The Decorative Use of Flowers 



1617 



or other contest. In Japan certain flowers each month are considered 

 especially felicitous. All this sjonbolism is in line with Emerson's sug- 

 gestion: _ . , , , ,, 

 Let statue, picture, park and hall, 



Ballad, flag and festival 



The past restore, the day adorn. 



And make to-morrow a new mom. 



MANNER OF ARRANGEMENT 



As in other forms of design there must first be an idea to express. To 

 the expression of the idea ever}'' blossom, leaf, and stem, the spaces between 



Fig. 19. — There may be a central arrangement, or something at each plate, or, for a very 



special occasion, a combination of both 



them, the receptacle containing them, and the decoration on the receptacle, 

 if there is any, should contribute. 



The decorative elements in plants are line, form, and color. Those 

 plants whose chief attraction is in form or line shoidd be used singly or 

 in small groups so that these qualities may be seen to best advantage. 

 Those whose preeminent attraction is their color may be massed. Those, 

 which are thrice blessed, possessing beauty of form, line, and color may be 

 arranged singly, in small groups, or in large masses, according to the 

 characteristic to be emphasized or the place and the purpose for which 

 they are chosen. 



Line is the dominant attribute of goldenrod. One stem, or at most 



three, is more effective than a large mass. When goldenrod is bunched 

 102 



