Improvements in the Construction ΟΙ Horticultural ада other Buildings and Structures, also Applicable for other Purposes.
Year: 1886

page_text: Date of Application, 28th May, 1886.
Complete Left, 28th Feb., 1887.
Complete Accepted, 26th Apr., 1887.
RESERV
Improvements in the Construction
ΟΙ
Horticultural ада other
Buildings and Structures, also Applicable for other Purposes.
I THOMAS CHARLES MARCH of Forest Lodge Ashtead in the County of Surrey
Gentleman do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
These improvements are founded on two peculiar properties of water and have for
their object the useful application of the same in the arts, the first property is that the
water arrests by absorption substantially the heat portion of the solar rays allowing
the light only to be transmitted through a transparent medium to a space below or
beyond it the second property being that when the surface of water in a cistern is
frozen over the lower portion of the liquid underlying the ice maintains a constant
temperature of nearly 40° Fahrenheit or thereabouts so long as it remains unfrozen.
I effect the application of the latter of these two principles to practical purposes viz. to
garden pits and frames and to such like horticultural structures, the advantage attendant
on such application being that plants placed in a frame or house under a layer of water*
in a glass bottomed cistern will not become subjected to a lower temperature than the
unfrozen water in the cistern and thus are practically secured from damage by frost
provided care be taken that the sides of the frame be also protected.
I now shall proceed to describe the application of the like principle in an analogous
manner for the purpose of diminishing heat in greenhouses, garden pits and frames
viz. that property of water by which it absorbs the heat rays of the sun.
A shallow cistern is placed over plants, having a glass sheet or sheets fixed at
the bottom or at any convenient distance from the bottom of the cistern. This
is filled or partly filled with water the result being that the plants though exposed
to the full light of the sun in a frame quite closed up from the air receive a very
moderate degree of heat as compared with plants placed in a closed frame protected
only by glass.
I effect also the practical application of this property of water to the protection of
the sides or other portions of horticultural structures by interposing a layer of water
between two panes of glass thus forming an upright or sloping window which will bar
or modify the intensity of the heat rays of the sun and so keep the interior of the

page_text: →
structures much cooler than when guarded by panes of glass only which allow the heat
to pass.
The effect of exposing water in these cisterns to the sun is that the liquid as already
mentioned absorbs the heat rays and so becomes sensibly warmer. It gradually
acquires and communicates to the space beneath or beyond it a temperature about
equal to that of the air itself as may be shewn by a thermometer exposed to the sun.
As this temperature may sometimes be still too high for the plants, I apply certain
means of reducing it, one of which is to admit cold water gradually to the cistern to
replace a portion of the warmer water which is allowed to escape or maintain a
circulation between the exposed body of water and a non exposed body, the object
being as much as possible to economise cost and to render the device self maintaining
in regard of such circulation in manner analogous to the flow of the heated water of
water pipes heated by stoves.
Or this circulation may be effected by means of pumps or other well understood
means. In this manner a constant surface of cool water is exposed with the effect of
stopping the rise of temperture. 1 also sometimes place on the top of the water in it
or over it sheets of paper loose or in frames rendered transparent by saturation with
drying oil or other suitable matter for that purpose either merely adapted to afford
transparency or transparency with tint and preservative qualities, with the object of
lessening the passage of heat to the space below the cistern. I also effect a reduction
of temperature by making the sides of greenhouses or of pits or frames in the shape of
cells of porous material such as earthenware or tiles fixed in a frame so as to be water-
tight except by reason of such porosity or of cells having the outer side porous and
the inside of a material which rapidly conducts heat. The cells forming the sides
being filled with water, the rapid evaporation from the porous surface cools the
interior of the frame. The sides made up of these cells can be filled in winter with
material which will keep off the cold.
I further make cisterns of the said improved kind I have described of tough paper
or other suitable fabric rendered transparent by saturation with drying oil or other
suitable matter such paper or fabric will hold water for a long time and will be found
a cheap substitute for glass for protecting plants and especially vegetables from
extreme heat and cold.
The limitation in the range of heat and cold secured by the methods which I have
described will tend to decreased expenditure in horticultural buildings-artificial heat
being rendered unnecessary in many cases and being economized in others besides
affording great range of design in construction economy in space occupied and other
important advantages.
I also apply the means of utilization of the said principle to the diminution of heat
and cold by way of windows and roofs substantially as already described in this
specification to other kinds or character of buildings and structures than horticultural
⚫structures and to carriages and boats with like good effects.
Dated this 27th day of May 1886

