STRUCTURES FOR BULBOUS PLANTS. 



137 



for the double purpose of keeping the roots of the plants moist and cool 

 while they are in flower, and more especialy when they are making 

 their young leaves, which is the most critical period of their growth ; for 

 unless these be fully developed, the chance of having fine flowers, if any, 

 will be small. This table is also required to be rendered capable of 

 holding water, because the bulbs, when in a dormant state, are intended 

 to be deposited underneath, in the cavities at and it vvould be 

 much too damp for this purpose if the spilt water only from the pots 

 above it were allowed to fall. The water that may not pass off by evapo- 

 ration from this platform should be emptied, by having one or two pipes 

 through which it would pass to the drains under the house. 



The platform between the footpaths and sides of the house, are for the 

 smaller kinds of bulbous plants, such as Ixiu^ Oxalis^ and Alstroemeria. 

 Such a house as this might be completely heated by the common smoke 

 flues, or hot water pipes : the situation for either to be under the side 

 platforms. 



Should such a house be considered too large, or the situation not be 

 favourable for one upon this principle, the accompanying diagram may be 



considered a good substitute. The breadth of this house may be ten or 

 twelve feet, seven feet and a half in height over the footpath, having a water- 

 tight platform, as above described, for the reception of the larger species 

 of bulbs ; and a front platform, over the flue, for those of a smaller gro^^th. 

 The space under the larger platform at a, is intended for the reception of 

 plants when in a dormant state. 



