MALMAISON. 399 



great expence, which was incurred by M. Bonpland in the 

 confident expectation of reimbursement and reward ; and 

 certainly these expectations would not have been disap- 

 pointed, had the Empress lived. But unfortunately she 

 died ; and her heirs cared little about plants, botanists or 

 artists. The whole expence devolved as a personal debt 

 upon the excellent author, who, thus ruined in his circum- 

 stances and prospects in Europe, was compelled to seek an 

 asylum in America. 



The extent and magnificence of the glazed houses could 

 not fail to attract the particular attention of Mr Hay ; 

 and the accompanying plans and descriptions are from 

 sketches and notes which he took on the spot. 



Plate V. 



Plan of the great Hot-houses at Malmaison. 



A A, Porch entrances, by which the plants are taken into 

 and out of the houses. 



B B, &c. The stoves for tender exotic plants, the number 

 and variety of which are great. A few of the more 

 tender greenhouse plants are also kept here. 



C, The greenhouse. 



D E, From D to E is an inclining plane. At E it falls 

 to the depth of seven or eight feet. It was at this 

 time unoccupied ; but it seems probable that tall green- 

 house plants in pots or boxes are placed on the inclined 

 line, according to the height of the respective plants. 

 It is quite possible that it may also serve as a passage 

 to the furnaces. 



F, Grand entrance to the back range of hot-houses. See 

 the section at g. 



G, The conservatory. 



