ON THE USES OF ORNAMENTAL VASES. 
237 
USE OF ORNAMENTAL VASES IN WHICH TO PLUNGE PLANTS FOR 
THE DECORATION OF GARDENS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS. 
By Mr. Saul , Oarstang, Lancashire . 
It has been computed by a competent authority, that no less a number than 1,000,000 of 
plants in pots are required annually for the supply of the London markets alone ; and 
that fully two-thirds of these are purchased by amateurs, who possess no other convenience 
for their cultivation than a common house window. If this calculation be correct, and so 
large a quantity is demanded for a town like London, where all parties are almost 
constantly immersed in business, and where so few facilities exist for the growth of such 
hobbies, how immense must be the number requisite to meet the wants of the whole 
kingdom, where amateurs abound in every part, and where cultivation is carried on in the 
most extensive forms by thousands of persons, whose enthusiastic love of flowers leads 
them to purchase and cultivate almost every thing truly valuable and novel. I have often 
thought how desirable it would be, if some neat, simple and effectual plan could be hit 
upon to prevent the common red garden-pot from being seen, which by its plain uniformity 
and colour destroys much of the fine effect that plants would otherwise have in the 
situations where they are placed. 
After mature deliberation, nothing appears to me equal for this purpose to different 
shaped vases, which are in every point calculated for this purpose, as they can be made 
to any size and pattern, and may be of sufficient proportions to hold one or several plants 
as the proprietor may think fit, and are especially suited for lawns and pleasure grounds 
where flower-beds could not be allowed, or would be altogether out of place. 
Metal is the best material of which to make these vases, but they must have glass 
covers for tender plants, it being necessary that the earth in the pots should be exposed to 
light, otherwise the plants cannot flourish long ; and especially for rooms, and other situations 
in-doors, this is important : glass is 
the best calculated for the purposes 
of both admitting light and supplying 
heat, but the glass should be either 
ground or coloured to prevent the 
pots from being visible. China or 
even earthenware could be made as 
ornamental as could be wished; and 
with glass covers to admit light to the 
surface of the pots they may be so 
constructed as to have a first-rate 
effect, and may be used either for 
plants or cut flowers, or both. 
The lower part of the vases may 
be made to imitate leaves, and the top 
cover may have more than one aper- 
ture if desirable, for the stems of the 
plants to pass through ; other aper- 
tures may be likewise made round 
the sides, so that cut flowers may be 
placed all round below the growing plants, as shown by the section [a) ; and when there is no 
growing plant, cut flowers may be also placed in the top through the aperture in the cover 
made for that purpose (h). Basons of water might be placed within the vase and their 
heights regulated by moveable blocks of wood, which may by this means be made to suit 
either small or large flower pots, or glasses, or basons, or anything else required. The 
cover of the vase (b) should be made in two pieces, to afford facilities for placing in or 
taking out the plants or removing the water in the basons. One large bason at the 
bottom for cut flowers with long stalks will answer every purpose. 
