2G0 THE GARDENER. [June 



" the art of skeletonising leaves and flowers would be found much less 

 difficult of accomplishment were the nature and character of the vari- 

 ous plants thoroughly studied at first. For instance, it would be but 

 a poor guide to the learner to say, ' Gather the leaves on a certain day,' 

 unless proper attention be also paid to the leaves chosen. They must 

 have reached a certain degree of maturity, neither too old nor too young ; 

 and as all leaves do not reach this point at the same time, care must be 

 taken that each kind is gathered when fit for use. The leaves of the 

 Magnolia may be gathered when the plant is in bloom, varying in time 

 from June to August; they will require from a month to six weeks for 

 immersion, and are easy to dissect, as the fibre is so strong. Ivy ranks 

 among the most difficult, but from the beauty of the formation of its 

 fibre will well repay the trouble expended. These may be put in from the 

 beginning of May until October, but should be leaves of the previous 

 year's growth. All leaves will not answer for dissecting, but those that 

 have been most successfully operated upon are the leaves of the Magnolia, 

 Ivy, Pear, Rose, Holly, Orange, Poplar, Willow, Elm, Lime, Service-tree, 

 Spanish and Horse Chestnut, and Oak. The last, however, should not 

 be put into the same vessel as the others, as it affects them in an undesir- 

 able manner. Certain seed-vessels will also dissect admirably, such as the 

 Stramonium, Winter Cherry, Poppy, &c. To produce good specimens, 

 put the leaves into a deep jar and cover over with soft water, which 

 must not be changed; the jar to be put into a cool place. When, upon 

 examination, the leaves are found to be quite soft, they must be care- 

 fully brushed in a plate of water with a camel's hair brush. Then 

 they should be placed in a weak solution of chloride of lime for a short 

 time, to whiten the fibres, and afterwards washed well in two or three 

 waters, and dried carefully between sheets of blotting-paper or linen ; 

 after which they are ready for mounting. To make stems for this pur- 

 pose, thread stiffened with gum is most useful, and has a natural 

 appearance. The leaves may be formed into bouquets or wreaths, accord- 

 ing to the taste of the operator, and should be placed under glass 

 shades to preserve them from harm." This is the simple outline of the 

 process, and if executed by the hands of the gentler sex, for whom it 

 would prove a very fitting employment, a fair amount of success might 

 well be looked for. It is evident that much nice discrimination in the 

 selection of the right leaves is required, and a very light and careful 

 manipulation is also essential ; and in the case of failures no small 

 amount of patience is needed to carry the operator through to ultimate 

 success. I have seen the productions of the lady who has favoured 

 me with these instructions, and can bear witness that they are beauti- 

 fully executed and mounted. One handsome group, especially, would 

 make a fitting ornament for any drawing-room ; the branches of Ivy laid 



