EMBELLISHMENTS. 



355 



[Fig. 47. J 



fe -fe^^-i^t^fe^^ui".^»iteK>i.^v,' j>, marble or other stone, are extremely dura- 

 ble and very ornamental. As yet, we are 

 unable to refer our readers to any manu- 

 factory here, where these articles are made 

 in a manner fully equal to the English ; but 

 we are satisfied, it is only necessary that 

 the taste for such articles should increase, 

 and the consequent demand, to induce our 

 artisans to produce them of equal beauty, 

 and of greater cheapness. 

 At Blithewood, the seat of R. Donaldson, Esq., on the 

 Hudson, a number of exquisite vases may ^^r.i'^'^o- ^a^s^smy^ 

 be seen in the pleasure-grounds, which are 

 cut in Maltese stone. These were imported 

 by the proprietor, direct from Malta, at very 

 moderate rates, and are not only extremely 

 beautiful, but very durable. Their colour 

 is a warm shade of gray which harmoni- 

 zes agreeably with the surrounding vege- 

 tation. 



Large vases are sometimes filled with 

 earth and planted with choice flowering plants, and the ef- 

 fect of the blossoms and green leaves growing out 

 of these handsome receptacles, is at least unique 

 and striking. Loudon objects to it in the case 

 of an elegant sculptured vase, "because it is re- 

 ducino: a work of art to the level of a mere o-arden 

 flower-pot, and dividing the attention between 

 the beauty of the form of the vase, and of its 

 sculptured ornaments, and that of the plant which it con- 

 tains." This criticism is a just one in its general applica- 



(Fig. -19. 



