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CHAPTER V. 
CULTIVATION IN HOTHOUSES. 
The beautiful fern-houses of Mr. Backhouse, of York, 
would inspire any one, who had ample means at his com- 
mand, with the desire of possessing such an object of 
beauty, and we are not astonished to learn that large 
numbers are being erected annually, in connection both 
with botanic and private gardens, and in the grounds of 
nurserymen. 
In erecting such a house, a low site should be selected, 
in order that a fountain may be secured, and pipes sup- 
plied with water without requiring an enormous eleva- 
tion for the reservoir. Good thick walls of brick or 
stone will be required, and a well- drained floor. The 
rock work must next be raised, and should be formed of 
masses of freestone or limestone, blocks covered with 
moss and lichens being preferred if attainable. Tree- 
roots and stumps are not desirable, as they become in- 
fested with fungi, and soon rot away. The rock-work 
should be firmly built, the inner parts filled in with 
small stones, leaving openings enough to hold sufficient 
soil for the nourishment of the ferns, and so disposing 
the large stones as to hide the waterpipes, but not render 
approach to them impossible in case of accidents. Un- 
