44 How TO Grow Cut Flowers. 



CHAPTER IX. 

 OVERHEAD HEATING. 



For growing roses, I am. satisfied that "overhead 

 heating" is a positive injury, unless the pipes are at 

 such a distance from the plants that the radiation will 

 not foster spider. The distance not being less than 

 that of the main feed pipe near the ridge previously 

 described. But that it is beneficial to some crops has 

 been demonstrated in my own experience. In the 

 growth of carnations, I consider a portion of the heat 

 thus applied of positive benefit, as it helps to dry the 

 foliage at a season of the year when artificial means 

 are necessary. For the growth of small roses in pots, 

 this method is also of great Value, and were I piping 

 my houses anew, I should provide an extra pipe over 

 every bench used for this purpose, arranging it so as 

 to be under perfect control, to be used or not, as seemed 

 necessary. 



A knowledge of the benefit derived from this meth- 

 od came to me by accident. In the winter of '91, being 

 crowded for room, I removed the contents of a north 

 bench which had been occupied by " Wabans" (more 

 experience) and filled it with young pot plants that 

 had been potted about three weeks, and which up to 

 date had been given what is considered the best room 

 in a house, a south bench near the glass. The bench 

 to which they were removed was fully three feet from 

 the glass, and partially shaded by a rank growth of 



