SUBURBAN GARDENING. 



S25 



ground-line, paving- throughout had better he re- 

 sorted to, and the climbers be planted in slate tubs. 



Heat. — The artificial heating of the structure 

 itself, as pre\uously hinted at in a foregoing chapter, 

 might with ease be effected by connection with the 

 kitchen boiler, when that article of daily use is of 

 sufficient power ; if otherwise, a small gas boiler 

 outside of the building would answer the purpose. 

 Three-inch hot-water pipes would be sutficiently 

 large for all purposes in a small building, provided 

 the quantity used is liberal in proportion to the size 

 of the house. These should be arranged against the 

 exterior walls, if possible, not carried along the back 

 wall, as is oftentimes done in small structures. In 

 the former manner the heated air will be better dis- 

 seminated into the surrounding atmosphere, and 

 likewise keep out more cold frosty air from the 

 most exposed j)ositions. A self -registering ther- 

 mometer is strongly advised, as affording reliable 

 data to work upon in regulating the heating power 

 during the night. For this purpose a minimum in- 

 strument, i.e., one that records the lowest tempera- 

 ture, is the one to use; whilst for recording the 

 highest range of the glass during the day, a maximum 

 would be tbe one to select. We advise both to be 

 used, but more especially the former. They are 

 made in combination, but the proper working of this 

 kind is very liable to get out of order and mislead 

 even those who are well experienced in such matters. 

 These thermometers should be prevented from being 

 unduly run up, and thus recording a higher tempe- 

 rature than is really existing. This is caused by the 

 sun shining direct on to the tube containing the 

 mercury or spirit, as the case may be. To prevent 

 the occurrence of this, a thin casing of wood to 

 screen the instrument from the direct action of the 

 sun would be effectual. 



Ventilation. — It is necessary to remark that 

 some discretion is required in the management of 

 this, one of the most particular points of detail in 

 successful culture. During cold weather, with a 

 prevalence of either north or easterly winds, but 

 little ventilation will be required, and the air then 

 admitted should be given in such a way as to avoid 

 the possible injury that might accrue during this 

 state of the weather. Do not admit any air where 

 the full force of the wind will be likely to enter the 

 house and exhaust the vitality of the plants by the 

 sudden lowering of the temperature. During warm 

 summer weather, a little air should be left on all 

 night, and arranged so that a free circulation is 

 secured. The plants will thus recoup themselves, 

 and their vitality will be strengthened against the 

 possible strain they may have to endure thi-ough a 



period of hot weather. During both spring anrl 

 autumn, when there is no danger apprehended oi 

 any morning frost, a littie chink of air will be bene- 

 ficial to the occupants of the house at night. 



The ventilation should be arranged for at the top 

 of the house, by means of flap-lights to lift up, or, 

 in case of a span-roof structure, by lighoi that are 

 hung on a pivot in a lantern roof. This latter, how- 

 ever, is a more expensive mode of procedure, whilst 

 the former can be adapted to either style. Sliding 

 lights are not to be recommended at all, although 

 they are much used. During rainy weather more 

 attention is needed in drawing them up, and the 

 working gear is more liable to get deranged. Tne 

 arrangement for the admission of air in the front 

 should be by lights hung on hinges to the lower side 

 of the plate that carries the ruof. A few air-bricks 

 also will allow for a considerable amount of air to 

 pass into the house, and, when possible, these should 

 be fixed on a level with the hot- water pipes. The 

 staging on which to stand the plants should be 

 arranged to suit taste and convenience, provided it is 

 not at an inordinate distance from the glass. 



In the event of no greenhouse having been built, 

 and provided the possession is by lease or yearly 

 tenancy, what is termed a " tenant's fixture " would 

 afford an excellent substitute for a more permanent 

 structure, with bricks and mortar for the foundation. 

 The "tenant's fixture" is entirely composed of wood 

 and glass, resting on a solid bottom, and thus re- 

 movable at pleasure. This kind of house is fre- 

 quently seen advex'tised, and the price at which they 

 are produced is astonishingly low for the work there 

 is in them. There would be in such a house an 

 abundant source of pleasure, to be derived in the 

 cultivation of at least a few plants of comparatively 

 easy growth. One precaution, however, would need 

 to be taken when dealing with this kind of building, 

 and that is, to look well after the painting of the 

 lower portions that are within close proximity to the 

 ground ; else decay will in all probability soon sot 

 in, all the sooner if in contact with the ground itself. 



Vine Culture. — We have previously reverted 

 to the cultivation of climbing plants as affording a 

 means of shading, and in our last article we also 

 hinted at vine culture. Should the latter be 

 chosen, the climbing plants would not be required. 

 If any one can devote a fair amount of time — not 

 necessarily to any great extent — we would certainly 

 advise vine culture to be attempted. We do not by 

 this mean to go to any considerable expense with all 

 the accessories of first-class culture, but to endeavour 

 to produce a few grapes in a'? simple a manner as 

 possible, and with the least possible expense too. It 

 is astonishing how well vines do thrive at times 



