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[Page 2]
of May. If the Roof be more steep I have observed that plants do not succeed so well owing I suspect to the Top of a larger Portion of perpendicular Light, which appears to be of the highest Importance to all plants, for they do not thrive well in general when over-hung by any other opake [opaque] Body, even when the direct solar Light is not at all interrupted. As Strawberries require to stand very near the Glass I am inclined to think they could be better raised in a Hopbed, or McPhail's Construction, with a proper Elevation of Roof - 36 or 38 Degrees, (which is perfectly consistent with his plan) than in a Hothouse of any Kind, when not wanted earlier than the End of April. In a Hothouse there is necessarily much Space lost unless the House be excessively low; & then, unless the Gardener be extremely careful, the Plants often get injured by too much Frame; on the Whole I think I should prefer McPhail's plan to the Hothouse, where Bark & hot Dung can easily be obtained; & in the damp Heat these afford, I suspect the Strawberry, being afforded much air when ripening, would obtain the Greatest State of perfection.