51 
Evil Effects of Metallic Hot-hovses. 
In potting the roots, I place them in the pots so that they are covered 
about half an inch deep. After potting them, I place them in a hot-bed 
frame, which is not in a powerful heat. 
When the plants are about two inches high, I remove them into a 
vinery. I give a regular supply of water, so that they are not suffered 
to wither. The beauty of the plants so treated, more than compensates 
for the attention paid. 
I am, &c., 
May 27th, 1831. An Amateur. 
Article III .—On the Evil Effects of Metallic Hot-Houses 
on Vegetation. By Mr. Murtrie, Gardener to 
Viscount Anson, Shugborough-Hall, Staffordshire. 
Gentlemen, 
From the conversation w'e had, respecting Metallic Hot¬ 
houses, when I last had the pleasure of seeing you at Shughorough, 
and as you are desirous to hear all sides of the question, relative to so 
important a topic, I beg to send you the inclosed paper on that sub¬ 
ject, a copy of which, was sent to the London Horticultural Society, 
more than three years since, but never appeared in their Transactions. 
I have not changed my opinion, having seen nothing to induce me to 
do so, nor do I think it probable T ever shall. 
Shughorough, June \Qth, 1831. ^ M. 
To the Secretary of the Horticultural Society. 
Sir, 
I KNOW not whether the following remarks upon Metallic Hot¬ 
houses, will be admissible in your valuable publication; being’conscious 
however, of the importance of the subject, and the necessity there is for 
something to be said upon it immediately, I leave it for you to determine 
whether it comes within the scope of your Transactions, to give it inser¬ 
tion or not. 
The mania for Metallic Hot-houses, seems to be spreading very ra¬ 
pidly, and observing that it has found advocates in some late publications, 
I think that such unreserved praise as it meets with there, from those 
who cannot be supposed to speak from experience, is only calculated to 
mislead the public. 
If the practice of fourteen years, in Hot-houses of the above descrip¬ 
tion, as well as in Pine-pits of the same, may entitle me to give a fair 
opinion of the utility of them, I would recommend those who intend 
erecting such, to pause, and enquire whether the adoption of the plan 
has any other quality to recommend it, than merely the light and elegant 
appearance it presents to the eye. 
H 2 
