A FEW USEFUL HINTS 185 



the water, or every other day in the winter, is all 

 that cut flowers require. A piece of charcoal, 

 however, put into each vase has a tendency to keep 

 the water sweet and will do no harm. 



All flowers should be cut as early in the morning 

 as possible and always just before they are fully 

 open. 



All Narcissi, except the Polyanthus section, and 

 Tulips, should be cut just before the petals burst 

 open, as they will open better in water and the 

 possibilities of their being dashed by rain or bruised 

 by winds will be averted. 



ABOUT SCENTED FLOWERS 



Never decorate tables or drawing-rooms with 

 heavily scented flowers when you are expecting the 

 rooms to be fairly crowded. This advice applies 

 specially to the summer months, as it is then that 

 all flowers give out their scent in great volumes. 

 I consider this matter so very important that I 

 am giving a list of flowers which should be specially 

 avoided on these occasions. Tuberoses, Gardenias, 

 Stephanotis, Orange flowers, Lilium auratum (and 

 other strong-scented Liliums), Boronia mega- 

 stigma, Daphne, Tobacco-plant, Herbaceous Phlox, 

 Polyanthus Narcissi, all scented varieties of Acacia 



