Large Brussels Apricot Tree. 53 
other motive, than a mature conviction of the inutility of it. No man 
in the profession would more gladly hail any approach to improvement 
than I would ; but when I consider its great expense, together with, its 
inconveniences and injurious effects, I am forced to declare, that it is an 
obstruction rather than an improvement to that most important branch 
of Horticulture — the forcing department. I have consulted most of the 
gardeners within my reach, having Metallic Houses, who are all of my 
opinion. Indeed, I am surprised that no article has yet appeared from 
any of them, condemning the system ; and can only account for heitr 
silence by inferring, that they, perhaps, having been smitten by the the- 
ory, (as I confess I was myself,) are unwilling to condemn what they 
had advised their employers to adopt. At the same time that I deny its 
practical superiority over the old-fashioned wood-constructed House, I 
am not insensible to its only merit — its light and elegant appearance; 
and would strongly recommend its adoption in large green-houses, and 
high-roofed conservatories, where ornament is more consulted. To sum 
up my opinion of Metallic Hot-houses in a few words ; — were I sure of 
remaining pernianently as gardener to Lord Anson, and had the offer of 
having a Metal Hot-house made, (supposing another was necessary,) 
I would rather erect a wooden one at my own expense ; so firmly 
am 1 of opinion, that the latter answers every purpose in the forcing 
department, with better effect than the former, even upon the most 
improved plan. 
I am, Sir, 
Shugborouqh Gardens, > Your most obedt. &c. , 
'Feb, 9th, 1827. 5 Wm. M^ Murtrie. 
P.S. The above is a copy from a letter that I sent to Joseph Sabine. 
Esq. Secretary to the London Horticultural Society. 
W. M^ M, 
Note. — Mauy of our Friends, we trust, will come forward on both sides llie 
question : in our September Number we hope to have a paper on the subject, from 
an old experienced Practical Gardener. 
Conductors. 
Article IV. — Account of a large Brussels Apricot Tree. 
By Mr. Deas, Gardener to his Grace the Duke of Nor- 
folk, Arundel Castle, Sussex. 
Gentlemen, 
I BEG to send you an account of a magnificent Brussels Apri- 
cot tree, growing in this garden. 
It was planted in February 1772, where it stands, and for two years 
did not grow above six inches; it is trained against a south aspect flint 
