172 
THE FLORIST’S JOURNAL. 
were so exactly balanced as to render the temperature pre¬ 
cisely what was desired: in such cases, and under such circum¬ 
stances, a sudden sun-burst, by at once changing and overturning 
the pre-existing conditions, would also destroy the balance 
between them and the internal heating power ; and then the 
admission of external air, so far as it were desirable to prevent 
an increase of internal temperature, would obviously be the 
proper course to pursue. In other, and more ordinary cases, I 
cannot think that the same rule applies. It is by no means an 
unusual thing to hear recommendations to apply a higher degree 
of artificial heat than would otherwise be requisite, in order 
to be able to give air ; this appears to mean, to be labouring under 
a disadvantage. Heat, as applied in early forcing, is altogether 
artificial, and therefore so far unnatural; and it appears to me 
still more unnatural to apply more than is requisite for the 
purpose of having to cool the internal by admitting the cold 
external air, without, as I conceive, securing any equivalent 
advantage. It would appear to be more reasonable, as well as 
economical, to apply as much heat as was desirable, and no 
more; or, at least, as near to this point as could be gained. 
But then it may be said, that it would be unsafe to work so 
close to the desired point, as a sudden change out of doors 
might be felt unfavourably within. To some extent, under pre¬ 
sent circumstances, this might be true; but then the object to 
be kept in view would be, so to improve upon present circum¬ 
stances as to obviate the risk and inconvenience which might 
otherwise thus ensue. It is not when the mild and genial 
weather of spring is experienced that these remarks have any 
forcible application, but previously to this, when the outward 
elements are unfavourable to the developement of vegetable 
life. 
The reduction of the price of glass will admit the use of a 
better article than hitherto, and also of more exact workman¬ 
ship, and this alone would prevent a good deal of the influence 
of external changes being felt within at an early part of the 
season. At present forcing-houses generally, instead of having 
the very best of material and workmanship, are constructed 
with the very worst, the best being applied to greenhouses and 
conservatories, where, beyond the appearance of them, they are 
less required. Then again, in boilers and heating apparatuses, 
there is much to be yet accomplished; and even though an 
