324 FORCING DEPARTMENT. 



is, however, of a still more recent invention ; and for 

 its successful application to horticultural buildings, 

 we are indebted to William Atkinson, Esq. who has 

 devoted much time and attention to the constructing 

 and heating of Hot-Houses. This Gentleman, being 

 much attached to horticultural pursuits, has erected 

 in his own Garden, at Grove End, St. John's Wood, 

 several extensive ranges of Hot-Houses, whereby he 

 is enabled to prove the efficiency of his experiments, 

 at the same time that he gratifies his taste. 



The simplicity of the hot water apparatus, com- 

 bined with the steady and congenial heat produced 

 from it, will always render this mode of heating 

 Hot-Houses the most appropriate for general pur- 

 poses; in short, I scarcely think it is likely to be 

 ever superseded by any other application, of what- 

 ever form or construction. There is, no doubt, but 

 that time will suggest various alterations in the boilers 

 and pipes ; but the application of the water is not 

 likely to be dispensed with, as it must be generally 

 acknowledged, that the heat produced by hot water 

 is more congenial to vegetation, and of a less arid 

 nature than that given out from smoke flues, or the 

 steam apparatus. The principal advantages that 

 the hot water pipes have over the two latter methods, 

 are their longer retention of heat, less consumption of 

 fuel, and their requiring much less attendance. I may, 

 however, here observe, that, notwithstanding the 

 above advantages, several complaints have already 

 appeared against this system, occasioned, no doubt, 

 by constructing the pipes, &c. on an erroneous prin- 

 ciple. Every practical Gardener will admit, that 



