230 PRACTICAL FtORlCULttJfcE. 



arranged in nearly semi-circular outline, pointed with 

 two or more handsome flower-spikes, diversified with 

 here and there a fine fern leaf and other sprays of lively 

 green, with a few fine rose buds and spikelets of heath, 

 acacia, or similarly formed flowers, projecting from the 

 main body to give ease and grace, and with a profusion of 

 bright green or variegated foliage and flowers in droop- 

 ing sprays around, the best results may be attained. For 



Fig. 48. BASKET OP FLOWERS (IN FASHION 1867). 



such a bouquet a fair proportion of large flowers is indis- 

 pensable, and an excess of projecting points is to be 

 avoided as confusing. Table bouquets made in the 

 fashion of the confectioner's stiff pyramids of macaroons 

 are wretched decorations, and very discreditable to all 

 connected with them. Better, a thousand times, to have 

 half the quantity of flowers decently arranged. 



Baskets of flowers for decorating parlor tables, mantels, 

 etc., ought to be somewhat in keeping with their sur- 

 roundings ; a rough bouquet, adapted to grace a rustic 

 table at a picnic, would not be in as good taste here as 



