THE FLORAL WORLD AND GARDEN GUIDE. 231 



household. The place of this is now supplied by numerous beauti- 

 ful fabrics in various forms aud dimensions. Those of siliceous 

 material are by far the strongest and most durable ; and, when 

 dirty or weather-stained, their freshness may be restored by a thin 

 cream or stone-coloured wash, not forgetting a primary application 

 of soap and water to remove grit. 



The porcelain pots or jardinets are the most cleanly and elegant, 

 some of them being also works of art of the highest order. They 

 require considerable taste and judgment to fill them to advantage, 

 their brilliant colouis and ornate patterns having a tendency to 

 make them principals instead of simple accessories, and to kill the 

 flowers, unless ingeniously harmonized or contrasted therewith ; 

 indeed, they may be termed too ornamental in themselves, and are 

 only suitable for positions of pretension. Rustic boxes may also 

 be constructed, very effective, without much outlay. Fir cones, 

 crooked lengths of wood, oak varnish, and a wooden framework, are 

 the chief materials required. Virgin oak, an article recently intro- 

 duced, may also be employed in the construction of ornaments in 

 this style. A special point must be recognized in all contrivances 

 for the reception of plants, which is, ample provision for thorough 

 drainage. By observing this, it is possible to utilize those orna- 

 mental vases which often stand at the side of doors or steps. Free- 

 growing climbers grown in these might be taken up the house on 

 such light iron rods as have been previously spoken of. A centre 

 mass of colour contrast, where space permits, may be produced by 

 sinking several small pots in a single large one — this improves the 

 effect by breaking up the stiff appearance of a row of equal sized 

 pots. It is quite unnecessary to particularize objects for furnishing 

 the window-ledge, because the whole array of hardy plants and 

 flowers, especially the bedders, changing with almost every week, 

 are always to be obtaiued when wanted, and at such a trifling outlay. 



Balconies and porticos, as affording greater space, should be 

 chiefly treated with evergreens and shrubs ; but here, again, circum- 

 stances must be the arbiter of decoration. However, climbers may be 

 trained along: and through the iron railings, and trailers allowed to 

 hang down. If there is sufficient room, flower-stands also may be 

 placed in fit positions amongst the shrubs ; and in a cool aspect a 

 miniature fernery will not be beyond the operator's reach. Here, 

 again, fragrance from leaf or flower should always be largely intro- 

 duced so as to extend to the interior of the dwelling. 



" How to utilize a town area" has been previously treated upon 

 in former pages ; many of the general principles there laid down 

 are equally applicable to the out-door wiudow garden. But 

 happy the possessor of an easily accessible " flat ;" to him, if air 

 and light be propitious, and smoke be not too adverse, garden and 

 greenhouse are alike open. He can grow his own flowers in lieu of 

 buying them, he can sow seeds, propagate by cuttings, and bloom 

 the fully-matured plant, enjoying to a considerable extent the 

 pleasures of a veritable rus in itrbo. 



