6 ORCHARD-HOUSES. 



span-roof, the sap is checked, the growth rendered 

 more equal, and both Vines and fruit are more 

 within reach. Plants, in a lean-to house, invariably 

 draw towards the light ; whilst in a span-roofed 

 house, they have the advantage of light on all sides. 

 It will be seen from the above remarks that 

 I have no intention of showing in detail how an 

 orchard-house ought to be built, mine are only 

 "hints" as to their construction. Having had 

 twelve houses erected within the last few years, 

 each being au improvement on the former ones ; 

 and seeing that Mr. Foster who built them and 

 is largely engaged in their manufacture, is con- 

 stantly making improvements in their construc- 

 tion, I have arrived at the conclusion that ama- 

 teur building is a mistake. It appears advisable 

 to take advantage of experience acquired at other 

 people's expense rather than make mistakes at 

 our own cost. The houses built by Mr. Foster, 

 of Beeston, near Nottingham, are by far the best 

 I have hitherto met with. They are constructed 

 of all sizes, adapted to the requirements of the 

 smallest or the largest establishments, and they 

 are not only of an ornamental, but a durable 

 character. The mode by which Mr, Foster ties the 



