The Canadian Horticulturist. 245 



large red crepe shawl, heavily fringed. Red carnations in abundance were used 

 for decorations. 



Among the new center-pieces for dinners is a tiny lake with a small fountain 

 playing in the center. Two silver swans are on the lake, and around it is green 

 moss and vines. 



Flowers are no longer massed together as they once were. While calling at 

 a beautiful home in California I was pleased, and at the same time surprised, to 

 see a dozen varieties of flowers in as many different vases. The glorious Cali- 

 fornia poppies, whose sheen no artist can put on canvas, were in a large glass 

 bowl where the sun's rays fell on them. They brought to mind Rose Harwick 

 Thorp>e's poem dedicated to them : 



Flower of the westland, with calyx of gold, 

 Swung in the breeze and lace woven sod, 

 Filled to the brim with the glory of God, — 

 All that the wax-petaled chalice can hold ; 

 This was the birth of it on the brown plain, 

 The sun dropped a kiss in the footprint of rain. 



The modest little violets, which are such a favorite ever)'where, were care- 

 lessly arranged in low, quaint shaped little glasses with an abundance of their 

 own foliage. Beautiful roses with long stems were gracefully arranged in tall 

 slender glasses. Pansies in all their glorj-, var}'ing from a golden yellow to a 

 royal purple and velvety black, were laid in flat dishes on a bed of green vines 

 and leaves. Then there were carnations, camelia japonica, cosmos, etc., each 

 flower showing off to the best advantage. It was truly a study for an artist. 



Baskets and shells make admirable receptacles for flowers. A large silver 

 dish is most effective when filled with pink flowers and green leaves or vines. 



Sweet peas and mignonette should always be grouped together. While 

 sweet peas are pretty arranged alone, the two together are an improvement. 

 There if no more picturesque and effective decoration for a summer luncheon or 

 dinner than maiden-hair ferns. Having the dining room profusely decorated 

 with this graceful fern, and let the menu so far as possible be in green and white. 



Fern dishes are much more reasonable than ever before, so nearly every 

 one can afford at least one. When filled with the lovely growing maiden-hair 

 nothing can be more effective or refreshing. 



Tall Chinese vases which can be placed on the floor in comers or near the 

 mantel are much liked for large, long-stemmed flowers. A pretty rose vase 

 is of pale green glass. 



Natural effects and an absence of conventionality should characterize the 

 arrangement of flowers at all seasons and in all places. 



Simplicity is the cry of the hour in floral decorations as in house furnishing, 

 and the most delightful entertainments are those where carelessness, grace and 

 simplicity are combined. 



