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Rustic Adornments. 
Whatever the dimensions of a conservatory, or the particular taste of the 
owner, it should be so constructed that plants will not only live but thrive 
in it. Architects and builders have a fine talent for raising imposing glass 
edifices in which nothing will live that is worth the having. Ye who happen 
to be “in the hands” of any of these useful functionaries, beware ! None but 
a grower of plants can fairly forecast in architectural lines all that plants 
require. The architect will, perhaps, design a temple with massive pillars and 
pediment, or a mosque with glass domes, and call it a conservatory. But if 
never a plant of any kind, except it may be of the kind known as “ mildew,” 
will thrive in it, what is the gain, or rather, what is the loss ? Architects’ 
conservatories are frequently met with, and almost without exception they are 
such as no plant-grower could ever attempt to grow a plant in, except under 
the compulsion of obedience to an employer, and that obedience strongly 
tinctured with an honourable desire to please. We could name many examples 
in illustration of the general unfitness of architects and builders to construct 
conservatories, but we forbear for reasons that will be understood. 
As a rule, the larger the conservatory the better. This rule, however, must 
be seasoned with several grains of salt. A great cold place poorly furnished 
would not afford the gratification of a smaller structure well kept and showing 
abundance of 
" Exotic beauty, warm and snug.” 
One good reason for building a large house is, that with proper heating apparatus 
it can be kept at a proper temperature in winter more easily than a small 
house ; with proper ventilation the same may be accomplished with equal ease 
in summer. To put this consideration in a nutshell, the smaller the house the 
more is it subject to the alternations of temperature that prevail without, and 
the maintenance of an equable temperature is one of the most important aids 
towards success in plant-growing. As to the consumption of fuel, the larger 
the house the less is the cost proportionately; and the same may be said as to 
the cost of labour. We say nothing of the advantages of broad clean walks, 
a sweet moving atmosphere, and the nobler plants that are available for 
furnishing, except that, if we are cramped for room, we cannot have 
them at all. 
A few other remarks demand attention yet. A conservatory should be 
substantial, elegant, and light. It is no difficult matter to put up shading, 
but it is impossible to let in more light than the unshaded glass will give. 
