EEMAEKS UPON ;PIABT HOUSES. d 



these slate stages should rest upon iron supports. The 

 best material for the floor we believe to be concrete, 

 made with Portland cement mixed with sand, for when 

 thoroughly set this makes a substantial and comfortable 

 pathway, is very lasting, and can be kept clean with 

 little trouble or labour. 



The double or folding doors are the best for such 

 structures, because if large plants have to be moved in 

 or out, they afford greater space for the purpose than 

 the ordinary single door; they should also always be 

 made to open inwards— it is far more convenient, and 

 they are less liable to be broken by the violence of the 

 wind. The side lights or sashes iray be fixtures, or they 

 may be made to open (we prefer the former plan), and 

 have some large iron or slate ventilators built in with 

 the brickwork beneath them, and immediately opposite 

 the hot-water pipes, as shown in the plan ; by this means 

 the air is prevented from blowing upon the plants in a 

 raw or cold state. The benefit of this arrangement is 

 very great during autumn and spring. We also recom- 

 mend that large drain pipes should be laid in the ground, 

 passing from the outside, under the foundation, to the 

 inside of the house, and rising under the heating pipes; 

 by this means fresh sweet air, so beneficial to plants, 

 may be admitted even in severe weather without detri- 

 ment, which could not be done under the old system of 

 ventilating by the side lights only. The lantern roof, as 

 shown in our woodcut, afibrds the best form of top ven- 

 tilation, although slightly more expensive at the first. 



A word respecting lean-to houses. As before remarked, 

 they can be erected where sufficient space cannot be 

 spared for any other form. A good plan for such a 

 house may be obtained by cutting in half that given 



