BASKETS AND BLOCKS. 



25 



though they do not last so long. They look better, and 

 are more suitable for the roots of the plants to cling to. 

 The best kind of wood is maple or hazel, and the best 

 baskets those of a square shape. The wood should be cut 

 into such lengths as the size of the basket may require: but 

 do not make them too large ; there are two objections to 

 this — one is, that they take up much space ; the other, that 

 the plants do not require much room. After the wood is 

 cut into proper lengths, the pieces should be bored within 

 one inch from the ends, taking care to have all the holes 

 bored the same distance : there should be four lengths of 

 copper wire, one for each corner ; the wire should be put 

 through each piece of wood, and brought up to form the 

 handle for suspending the plants from the roofing. Iron 

 wire should never be used in making baskets, for it is pro- 

 bably injurious to the plants. 



The best kinds of wood for blocks are acacia, apple, 

 pear, plum, or cork, if it can be obtained. The wood 

 should be cut into lengths, suitable for the size of the plants ; 

 get some nails, and drive one at each end with some copper 

 wire to form the handle, wind the wire round each nail, 

 and leave the handle about ten inches high. Small copper 

 nails are the best by which to fasten the plants on the 

 blocks. 



