This section is from "The Horticulturist, And Journal Of Rural Art And Rural Taste", by P. Barry, A. J. Downing, J. Jay Smith, Peter B. Mead, F. W. Woodward, Henry T. Williams. Also available from Amazon: Horticulturist and Journal of Rural Art and Rural Taste.
As an appropriate accompaniment to the subject of Home Decorations in Winter, we introduce this charming design of a new flower table. It needs very little explanation. In all our large cities there are wire makers who manufacture flower stands, hanging baskets and other simple objects for household use and ornament. This stand may be entirely circular, or in the form of a semi-circle, in which case it will fit easily into the alcove of any window, and the circular portion will project out into the room ; or, if the window should be circular, like that of a bay window, and project out from the building, then this table will easily fill the space, and gain the benefit of an abundance of light and the warmth of the sun's rays. It may be constructed entirely of wire, or the lower part may be made of wood, and the upper part of wire, with a tin or zinc pan for holding the earth. Soil may be used for growing the flowers, or, still better, wood mold from the forests. Moss also can be used appropriately and kept constantly moist. Sand also, if convenient, can be used for such flowers as thrive best in it. Care must be taken to allow some moans of drainage, to remove the superfluous water.
The size of the table is about four to five feet in diameter, and stands about two and a half feet from the floor, the upper railing not being over three ft. high. It can be adapted in winter and early spring to tulips, hyacinths, and other bulbs, and in later spring or summer to plant of ornate foliage. The design is really elegant, and will be found a most graceful ornament for floral decoration.
 
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