page_text: Improvements in the Construction of Horticultural and other
Buildings and Structures, also Applicable for other Purposes.
I THOMAS CHARLES MARCH of Forest Lodge Ashtead in the County of Surrey
Gentleman do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what manner the
same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the
following statement :-
This Invention has reference to an improved system of construction of apparatus
for use in cultivating plants, by means of which the ordinary protection afforded by
glass is supplemented by a surface or layer of water which while not diminishing the
transparency of the glass very largely increases the power of resisting cold and heat.
The extraordinary powers of water applicable to plants in Horticultural Structures
are due to two distinct properties of that liquid which will be separately described as
follows.
Firstly. The protection given from frost. It has been ascertained that if a layer
of liquid water be interposed between the atmosphere and the glass portions of any
Horticultural Structure, and be made to rest on the glass, the temperature in the
interior of such structure, will not be subject to the incidence of frost, through the
surface thus protected by the water.
To obtain practically the benefit of such protection, a layer of water two or three
inches deep may be placed in a shallow tray or cistern having a glass bottom, on
which the liquid rests, and such a protecting apparatus will hereinafter be called for
the sake of brevity a "Waterlight" corresponding in its general uses with the ordinary
glass "light" which is placed over garden pits or frames.
When waferlights are required to be vertical, the water is placed between
upright sheets of glass at a short distance from each other, so framed as to afford space
above for the expansion of water into ice.
Water being as transparent as glass, it follows as an important consequence that
these "waterlights" keep off frost without obscuring the light, and with these advan-
tages many plants may be safely housed throughout the winter without the aid of
artificial heat which they have hitherto required."
The reason why structures protected by water are impermeable to frost is that
however cold the external air may he, the minimum temperature of liquid water is
32° Fahrenheit, a limit of Cold which will not be exceeded within the structure thus
defended, provided that the other parts of it be equally guarded from frost.
::
The greater portion of the water in the "waterlight may be converted into ice
but the underlying liquid will still protect the structure from frost. When however
the whole of the water in the cistern is frozen the protection ceases, and care must
therefore be taken to avoid that contingency.
It is comparatively easy to attain this end by reason of the enormous amount of
latent heat existent in water and which is liberated in the act of freezing thereby

page_text: retarding that process. The slow conversion of water into ice from this cause is an
important factor in my system of protection by "waterlights," because no incon-
venient thickness of ice is suddenly formed, and it is consequently unnecessary to
provide deep cisterns or very strong glass which would be requisite if any considerable
body of water had to be supported.
**
It has been found by experience that a waterlight" or cistern 3 inches deep will
hold sufficient water to give the protection required but I do not lay down any
particular limit as to the depth of the "waterlight" which may be deeper or shallower
than three inches as found to be convenient.
Theoretically the latent heat liberated in the freezing of a body of water 3 feet by
6 feet by 3 inches deep is equivalent to the perfect burning of about 54 ounces of fuel
in a stove under a heat retaining or non-conducting canopy.
Evidently therefore the freezing of water causes evolution of latent heat, which
according to this invention is utilized in the protection of plants in houses otherwise
unheated as hereinbefore explained or may be used in diminution of the quantity of
fuel consumed in Greenhouses and Hothouses maintaining the heat at no lower than
32° Fahrenheit.
Secondly. The protection given from radiant heat.
This advantage is due to the property of water in absorbing the heat rays of the
sun to a far greater extent than glass which transmits a large proportion of them.
The light passes through the water to the interior of the house protected by my
improved waterlight or water surface but most of the heat is intercepted by the
waterlight."
This is a practical utilization of the process of nature whereby transparent aqueous
vapour always suspended in the air arrests a portion of the heat proceeding in rays
from the sun and so renders the summer heat more bearable while after sunset the
radiation back from earth into space is similarly affected and extreme cold prevented.
After long exposure to the sun in hot weather the water in the " waterlight."
becomes sensibly warmer, but the heat by its absorption appears to have lost substan-
tially its radiant force, and is rendered harmless to plants to such an extent that, as
has by actual experiment been demonstrated, delicate ferns and other plants may be
kept under the water surface in full sunshine exposed to conditions which were it not
for the intervention of my protecting waterlight" would be fatal to them; a
protection which glass, or the ordinary means now employed would be inadequate to
afford without involving darkness or seriously affecting the light within. In some
cases it may be advisable to introduce chloride of sodium or other suitable matter into
the liquid to check production of obscuring vegetal matter in the "waterlight."
In our moderately cold climate immunity from frost will be generally found a more
valuable object of attainment. than protection from heat, but inasmuch as the extensive
head room required for plants in Hothouses and Greenhouses is chiefly due to the
necessity for diluting the radiant heat of Summer which penetrates through the glass
to the interior of the structures enclosed, the facility afforded by the present invention
for dispensing with any greater head room than necessary for convenience otherwise
will be found most valuable.
2
Glass is "diathermatous" or in other words it allows the heat rays of the sun to
pass through its substance with great facility; so that in a limited space like the
interior of a garden frame exposed to a hot sun without ventilation a thermometer
will frequently mark 180° Fahrenheit whereas when employing my waterlight" a
surface is interposed between the sun and the plant life which is comparatively
impervious to the heat rays but which admits of the passage of the light, and the
heat is consequently kept much more under control however limited the size of the
house may be. It is evident therefore that the height of Horticultural structures
under my "waterlight" system may be greatly reduced, and the cost of construction
saved in proportion, and it will further be found that ventilation, and the increased
frequency of watering necessitated by ventilation will be lessened, when the plants are
protected by my "waterlights" and that labour will be proportionately reduced.
"
In applying my water lights to plant houses affording the protection of my

