2 



On Climate, $c. 



be conversant with the constitution of soils, but, as it aspires 

 to the preservation and propagation of exotic vegetation, it 

 necessarily embraces the consideration of varieties of climate : 

 and it labours, by art, to assimilate the confined space of its 

 operations to that constitution of atmosphere which is most 

 congenial to its charge, or to protect them at different periods 

 of their growth from sudden changes of weather which would 

 be detrimental to their health. Experience has anticipated 

 theoretical knowledge in suggesting various artifices, by 

 which these ends may be effected; a connected view of 

 which has never, I believe, been attempted ; but may prove 

 to be not without interest and utility. The suggestions of 

 experience may probably enlarge the conclusions of theory, 

 while it is not impossible that the improved state of the 

 latter, may be found to furnish some assistance to the former. 



The science of Horticulture, with regard to climate, will 

 be best considered in two divisions : the first comprises the 

 methods of mitigating the extremes, or exalting the energies, 

 of the natural climate in the open air ; the second embraces 

 the more difficult means of composing and maintaining a 

 confined atmosphere, whose properties may assimilate with 

 those of the natural atmosphere in intertropical latitudes. I 

 shall commence my observations with the former. 



The basis of the atmosphere has been proved to be of the 

 same chemical composition in all the regions of the globe. 

 All the varieties of climate will therefore be found to depend 

 upon the modifications impressed upon it by light, heat, and 

 moisture, and over these, art has obtained, even in the open 

 air, a greater influence than at first sight would appear to be 

 possible. By judicious management, the climate of our 



