492 



Vases as Receptacles 





86 



EaBJCjffiagL^ 





% 





C — i 



JT~ 









^ 



gravel paths ; in which beds, for the reasons 

 before given, fine plants never thrive, and 

 which are exceedingly difficult to keep orderly 

 and neat, though they never look well unless 

 they are so. By the plan of having vases 

 instead of beds, these gardens may be kept 

 neat all the year round at a very trifling ex- 

 pense. In the summer the vases might be 

 filled with showy flowers, and in winter either 

 left empty or planted with evergreen shrubs 

 and spring bulbs. Thus far as to what may 

 be called the economical reasons for employ- 

 ing vases as receptacles for flowers in town 

 gardens. 



The next reason is, that these vases are beautiful objects, 

 either with or without flowers. We are pleased to see flowers 

 in them, because, in addition to the natural beauty of the flowers, 

 there is the important one of their being 

 presented to us in a new and striking 

 situation. The value even of common 

 flowers thus becomes enhanced ; and 

 what would hardly be noticed in a bed, or 

 in a border, has a new interest, and a 

 degree of dignity lent to it, by its being 

 placed in a handsome vase elevated on a 

 pedestal. The vase is beautiful as a work 

 of art, whether it is filled with plants or 

 not ; but when it serves as a receptacle 

 for fine flowers, in a situation where such 

 flowers are not seen in beds or borders, 

 its importance is increased by the addi- 

 tional beauty which it confers on them, 

 in presenting them in a 

 situation. There is a certain 



upon a plant by placing it even in a common flower-pot; but 

 where, instead of the common form and fragile material of the 

 flower-pot, the elegant shape and durable massive appearance of 

 the sculptured vase of stone (natural or artificial) is employed, 

 the superior value of the latter must be felt by every one. A 

 farther reason why the common flower-pot is deficient in dignity 

 arises from its being portable, and generally placed on the 

 ground; while the fixed and elevated vase, from its elevation, 

 magnitude, weight, and solid foundations, has all the dignity 

 and permanence of an architectural structure. 



From the influence of fixed and elevated vessels, or other 

 permanent structures, for containing plants, in giving conse- 

 quence to them, has arisen, not only the employment of stone 



distinguished 

 degree of distinction conferred 



