CHAP. X.] 



RUSTIC BASKETS. 



285 



commonest materials in this way, fig. 23. is an 

 old Chinese tea-chest, with part of a tree sawn 

 through as a pedestal, and some pieces of rope 

 nailed on as decorations ; and fig. 24. is an old 

 basket with all its interstices stuffed with moss. 



FIO. 24. MOSS BASKET. 



Many other articles might be devised, which any 

 person of taste and invention would find it an 

 agreeable occupation to design, and to superin- 

 tend the execution of. In addition to these 

 rustic baskets, a few wirework frames might be 

 designed of much more elegant forms than those 

 commonly sold, which an intelligent gardener 

 might be easily instructed to make at his leisure 

 hours; and, indeed, alady, with two pairs of small 

 pincers, would find no great difficulty in twisting 

 the wire herself. The principal point is to exer- 

 cise our own skill and ingenuity ; for we all feel 

 so much more interested in what we do our- 

 selves than in what is done for us, that no lady 

 is likely to become fond of gardening who does 

 not do a great deal with her own hands. 



