Conservatories and Glasshouses. 65 



are also suitable for tall palms, climbers, and as a 

 show house ; but the former class are the best for 

 dwarf plants. 



The site for a glass-house, should be a sheltered 

 spot, protected from the wind, but not shaded by 

 trees. From east to west is perhaps, the most suitable, 

 as these are points which escape the wind, and are 

 exposed to the sun during the winter. Iron framing, 

 is of course, more durable than wood, as the latter 

 deteriorates with the constant heat of the sun and 

 the moisture inside. 



Shading should be either of a light permanent 

 nature, with just sufficient thickness to break the 

 fierce glare of the sun, or in the form of roller 

 blinds. 



Furnishing, must of course, rest with the owner ; 

 but where the house is wide enough, a central stage, 

 with a convenient path on each side, should be made 

 for tall plants, while the smaller ones might be 

 arranged round the side stages, and provision made 

 for carrying off the water from the paths. 



The water supply may be obtained from a pool 

 with cemented sides, fed by an artificial waterfall of 

 rock-work, which could be tastefuly planted with 

 ferns, mosses, and other suitable rock-plants. 



If the stages are built with rock-work, a space 

 should be left at each support, which should be filled 

 with rich sandy soil, for planting out climbers that 

 may be trained up the woodwork, and allowed to 

 hang in festoons from the roof. These should be 

 limited to two main stems only, so that after pruning 

 they may be taken down and cleaned, and the paint 

 and inside glass washed. 



Baskets and hanging plants may also be introduced 

 and hung at intervals along the roof. 



Considerable taste and judgment, ought to be exercised 

 in arranging the plants, the tallest behind, and the 

 shorter in front, placing the red and variegated foliaged 

 plants at intervals, so as to harmonise and create a 

 pleasing effect, and the edges of the stages should be 



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