THE 



GARDENER'S MAGAZINE, 



MAY, 1842. 



ORIGINAL COMMUNICATIONS. 



Art. I. Further Remarks on the Application of Terrestrial Heat to 

 the Roots of Plants, and some Observations relative to his Stoves for 

 various Purposes. By N. Niven, Landscape-Gardener and 

 Garden Architect, &c. 



But for the many duties connected with numerous professional 

 engagements, I had intended, some time since, to have recurred 

 to the consideration of the subject which forms the primary 

 object of this communication, namely, the application of ter- 

 restrial temperature to the roots of plants. This unavoidable 

 delay, however, notwithstanding the importance I attach to the 

 subject, I am rather glad of, inasmuch as I can more at length 

 report progress as to results in the application of the system 

 advocated. 



There is, doubtless, at the present day, much to interest every 

 lover of the country's best interests, from the rapid advances 

 that are making, through the medium of chemical science, bear- 

 ing practically upon the composition of soils and subsoils, as 

 Well as on the constituents of manures and their application ; 

 and, although I am not one of those who would run wildly 

 away after every nostrum that may be patented in the shape of 

 manure, still I would hail with satisfaction and pleasure every 

 step that was taken in the profitable application of those substances 

 more immediately within our reach, that may in any way tend 

 to the amelioration of the soil and the nutriment of the plant. 

 But many will, I am sure, agree with me, that, besides the 

 suitability and application of manure, we have, properly and 

 profitably to effect our purpose, another most important principle 

 to carry along with us in their application ; it is this, the improve- 

 ment of the temperature of the soil agriculturally by means 

 of proper drainage, and horticultu rally by drainage along with 

 other artificial means equally within our reach: these to 

 be applied in either case as may be found requisite for the 



3d Ser. — 1842. V. b 



