286 



On the Employment of Vases in Gardens. 



Another reason which may be offered for the mtroduction of 

 vases into architectural and garden scenery is " the gratification 

 which such objects afford to the man of intelHgence and taste. 



There are, perhaps, few objects, 

 next to the human figure, which af- 

 ford as many interesting historical 

 associations as the vase. It may truly 

 be said to be the first and last pro- 

 duction of the plastic art. The first 

 utensil formed by man, in the dawn 

 of civihzation in every country, is a 

 vessel or vase for holding water ; 

 and that on which the highest re- 

 sources of art are bestowed, in ages 

 of the greatest refinement, is a vase 

 or vessel for holding wine. In the 

 first case, it is hollowed out of a 

 gourd, or rudely shaped of clay, and 

 dried in the sun ; and, in the latter 

 case, it is manufactured of costly 

 metals or precious stones ; or, if of 

 common materials, such as stone, 

 earthenware or glass, it is rendered 

 valuable by the taste and skill be- 

 stowed on its form and ornaments. 

 The history of every country may 

 be traced by its vases no less than by its coins ; and the history 

 of all countries is set before us in the vases of all countries." * 



vase is beautiful and the workmanship excellent. Fig. 1 1 , three feet 

 four inches high, is a fine terra-cotta vase, which may be bronzed or 

 colored in imitation of marble. This vase has a handsome bas relief 

 upon the sides, and is manufactured at the Salamander works, 82 Cannon 

 Street, New York. These and all other vases should never be set 

 down directly upon the lawn or in the garden, but placed upon proper 

 pedestals (6), as shown in the figures. 



* Loudon, X. 494. 



