526 



THE GARDENER'S ASSISTANT. 



as to form an enjoyable promenade in all 

 weathers. At the same time it must be ad- 

 mitted that the cultural requirements of the 

 plants are not easily provided in many conser- 

 vatories, which are often dark, dismal, heavy- 

 looking structures, erected by architects who 

 know nothing of horticultural art, and wholly 

 unsuited either for the cultivation or preserva- 

 tion of plants. 



Doubtless it is often difficult to combine in 

 one structure the requirements of both architect 

 and gardener, but at least the necessities of 

 plant life should be so far met, that the building, 

 however imposing, may not be converted into 

 a vegetable charnel-house. Before, therefore, 

 determining either the character or the most 

 appropriate site for the erection, the designer 

 should make himself fully acquainted with 

 the capabilities of the position, having in view 

 not only the general effect but the no less im- 

 portant point of suitability of aspect. Much 

 depends upon the style of the mansion and 

 its surroundings; and every place will present 

 features peculiar to itself which must be care- 

 fully studied. Either a south, south-east, or 

 south-west aspect is the most desirable, on 

 account of admitting the greatest amount of 

 light, especially in winter, when plants, whether 

 in bloom or not, require all the light possible. 

 Without abundance of light, indeed, their healthy 

 preservation is impossible. [For details of the 

 construction of the conservatory see chapter 

 xvii, p. 199.] 



Another point which is by no means unim- 

 portant is to guard against the near proximity 

 of large trees, for these not only obstruct direct 

 light and sunshine, but by their overhanging 

 shadows throw a general obscurity over the 

 interior. On the other hand, shelter from the 

 north and north-east is most essential, as afford- 

 ing protection from the bitter, cutting winds, 

 which should be shut out by distant plantations 

 when necessary. Should the position be too 

 much shaded for flowering plants, it will be 

 advisable to furnish the house with Ferns, 

 Cordylines, Palms, and such-like plants, which 

 are best able to withstand such conditions. 



To supply the necessary atmospheric heat 

 the pipes of the warming apparatus must be 

 judiciously placed. If the sides of the house 

 are furnished with stone benches or iron 

 shelves, the pipes will be hidden from view 

 by placing them beneath these, otherwise they 

 may be concealed in chambers underneath the 

 pathways, and covered by cast-iron gratings 

 of an open character, through which the heat 



may freely pass upwards into the house. The 

 heating surface should be sufficient to supply 

 a temperature of 50° or 60° during winter, 

 without overheating the pipes, as a mild heat 

 from a moderately heated surface is much more 

 congenial to vegetation than the same amount 

 of heat obtained from one which is heated 

 excessively. As conservatories are kept fur- 

 nished during the winter months with a mixed 

 assortment of plants, including plants in flower, 

 it is necessary to maintain a temperature rang- 

 ing in severe weather between 45° as a mini- 

 mum and 55° as a maximum; this will most 

 suitably meet the requirements of the great 

 majority of plants grown in conservatories. 

 Shading may be necessary during bright sun- 

 shine, but it should only be employed when really 

 needed, and then only just sufficient to inter- 

 cept the direct glare of the sun. For conserva- 

 tories with side-lights of considerable height 

 spring roller-blinds are much the best in every 

 way. 



Turning to interior arrangements, the form 

 and capacity of the house must to a great ex- 

 tent govern the number and position of the 

 walks, which should be bordered by an orna- 

 mental stone edging, and paved with tiles of 

 some kind; they should be sufficiently wide to 

 admit of freedom of movement. A few vases 

 appropriately placed, and furnished with plants, 

 will give both variety and interest. Mirrors 

 may also be used, and when judiciously dis- 

 posed they not only heighten the general effect, 

 but vastly magnify the extent. A fountain or 

 cascade may be admitted, as w T ater always pro- 

 duces a pleasing refreshing effect, more parti- 

 cularly so when in motion; from the roof may 

 be suspended graceful plants growing in baskets. 

 Statuary, if used at all in the interior', should 

 be introduced in moderation, the vestibule 

 being the more appropriate place for it. 



A conservatory that is connected with the 

 mansion should be provided with artificial 

 means of lighting, and with electricity as a 

 lighting medium this is easily managed without 

 danger to the plants. If gas be used there 

 is nothing to surpass the "Sunlight" burner 

 fixed in the apex of the roof, with means 

 of ventilation above, so as to carry off the 

 impure air. The bye-pass arrangement should 

 also be adopted. Gas should not be used at 

 a lower level, otherwise if the plants be higher 

 there will be the risk of injury. As a last 

 resource, candles are better and safer than oil- 

 lamps of any kind, save the most costly and 

 scientifically-constructed ones. 



