8 
CONSTRUCTION OF PLANT-HOUSES. 
necessary adjunct to every dwelling of the least pretensions; 
under these circumstances every idea connected with the im¬ 
provement of their construction will possess its value—especially 
if it relates to proper economy in the erection—having a view to 
their ultimate adaptability to the purposes intended. 
Plant structures may be considered of three kinds, which, for 
our present purpose, may be defined as, the ornamental conser¬ 
vatory, the ordinary plant-house, and the forcing-house: of 
course there are various modifications of each division, the differ¬ 
ences being chiefly those of temperature; but for structural de¬ 
scription the above are sufficient. 
The term conservatory is applied indiscriminately to many 
widely different structures, from the immense winter garden of 
Chatsworth to the glazed balcony attached to a drawing-room or 
boudoir: in the ordinary use of the word, it is a receptacle for 
plants in bloom, and is generally placed in near proximity to the 
principal rooms of the dwelling ; a situation we think every way 
suitable, adding as it does to the elegance of the interior deco¬ 
rations, and rendering the enjoyment of the beauty and perfume 
of its occupants accessible at all times. Being an ornamental 
erection, the general effect of the building itself, and its relation 
to surrounding objects, should be studied in the design; its pro¬ 
posed size will also require to be thought of, when determining 
on the style. As a general rule, a conservatory attached to, or 
standing so as to be included in the view of the residence, should 
possess a character according with that of the latter; the outline, 
roof, ornaments, &c., should be of the same order, simplified to 
suit their altered position : or they should offer a pleasing con¬ 
trast, by the extreme lightness which may be made to pervade 
their several parts. Thus, for example, it would be troublesome, 
expensive, and ineffectual to attempt to introduce the outline or 
ornament corresponding with those of a gothic residence ; while 
a lofty circular roof would present an equally noble and appro¬ 
priate feature, with the additional relief obtained by its contrast¬ 
ing lightness. 
An opposite may be instanced, in the case of a plain cottage- 
built dwelling-house, to which no appendage will be more suit¬ 
able than the ordinary span or lean-to roof, without ornament of 
any kind. 
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