Pebiiuaey 2C. 
COUNTRY GENTLEMAN’S COMPANION. 
380 
the act of respiration, which had been suddenly increased 
by the insect being awakened from its winter sleep. 
]\Ir. Newman read a note requesting information 
concerning a Spider, described by the Rev. R. Sheppard, 
as forming a kind of raft on which it floats about in 
search of prey in the ditches of Norfolk. (Kirby and 
S[)euce Introd. Vol. 1). He also read a note on the 
Silk Spider in St. Helena, from Foster’s Voyage. Also, 
descriptions of five new species of insects (two Beetles, 
one Butterfly, and two Flies), from Morton Bay, North 
Australia, collected by Mr. Gibbon. 
IMr. Stainton read some remarks as to the most 
eflicient methods of promoting the study of Entomology, 
suggesting the especial advantage of observers confining 
their attention to single families or genera. 
ORCHARD-PIOUSES. 
A Gentleman, signing himself “ One of the fibst 
Subscribers to The Cottage Gardener,” desires my 
opinion as to Orchard-houses, and thinks that I might 
step in and offer an opinion, as to whether A, or B, or 
C, are right. I will here endeavour to say something 
about them ; but without, for a moment, expecting to 
settle the question ; as it has been already in hands which 
should know how to write efficiently upon the subject. 
Moreover, it is very probable, that the great goddess of 
Fashion, whose power is felt over every new notion, will, 
for the first half-dozen years, rule the question, after 
which it may, as is very usual, fall into the hands of 
Common Sense. 
It is not unlikely, that some of our readers who feel 
warmly on the subject might desire to see a battle of 
opinions on this affair ; hut the worst of it is, that this 
seldom benefits any parties but the stationers. Messrs. 
Fish, Ferguson, and Rivers, have, I am aware, said a good 
deal about Orchard-houses; but 1 must confess to such a 
light reading of their papers, as by no means qualifies 
me to advert to their points; and, indeed, it is some¬ 
times a not-very-pleasant task for a writer to be obliged 
to read his owti copy. But I will, at least, deal with a 
few of what I consider the prime features in the affair; 
and I would beg to direct attention to the different phases 
in which the subject ought, as I think, to he viewed. 
1. Will such houses pay their way ? 
2. Will they succeed permanently? 
3. Is any special preparation requisite in order to 
carry out a successful course of culture? 
As to paying the cost of building, labour, &c., I sup- 
])Ose w'o must lay aside all commercial ideas, and place 
the Orchard-house in the category of ordinary gardening 
matters; and, indeed, how is it likely that the whims 
of gardening should ever produce such a balance sheet 
as the market-gardener requii-cs ? 
We, at once, come to the reason why they'never can, 
as I think, become profitable, on account of the severe 
competition they will have to undergo—in two ways, 
particularly. In the first place, the importation of good 
and choice fruits is, doubtless, on the increase, or soon 
will be; for steam transit reduces the distance to a mere 
trifle; and our neighbours arc evidently on the advance, 
and learning to take advantage of climate. In the second 
place, the outdoor culture of choice fruits in Britain 
has been exceedingly extended during the last few years, 
and not only extended, hut highly improved modes of 
culture introduced, which improvement, too, is widening 
still. Other arguments there are; but there is little 
occasion to dwell on this portion of the subject. 
Our second inquiry was—Will they suoooed perma¬ 
nently ? By which, I mean—Will they produce very 
tender fruits in higher perfection than the natural 
climate ? to which. I would answer, Yes, provided the 
proper appliances are judiciously given. It may be 
observed, also, that under proper regulations they maybe 
made a means of both forcing and retarding certain fruits. 
But all this so opens the question as to offer many 
grave points for consideration. I care little about much 
debating over forms. When I build one, it shall, probably, 
be either on the span-roof principle, or one of those com¬ 
pact, old-fashioned houses, with what are called north 
lights; the latter, perhaps, bearing the proportion of 
one-third. If a merely equal span-roof, it should run 
north and south. 
But there are several collateral considerations, which, 
although at first sight of minor importance, yet assume 
a different character when more closely examined. Of 
course, roomy pots must be provided, and those adapted 
to occasional shifts. One consideration, too, is this,— 
How long may we expect a given tree, say, a Peach, or a 
Pear, to endure, and produce fine crops, under any pot 
system of culture? We all know,who know any thing, 
in reality, about fruit-culture, that liquid-manures are of 
immense importance as to sustaining a tree a longer 
time than under ordinary circumstances. We also know 
the value of sound, turfy loams, or maiden soils, in con¬ 
tributing holh to health and durability. 
Under the happiest combination of favourable con¬ 
ditions, nevertheless, I do not believe that we could 
count on a profitable durability of more than about four 
years, or four crops of fruit; and if this be near the 
mark, it becomes us to inquire, what is done with them 
when they become exhausted? I am well aware that 
uses could he found for them, and that it may be said, 
“ Oh ! it does not signify, the gardener can graft plenty 
more, &c., &c.” Now, gardeners can, of course, graft, 
bud, propagate, save their own seed, and I do not know 
what; but let it be remembered, that all additions of 
this kind have a tendency to compromise the welfare of 
the other departments. My object, it will he seen, is 
to deal frankly with the afi'air, and to show, that in the 
aggregate these houses will assuredly increase labour. 
Those who commence, therefore. Orchard-house culture 
to any extent, should count well the cost, and pro¬ 
perly view the subject, or they may be baffled, although 
they get some good fruit. A bouse of this kind, of 
some extent, attached to a garden establishment, will 
have to play occasionally into the hands of the garden 
structures, and will, therefore, form part of a system. 
Nurserymeus’ Orchard-houses assume at once the 
character of a trade afi'air, and may not bo allowed to 
bias the consideration of this matter as a gardening 
question. It will, doubtless, be thought by many who 
may possibly read these notes, that 1 am one who would 
crush all progress, and that I fancy it impossible to 
succeed with fruit-trees in pots. 1 beg at once to 
disavow such notions; they do not belong to me. I 
would merely, whilst we are on the threshold of the 
question, respectfully request a full consideration of the 
whole matter, and not take our steps at random. 
As to the difference between Tweedledum and 
Tweedledec, with regard to the precise character of the 
angle of the house; a little hair-splitting, also, about 
forms, &c.; I do not feci at present disposed to say 
much : as the matter ripens, I shall, certainly, attempt 
to say more. Whether the house should have a hedge 
at back, or boarding, or one of our old-fashioned brick 
walls, must be settled by the breeches’ pocket, I suppose. 
In all these cases, I do think it is best, in the end, to 
have work of the kind done substantially; the first co.st 
is least, according to a trite saying, providing that 
the plans have been v/ell conceived and economically 
carried out. 
The most abundant degree of ventilation should be 
