102 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



In our various culture of the soil, we must learn to take 

 the utmost advantages of different sites, as adapted to differ- 

 ent purposes, if we would secure the best results. It is 

 unnecessary to say that this form does not enter into compar- 

 ison with structures designed for ornament and pleasure. 

 These are for work, and not for show. They are low, the 

 roof being absolutely level with the hillside. The^ - are very 

 cheap, costing at the rate $10,000 to $12,000 per acre, includ- 

 ing a cheap heating-apparatus. They can be run at less than 

 half the cost of houses situated on a plain. 



The steep grade of eighteen to twenty-five degrees for the 

 hillside slope has been suggested. This is not too steep for 

 the purpose of forcing small plants. But a lower grade can 

 be used to good advantage, and in the case of cultivating 

 large trees, it is desirable that the interior should be nearly 

 level, so that by means of a high back-wall and the hip-roof, 

 a wide and lofty yet sheltered and sunny interior will be 

 obtained. Thus the form may be modified to suit the wants 

 of lettuce and the other products of the market-gardener, or, 

 by suitable grading and regulation of heat, to give space for 

 the most stately palms and other exotics. I commend the 

 form to all who are engaged in winter-gardening, either as 

 florists, orchardists or market-gardeners. 



Want of space will compel me to pass other forms, and 

 also the interesting subject of parlor and window gardening — 

 a theme which deserves, and surely will receive, increasing 

 attention. I will conclude with a few practical suggestions. 



Wood is the usual material for the roof of houses in this 

 country, for the reason that it is cheapest. Iron is most used 

 in England. It is very light and elegant, is durable, and 

 does not contract with cold sufficiently to cause breakage of 

 glass. It does, undoubtedly, conduct the heat from the house 

 to some extent, but when painted, the amount of loss is not 

 great. Wooden sash-bars are much less expensive, and will 

 answer every purpose for from thirty to fifty years, if kept 

 well painted. For ornamental structures, iron will undoubt- 

 edly grow in favor. 



Double glazing is desirable, when a high, humid tempera- 

 ture is to be maintained in midwinter. For ordinary green- 

 house culture, it is of doubtful utility. 



