24 PHANTOM FLOWEHS. 



of the Oak, Chestnut, Walnut, Birch, and Hickory 

 contain so large a quantity of tannin as to render 

 it almost impossible to macerate them in the usual 

 way. If placed among other and more perishable 

 leaves, the infusion of tannin thus created will act as 

 a preservative, and entirely prevent their decomposition. 

 The writer learned these facts, to her cost, during the 

 first season's experiments. A few beautiful Oak leaves 

 were placed among a large number of other varieties 

 which were in course of preparation, and not until 

 after months of patient waiting, watchfulness, and 

 handling did she discover the true cause of her disap- 

 pointment, when it was too late in the season to repair 

 the loss. The reader wiU at once perceive how im- 

 portant are these rules and cautions, thus placed at the 

 head of our directions. 



Throughout the Middle States, by the fifteenth of 

 June, most of the desirable leaves will be found fuUy 

 grown, and many of them are then old enough to 

 gather. Elms, Swamp Magnolias, Maples, Deutzias, 

 Pears, Silver Poplars, and English Sycamores may* 

 be selected, but none but the firmest and most perfect 

 leaves should be taken. These kinds may be placed 

 together in open vessels and covered with soft water, 

 and then set in a warm or sunny place in the open 



