Chapter on GrcenJioicses. 213 



The plant-houses, being on a level, are two and a half feet lower than the 

 borders of the vineries. From the cold-vinery west is the greenhouse proper 

 (D). This is for the general collection of greenhouse-plants that are grown 

 in the ordinary temperature of from fifty to sixty degrees. This room is 

 fitted up with side-shelves about twenty-four to thirty inches wide. The 

 centre is one shelf about twenty inches wide, and one broad platform for 

 the stage. These are made a little serpentine in form ; thus giving it a 

 more easy and natural appearance. The side or front shelf is made of 

 matched lumber, with a band on its edge, rising about one inch. This is 

 filled with clean white sand to set the plants upon. The effect of this is to 

 give the plants a much cleaner and neater appearance, and preserves the 

 plants in much better condition. At the west end of the greenhouse is the 

 hot or dry stove-house (B) for plants that require more heat than the ordi- 

 nary greenhouse. It should be kept at from sixty to seventy degrees, or 

 even higher for particular classes of plants. Moisture, if required, is ob- 

 tained by means of vapor-pans placed upon the pipes. The shelving of 

 this house is similar to the greenhouse, varied according to the plants 

 cultivated. The south wing (C) is used as orchid-house and fernery. The 

 front shelf is made similar to those described. The centre is either 

 formed with a basin of water under the whole, and covered with rustic 

 rocks described in former numbers, or the same rocks used and packed in 

 prepared soil, laid as irregularly as possible, with a small pipe carried up 

 in centre, the rocks with a small basin formed at top to receive the water. 

 The overflow, being carried in the narrow channel in a circuitous manner 

 around and amongst the rocks, is wasted away at the outlet, or received in 

 a basin to be used in watering. Around the channel the ferns and kindred 

 plants are planted, and the rocks are placed between them ; some being 

 placed to serve as stepping-stones, the front shelf being used for pot-plants ; 

 those of a climbing nature being suspended from the framework of the 

 house. The plants in the centre-bed not being of a very tall growth, the 

 occupation of the framework with suspended plants is not objectionable. 

 Any required degree of moisture is obtained by means of water, and from 

 the pans placed upon the pipes for heating. A few dead stumps of trees, 

 judiciously placed, do not mar the arrangement. 



The north wing (F) is arranged for a camellia-house, the centre being 



