GREENHOUSE AND HOTHOUSE FLOWERS 141 



not active enough to chase a hockey ball up and down a field, 

 and give and receive resounding ankle thumps. Perhaps it is an 

 elderly valetudinarian of either sex, who finds digging, mowing, and 

 other phases of outdoor gardening too hard work. This member 

 will find most of the work of a glass-house sowing seeds, striking 

 cuttings, potting and watering well within the compass of his or 

 her powers. Pleasure and benefit will be derived from these light 

 and interesting occupations. They will be found to constitute both 

 a healthful occupation and a delightful hobby. 



All these points may be honestly adduced in favour of glass- 

 houses, and another may be added, of which those familiar with the 

 vagaries of our climate will readily admit the force they permit 

 of gardening (using the word in its broad sense) when the weather 

 is unfavourable for outdoor work. 



To sum up, there are overwhelming advantages in the possession 

 of what the professional gardener speaks of collectively as "glass," 

 and as (to quote once more Cowper's oft-quoted words) 



"Who loves a garden loves a greenhouse too," 



we may consider that our present case is proved, and set about 

 getting estimates without a moment's delay. 



We will not, however, make haste too quickly. We will be 

 prudent, and consider the matter in all its bearings. First of all, 

 we will make sure of how much we can afford to spend. In this 

 connection we will not overlook the fact that the mere price of a 

 house does not cover the whole of the capital expenditure. There is 

 the heating to allow for, and that may be expected to add a third to 

 the cost of the structure more or less according as the house is to 

 be cool, intermediate, or hot. Is it absolutely necessary, one may 

 ask, that a glass-house should be heated? No, it is not indis- 

 pensable, but it is a great advantage, especially if winter bloom is 

 wanted. We are well aware of the importance of the heating 

 question, inasmuch as artificial heat involves a continuous expendi- 



