WINDOW GARDENING. 



65 



year, and tradesmen inform us that the past year alone the demand in this coun- 

 try for these objects of taste has completely trebled. 



Boxes made of plain wood may be ornamented with acorns, as shown in Fig. 

 45, a design often used for green-houses or staircase windows. Take a mixture 

 of acorn and powdered shells, cut all the acorns in half, lengthways, cover the 

 box with glue, then lay the acorns flat side down along the edge and bottom 

 of the sides, one after the other, and in the open space between, affix them in any 

 fantastic plan you like ; then sift the powdered shell thickly all over the box 

 between the acorns, and it will soon dry. If you choose, you can vary the 



acorns with cone seeds, and red berries cut in half. Another style. Fig. 46, 

 is made in a similar way, excepting only that pine cones are used in place of 

 acorns, and the edges of the box and its ends, and supports at bottom, are con- 

 structed of rustic cedar wood. This pot is filled with a fine collection of Bulbs, 

 Hyacinths, Narcissus, Jonquils, Tulips, Crocuses, Snow Drop and Scillas, length 

 about three feet, and width about eight inches. 



There are other very prettj'- rustic modes of construction. The outside of 

 home made boxes, may also be ornamented with white and gray lichens, wet in 

 water to make them pliable, then glued on, or fastened securely with thread wire, 

 attaching the wire to small brad nails on the inside and outer edge of the box. 



Fig. 44. 



When dry it will have a pleasing appearance. Sections of bark may also be used 

 to cover the sides, or wood mosaic introduced ; take the split half of small sticks 

 of spruce, maple, oak and birch, arrange them in alternate diamonds, oval and 

 square, varying the colors with an artistic eye, and fastening the cleft sticks 

 with small brads, which will not be perceptible. When finished, cover with a 

 coat of varnish. 



Gum shellac, dissolved in turpentine, or common furniture polish may be used 

 for varnishing. Pine cones are favorites in these box decorations, and sometimes 



