ORCHARD-HOUSES. 7 



span of his houses, and renders them firm in their 

 construction, is particularly meritorious, and far 

 superior to anything -I have yet seen for strength 

 and elegance. It is perfectly novel in design, and 

 has been secured by a patent. Exception has 

 been taken to my strongly-expressed dislike of 

 lean-to houses by several practical gardeners for 

 whose judgment I have a high respect. It must 

 be admitted they have advantages for very early 

 forcing in some situations. A thick brick wall 

 forming the north side of a vinery in a very cold 

 and windy district will economise artificial heat, 

 and sunk pathways in front, narrow passages, and 

 low roofs will not much inconvenience a gardener 

 in his shirt sleeves and cloth cap. A conservatory 

 or orchard-house ought to be constructed, so that 

 ladies may enjoy a walk in them with no more 

 feeling of constraint than in an open garden ; to be 

 able to cut a flower, reach a Peach, or water a 

 plant without difficulty, is essential to the enjoy- 

 ment of such houses. It is not sufficient to be able 

 to get inside, exclaim How beautiful ! and wish to 

 be out again as soon as possible. Similar objec- 

 tions may be urged against covering Peach walls 

 with glass; a covered wall is no place for enjoyment. 



