3-009-047 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The International Exhibition: Scott's glass walls, 1862. 'Considerable interest attaches to the glass walls of the St. Pancras Ironworks Company, although they must be reduced in cost before they will be generally adopted. They are designed by James Scott, Esq., of Hornsea, a successful amateur horticulturist. Instead of the nets and other protections against frost, Mr. Scott places an iron capping upon the wall, furnished with arms 3ft. 6in. from each other, projecting 18in. or 2ft. From these descends the simple iron framework, at any angle, to cover a border for strawberries or salads of any width. About a foot from the bottom it takes a perpendicular direction, and below the gutter carries a simple ventilator, which, corresponding with one just above the wall, provides for that constant current of fresh air so necessary to the health of trees and the flavour of fruit. This frame is grooved for glass, which is simply slipped in in large sheets and screwed down. The whole can be removed, packed away, and replaced with but little trouble'. From "Illustrated London News", 1862.