XX11 INTRODUCTION. 



" A square brick, 9 inches by 4, having its centre 

 scooped out, a scollop-shell pattern is modelled to fit the 

 lower part of the hollow. This forms the front, and has a 

 very ornamental appearance. They can be built one over the 

 other for a pier or wall at pleasure. A hole in the bottom 

 of the hollow cavity is made, sloping to the back of the 

 brick, for drainage. 



" The invention appears to me to possess the most merit 

 when constructed into pillars of any convenient height, and 

 cemented together or not at pleasure. The hollow space in 

 the centre, as shown in the accompanying sketch, could be 

 filled with damp moss, hay, &c. ; the vase on the top con- 

 taining water, which could be contrived so as to slowly 

 percolate by adjusting a cork to the hole in the bottom ; 

 and the water, supplying the roots of the Ferns by passing 

 into the centre of the pillar, would always maintain a 

 regular and an abundant moisture, so as to insure a healthy 

 growth in the driest atmosphere. 



" I consider it a matter of small importance which of 

 the Ferns are planted north or south in the sides of the 

 pillar ; certainly the most fragile fronds would be benefited 

 with all possible shade. The chief point I consider is to 

 arrange them so that the erect-growing ones occupy the 

 part of the pillar beneath the level of the eye ; and the 

 drooping ones on a level, or above the level of the eye." 



