HOME GARDEXS FOR SMOKY TOWNS. 355 



The uniformity of this during the recent bright frosty 

 nights, followed by warm sunny days, has been very re- 

 markable, so much so that I think I may venture to state 

 that 5 may be expected as the general protecting effect of 

 a covering of such canvas from the mischievous action of 

 our spring frosts which are due to nocturnal radiation into 

 free space. Thus we obtain a climate, the mean of which 

 would be about the same as outside, but subject to far less 

 variation. How will this affect the growth of plants desi- 

 rable to cultivate in the proposed canvas conservatories? 



In the first place, we must not expect the results obtain- 

 able under glass, which by freely transmitting the bright 

 solar rays, and absorbing or resisting the passage of the ob- 

 scure rays from the heated soil, produces, during sunshine, 

 a tropical climate here in our latitudes. We may therefore 

 at once set aside any expectation of rearing exotic plants 

 of any kind; even our native and acclimatized plants, which 

 require the maximum heat of English sunshine, are not 

 likely to flourish. 



On the other hand, all those which demand moderate 

 protection from sudden frosts, especially from spring frosts, 

 and which flourish when we have a long mild spring and 

 summer, are likely to be reared with especial success. 



This includes nearly all our table vegetables, our salads, 

 kitchen herbs, and British fruits, all our British and many 

 exotic ferns, and, I believe, most of our out-of-door plants, 

 both wild and cultivated. 



;t. As the subject of ornamental flowers is a very large one, 

 and one with the cultivation of which I have very little 

 practical acquaintance, I will pass it over; but must simply 

 indicate that, in respect to ferns, the canvas enclosure 

 offers a combination of most desirable conditions. The 

 slight shade, the comparatively uniform temperature, and 

 the moderated exhalation, are just those of a luxuriant fern 

 dingle. 



Respecting the useful or economic products I can speak 

 with more confidence, that being my special department in 

 our family or home gardening, which, as physical discip- 

 line, I have always conducted myself, with a minimum of 

 professional aid. 



