190 BRITISH FLORAL DECORATION 



decoration carried out with living things and a 

 judicious mixture of flags would look infinitely 

 more dignified. 



DECORATIONS FOR PUBLIC BANQUETS 



Those connected with the arrangements of large 

 public banquets cannot attach too much import- 

 ance to their floral decorations. At these func- 

 tions it is the first impression that lasts, and there is 

 nothing gives a better first impression than an 

 artistic and even lavish display of flowers. 



The " Sphinx Club," which is one of the leading 

 and perhaps the most important of London's 

 social clubs, has, since its formation, always made 

 floral schemes a special feature, and by way of 

 marking the importance of this matter I am 

 permitted by Mr. Balch, the President, and 

 Mr. McLeod Moore, the Secretary, to record that 

 the joy which their floral decorations have always 

 given has played a no unimportant part in the 

 rapid progress of the club to its present exalted 

 position. Conversation can never flag if there are 

 beautiful flowers to talk about, and many an 

 awkward break in the sequence of courses can be 

 comfortably tided over if the guests have something 

 upon which to feast their eyes. 



