90 
HUNT'S PATENT GARDEN-POTS. 
the date of their first experiments, while most of them have, in fact, struck out the 
same course, though at different periods, quite independently of each other. It 
becomes desirable, then, that there be a greater disposition manifested throughout 
the gardening world to profit by, and expand every newly developed expedient 
that is likely to be useful, and a less determined inclination to contest the priority 
of its design or execution. The latter is, at least, of very minor importance, while 
the former involves the whole advancement of the art. 
With these preliminary observations, we shall introduce 
engravings of Mr. Hunt's pots. No. i. is a pot manufac- 
tured of the ordinary material, exhibiting at the bottom 
the principal (and, indeed, the sole) peculiarity in its 
shape. The sides are, as will be observed, carried down 
below the usual base, and from the portion thus formed, 
three or four pieces are cut out in a half-circular form 
during its manufacture, so as to cause the pot to stand on 
broad feet, between which air may reach the bottom of the 
pot, and pass up by the common aperture through the soil. 
That such a construction is of the highest value in affording air to the roots of 
plants, in keeping the earth from saturation, in facilitating maturity of growth and 
the consequent production of flowers, and in checking the undue luxuriance of 
leaves and branches, we have before asserted. But it is of further benefit for 
preventing the entrance of worms to the pots, and especially for such plants as, 
from being kept in a drawing-room, or from other circumstances, have to be placed 
in a flat or stand. It is known that when specimens in that condition are watered, 
the fluid passes down into the saucer, and remains stagnant there, to be drawn up 
again and imbibed by the plant. And however serviceable this may be to very 
succulent species, that are constantly demanding fresh moisture, it is certainly most 
prejudicial to the hard- wooded plants. 
In the pot now before us, then, there is provision, by its being raised on feet, 
for avoiding the contact of the roots of plants with this refuse water, and they may 
be placed continually in an ordinary pan, without at all suffering from such a cause. 
They also, from being elevated above the surface, whether of the flat, or the stage 
on which they stand, secure the more effective drainage of the soil, as the water will 
necessarily fall more rapidly and with less danger of obstruction into so large a vacuum. 
But the greatest novelty in Mr. Hunt's patent, is the flat or saucer represented 
in No. n. of our engravings. Where the 
improved pot is used, a flat of the common 
character will suffice. Still, for the accom- 
modation of those who prefer the pots now in 
vogue, or who possess a sufficient stock to 
render the purchase of the new ones undesir- 
able, or who do not wish to incur the extra expense for the pots, an ingenious 
