244 
ON THE CONSTRUCTION AND HEATING OF 
HOT-HOUSES, 
WITH A REMARK OR TWO ON THE PROBABLE COST OF THEIR ERECTION. 
Every person about to erect a hot-bouse, bas, previous to tbe work being 
entered upon, to consider well four subjects, viz : — 
First, Tbe purpose for whicb tbe intended bouse is to be used, wbicb will 
determine tbe situation and aspect. 
Secondly, Tbe principle on wbicb it sball be built ; tbis includes tbe form of 
tbe bouse, the mode of heating, and the manner of ventilation. 
Thirdly, Tbe probable cost of erection, and tbe best means of doing it as reason- 
ably as possible. And, 
Fourthly, The season when it will require tbe most light, which will determine 
tbe angle, or slope of the roof. 
First. — With regard to tbe purpose for which the intended bouse is to be used, 
tbe following things are necessary to be known : — 
If the house is intended for early forcing, tbe products are wanted at a season 
when there is little sun, the situation should be warm and sheltered ; the foundation 
perfectly dry, and, if not so naturally, made so by good drainage ; the aspect due 
south, and tbe roof fully exposed to the rays of tbe sun, without interruption from 
sunrise to sunset. 
If the house is intended for the general growth of stove -plants, a south aspect 
is indispensable to grow tbe plants to perfection. 
If for Orchidea, either south, south-east, or east will do ; indeed these plants will 
grow in almost any aspect, if they can be supplied with tbe requisite proportions of 
light, shade, heat, and moisture. 
If for a greenhouse or conservatory, a south aspect is preferable, but south-east 
or south-west answers very well, and even due east, but in the last case, tbe plants 
grown must be all bard-wooded, as Clethras, Camellias, Oranges, &c., for all soft- 
wooded plants invariably grow very weakly in such places. 
If for an orangery, an eastern aspect answers well, and we have seen oranges 
thrive well on a western, but a south-east or east is to be preferred. 
In all tbe above situations it is indispensable that tbe foundation be well 
drained, as any stagnant water will be pernicious, and partially, if not wholly, defeat 
the purpose intended in the erection. 
Secondly. — The principle on which it shall be built : — Of tbe first part of tbis 
(tbe form of tbe house) little can be definitely said. Tbe form will depend much 
upon the situation in whicb it is built, the structure of tbe surrounding buildings, 
