8 THE AUSTRALIAN GARDENER. 
beforehand, then pour it on the ground, not 
immediately near the plants, but between 
therows. The spring rains will take down 
the fertilising material ready for the re- 
quirements of the plants when needed. Such 
applications are safe, whereas there is al-’ 
ways an element of danger in the indiscri- 
minate use of liquid manure when the 
plants are growing, besides which the liquid 
ig more readily applied now than later on. 
If a more reasonable method of manuring 
were adopted there would be no need to 
resort to doubtful. artificial stimulants 
which appear so enticing in print, but 
which, if recklessly used, are a source of 
positive danger.—Rosa. 2 
GLASS HOUSES. 
[By Mr. A. McDonazp. | 
That glass houses are necessary foi the 
propagation and culture of the finer kinds 
of flowering and ornamental plants I do 
nof think will be disputed, as they are in 
general use all over the civilised world. I 
would, however, like to say that I am no 
advocate for coddling in greenhouses of 
plants that would be very much better out 
of doors, or that will do in a shadehouse i 
- with nothing in it. 
for the life and growth of plants; the exact 
measure of light required has not yet been 
scientifically ascertained, but the best prac- 
tical men treat their plants to a very liberal 
share. Jor instance, the London growers 
for market, who of any class of men have 
to raise the largest number of healthy, 
saleable plants, always keep their plants 
well up in the light, close to the glass—that 
is a point they are most particular about; 
in fact, their houses are constructed so that 
the plants cannot be far from the light, 
being mostly small span-roofed, with a 
walk down the middle and tables each side. 
They avoid any large amount of empty 
space, as that does not pay, especially when 
the structures are heated. It does not seem 
economy to heat a large amount of space 
Small houses for small 
plants—and large houses are orly required 
for large plants. The development of glass 
structures for growing fruit and flowers 
round about London and all the large 
towns in Hurope is something wonderful. 
We can forma sort of an idea about it; 
but I believe the reality would astunish us 
that have been out here for a considerable 
time. ‘The demand for plants and flowers 
for table and room decoration has increased 
greatly of late, and their climate prevent- 
40 Fr 
January 5, L905 _ 
vation of plants to have a house for one 
particular class, as the house can be treated 
to suit the peculiar requirements of the 
-plants better than where there is a mixed 
lot. In the Jarge establishments whiel 
grow for market every available space has 
to be used to make the thing pay. Ir 
South australia glass houses probably 
never will be wanted to the same extent as 
in the mother country, as a great deal more 
can be done out of doors and in shade 
houses, We have, £ think, a good deal te 
learn about glass houses for our climate. 
What they will be mostly wanted for will 
be for propagation and growing of stove 
plants, and for conservatories attached ta 
dwellings. As to the latter, I do not think 
that any rule can be laid down about them 
they will vary in accordance to the taste 
and means of the owners. Williams says 
that in England conservatories are gene- 
rally perfect graves for plants, as they are 
mostly built to harmonise with the dwell- 
ing, and are not at all suited for plants. 
The plants dwindle away in them, The 
reason for this is generally a want of light 
and fresh air. People who are about te 
build conseivatories, if they wish their 
plants to thrive, should bear in mind that 
no plant will do- well if too far from the 
se see ok +t yen 
and I would further like to remark that 
there are few of our cultivated stove and 
greenhouse plants but what would be con- 
siderably benefited by a three months’ spell 
in summer out in a shadehouse. I have a 
very strong opinion that many orchids, 
ferns, flowering and ornamental foliage 
plants, many of which dwindle away if kept 
constantly under glass, would be found to 
do well if treated in that way. Houses for 
plants are built of glass as it admits more 
light than any other material used in 
building, and light is absolutely necessary 
ing them from raising much out of doors 
through their long winter, a great deal has 
to be done under glass to supply the de- 
mand, so that horticultural building has 
become a trade of very considerable impor- 
tance. In a large establishment, for in- 
stance, belonging to one of the wealthy of 
the nobility or gentry you will find glass 
houses for forcing pineapples, peaches, 
eucumbers and melons, strawberries, &c., 
and houses for Camellias, Azeleas, Pelar- 
goniums, Dendrobiums, Cattleyas, &c. It 
is, of course, a great advantage in the culti- 
glass or too heavily shaded. ‘The difference 
between one plant standing within a few 
inches of the glass of a conservatory and 
another a few feet away from it is in most 
cases very great indeed—-the one will be 
strong and healthy, the other soft and 
sickly. Glass houses for growing plants 
should, in my opinion, not be too large. 
Small span-roofed, similar to those the 
London market gardeners and nurserymet 
use, are a very good sort. They are mede 
by digging a trench out about four feet 
deep and four wide to the required length. 
