of early flowering shrubs or bulbs, and general working 



