;108 jP'loH>e7's for Oruament and l>ecoratlon. 



these collections beautiful; while forest and fell, upland and moor, afford many 

 lovely wildings. Nor will their more delicate relatives of the conservatory lose aught 

 of their beauty or grandeur when mingled with them. Branches from plants of varie- 

 gated foliage, or boughs of bright autumn leaves, without blossoms, make very ele- 

 gant bouquets. The vase which they occupy should stand on a window seat, or on a 

 table near by, that the sunlight may fall upon them ; as the rays stream through and 

 among them, their gorgeous colorings appear to fine advantage. 



A perforated plate or cover for the top of a dish or vase is a great convenience for 

 arranging flowers. There is then no danger of crowding them, and we can quickly 

 see the effect of her work, as the bouquet is, as it were, huilt where it Is to stand. 

 The vase should be first filled with water, then the cover laid, and the stems inserted 

 in the perforations. It is, however, usual to tie the flowers together in some man- 

 ner ; let it be as loosely as possible ; see that there is no crushing or overlapping of 

 flowers or buds ; nor yet let the larger flowers be too prominent. When you have 

 large and choice flowers, it is better to place one specimen, with its buds and appro- 

 priate adjuncts of foliage, and vines (both, or either, as the habits of the blossoms 

 require) in a receptacle by itself. Several vases filled in this way make more effec- 

 tive display than if all were crowded into one group, and lend an air of elegance to 

 a room, if disposed in proper localities. Bouquets of this style are more proper for 

 the ,guest-chamber and the dressing-room. Flowers of medium size and delicate 

 foliace should be used ; their colors — speaking of quiet and repose — must be of the 

 more subdued tints and the tenderest green. 



For a hand-boquet, both foliage and flowers must be nicely chosen. Fragrance, 

 not so important in other collections, is here an indispensable requisite. Among the 

 most desirable verdure are, Aloysia citriodora (called by some Lippia) ; the lemon- 

 scented verbena, with its elegant lanceolate leaves ; sprays of the exquisite sweet 

 brier (not omitting its lovely buds and blossoms) ; myrtle, box, lavender, the various 

 fra^^rant geraniums, and odorous mints. Of the minor blossoms, mignonette, " the 

 fragrant weed," is the favorite ; then come heliotrope, stevia, violets and honey- 

 suckles ; mahernia, acacia and heath ; while dianthus, in all its species, orange blos- 

 soms, tuberoses, lilies and roses add both beauty and fragrance ; and pansies, daisies, 

 forget-me-not and jasmine are always welcome. 



A hand-bouquet should not be too large to be carried conveniently. It may be 

 six inches (better five or four) in height, and four in diameter at its base. The 

 flowers should be arranged in a somewhat conical shape ; and though the bouquet 

 must be regular in outline, it must not be too set. The green, projecting here and 

 there to give distinctness to the several groups of which it is composed, will relieve 

 it of formality, if the colors and forms are not too monotonous. A pleasing variety 

 of these must be obtained, yet regard must be specially paid to proper contrasts and 

 harmony. Many fine flowers are short-stemmed ; others have very weak stems. To 

 lengthen or to strengthen these, use slender twigs, or bits of willow or matchwood, or 

 straws of matting, or broom-corn, fastening the flowers to these by hair twine, fine 

 cord, or thread. When flowers are thus improved, a bit of wet cotton or moss should 

 be wound over and around these false stems. Before making the bouquet, all that 

 need this assistance must be made ready ; then select the different groups, assort 



