INTERIOR ARRANGEMENTS. 97 



We do not think that any definite rule can be laid down for 

 the laying out of the area of a conservatory, as the formation of 

 the beds and walks may be dictated by the taste of the proprietor, 

 or those in whom he confides the management of the work. 

 Almost any curve may be adopted in the walks, without destroy- 

 ing the effect of the interior view. What we condemn is the 

 monotonous straight lines by which the area is generally laid 

 out. It must be observed, however, that this method is entirely 

 inapplicable, unless the house be glazed on at least three sides, 

 and the roof so constructed as to admit the greatest possible 

 quantity of light in proportion to the extent of the area enclosed. 

 The roof should, also, be as low as is consistent with exterior 

 effect, and the admission of plants of good size ; for, as we have 

 already observed, one of the prevailing errors in the construction 

 of conservatories adjoining mansions consists in their being 

 made too lofty and too opaque. They are designed generally to 

 suit the place of the building, without regard to the effect of the 

 conservatory itself, as a structure, or as a plant-house. 



There are many other advantages, resulting from houses of 

 this description, which, in a practical point of view, are deserv- 

 ing of consideration. Not the least of these is the facility with 

 which plants can be arranged to produce the best possible effect. 

 Plants are much easier arranged within curved lines, than in 

 squares or parallelograms ; and the curvatures of the beds are 

 always more spirited and pleasing than continuous straight 

 lines, whatever the house may be filled with, or however badly 

 the plants may be disposed. 



We have only room to notice one feature more in the con- 

 struction of this conservatory, viz., the form of the roof. We 

 have chosen the spans of different sizes, in preference to one 

 single span, as much for adaptability as to harmonize with the 

 architecture of the mansion. This system tends to prevent the 

 accumulation of warm air at the top of the house, and hence 

 the heat is distributed more equally among the plants. For the 

 same reason, ventilators are provided at the top of each span, so 

 that the external air admitted, as well as the artificial heat ris- 

 ing upwards, will be more equally distributed over the house. 1 * 



* For further notice of this, see Ventilation. 



