1897.] ESSAYS. 33 



as purity, gradation, depth ; and when colored flowers are massed, 

 harmonious relations of the diffeieut hues should be secured. 



There are five typical color-groups or harmonies. The first may be 

 called a contrasted harmony. All green leaved plants with white 

 flowers are in this group. The second is dominant harmony, produced 

 by combining tints and shades of one color; as, for example, a head 

 of hyacinths or a bunch of double violet asters with no green foliage 

 in sight. This combination of tints and shades, so common in the 

 decorative arts and in dress goods, is rarely found in nature, and is 

 least satisfactory as a harmony. The third is analogous harmony, 

 composed of related hues of color. All green leaved plants with yel- 

 low flowers are in this group. A bunch of gladioli tinted with violet- 

 red, crimson, rose, scarlet and salmon forms an analogous harmony 

 of exquisite beauty. The fourth is complementary harmony — a har- 

 mony brought about by the juxtaposition of complementary colors. 

 A violet-red camellia seen against its glossy green leaves is a comple- 

 mentary harmony ; so also is a bunch of violets, with their rich yellow- 

 green leaves. The fifth is perfected harmony : a color group composed 

 of analogous hues combined with a color complementary to the general 

 effect of all the group. For example, the gladioli forming an analo- 

 gous harmonj'. if placed against a background of old ampelopsis 

 leaves of rich bluish-green color, would be greatly enhanced in color 

 effect, and the whole would form a perfected harmony. A bowl full of 

 pansies is in perfected harmony. The analogous group runs through 

 varying hues, from pure yellow in the flower centres to the yellowish- 

 green of the foliage. The complementary to the effect of this group 

 is to be seen in the rich purple of the petals. [Charts, diagrams and 

 bouquets of flowers were used to make this clear. The complementary 

 and analogous colors were illustrated by means of the Bradley color- 

 wheel.] 



The American people are becoming more sensitive to beauty every 

 year. The florists who furnish flowers to decorate their homes and 

 halls can do much to elevate public taste. A really beautiful thing is 

 always attractive. What was true for Emerson is true for us all. 

 Speaking of beauty, he said : 



"When first my ej'es saw thee 

 I found lue thy thrall." 



It costs no more to make a beautiful bouquet than to make an ugly 

 one, and ultimately he who produces beauty gives the greater pleasure 

 and receives the larger reward. 



