Fig. 6. 



noi'Ql'KTS AND FLOIiAL OKNAMKNTS. 



twine, commencing at the top. After it ia properly secured, trim off the fttems at the 

 biuso with a knife, so as to be peifectly even, and with a pair of scissors or shears chp 

 the top 80 as to funn a perfect cone. Tlic Howcrs are to be inserted into tliit*. 



Fiif. represents a very conij)lete apparatus for preserving 

 flowers in water, and at the sjune time arranging them into 

 the proper form for a table ornament. It is comjwsed of a 

 number of circular tin vessels, one over another, and dimin- 

 ishing in size from the base uj), forming a cone. These 

 vessels are tilled with water, and the stems of the flowers 

 inserted into them. 



Fig. 7 is a graceful design for a wire basket, to be lined 

 with moss. It is of the shape called by the ladies "gil'sy," 

 and the effect of it when filled with flowers is far more 

 graceful than those of a more formal and rigid j)attern. A 

 ■wire basket for moss should have a wooden base, and after 

 the sides are lined with moss, the basket should be filled 

 •with wet or damp sand, wliich should be covered neatly 

 with moss, taking care that the surface is oval, so as to dis- 

 play the flowers to advantage. The stems of the flowers 

 should be inserted in holes made with a sharp stick in the 

 sand. The choicest and smallest flowers should be used to cover the handle. 



Fig. 5 represents a table ornament of simple construction, but of graceful design. 

 Take a large-sized flower-pot, of say from fourteen to eighteen inches diameter, and 

 cover its sides with sheets of moss, secured bypassing strong black linen thread around 

 it. This should be mounted on a wooden base formed of two siiuare blocks of wood, 

 one smaller than the other, sunnounted by a circular or cylindrical piece of wood. In 

 the upper end of the latter should be a wooden or iron peg or bolt, which should pass 

 up through the circular hole in the bottom of tlie 

 flower-pot, to keep it in its proper place. On the 

 upper edge of the flower-pot, place a rim formed of 

 a band of hay two or three inches in diameter, 

 either twisted or tied around with twine. This and 

 the wooden base should also be covered with moss. 

 The pyramid of flowers may be made on a frame- 

 work of evergreen, as just directed, or the apparatus 

 fig. 6 may be used. Festoons on the sides would 

 add greatly to the beauty of this design, and should 

 be formed on pieces of hoop or wire. They should 

 be large in the middle, and gradually diminish at both ends. 



I have thus, Mr. Editor, endeavored, huriedly, and briefly as possible, to describe, 

 for the benefit of my amateur friends, the. process of making bouquets and floral 

 designs, and hope that I have succeeded at least in affording them some assistance. 



Fig. 7. 



