224 PRACTICAL FLORICULTURE. 



to continue for all time the true form, like the parasol, 

 which might have been its prototype. [The bouquet 

 shown is constructed in the formal style, and with the 

 flowers then most prized ; its width is probably a foot of 

 rounded diameter ; the ground work is a dozen white 

 Camellias, each surrounded by blue Violets, the further 

 filling being of Lily-of-the- Valley, and scarlet and white 

 Fuchsias. P.H.] Ball bouquets would be handsome 

 enough but for the handles, which completely destroy 

 the line of beauty. As for those abortions of the same 

 form pointed with Rose-buds, they are only fitted to con- 

 vey to moderns an idea of the ancient weapon of war 

 that was swung by a chain or thong, and which Sir 

 Walter Scott describes the Baron of Smailholm as 

 carrying : 



" At his saddle girth hung a good steel sperthe, 

 Full ten pounds weight and more." 



After form, the most important point in bouquet 

 making is the arrangement of colors. The incongruous 

 mixing of these in a great measure destroys the effect of 

 the finest flowers, while the more delicately the coloring 

 is blended and the more strikingly contrasted, the more 

 perfect and pleasing is the result. Let any one who 

 doubts this compare a bouquet of the best flowers, in 

 which many colors are freely used, with one made of pink, 

 shading delicately from the centre to blush and white, 

 or vice versa, and with a few tiny points of bright scarlet 

 or violet tastefully set amidst the white. 



The arrangement of colors in simple geometrical forma 

 is greatly preferable to a succession of distinct rings in a 

 bouquet. The ribbon pattern is very pretty in a flower 

 bed, but in very questionable taste in bouquet making. [It 

 will be seen that Mr. Park's taste, in defiance of the 

 fashion then greatly prevalent, revolted against the 

 formal system now obsolete. P. H.] A bordering of 

 White, blue, or pink, may be generally used with good 



