APPENDIX 359 



There is another style of design applied to a large class 

 of flower arrangements, in which the Principal line of the 

 composition has a horizontal, or almost horizontal, direction ; 

 the intention of such compositions being to suggest floral growth 

 on the edges of cliffs or banks, when used in hanging vessels or 

 vases placed on raised shelves. 



The different lines have been spoken of as if existing in one 

 vertical plane parallel to the spectator ; but actually these lines 

 have also directions of varying degrees forward or backward. 

 In other words, the extreme points of these lines would require 

 a solid and not a plane figure for their enclosure. 



The various directions imparted to plants and branches 

 of trees on the above principles are obtained first by a careful 

 selection of suitable material, then by twisting, bending, build- 

 ing together and fixing at the base, and lastly by means of 

 cutting and clipping off defective or superfluous parts. 



Flower arrangements are made sometimes with one species 

 of tree or plant alone, and sometimes with a combination of 

 two or more species. The use of many different kinds of flowers 

 in one composition is opposed to the principles of the purer 

 styles. 



In arranging two or more species in one composition, variety 

 must be sought by combining trees and plants. In a three-line 

 composition the branches of a tree should never be * supported ' 

 on both sides by a plant ; nor should a plant be placed in the 

 centre with a tree arrangement on either side. The two 

 branches of the same kind must of necessity be used, but they 

 should adjoin, not sandwich, the remaining one. For example, 

 a composition with Irises (plant) in the centre and branches 

 of Azalea (tree) and Camellia (tree) on either side would be 

 defective. A correct composition would be one with a Plum 

 branch (tree) in the centre, with a Pine branch (tree) on one 

 side and Bamboo stem (plant) on the other. In cases of variety 

 being obtained by land and water plants, this rule is sometimes 

 violated. 



The manipulation of different plants and tree- cuttings with 

 the object of preserving their vitality needs special study. In 

 some cases merely sharply cutting the extremity is sufficient to 

 preserve the succulence ; but with other material the charring 

 of the end, or dipping in hot water to soften it, is common. 