page_text: invention character of construction need not be much deviated from with the
important exception that shallow trays or cisterns with glass bottoms capable of
holding water must be substituted for the glass, sashes or casements which ordinarily
form the roof or sides of such structures.
It will be most convenient to form the roofs substantially flat or horizontal.
**
The separate waterlights" constituting a roof may be of any suitable manageable
size taking into account their own weight and the weight of the water which they
have to support avoiding unweildiness. However large they may be it is essential
unless they are to be fixed lights that they should slide or be rolled easily over the
sills of that portion of the underframe which they cover.
Anti-friction rollers are used to facilitate removal of the larger frames and the
recesses therefor may be inclined or wedge-formed to admit of the rollers when the
frame is home, sinking within their recesses so as to close the frame to its bed airtight.
Or inclined recesses may be formed in the beds at the ends of the races.
As a practical instance of construction suppose a "waterlight" of say 6 feet by
4 feet superficial dimensions it may consist of sheets of stout glass or glass pieces
strong enough to support the water, glazed liquid-tight into a stiff frame so as to make
a watertight tray or basin. The supporting frame may be of wood metal or of other
suitable material but wood strengthened by metal may be conveniently used.
The interior diameter of the base of the "waterlight" should be less than the
diameter of the upper part, so as offer less resistance to expansion of the water in
freezing.
This form of frame gradually enlarging from the base upwards allows of an open
rebate near the bottom of the frame being made for the reception of the glass sheets,
which can be fixed in it by white lead putty and nails or by any other suitable.
known manner of watertight glazing.
Waterlights" above certain sizes may be constructed of several panes of glass,
and lengths of T iron fastened into the frame at each end, so as to give rigid sashes
for the insertion of the separate panes of glass will be found convenient, or a frame-
work of wood or metal may be used so constructed as to be fitted with a number of
small pieces of glass divided by supports both lengthwise and crosswise.
To avoid inconvenience arising from overflow of liquid when the "waterlights,"
filled with water are pushed or rolled along the sills or rails of the underframe addition
is made of slips of glass a few inches wide inserted horizontally in a rebate provided
near the top of the waterlight" which serve as baulks to restrain the water from
overflowing.
::
Doubly glazed waterlights," in which the water surface is confined between under
and upper sheets of glass, room being allowed for the expansion of the water into ice,
may be employed with some benefit for certain purposes.
In making doubly glazed "waterlights" the upper glass or glasses may be dropped
loose into rebates made in the upper part of the frame or may be glazed to the rebates,
or the glass or glasses may be inserted in one or more frames, and placed over the
"waterlight."
On, winter nights it is advantageous to cover my "waterlights" by a stiff cover
strong enough to support any weight of snow which may fall. Such a cover is also
most useful not only in saving subsequent labour of removing deposits of snow to avoid
destruction of the structure by superincumbent weight but also in limiting the
formation of ice on the water surface. It is found for instance that when a
"waterlight" is left entirely exposed to the weather ice may form on a very cold night
to the thickness of half an inch or even more; but if the light be covered adequately
the formation of ice will probably seldom exceed th of an inch and all trouble of
removing it and replacing it by water will be virtually saved even though the frost
may last some days.
Ordinary hurdles may be used for this purpose to which straw has been attached, or
a stiff framework of wood provided with battens which hold together a sufficient
thickness, or cover or close screen, of straw or hay.
Removable boards also may be
placed over the "waterlight" or any other stiff and warm covering.

