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in the usual manner, the forceful grace of its wandlike stem is lost entirely ; 

 also the greenish yellow of the flowers as seen in mass is disappointing. 

 In orchids, lilies, and iris, form is the chief clement of beauty and should 

 have first consideration. Such flowers should never be massed. 



Fig. 20. — Peonies are difficult to arrange singly ajid are much more splendid massed 



Color is the dominant attraction in pansies, sweet peas, violets, and 

 ►lasturtiums ; therefore the more of these the better. Peonies are difficult 

 to arrange singly and are much more splendid when massed (Fig. 20). 



In many plants form and color are both so attractive that the plant 

 may be selected for either characteristic, but in the decorative arrange- 

 ment one idea should be dominant. 



The rose is one of the best examples of threefold adaptability. One 

 long-stemmed rose in a slender vase, which will keep it in position, is 

 a thing of beauty in line, which should give joy to a whole household 

 (Fig. 23) ; a group of three at different stages of opening, with their leaves, 

 is an example of beauty of form, which would furnish a notable decoration ; 

 and a mass of full-blown roses would present a glory of color, which might 

 well be the special decorative feature at a wedding, a graduation, or 

 a church service in Jtme. The chr^^santhemum and the poppy are almost 

 equally adaptable. 



In some cases foliage is the attractive feature, and it possesses the same 

 elements of hne, form, and color. Rushes and grasses are lovely in line. 

 Some varieties of oak are so impressive in form that they should be 



