240 



TKE CONSERVATORY. 



two small portable engines, that may be used by a lady with the greatest 

 ease : they are placed in a pail, or common w^atering-pot of water, and dis- 

 charge their stream from a powerful current to a gentle dew-fall. The 

 same ingenious engineer has also invented another useful engine for 

 similar purposes, which is fixed in a six-gallon tub, or vessel. By this 

 engine, a column of water may be throw^n to a distance of from forty or 

 fifty feet. The valves of this latter machine being of soUd metal, 

 it can never get out of repair, at least for many years, if not wan- 

 tonly or carelessly destroyed. Either of these we should say is 

 indispensable in a Conservatory, and is neither of them expensive to 

 purchase. 



With the exception of climbing plants, we should prefer to see all others 

 grown in boxes, tubs, vases, or pots, according to their various sizes, 

 kinds, and habits. 



Much judgment is required in the judicious selection of Conservatory 

 plants, and it will be found that a much happier effect can be produced 

 by a well chosen few than by a heterogeneous mixture of many species. 

 If the intention be to have a profusion of bloom through as long a period 

 of the year as possible, then fine, free-flowering kinds, not of very robust 

 habits, should be chosen, and these which flower early in spring, through 

 the summer, autumn, and even in winter, should be studied. Too many 

 of one genus should not be introduced, as producing much less variety, 

 neither should too many of anyJparticular colour be admitted, for the very 

 same reason. Great attention should be paid to procure, in the first instance, 

 as perfect specimens as possible, and that these should be kept in that 

 state by being allowed plenty of room, and frequently turned tow^ards the 

 points from which most light proceeds. Some discrimination is also 

 necessary in their arrangement, so that all deUcate and sun-loving plants 

 be placed in front, while those that can dispense with solar influence for 

 a longer period, or can accommodate themselves to its partial absence, 

 should be placed in the rear, middle, or in those situations farthest from 

 the light. An attention to cleanliness is absolutely necessary, even for 

 the welfare of the plants, independently of the appearance of the house. 

 All deceased, sickly, or deformed plants should be excluded from this 

 kind of structure, and the very operations of watering, cleansing, and 

 arranging should be carried on early in the morning, or late in the evening, 

 so that during the day the whole may produce at all times a perfect 

 whole, and be as fit for the inspection of the owner as his drawing-r jom 

 or picture-gallery. 



