228 CULTIVATION. 



to it should lead through a shrubbery of the most 

 elegant hardy plants carried up to the entrance 

 at one end, and continued in the same manner 

 beyond the entrance at the other ; the plants 

 within the house being disposed on either hand 

 in the same way. The advantage of this dispo- 

 sition of the plants without and within the house, 

 is to give the idea of an extensive vista or cres- 

 cent of rare vegetable beauties : and, by passing 

 through the midst of them, to have opportunity 

 of examining every one of the collection to the 

 right and left, consecutively. Such a disposition 

 may not be in all cases practicable ; nor is it abso- 

 lutely necessary ; but when it can, it should be 

 done. Buildings, and particularly horticultural 

 buildings, require to be backed, flanked, and 

 otherwise accompanied by trees and verdure, so 

 as they are not too much shaded. If standing 

 on a naked base, they look cheerless, and exposed, 

 besides always imposing on the attention when- 

 ever in sight. 



As the magnitude of living specimens is the 

 main purpose of a conservatory, a select number 



