EMBELLISHMENTS. 
387 
state of the weather, prevents in a great measure many 
persons, and especially females, from taking exercise in 
the open air. To such, the conservatory would be an 
almost endless source of enjoyment and amusement ; and 
if they are true amateurs, of active exertion also. The 
constant changes which daily growth and development 
bring about in vegetable forms, the interest we feel in the 
opening of a favorite cluster of buds, or the progress of the 
thrifty and luxuriant shoots of a rare plant, are such as 
serve most effectually to prevent an occupation of this 
nature from ever becoming monotonous or ennuyant. 
The difference between the green-house and conserva- 
tory is, that in the former, the plants are all kept in pots 
and arranged on stages, both to meet the eye agreeably, 
and for more convenient growth ; while in the conservatory , 
the plants are grown in a bed or border of soil precisely as 
in the open air. 
When either of these plant habitations is to be attached 
to the house, the preference is greatly in favor of the 
conservatory. The plants being allowed more room, have 
richer and more luxuriant foliage, and grow and flower 
in a manner altogether superior to those in pots. The 
allusion to nature is also more complete in the case of 
plants growing in the ground ; and from the objects all 
being on the same level, and easily accessible, they are 
with more facility kept in that perfect nicety and order 
which an elegant plant-house should always exhibit. 
On the other hand, the green-house will contain by far 
the largest number of plants, and the same may be more 
easily changed or renewed at any time ; so that for a 
"'articular taste, as that of a botanical amateur, who wishes 
to grow a great number of species in a small space, the 
