Further Observations 



enough, especially during the heat of sum- 

 mer. With this purpose in view, the bottom 

 third of the long prism stands in a large 

 flower-pot, filled with earth, which I keep 

 damp by watering it in moderation. A 

 slight absorption of the surrounding mois- 

 ture through the wood will prevent the con- 

 tents from becoming parched. The same 

 contrivance ensures the steadiness of the 

 apparatus, which, firmly implanted in a heavy 

 base, will withstand the onslaughts of the 

 wind, if need be, all the year round. 



The middle third is wrapped in a thick 

 coat of rags which the watering-can moistens 

 almost daily. Lastly, the top third is bare; 

 but the layer of earth on the tray, subjected 

 by me to pretty frequent artificial rains, 

 transmits a little moisture to it. By means 

 of these various devices, I obtain a column 

 of earth, neither swamped nor parched, of 

 the kind which the Minotaur requires for 

 his nest building. 



Had I lent an ear to my ambitious plans, 

 I should have had a dozen of these appliances 

 constructed, so many questions were there to 

 be solved; but it is a troublesome business, 

 far beyond the means of my personal ingenu- 

 ity; and impecuniosity, that terrible evil of 

 133 



