ORNAMENTAL POTS 57 



intervals, small semicircular recesses, large enough to give 

 standing room to a tree in an ornamental pot. 



The shaded plots can either be grass, closely mown, 

 or beds of bright flowers. In the central circle, either a 

 statue would look well, or, if shadow be needed, a 

 mulberry-tree would answer the purpose. In the latter 

 case, it is advisable to have grass below it, for when the 

 ^ tender fruit falls upon gravel it is badly bruised. 



There is no fear of bay-trees not surviving English 

 winters in the warm parts of England, provided that, 

 from October to April, their stems are carefully wrapped 

 round with bands of straw. Then, too, if anxiety be felt 

 about the pots themselves being cracked by frost, it is 

 easy to stitch thick Hessian canvas round them. This 

 has saved many a breakage in exposed positions ; and it 

 has also another advantage, for the roots of the tree are 

 thus kept warm. 



Dressings of manure, repeated every three months, 

 and a good soak of water to the roots in dry weather 

 will preserve the lovely dark foliage of these beautiful 

 trees. Small birds love to build in the dense foliage, and 

 in spring it is a joy to find each little tree inhabited by a 

 numerous family. What great hungry yellow mouths 

 are opened as we peer into the nest ! 



The real danger of pottery being injured by frost 

 occurs when pots are left without earth or plants in them. 

 Water collects inside, and if ice forrns, the terra-cotta 

 cracks. Another rash thing is to stand them in a damp 

 conservatory or shed where there is bad ventilation. 

 Especially is there risk near London, where fogs cause a 

 close atmosphere. The surface of the pot then often 

 peels, and the lovely decoration of wreaths and festoons 

 is spoilt. 



For a very formal little garden, perhaps a forecourt or 

 approach to an old house. Fig. 48, again, looks well. The 



