96 INTERIOR ARRANGEMENTS. 



Conservatories are, probably, the most important structures 

 used in ornamental gardening; and, as we have already said in 

 regard to other kinds of horticultural buildings, we say, also, of 

 them, that no degree of gardening ability, and practical attention 

 on the part of the gardener, will compensate for the want of light 

 and air; and, where the arrangements for the working of the 

 house, in regard to air, heat, &c., are imperfect, the risk is great, 

 and it is painful for a skilful and zealous gardener to contem- 

 plate the consequences which he may be unable to prevent. 

 One single night may destroy the labors of years past, and for- 

 bid hope for years to come ; and, after all, the blame may be 

 laid where it is least merited, and censure withheld from the 

 party who most deserved it. 



In all buildings, and especially conservatories, the most com- 

 plete and elegant design, when badly executed, is disagreeable 

 to the view, defective in the object of its erection, and ruinous to 

 the proprietor, because it is incapable of giving that satisfaction 

 and pleasure which he was entitled to expect from his outlay. 



Fig. 32 is the ground plan of a conservatory, which we have 

 designed for erection at a gentleman's country-seat. It is in- 

 tended to form a prominent wing of the mansion. The structure 

 is entered at one end by a door, leading from the principal 

 apartments of the house. The conservatory is traversed by 

 curved walks, laid with marble, and bordered by a curb, on each 

 side, of the same material. In the centre is a basin of water, 

 with a jet playing over a rockery, as seen in the cut, Fig. 32. 

 In this design we have endeavored to combine perfect adapta- 

 bility, with beauty in the structure, and harmony in the whole. 



This method of laying out the interior of a conservatory 

 admits of the most perfect arrangement in the planting of the 

 beds and compartments, intended for the exotic trees and shrubs, 

 with which the structure is to be filled. The walks wind 

 through, among the plants, as in a common shrubbery, or flower- 

 garden ; and, when the compartments are tastefully arranged, 

 and the whole kept in healthiness and luxuriance, with climbing 

 plants hanging in festoons from the rafters and other supporters 

 of the roof, it forms decidedly the most delightful and satisfac- 

 tory kind of horticultural structure that can be erected for com- 

 fort, convenience, and enjoyment. 



