The Great Conservatory The Illustrated London News takes its readers on a tour of the Great Conservatory at Chatsworth. “On leaving the mansion, after crossing the spacious lawn, a path, winding amongst the natural and artificial beauties of the rock-gardens, leads to an easy flight of steps amongst the stupendous rocks, which ascend to a broad raised path, running around the Conservatory, at some distance from the building, and forming one of the most delightful promenades that can be imagined. The building itself contains one acre of ground, and is, in plan, of the form of a “trefoil,” wholly composed of glass, arranged in the “ridge-and-furrow” plan; the slips of glass, being long, have no lapping in the widths of the ridges: the ribs are composed of thin pieces of wood clamped together, which is considered to have much more strength than if solid. The area of the interior of the Conservatory is about 324 feet long, by 170 wide; the central compartment 80 feet high; and the sides about 52 feet. Around the central compartment is a light and elegant gallery, which is approached by a winding flight of steps amongst gigantic rock-work, stocked with the most rare and valuable cactuses, ferns, etc., and from which one of the finest scenes is obtained, which an eye, even accustomed to oriental grandeur, can desire. Around the principal area is built a strong foundation of solid masonry, an arched basement wall with a solid stone plinth about four feet high. In this are fitted wooded valves to equalise the temperature and regulate the currents of air. From this wall spring a series of strong quarter circular ribs of wood, the upper ends of which are firmly fixed into an horizontal framework of iron, which rests on two parallel ranges of iron pillars, with cross pillars at the end. From this framework spring a similar series of semi-circular ribs of 70 feet span. The spaces between the ribs are filled in with glass, in the “ridge and furrow” plan. The slips of glass, four feet long, are arranged in perpendicular rows at a high angle, every alternate row inclining similarly, so as to form a series of zigzag panes one above the other; thus breaking the monotony of square lines, and being much more likely to withstand hail-storms, rain, and wind. On the ground-floor is a broad walk running around the whole building; and down the centre, the entire length, is a beautiful carriage drive, the folding glass doors at either end being thrown open for admission. Some idea of the extent of this room may be formed, when we state that, at the late visit of her Majesty to this splendid seat, the state carriages, six in number, with their full accompaniment of horses and attendants, had ample room in length between the doors when closed. Of the vegetable inhabitants of this earthly paradise it is difficult to speak. They consist of all that is choice, rare, and valuable – many of the specimens unique in this country, planted in soils essential to the growth and nature of each species in borders, and the temperature so managed in its application to the different beds as to suit the natural character of the plants. The result of this arrangement is, that the specimens from the lofty and magnificent palms and plantains – the bread-fruit and date – the light and elegant acacias-the aloes-the oranges, citrons, and lemons-the cactuses and ferns-the papyrus, the callows, rice, and every other plant – whatever its original nature or climate – are all in the most luxuriant state of vegetation; and, grouped and arranged as they are, with every attention to picturesque effect – with the lofty palms and plantains (60 feet high) formed into arcades, interspersed with the most fragrant and odoriferous flowers and shrubs – the ponds stocked with myriads of gold and silver fish – the numberless little foreign warblers, in every diversity of colour and tone, from all climates – the Italian cats, from the mountains near Rome – and the gems and crystals – combined with the rocks and seats – render the grand Chatsworth Conservatory the most luxuriant place yet raised in this country. Around the Conservatory, beneath the building, is a railroad tunnel for the conveyance of fuel to the stoves, and for the removal of the ashes, &c. The plan of watering adopted is most efficacious: the building is supplied from the immense reservoirs on the hill, pipes being laid all around the interior, and the gallery, to various parts of which a rose hose can be fastened, throwing a jet of 80 feet in as complete and natural a shower as the leafy inmates could get in their natural open-air situations. The whole of the design, arrangements, and management of this splendid pile are under the direction of Mr Paxton, head gardener to his Grace the Duke of Devonshire, whose “Magazine of Botany,” and other works, are so well known.” Taken from The Illustrated London News. More Pictures Chatsworth Plants and Trees