HOTHOUSES. 



Two descriptions of glass-houses are commonly used ; one being 

 for the display of plants, the other for their growth. The usual 

 name for the first is the conservatory, while those in the second 

 category are denoted by names signifying the particular use for 

 which each house is designated. Many palms, tree ferns, camellias, etc., 

 usually seen in a conservatory and forming a great attraction, 

 are tall -growing plants, and require a high roof for their display 

 and well-doing ; whilst fine-foliaged and rapidly growing plants 

 generally, require the roof to be low, so that they may be near the 

 glass. We have thus two requirements. The large and permanent 

 plants thrive best and look best when planted in beds where they 

 may have an even temperature and moisture to their roots, and 

 where they may have ample space to grow upwards and spread. 

 The foliage and choice flowering plants, not usually permanent, are 

 generally in pots arranged on stages. There results a type of 

 building having a central part with a high roof, and adjacent 

 divisions with as low a roof as is consistent with comfort and good 

 appearance. Conservatories are something more than plant-houses, 

 and must be spacious in order to provide room for walking and 

 lounging. We must then consider the conservatory as an adjunct 

 of the dwelling-house, designed for the showing, under good and 

 pleasant conditions, those plants placed there permanently and 



