The fruits are made over a fine but very strong wire, 
and he says in some of them there is as much as a $ Ib. 
of glass. That process I have not seen. Most of the fruits 
I think are done and quantities of leaves on their glass 
stems ready for painting are in drawers. Some of the 
fruits are blown, but very few, for he dislikes blowing 
glass, and the fruits are like eggshells, too perishable for 
transport. There are one or two sprays, however, with 
fruit of both kinds on them, and you would never know 
the difference in their looks. 
The large pears and apples looked to me hopeless to 
transport, for no wire could stay on them, and no paper 
hold against their weight. But he is confident that by 
pinning the stalk firmly above the fruit stem it will never 
move. He has ordered a very heavy weight for the card- 
board boxes. 
This certainly has been a ‘“‘long letter,’’ and I shall be 
very anxious to know if you receive it safely, but please 
do not feel obliged to write when you are tired and busy 
—much as [ always enjoy your letters. 
Please remember me to Louis and, with most cordial 
greetings to you and Mrs. Ames, 
Very sincerely yours, 
Mary LEE WaRE 
[ 136 | 
