THE GREEN-HOUSE. 



127 



indeed, is the true test of success in the culture of 

 plants in pots. 



With respect to the arrangement of plants in a 

 conservatory, the general rules are the same as for 

 the green-house ; viz. to place the tallest- growing 

 sorts behind, or towards the back wall or north side 

 of the house, so as to present a sloping surface to 

 the sun. This surface is also best adapted for meet- 

 ing the eye of the spectator in the front path, while 

 in the back path he is under the shade of the higher 

 trees and shrubs. 



But it very frequently happens that a conservatory 

 is placed south and north with a span roof, a walk 

 round the whole, and one up the middle. In this 

 case the higher-growing plants are placed along each 

 side of the middle walk, and lesser ones sloping 

 towards the side walks. The creepers are planted 

 on the props which support the span roof, and which 

 form a sort of groined arcade over the middle walk : 

 this is the situation in which creepers do least injury ; 

 and, in short, this plan, all circumstances considered, 

 is the best for a large conservatory. 



It is a desirable circumstance in a conservatory, to 

 mix evergreens and deciduous sorts together (though, 

 of the latter, only the most beautiful flowerers should 

 be introduced) ; and when this is done, the ever- 

 green shrub should always be contrived to cover the 

 surface under the deciduous tree : at any rate, the 

 contrary practice should never be adopted ; for no- 



