324 



A Chapter on Greenhouses. 



A platform or scuttle door should be provided to let down and protect 

 the entrance in the stormy weather of winter. These pits for ordinary 

 purposes are easily warmed with the common flue running the length of the 

 house. The mouth of the furnace may be placed outside, and covered 

 over ; or a partition may be placed across at one end to prevent the dust 

 from settling on the plants. 



If bottom-heat is wanted, the combination of the flue and water is 

 very efiective. A small boiler placed at one end, with a flue running the 



_f '- 





length of the house to carry the smoke, will give sufficient heat. A tank 

 is placed on one side, wiih pipes attached to the boiler, and gives circulation 

 to the water, which furnishes bottom-heat. This is a most excellent, effec- 

 tive, and cheap arrangement for heating. 



A tank for bottom-heat is a good arrangement for the amateur's house : 

 for propagating, for forcing into flower, and for various purposes, it is in- 

 valuable. A tank from ten to twelve feet in length is sufficient for 

 ordinary purposes. For a good propagating-bed, water for bottom-heat 

 is the best of all arrangements. But the water should no/ be covered ^aith 

 slate or any metallic substance for the soil to rest upon. To make a good 



