Account of Mr. S. Sweetser^s Green-house. . 7 



house (fig. 1, c), is twelve inches wide, twenty-four long 

 and eighteen deep, the pipes being fitted to it in precisely 

 the same manner as into the boiler. The height of the wa- 

 ter is represented by the light lines in the plans ; it should 

 never be filled to within, at least, half an inch of the sur- 

 face of the upper pipe. The furnace around the fire (fc) 

 should be built with fire brick, as the heat is so intense as 

 soon to destroy common masonry. 



Over the furnace, in the end of the green-house, is left 

 an open place, about two feet high, and two feet wide, to ad- 

 mit of easy access to the boiler, from the shed, without en- 

 tering the house, for the purpose of turning water into the 

 boiler, whenever occasion requires. This place is made close, 

 when not wanted open, by a door of just the size, which 

 opens into the shed by hinges on the door side, and is fas- 

 tened open by a hook. This is generally kept closed ; but, if 

 the green-house is too warm, air may be easily admitted by 

 leaving it open. The grate is cleared of all ashes by draw- 

 ing out the single bars, when it falls through, and the bars 

 returned to their places. 



The consumption of fuel is very small ; anthracite or hard 

 coal is used. The fire,inconmion winter weather (Therm. 16° 

 to 24°), is lighted about four o'clock in the afternoon, and 

 about a peck of coal put into the furnace ; this lasts until 

 about nine o'clock in the evening, when a half peck more is 

 added. In very severe weather the consumption is greater, 

 a peck, instead of half a peck, being required at nine o'clock. 

 The water should not be allowed to boil, as steam would be 

 generated, and the water wasted. If a very hot fire is kept 

 under the boiler, it will require to have water added more 

 frequently. When there has not been any fire in the fur- 

 nace for several days, and it is apprehended the night will 

 be intensely cold, it should be lighted earlier than four 

 o'clock. In general, however, the fire should not be allowed 

 to go out as long as there is any heat wanted. The water 

 will then retain its warmth, and less fuel be required in the 

 end, as the furnace will only need occasional replenishing. 

 The atmosphere almost invariably is found the same in the 

 morning as it was left the previous evening, not varying in 

 the greatest, more than two or three degrees. The usual 

 temperature at which it is kept is from 42° to 45°, The 

 front sashes have shutters, which we believe, has not been 

 mentioned above, in describing the house ; these are extreme- 

 ly useful ; and if there were shutters also to slide over the 

 lower roof sashes, it would be a great saving of fuel. 



The expense of building this green-house cannot be exact- 

 ly given ; but the actual cost will not exceed the total amount 

 of the followinsr items. 



