HOUSES AND CONVENIENCES. 19 



nothing more than can be guarded against by closing up. 

 If there is any preference for general utility, the curve 

 line double pitch ought to be chosen, as from the convex 

 surface which is exposed to the sun's rays, at whatever 

 altitude he may be, the intense heat is somewhat scat- 

 tered, there is less danger of the leaves being scorched, 

 and the light is also more equally distributed ; this form 

 is also generally considered the most agreeable to the eye. 



Whatever style of double pitch be adopted, the ends 

 ought to face north and south, or as near these points as 

 may be convenient, although a few degrees, variation 

 either way is not of much consequence. By placing the 

 house in this position, both sides receive the influence of 

 the sun equally ; besides in the middle of the day, when 

 his rays are most intense, they are partly warded off by 

 striking obliquely upon the sash-bars above, which on the 

 whole length of the house, acts as a considerable shade. 



In some cases, it may be desirable to cover a dead wall 

 or side of a building ; or it may be requisite that the cold 

 grapery should be connected with a line of early forcing, 

 or plant houses, when the lean-to roof will be most con- 

 venient, but there is no other advantage in adopting 

 it, for with a double pitch, having two rows of pillars 

 inside, one on each side of the central pathway, both 

 sides may be planted, thus accommodating a double quan- 

 tity of vines ; besides there is no back wall seen, and it 

 shows better taste in the proprietor. Where the avoiding 

 of expense is an object it is also the cheapest, considering 

 the number of plants provided for. Where the lean-to is 

 adopted, the south-east, or south-west aspect is best, 

 though full south is not objectionable, and grapes may be 

 well ripened when the house faces due east or west. 

 Further north than these two points cannot be considered 

 suitable. In case it may be wished that the Cold Grapery 



