6 ' GREENHOUSE MANAGEMENT. 



crop was discussed at length, it is not thought necessary 

 to devote space to it here. By reference to the other 

 book, full information regarding these points, and upon 

 such important matters as the pitch for the roof, ar- 

 rangement of the ventilators, the method of estimating 

 the amount of beating pipe required and the best way of 

 arranging it, will be obtained. 



SOLID BEDS VERSUS RAISED BENCHES. 



For many years solid beds were almost universally 

 used for growing roses and similar plants. They admit 

 of supplying a full amount of plant food, but while they 

 lessen the danger of injury from neglect in watering, 

 they frequently do great harm if the plants are over- 

 watered, particularly if the sun does not show itself for 

 a number of days, as they are a long time in drying out. 

 For this reason they fell into disrepute, and were 

 replaced, in most establishments, by shallow raised 

 benches, as it was found that roses grown upon them, in 

 four or five inches of soil, were less likely to receive a 

 check during the dull days of early winter, when they 

 are most in demand and bring the best prices. Upon 

 solid beds, however, with good drainage, large crops are 

 secured as the bright, sunny days of spring come on, 

 and, what is of much importance, the plants can be 

 grown for two or more years before they are thrown out, 

 while upon shallow benches it is generally advisable to 

 renew the plants each year. 



A method has now come into use that provides both 

 for the thorough drainage and the aeration of the soil, 

 as well as warming it up and drying it out. The solid 

 beds are generally about seven feet wide, with two beds 

 and three walks in a house twenty feet in width. The 

 drainage is provided, in some cases, by means of com- 

 mon drain tile laid across the beds at intervals of from 

 one to three feet, while in others a foot or more in depth 



