CONSTRUCTION OF HOT-HOUSES. 279 



ing the satisfaction that would follow, if to have 

 good fruit at an easy rate were the object. I have 

 given designs for no other kinds of new pineries 

 these six years past, but such as these ; with some 

 variations respecting extent, however, in order to 

 suit different purses. 



Having detailed the general outline, or dimen- 

 sions of most kinds of forcing-houses (the green- 

 house and conservatory will be found in their pro- 

 per places), I shall proceed to notice a few subordi- 

 nate particulars respecting hot-houses, of very much 

 importance, however, in their construction, and also 

 to the welfare of the plants to be cultivated in them. 

 And first, 



Of the Furnace. 



There are many kinds of furnaces in use, and al- 

 most every hot-house builder has a kind that he calls 

 his own, or which at least he adopts, I am in the 

 practice of using three different sizes (but all on the 

 same principle), in order to suit different purposes, 

 and different kinds of fuel. I am not prepared to say 

 that it is the best in use ; but I will say it is the 

 most simple ; that which consumes as little fuel as 

 any, and keeps up, perhaps, the most regular heat 

 in the flues. 



The arguments for a small furnace : burning off 

 the fire at once ; filling the flue with hot air ; stop- 

 ping it, and keeping it in statu quo for the night, 

 &c. are all very specious, and may amuse or please 

 those who fondly imagine, or conceive the idea of 

 a great saving in consequence. But will all this 



