248 



THE FLOWER GROWER'S GUIDE. 



higher roofs arc necessary, and this means a greater expense in the heating arrange- 

 ments as well as in fuel, while many of the plants would have to be grown farther away 

 from the glass than is good for them. There need be no limit to the length, but a span- 

 roofed house 50 feet long would hold a good collection of plants. Avoid flat roofs, as 

 these are not so durable as those with a sharper angle, and there is more drip from the 

 former than is good for most plants on which it falls. If the supporting walls are 

 30 inches high, and the side-lights resting on them 3 feet high, the central ridge may be 

 12 feet high, measuring from the door sill. 



Much lighter rafters arc used than formerly, and in some instances they are dis- 



Fig. 114. Span-eoofed Plant Stove. 



pensed with altogether, central iron standards and moderately stout sash-bars, with two 

 purlins and cross-bars, meeting the case. Fig. 114 is an illustration of a house designed 

 and built by Messrs. Messenger, of Loughborough, somewhat on the lines just indicated. 

 It is essentially useful, and of a neat, pleasing appearance. External ornamentation 

 can be indulged in to any desired extent, but it should never be at the sacrifice of 

 internal utility. In construction the best red deal should always be used, and no flat 

 surfaces on which water can lodge permitted. For the ends and sides 15-oz. glass may 

 be used, but 21-oz. glass is needed for the roofs. Glaze without top putty, and other- 

 wise treat as advised in the hints upon the construction of greenhouses (page 132). 



