THE CONSERVATORY. 235 



having their surfaces hewn into cavities and 

 chinks, to hold a little soil, would be, in some 

 degree, a natural position for the Messembry- 

 anthemums, Euphorbiums, Semperviviums, &c. 



Many other devices, besides the very fragile 

 one of coloured glass, will occur to refined taste, 

 to design receptacles, stations, props, &c. for 

 plants, according to their natural characters, 

 whether climbing, trailing, creeping, or pen- 

 dulous. 



Even the seats and tables in such a place 

 (which may be an agreeable apartment in some 

 seasons) should be in character. 



Mirrors used to be a part of the fittings up of 

 conservatories ; but their effects are too fleeting 

 for the rational mind. The old immense con- 

 servatory at Muswell Hill, near Hornsey, built 

 by a scientific gentleman of the name of Beau- 

 clerk, was famous forty years ago for containing 

 some very large specimens of Italian plants, and 

 two immense looking-glasses placed in dark 

 recesses at the opposite ends of the building; 

 which (the frames being iiidden by foliage) pro- 



