THE FORCING GARDEN. 



547 



inches. Four pits, each one hundred feet in length, and 

 placed in two ranges parallel to each other, the back range 

 being elevated, so that the front one should not shade it, which 

 might be readily done by forming the ground upon which they 

 are built as an inclined plane, one boiler placed in the middle 

 between them, and having a course of pipes entering each pit 

 from the boiler, and each making a circuit of a pit, and re- 

 turning again to the boiler ; or one pipe, of a larger diameter, 

 night enter at the front of each of the two back pits, and ex- 

 tend to the farthest end, where they might make an elbow 

 turn, or discharge into a reservoir, which, containing a body 

 of heated water, would increase the temperature sufficiently 

 for most purposes, and return by another, immediately below 

 it, to the boiler. The others to enter at the back of the front 

 range of pits, and make the same revolution as the others. 



Thus, by one fire, four hundred feet of pits, averaging six 

 feet in width, might be brought into use at little expense or 

 trouble; and in them, a gardener of moderate attainments 

 might produce a competent share of all the vegetable luxuries, 

 that are to be met w^ith, or wished for, at the tables of the 

 great. These pits should be in divisions of three or four 

 lights each ; and such as are most remote from the boiler, 

 should be occupied with radishes, salads of all sorts, sea-kale, 

 asparagus, and such things as require the least degree of heat ; 

 and next to them should stand forced flowers, strawberries, 

 young pine plants, &c. ; and nearest to the boiler should be 

 grown French beans, melons, cucumbers, &c. For a greater 

 command of heat, the pipes may be larger next the boiler, or 

 two pipes may be used, and afterwards united into one, at a 

 cei-tain distance ; from which a sufficient degi'ee of heat would 

 be given for any vegetable that is cultivated in these struc- 

 tures. In such cases, the boiler should be enclosed in a 

 separate space, covered over with a boarded top, instead of 

 a glass one, which would be less liable to be broken ; and, 

 by being a non-conductor of heat, would therefore more readily 

 prevent its escape. 



The smoke might easily be made to pass off, so as not to 

 affect the plants in the pits ; and the whole pit-ground might 



