1»*" 





A spray of Ivy-leaved 

 Toad 



Fla 



suniu- \cllo\v, and so decorative in their- arrangement with 

 their own delightful bluey grey - green leaves. The 

 cockney flower-woman I usually patronise knows my 

 partiality for these leaves, for she always calls out 

 "Spikes, laidy ? " in a persuasiv^e tone if she thinks I am going by 

 without making a purchase. Ihit these self-same " spikes," though 

 the most charming and suitable accompaniment to their kindred 

 flowers, are very difficult to manage successfully. If you think they 

 look simple, just try even to cfrazv one, and you will see. If you look 

 straight into the face of a single daffodil, deep down into the depths of 

 its long trumpet-shaped heart, you will not find it easy to reproduce 

 its depths. Note carefully the reflected lights and quiet tran.sparency 

 with which it recedes from our view as it nears the base of the petals. 



The crocus makes a good study, especially if we draw it growing from 

 its bulb. • 



The snowdrop, with its delicate blossoming bells, also ; but neither of 

 these would appeal to me for the composition of a 

 picture, though charming as studies. 



The culli\atcd h}-acinth, except the early Roman 

 variety, is somewhat stiff in growth ; but the lovely 

 wild bluebells, growing in riotous luxuriance in the 

 Maytime copse, make a wonderful study in colour, 

 the tender young green of spring-time acting as a 

 beautiful contrast to the indescribable blue mistiness 

 of the floral carpet at our feet. 



Have \'ou ever noticed that these bluebells are 

 rather disappointing and hard in colour if you bring 

 them indoors, away from the glamour of green and 

 sky? But nevertheless they make a delightful 

 study, with plenty of scope for delicate drawing, 

 as do also lilies of the valley with their delicate 

 leaves. 



Tulips have been vastly imiMovcd of recent 

 years ; how different are some of these lovely new 

 varieties, with dainty frilled edges, from the striped 

 yellow and red monstrosities so fashionable in my 

 childish da)'s ! But they are as changeable as a 

 rose, and need to be painted very quickly. 



ut the 



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The 

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ini! shades: 

 carpet of the dry lea* 

 keep down 

 nth blades. 



24 



