74 MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN 
if a wood or celluloid ruler is used an uneven line will result 
that will spoil the whole effect. The knife is used only to 
make the first cut, then by drawing a discarded razor blade 
several times through this a smooth edge finally results. Suit- 
able holders for these blades can be purchased from photo- 
graphie supply houses for fifty cents. When cardboard must 
be painted, it is better to use oil paints, as water colors are 
apt to warp the material. 
Stepping-stones may be represented by bits of cardboard, 
chips of stones, or pebbles glued in place. Bird-baths, statu- 
ary, pottery, benches, steps, sun-dials, fountains, ete., may be 
carved out of hard ivory soap or shaped from plastacene. 
It is sometimes desired to represent water, and of course 
the most natural effect can only be secured with water. When 
a base is built that will permit of some underground structure, 
a pool may be made in the following manner. A shallow tin 
box (for instance, Nabisco tin) is secured, tested for leaks, 
and any holes that may exist, soldered. Stones, sand, and 
pebbles are then cemented in place to give a natural effect. If 
the edges of the plaster of Paris composition forming the base 
are brought to the surface of the water, much of the water is 
apt to disappear by capillarity. To prevent this the banks of 
the pool should be given a coat of hot paraffin. Mirrors may 
be used to represent water and also a celluloid preparation 
obtainable from the Celluloid Company, 30 Washington Place, 
New York City. 
Garden trellisses, arbors, rose arches, clothes supports, etc., 
may be made with toothpicks and matches glued together and 
painted. Wire screening of 4g and 14-inch mesh is useful for 
fences, rose arches, ete. Small candles may represent pillars. 
Vegetables may be made of pieces of paper, colored sawdust, 
bits of pine cone, ete. Garden furniture can be constructed 
from wooden plant labels which may be purchased from seed 
stores and florists’ establishments. 
Quite a variety of tools are required in making a miniature 
garden, but they are such as are found in most every home. 
A hammer is indispensable. Next in importance are a pair of 
scissors, preferably manicure scissors with curved blades, pli- 
ers, saw, dividers, knives, screw-driver, file, plane, vise, drill, 
