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as one mode of employing the cistern pot; but we cannot 
advocate any one particular method of use, in preference to 
all others. Mr. Brown claims, and we believe justly, the 
invention of a surrounding cistern, which may be completely 
closed at pleasure; and this addition greatly increases the 
facilities of varying the degree of moisture about the plant ; 
and with such precision, that every variety of circumstance 
may be met. For instance, in the first place, if the cistern be 
left dry and open, the protection of the inner pot from atmos- 
pheric influence will be very slight. Secondly: If the cistern 
be corked, a more humid atmosphere will be preserved in it, by 
the partial retention of the moisture that will be transmitted 
from the soil, through the side of the pot with which it is in 
contact. Thirdly : If an inch or two of the bottom of the pot 
were to be dipt in a glazing, or by other means rendered im- 
pervious to water, this part of the cistern would then hold a 
small quantity of water, which, in warm weather, would add 
much to the moisture of the enclosed air. Fourthly : If the 
cistern be filled with water, it would filter through the pot, and 
be imbibed by the soil, in a greater or less degree, according 
as the pot was more or less porous, giving to the plant the 
greatest degree of moisture afforded by this contrivance. 
In conclusion, it may be added, in commendation of Mr. 
Brown’s cistern pots — as these may be called, plants cannot be 
so readily injured by inattention, as if in common pots; and 
furthermore, by using them with strict attention, any required 
degree of moisture may be more perfectly secured, than by 
any method with which we are at present acquainted. So far 
we have pursued the subject theoretically, and theory must 
precede practice. At a future time we hope to give our readers 
the results of experience. We would refer to one idea which 
we have dropt in considering this subject; it is that respecting 
the glazing of the bottoms of pots. Now, as a stratum of 
drainers should occupy the bottom of every pot, if that part of 
it, in contact with the drainers, were glazed, and did not assist 
in carrying off the moisture from them, some advantage w ould 
be occasionally afforded. Besides which, the pots would be less 
objectionable when placed on shelves without pans ; which 
sometimes happens, even in the sitting room. We leave the 
idea with Mr. Brown, and the curious in these matters. 
