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-house, has, previous to the work being 
entered upon, to consider well four subjects, viz : — 
First, The purpose for which the intended house is to be used, which will 
determine the situation and aspect. 
Secondly, The principle on which it shall be built ; this includes the form of 
the house, the mode of heating-, and the manner of ventilation. 
Thirdly, The probable cost of erection, and the best means of doing it as reason- 
ably as possible. And, 
Fourthly, The season when it will require the most light, which will determine 
the angle, or slope of the roof. 
First. — With regard to the purpose for which the intended house is to be used, 
the following things are necessary to be known :— 
If the house is intended for early forcing, the 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 the roof fully exposed to the rays of the 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 the 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 the 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, the plants 
grown must be all hard-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 the above situations it is indispensable that the 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 the first part of this 
(the form of the house) little can be definitely said. The form will depend much 
upon the situation in which it is built, the structure of the surrounding buildings ? 
