98 
Before proceeding with our remarks, it may be well to ob- 
serve, that we do not wish it to be inferred that the simple 
structures about to be recommended should altogether supersede 
the old-fashioned pits or frames in the extensive gardening 
establishments of our nobility. Our aim is to enable the pro- 
prietors of small gardens, by more moderate expenditure, to 
enjoy many of the luxuries of their wealthier neighbours ; and 
if, under such circumstances, they cannot quite compete with 
them, at least to closely follow them in fair and honourable 
rivalry : this much as an argument. We now proceed to show 
our objections to some existing structures of this kind. 
The ordinary moveable frames. We would first suggest 
that these are too cumbrous for the general purposes of the ama- 
teur, or owner of a small garden. Such are generally formed 
into what are termed one, two, and three-light boxes. They 
are very expensive in their original construction, and being, 
where of good size, rather unwieldy, no sooner become half- 
worn, than they show a tendency to fall to pieces by their own 
weight. We are of opinion that such can never prove economical 
if measuring above three feet in width, by about seven feet in 
length; or, in other words, being what would be termed a very 
small two-light box. The ventilation, moreover, of these cum- 
brous affairs, is conducted, we conceive, on an erroneous prin- 
ciple. When half-worn, their joints become considerably loos- 
ened ; and many and frequent are the breakages of glass when 
in this state, through the mere process of giving air. They are 
also very unmanageable for locomotive purposes, generally re- 
quiring four persons to remove them. Again, they are only 
adapted to face the south — at least, such is the general usage 
with regard to them, and we shall presently show that there are 
numerous occasions in which it will be found expedient to de- 
part from this rule. Another serious fault is, that their width 
prevents the due co-operation of the linings of fermenting mate- 
rials, which it is sometimes necessary to apply in very severe 
weather. Lastly ; they are but an awkward structure at best, 
especially for the amateur, who performs many of the necessary 
operations with his own hands. We come now to what is termed 
The Brick-built Pit. We need scarcely say that these are 
fixtures; and, certainly, when contrived so as to form a decided 
part of a forcing plant-house system, with some determinate 
