WINDOW GARDENING. 



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flowers by their velvety texture, which retains so much moisture, while their 

 flowers will last well if a drop of gum arabic is dropped into each flower; and 

 there are few that are more efiective either in dress or table decoration. 



Heath retains its beauty for a long time, as do nearly all flowers which pos- 

 sess a hard woody stem ; while Fuchsias, Heliotropes, etc., with soft, succulent 

 stems either drop their flowers, or turn black so quickly that their beauty is soon 

 destroyed. 



Carnations and Pinks are beautiful for floral decorations, and they keep their 

 freshness for a long time. Verbenas and Chrysanthemums are also very desira- 

 ble. Hyacinths will make 

 exquisite vases, wreaths, 

 etc., and double and single 

 Tulips are ornamental in 

 decorating mantel pieces 

 and tables. 



Anemones are unequaled 

 for a dinner table, as the 

 full blaze of light exhibits 

 their striking colors to 

 great advantage, and the 

 gorgeous scarlet, pink, pale 

 blue and blue shading into 

 white are perfect, but they 

 require a soft mossy foli- 

 age of Lycopodiums or 

 Ferns. 



Azaleas are charming 

 for every kind of adorn- 

 m 6 n t . There are no 

 flowers more perfect for 

 ornamenting the hair and 

 dress, but they fade 



quickly unless damp blot- Fig. 36. Basket of cut Flowers. 



ing paper or cotton or wool is rolled around their stems. 



Dentzia gracilis is very beautiful for any decoration; and it is in much request 

 so that the florists force large quantities of it every winter. Roses of every shade 

 are always admirable ; too many of them were never seen. 



Stephanotisfloribundais ever welcome ; its snowy, waxen, fragrant flowers be- 

 ing adapted to every floral ornament, and the same remark applies to the sweet 

 Cape Jessamines, the Myrtle and the Orange blossom. 



Bouvardias, Tuberoses, Mignonette, and all the sweet blossoms, are also to be 

 desired for arranging in the various devices at present employed in decorating 

 apartments, etc., for festive occasions. 



Mounting and weaving flowers is a mechanical operation that is often useful. 



