EMBELLISHMENTS. 
395 
marble or other stone, are extremely dura- 
ble and very ornamental. As yet, we are 
unable to refer our readers to any manu- 
factory here, where these articles are made 
in a manner fully equal to the English ; but 
we are satisfied, it is only necessary that 
the taste for such articles should increase, 
and the consequent demand, to induce our 
artisans to produce them of equal beauty, 
[Fig. 69 .j and 0 f greater cheapness. 
At Blithe wood, the Seat of R. Donaldson, Esq., on the 
Hudson, a number of exquisite vases may 
be seen in the pleasure-grounds, which are 
cut in Maltese stone. These were imported 
by the proprietor, direct from Malta, at very 
moderate rates, and are not only ornamen- 
tal, but very durable. Their colour is a 
warm shade of gray which harmonizes 
agreeably with the surrounding vegeta- 
tion. 
Large vases are sometimes filled with LFis . n.j 
earth and planted with choice flowering plants, and the ef- 
fect of the blossoms and green leaves growing out 
of these handsome receptacles, is at least unique 
and striking. Loudon objects to it in the case 
of an elegant sculptured vase “ because it is re- 
ducing a work of art to the level of a mere garden 
flower-pot, and dividing the attention between 
the beauty of the form of the vase, and of its 
sculptured ornaments, and that of the plant which it con- 
tains.” This criticism is a just one in its general applica- 
[Fig. 71.] 
