42 PHANTOM FLOWERS. 



with a little of the thick gum, into a hole made in 

 the centre of the cushion, in such a way as to allow 

 them to bend over slightly, using the large leaves of 

 the Magnolia species as a beginning, and filling in 

 with smaller leaves of other varieties. When a taUer 

 shade is to be used, this plan will not answer so well, 

 as it is desirable to bring the group higher up, so as 

 to fill the shade. A piece of white silk-wrapped bonnet 

 wire will answer as a foundation, the upper end being 

 covered with a small piece of white wax. 



The leaves may then be grouped around the wire, 

 and tied with white sewing cotton, placing the smaller 

 or medium-sized leaves at the top, and adding the 

 larger ones for the middle of the bouquet. These last 

 will then droop over gracefully when the shade is 

 placed over them, and the seed-vessels and Ferns, which 

 are more effective when arranged in groups on the 

 velvet cushion, wiU be seen plainly through the lace- 

 like curtain. When the central stem of wire has been 

 covered about two thirds of its length, gum the lower 

 end and insert it firmly into the base, having punched 

 an opening through the cushion, reaching down into 

 the wood itself; this will hold it entirely firm. One 

 of the white seed-vessels of the Balsam Apple forms 

 an effective vase-like receptacle, and when used, the 