page_text: ::
The protection may also with advantage be extended to the sides and ends of the.
waterlights," which are the least protected parts of the apparatus.
The quantity of water in the "waterlight "may be varied in depth according to the
season.
Amongst the manifest advantages of my improved "waterlight" system of protection
is the substitution of low structures as already described (which in many cases except
for other objects, need be little higher than the plants they contain) for unnecessarily
lofty and expensive houses. But the invention does not restrict the construction of
Houses or underframes to any desired height and the advantages arising from the
invention are preserved by filling in the sides with vertical " waterlights in which
water is held between two sheets of glass, room being allowed for expansion.
32
These lights may be so framed as to open on hinges for ventilating purposes. In
this manner water protection may be given to houses very like the ordinary Green-
houses and Hothouses.
The house or underframe in which the plants are placed may be constructed of
ordinary building materials, but in those cases where artificial heat is dispensed with,
the whole of the house or underframe must be rendered proof against frost.
There are forms of Houses or underframes of which I make use in combination with
my system of protection by "waterlights" viz, a House of which the enclosing walls
are of straw or like heat retaining material sufficiently thick to repel frost, and kept
together by a double row of frames, bars, retaining parts, stakes or posts of wood or
metal placed at such distances that the straw may be closely packed lengthways the
frames or retaining parts being suitably stayed to resist pressure.
To prevent damp above or below the walls a straw thatch either permanent or
removable is used and the ground under the straw is concreted, cemented or otherwise
mado damp proof.
Sills or rails are fixed to some of the posts forming part of the wall enclosures and
on these the "waterlights" are placed and may be slidden.
I find these straw walls to be not only economical but very well adapted to my
system of water protection because they not only keep off the frost but admit a certain
amount of air between the interstices of the straw and therefore tend to the health of
the plants which are protected by them.
t
The underframe may be sunk in the ground to any required depth, provided that a.
sill or rim for the water-roof he provided above ground, and that sufficient light be
provided for the plants. The sides of such underground pits may be made of brick,
concrete or other suitable material sufficiently thick or double to repel frost, sills or
rails for the "waterlights" being placed in proper intervals.
For plants readily affected by damp the House or underframe if shallow will be
advantageously made with a damp proof bottom of any suitable material.
A corrugated form of damp proof bottom to the underframe is useful because it
allows of the circulation of air below and around the pots and provides drainage for
the plants.
In low structures accessible from the roof only, it is desirable to have the power of
sliding or rolling the "waterlights" completely from off the underframe on to
supporting brackets or rails, on the same plane forming a landing from which replace-
ment will be easy, supported in a suitable manner.
By means of apparatus such as described with the use of my "waterlights" the
amount of heat required, when artificial internal heating is employed will be comparatively
small owing to the plant space being capable of substantial restriction and the main-
tainance of heat within the structure to about 30° Fahrenheit being facilitated. The
additional heat desired can also be attained with greater certainty and ease of
calculation.
I further substitute for glass in the manufacture of "waterlights," sheets of tough
paper or other suitable fabric rendered transparent and more durable by saturation with
drying oil or other suitable matter. Such paper or fabric will hold water a long time
and will be found in some cases a cheap or convenient substitute for the glass, in pro-
tecting plants or vegetables from frost. To prevent the water inconveniently weighing

page_text: down the paper or fabric it is supported from underneath by a stiff framework, so as
to keep it comparatively level.
I also apply the means of utilisation of the said principle for. avoiding extremes
of cold and heat by way of windows roofs and skylights substantially as already
described to buildings for other uses than horticulture and to boats and carriages with
like good effects especially for use in hot climates.
In use a suitable tap and channel of exit, or a syphon is provided for running off
the liquid of the "waterlight" as may be required. Hand lights or hand shades of
small sizes, or to cover and protect special objects may be made of a small size in a
similar manner to the larger instances given but the sheets can be relatively stronger
and often in one instead of several parts, such as by moulding or otherwise forming a
handshade or waterlight with a turned up border or a double wall, to hold the water or
otherwise securing a retaining enclosure for the liquid.
The employment of this invention is characterized by the following advantages.
1. Light can be obtained continuously either during frost or under the strong heating
rays of a summer sun.
2. Artificial heat is rendered unnecessary for many delicate plants.
3. Heating appliances and fuel may be saved and regulated when artificial heat is
employed inasmuch as the temperature within a house protected by my "waterlights"
is maintained above the freezing point.
4. Economy in the height of structures.
5. Saving of labour now expended in shading ventilating and watering.
6. Facility afforded for combating the ill effects on vegetation of heat and wind
combined in Spring whilst maintaining ventilation, a combination often attended with
great difficulties in dealing with in ordinary frames.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said Invention,
and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what I claim is :-
1. The use of apparatus for supporting water on or between casements of glass
covering the roof or other parts of enclosed spaces, in such manner that the properties
of the water in addition to those of glass may be utilised in transmitting light to the
enclosed spaces and in moderating the temperature within them.
2. The employment of water in suitable translucent enclosing chambers as an
intervening protecting covering for horticultural and other structures substantially as
set forth.
3. The combination or arrangement and use of apparatus for supporting water so as
to form an intervening non-conducting body or material between the internal and
external atmospheres of a horticultural or other structure substantially as and for the
purposes set forth.
Dated the 28th day of February 1887.