220 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. 



greenhouse 15 by 30 feet in dimensions, constructed with a 

 span-roof. It seemed evident that a circulation of hot water 

 in pipes from a boiler would afford the best and most reliable 

 heat, and might be arranged so as not to be objectionable, on 

 the score of expense. A mechanic, in the city, advertised 

 that he was prepared to execute such a plan. On applying to 

 him, his estimate of expense for the undertaking was not less 

 than three hundred dollars. We preferred to fit up a furnace, 

 flue, and evaporating kettle at a cost of perhaps twenty dol- 

 lars, and have had the pleasure to see it successfullj'" tested by 

 the late severe winter. 



"With the facilities for producing iron-casting, in almost 

 every vicinity in the North and West, it would seem that a 

 small and simple saddle-boiler might be as easily cast as a 

 kettle or stove, and, with some ninety feet of pipe, might be 

 furnished and put up at a small sum, compared with the esti- 

 mate of that mechanic. 



W"e have seen a large volume of water rapidly heated by 

 means of a copper-boiler, constructed as a cylinder, the fire 

 applied within, and an outlet and return pipe keeping up a 

 circulation of the water between the boiler and the tank. 

 The boiler cost seven dollars. The thought was suggested 

 that the same principle might be applied for heating and cir- 

 culating water* through cement, wooden or i^etallic troughs, 

 around the margins but within the walls of greenhouses. 

 To what extent has this ever been tested ? 



Much remains to be learned on the subject of heating pub- 

 lic and private establishments as well as greenhouses. A cir- 

 culation of hot water will most certainly supersede most other 

 methods, especially the hot-air furnace. It may be simplified 

 in its plan so as to become not only the most comfortable 

 and healthful method, but the most economical. In a sitting 

 room of a private residence in this neighborhood a neat grate 

 for burning bituminous coal has been set, — and is admired by 

 all who visit the house ; — yet the heat constantly lost, by 

 passing up the chimney, would be amply sufiicient to circu- 

 late hot water through every room in the tenement, and keep 

 them all at an uniform and desirable temperature, better far 



