538 



THE PRACTICAL GARDENER. 



where such exist. They might also be laid in cellular flues, 

 built as cellular walls. The most complete mode, however, 

 is to have three parallel ranges of steam-pipes of small dia- 

 meter, communicating laterally by cocks. Then, when the 

 smallest degree of heat is wanted, let the steam circulate 

 through one range of pipes only ; when a greater is required, 

 open the cocks, which communicate with the second range; 

 and, when the utmost degree is wanted, let all the three ranges 

 be filled with steam." This plan has been adopted by Messrs. 

 Loddigc, at Hackney, and is, we beheve, chiefly the arrange- 

 ment of Mr. G. Loddige. 



As a means of heating upon an extensive scale, we perfectly 

 agree with the most strenuous advocates for steam, as being 

 the most convenient carrier of heat, as well as of its equality 

 of distribution. We are also confident, that nothing injurious 

 to the most tender parts of vegetation ever proceeds from 

 steam, and that fruits and plants may be grown or cultivated 

 in houses heated by steam, as well as in those heated by any 

 other means, provided the general management be equally 

 good in every other respect. 



But, that steam is the most simple method of heating hot- 

 houses, or that it is more economical, either in point of fuel 

 or erection, we are far from being singular in discrediting; 

 neither do we think that there is any saving in labour. If 

 ashes and coals be distributed to ten or twelve different fur- 

 naces, they are generally placed in such places that the deli- 

 cate eye seldom visits ; few, we believe, excepting the opera- 

 tives, visit the back sheds of their gardens, where such un- 

 sightly objects are to be met with ; but we have seen such 

 places kept as clean and neat as the interior of many hot- 

 houses often are. We think the necessary care and attention, 

 on the part of the gardener, as much required in attending 

 the boiler and steam apparatus, as in attending to any number 

 of fires necessary to heat an equal space, provided the fur- 

 naces and flues be properly constructed. The chimney-tops 

 objected to (although not always the case) often are and might 

 easily be made ornamental, as vases, &c., rather than other- 

 wise ; and if any degi'ee of taste be exercised in their forma- 

 tion and distribution, they become ornamental, taking off' that 



