The reader will find, in the present issue, a valuable article on Orchard Houses, to which we desire to direct attention. Their use is very extensive abroad, and they are gradually creeping into favor among us. " Wodenethe" has fairly stated the case, and we add, from the Gardener's Chronicle, the following information, from the pen of a writer who has evidently correct views:

" As the opponents of these are so quiet now, I suppose that their houses are generally giving satisfaction, and that their success is too evident to be written against. Having seen Mr. Rivers' houses, and tasted of his fine crop of Peaches, etc, I determined to build one, which was finished and stocked with young trees early in the spring of 1857. Nothing of the kind ever gave me so much pleasure, and I do not wonder at the inventor being so enthusiastic about them Mine is a good, substantial building in brick-work, the south end glass, 60 feet by 20, with brick beds - cost, £95. It is span-roofed, and supported by a row of light iron pillars. Of course, "maiden" trees could not fruit the first year; this season they are generally full of fruit, some few trees having failed, particularly Apricots, whilst from the rest I have taken hundreds of fruit in thinning. I had some fears, as I had never grown a fruit tree in a pot, nor had a man on the ground who had more experience than myself. What I have seen has fully convinced me of the advantage of pots, they are so under command, and I much question if the trees would fruit better, or could be more healthy, if planted out. Of course, I am writing of trees in pots standing on soil.

It has been quite amusing to hear the remarks of both gentlemen and their gardeners on seeing some small Fig trees growing on this plan; one, a White Marseilles about three feet high, had 60 fine large fruit on it at once, the last of which I hope to eat to-morrow, having gathered them daily for some time, and it has now a larger crop of young ones. A White Ischia is equally full, and several other kinds have been and are bearing a good crop. Now, almost every one who sees them appears astonished, some saying their Fig trees grow, but do not fruit well (these are planted out); others complain of the fruit dropping off - these are generally in pots. The plan invented by Mr. Rivers appears the " happy medium." I ought to say that the Figs are in a house of the same size as the orchard-house, but heated by hot water; this cost me £125, and I would not wish for a better, though, of course, it is a plain span-roofed house. But, for enjoyment in the sunny but cold months of spring, give me an orchard-house without heat; there you may wander for hours, if you have time, neither troubled by heat, cold, or March winds, and those who saw mine one mass of bloom will say that there was enough to admire.

Whatever may be written against orchard-houses by those who have not tried them, they will be built in large numbers, and many a novice like myself will prove that there is no difficulty in their management-J. R. Pearson, Chilwell Nurseries, near Nottingham.