INTRODUCTION. 11 



ever offered for sale on this side of the Atlan- 

 tic, was made by an American lady, and was 

 exhibited in the spacious window of a large 

 jewelry establishment in one of our chief cities. 

 Although surrounded by flashing silver ware 

 and sparkling gems, yet the little bouquet, 

 composed of only a few leaves and flowers, 

 attracted the highest admiration of all who 

 beheld it, and as may be supposed, it soon 

 found an appreciative purchaser at a high price. 

 A few others (all that could then be furnished) 

 were disposed of at the same establishment 

 during that season. This public display served 

 to awaken a wide interest in the subject, 

 stimulating inquiry into the wonderful art by 

 which the perishable leaves and blossoms of the 

 forest and the garden are converted into durable 

 illustrations of the complex structure of the 

 floral world. 



As is usual with so decided a novelty, many 

 amateurs were ready to experiment the follow- 

 ing year. Among numerous lamentable failures, 

 a few only were partially successful in their 



