12 INTRODUCTION. 



attempts to reproduce them. "We say partially, 

 for in many cases a fine leaf was marred by 

 stains or spots, or blemishes occasioned by the 

 ravages of insects ; and although otherwise it 

 may have been perfectly skeletonized, and the 

 shape preserved entire and beautiful, yet these 

 blemishes served to spoil the effect, and to 

 destroy its value for a bouquet. Many of the 

 less particular artists did not hesitate to mix 

 a few of such defective specimens in their 

 arrangements ; but most persons of correct taste 

 preferred to group gracefully their half dozen 

 perfect leaves under a small shade, than to 

 make a towering bouquet of imperfect or dis- 

 colored ones. 



The time which has elapsed since the art was 

 first introduced here has been a season of 

 patient experiment and investigation. There 

 were no published essays to which the learner 

 could refer for directions. All must be studied 

 and acquired by laborious and careful observa- 

 tion, and often whole seasons would be lost 

 while ascertaining the peculiar properties of a 



