. The book of the garden. Gardening. 456 PITS AND FRAMES. in which the melons are planted is sup- ported in its position by strong slate, which completely shuts out all moisture escaping from the gutters, unless when the valves are intentionally opened. Immediately on the slates is laid a layer of brick-bats or flints, at b, and over this some turfy loam. Communicating with the rubble are small tubes, through which the water can be poured when any doubt arises as to the roots of the melons suffering from dryness. The water thus applied spreads itself over the surface of the slate, producing th
. The book of the garden. Gardening. 456 PITS AND FRAMES. in which the melons are planted is sup- ported in its position by strong slate, which completely shuts out all moisture escaping from the gutters, unless when the valves are intentionally opened. Immediately on the slates is laid a layer of brick-bats or flints, at b, and over this some turfy loam. Communicating with the rubble are small tubes, through which the water can be poured when any doubt arises as to the roots of the melons suffering from dryness. The water thus applied spreads itself over the surface of the slate, producing that moisture so congenial to the roots, and which forms in this mode of culture so desirable an attainment, particularly as the roots are only supplied with the pro- per amount of moisture to maintain the plants in luxuriance and health ; and that this moisture can be withheld, when the period arrives that a cessation of the sup- ply of all fluids is desirable, to promote the ripening of the ;—Gard. Chron. Fig. 642 is a section of one of several very excellent pits, or rather low greenhouses, in the royal gardens at Frogmore. Each divi-. sion is 8 feet in height, and 13^ feet wide. The plants are arranged on slate tables, laid over brick chambers, in which the hot- water pipes are placed, by which arrange- ment a fine genial heat is afforded to the roots of the plants. These houses are in- tended for the culture, propagation, and flowering of plants. The advantage of their construction and arrangement will therefore be obvious. A passage runs along the centre, and another of narrower dimensions along the back wall, over which is placed a broad slate shelf supported on iron brackets, and on which are placed the smaller plants, and such as require to be placed nearest to the glass. This shelf, as well as the slate tables, is furnished at the side with a very neat beading of slate, which prevents the water spilt in watering from dropping on the footpaths. They also ans
Size: 1844px × 1355px
Photo credit: © Library Book Collection / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords: ., bookcentury1800, bookdecade1850, booksubjectgardening, bookyear18
