WINDOW GARDENING. 
65 
year, and tradesmen inform us that the past year alone the demand iu this coun- 
try for these objects of taste has completely trebled. 
Boxes made of plain wood may be ornamented with acorns, as shown in Fig 
45, a design often used for green-houses or staircase windows. Take a mixture 
of acorn and powdered shells, cut all the acorns in half, lengthways, cover the 
box with glue, then lay the acorns flat side down along the edge and bottom 
of the sides, one after the other, and in the open space between, affix them in any 
fantastic plan you like ; then sift the powdered shell thickly all over the box 
between the acorns, and it will soon dry. If you choose, you can vary the 
Fig. 43. 
acorns with cone seeds, and led berries cut m half. Another style. Fig. 46, 
is made in a similar way, excepting oiuy that pine cones are used in place of 
acoTTis, and the edges of the box and its ends, and supports at bottom, are con- 
structed of rustic cedar wood. This pot is filled with a fine collection of Bulbs, 
Hyacinths, Narcissus, Jonquils, Tulips, Crocuses, Snow Drop and Scillas, length 
about three feet, and width about eight inclies. 
There are other very pretty rustic modes of construction. The outside of 
home made boxes, may also be ornamented with white and gray lichens, wet in 
water to make them pliable, then glued on, or fastened securely with thread wire, 
attaching the wire to small brad nails on the inside and outer edge of the box. 
When dry it will have a pleasing appearance. Sections of bark may also be used 
to cover the sides, or wood mosaic introduced ; take the split half of small sticks 
of spruce, maple, oak and birch, arrange them in alternate diamonds, oval and 
square, varying the colors with an artistic eye, and fastening the cleft sticks 
with small brads, which will not be perceptible. "When finished, cover with a 
coat of varni.sh. 
Gum shellac, dissolved in turpentine, or common furniture polish may be used 
foi varnishing. Pine cones are favorites in these box decorations, and sometimes 
