10 BRITISH FLORAL DECORATION 



is correctly carried out, there is no fear of its becom- 

 ing chaotic in appearance. 



The little stand figured in this book, entitled 

 " A Table Centre," very clearly illustrates how even 

 a dozen kinds of flowers and foliage may be success- 

 fully used by a clever florist. 



In decorating very large tables for public banquets 

 where after-dinner speeches will be made, it is 

 necessary that a clear line of sight is carefully 

 preserved to the speakers, both when sitting and 

 standing, as there is nothing more annoying to 

 them than to find themselves practically hidden by 

 an unsuitable floral arrangement. 



How great this inconvenience is may be gathered 

 from an incident which lately came under my own 

 notice. I was a guest at an important dinner in 

 the Guildhall at Cambridge, where nearly all those 

 occupying seats at the principal table had speeches 

 to make. The first was naturally given by the 

 Chairman, who, being a very tall man, was just able 

 to peep over the top of the barricade of flowers 

 which had been arranged in front of him ; the second, 

 although certainly not " a man of no importance," 

 was unfortunately very short, and the audience 

 called for the removal of the flowers, since he was 

 completely hidden. This was taken as a general 



