979 



THE 



GREEN-HOUSE AND CONSERVATORY. 



INTRODUCTION. 



The green-house and conservatory may be defined to be 

 garden structures, dedicated to the exclusive cuhivation of 

 ornamental plants, and are considered as the highest grade of 

 horticultural erections. The former is distinguished from the 

 latter by having all the plants portable, and generally placed 

 on stages ; whereas, in the latter, the major part are planted 

 out permanently in beds or borders prepared for them. In 

 the former, the plants are for the most part kept small, and 

 in a flowering state, by frequent propagations ; the end in 

 view being more the production of abundant bloom than a 

 display of the natural characters of the plants. In the latter, 

 the natural habits of many plants may be developed, while at 

 the same time the eye is delighted with a profusion of blossom 

 in all its natural splendor, and the air perfumed with exotic 

 fragrance. The former of these structures is by far the most 

 ancient, and was known in this country in the seventeenth 

 century, or even before that date. The latter is, however, of 

 far more modern date, and, as a prominent character, pos- 

 sesses the advantage of being constructed on a more extended 

 scale. Indeed, so much so, that several acres might be co- 

 vered with glass, and specimens of that scenery displayed at 

 home, which can only be enjoyed by those who visit more tem- 

 perate climates. Several structures of considerable magnitude 

 have been erected in this country; and one attempt, which 

 unfortunately failed, (we mean the projected oriental garden 

 at Brighton,) of carrying this species of building to its greatest 



