270 
THE FLORAL WORLD AND GARDEN GUIDE. 
raised platform in the centre, and a two and a-lialf feet shelf round 
the sides and ends. It is of more importance to have neat and 
rather low houses for the cultivation of greenhouse plants than for 
those requiring stove temperature, as it is practically impossible 
to insure firm short-jointed wood when the plants are far removed 
from the glass. 
The apex of the roof should be nine feet high, with a sunk walk 
to allow lor head-room, and I would have sashes to the two sides 
fifteen inches deep, resting on a nine- inch brick wall, and the north 
end should be bricked up to the apex of the roof. The other end 
to have a brick wall three feet above ground, except under the centre, 
where the doors would be, and the space above glazed. 
The span-roof is also much the best form for orchard-houses ; 
but, to insure successful results, they require to be from eighteen 
to twenty feet wide, and, if twice or thrice that length, so much the 
better, as the larger they are they are less liable to be influenced by 
change of weather, and maintain a more equal temperature inside. 
Let those, therefore, who are interested in this matter turn their 
attention to it, that the requirements of the subjects we now culti- 
vate have their due share of consideration. It is not enough to 
know that they have merely a glass structure to grow in, for if we 
would see them comfortably housed and cared for, it must be 
suitably constructed, so that they may enjoy the full benefit of air, 
heat, and light, according to their requirements, to insure their 
health and prosperity. 
In the case of forcing-houses, lean-to’s are the best, provided 
they have a south aspect. The proper temperature may be main- 
tained in them during severe weather with less difficulty and cost 
than in any other form. The foliage also wiil be more fully ex- 
posed to the light, and the greatest advantages possible will be 
derived from the sun at a season of the year when every ray is of 
value. The vineries and peach-houses in which the earliest crops 
are brought to maturity should be ten or twelve feet high at the 
back, about three feet high in front, and about ten feet in width. 
Houses for strawberries or cucumbers should be about eight feet in 
height, and the same in width. It is not, however, of much im- 
portance to have lean-to strawberry and encumber houses. Indeed, 
I should advise their being, in all cases, of the span-roof form. The 
most useful houses for the above-mentioned subjects, as well as for 
the cultivation of dwarf-growing plants, such as pelargoniums, 
primulas, and cyclamens for the conservatory are those ten feet in 
width, and seven feet in height at the apex, and about four feet in 
height at the sides. It is desirable in many cases to sink the houses 
two or three feet below the general level, as the temperature can be 
maintained more steadily and with less expense than when they are 
fully exposed to the weather. 
The question of heating would take up too much space, were it 
to be dealt with fully, and I will content myself with saying that 
forcing-houses should have sufficient piping fixed in them to admit 
of the temperature being maintained without having to drive the 
boiler too severely. Orchard-houses and greenhouses may be heated 
