980 



THE PRACTICAL GARDENER. 



extent, would have furnished us with an example of how far this 

 idea is capable of being carried. 



Like all other structures for the habitation of plants, much 

 has been said regarding their construction, in reference to 

 their extent, form, the materials of which they should be 

 formed, &c. 



Of the latter, we have already, in the Introduction to the 

 Forcing Garden, given our opinion in favor of wood supe- 

 rior to that of any other substitute hitherto used; we will, 

 therefore, now proceed to consider their situation, construc- 

 tion, &c. 



SITUATION OF THE CONSERVATORY. 



The conservatory is sometimes placed in the pleasure ground, 

 either attached to other hot-houses, or wholly apart, as the 

 large dome-house at Britton-Hall, the seat of Col. Beaumont ; 

 and it is sometimes attached to the mansion, as at the Grange, 

 the seat of A. Baring, Esq., M.P., where it may be said to 

 form a part, both ornamental and useful. When attached to 

 the mansion, it forms a lounge or promenade, at such seasons 

 as the proprietor or his family could not so conveniently reach 

 it, if situated at a distance ; and it not unfrequently occurs, 

 that it may be placed at certain points of a mansion with 

 considerable architectural effect, as in the case last alluded to. 



Whether the conservatory be placed immediately joining the 

 house, or detached, it is important for the welfare of the 

 plants cultivated in it that the situation be good, as far ai> 

 regards exposure to the sun ; for although the majority of 

 exotic plants will thrive with a much less portion of sun-shine 

 than is willingly allowed by many, still, when all circumstances 

 will admit of it, a southern exposure is to be preferred. 



The annexed engraving is a sketch of the conservatory 

 above alluded to, the roof of which is wholly composed of 

 metal and glass, the lights of wrought-iron rims and copper 

 bars, being supported by cast-iron rafters, communicating with 

 gutters or spouts of the same materials. This magnificent 

 structure is about one hundred feet in length by fifty in breadth, 

 the oricrinal design of which was furnished by C. P. Cockerell, 



