296 



WTNBOW GARDENING. 



every morning its evaporation supplied with more of the same temperature ; to 

 which, after a few days, a little aqua ammonia — five drops to half a pint of 

 water — may be added. It is well to place at the bottom of the dish or vase a 

 layer of broken charcoal, about half an inch in depth — pieces about the size of 

 small beans. In placing the flowers, let them have as much room as they need 

 to show themselves naturally. At the expiration of a week, the stems should 

 be examined, all decayed matter rubbed from them with a piece of flannel ; and 

 the tip of each end cleanly cut ; and if any leaves or blossoms begin to look with- 

 ered, those also should be cut away. 



Fig. 46. Flower Stand for the Table. 



Flowers decay much sooner when tied in bunches or bouquets than when 

 arranged loosely. Too little air and too much water are the bane of most 

 species. There ought to be a free current of the former around each spray or 

 separate large flower, while the latter should not come above the calyx of any 

 bloom; better be an inch or more below it. With most hardy plants, even if 

 very long stemmed, two inches immersion will give water enough if they have 

 plenty of air. 



Branchlets of flowering shrubs and stalks of the lily tribe can be advanta- 

 geously arranged in water held in deep vases in the manner just mentioned ; but 



