FRAMES AND GLASS-HOUSES. 75 



walls, the aspect being due south, to catch every ray of sun in winter ; 

 and in front of this we have a frame in which we grow a few nice pines 

 every year, which add to the variety of our produce. 



All my structures are of the simplest construction possible, and I 

 can most strongly recommend for all practical garden purposes glass- 

 roofed, shed-like structures. For the same cost they can be made much 

 larger, and can have their air more readily changed than any other; 

 they also require less combustion to maintain a similar amount of heat 

 when sunk in the ground, and can be more readily altered in form 

 when desired. 



When glass-houses are attached to dwelling-houses, or are appen- 

 dages of drawing-rooms, they must of necessity be architecturally con- 

 structed. In such houses the growth of the plants is of necessity 

 secondary to the general design of the house. In fact, for these houses 

 the majority of plants ought to be grown elsewhere, and placed in the 

 house when in their prime. 



Besides our large glass-houses, Ward has taught us how to construct 

 miniature houses for delicate plants, and for the carriage of plants from 

 the distant parts of the world. A Ward's case is essentially a glass 

 covering placed over a vessel containing suitable soil. At my garden 

 a single glass is placed over the lovely Tunbridge fern. In my drawing- 

 room Todcea superba grows in a Wedgwood pan covered with a glass 

 shade. In my dining-room I have two cases which were made after 

 the pattern of Mr, Ward's in Wellclose Square, nearly thirty years ago. 



To grow plants successfully in a Ward's case, we must have regard 

 to the quality of soil, the heat, the light, and the moisture of enclosed 

 air. The door should be opened occasionally for a short time, water 

 should be given with care, the powerful rays of the sun should be 

 avoided. Anyone who studies' the philosophy of horticulture cannot 

 fail to succeed with a Ward's case, for all plants delighting in a moist 

 atmosphere. 



Of late years glass frames, called curates' vineries, have been 

 cm ployed, but they are incomparably inferior to the Poor Man's 

 House. Square earthen vessels (fig. 88) have been made by Looker, 



