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apparatus, well constructed, the application of per- 

 forated pipes, or a shallow gutter added to the under 

 pipe running in front of the structure, would furnish 

 a command of humidity whenever requisite. 



In our variable and dark climate it is found neces- 

 sary to have at command a greater degree of bottom 

 heat than top heat, particularly in the shortest days of 

 winter ; the same holds good for top heat in light arid 

 weather ; a full command of this essential should be 

 at hand, and easy of command in both compartments, 

 to assist nature whenever requisite. The system of 

 obtaining bottom heat from fermenting materials, we 

 entirely condemn for pine culture ; the tank, or gutter 

 system of bottom heating is equally objectionable, for 

 placing the plunging materials on the top of the tank 

 is obviously wrong in principle, and must also be a 

 great waste of heat by absorption and confinement ; 

 besides its subjection to as sudden fluctuation as the 

 old principle, particularly where the tank or gutter 

 system is depended on, in a great measure, at all sea- 

 sons, for heating the internal atmosphere as well. 

 Every practical man must be well aware how subject 

 the atmosphere, soil, plunging materials, and the 

 whole interior of the structure, must be, under certain 

 circumstances, to sourness, dryness, sudden stagna- 

 tion, &c, upon such a principle in our variable 

 climate. We are advocates for the heated air system 

 of applying both bottom and top heat, when fully 



