§ IX. THE HOT-HOUSES. 



There are five hot-houses in the Museum, each 

 of which has its peculiar destination. The 

 largest is situated at the upper end of the botanic 

 garden, and is sheltered on the north by the small 

 hill. The entrance is at the head of the horse- 

 chesnut avenue, through a small court, where 

 the most curious plants are exposed in warm 

 weather : on the left is a court still smaller, 

 containing hot-beds and frames for such as re- 

 quire an elevated temperature and particular 

 care, especially when young ; and a cabinet for 

 the use of the head gardener, where he renews 

 the pots. 



This hot-house consists of three distinct parts ; 

 one above, to which an exterior flight of steps 

 conducts through a porch with double glass- 

 doors ; a second, 5 feet lower, in advance of 

 the first, and separated from it by glazed sashes, 

 which is entered through the gardener's cabinet ; 

 and a third in front of the preceding, but of less 

 extent, which communicates with them by an 



