58 PHANTOM FLOWERS. 



collection. They should be taken from the vine not 

 earlier than the middle of July, and perfect speci- 

 mens may be obtained as late as the middle of 

 September, — probably about the first of August will 

 be the best time. Select the firmest and oldest leaves. 

 Some of them wiQ be clear in four weeks after im- 



IvT. 



(Cut No. 17.) 



These much admired leaves may be gathered at 

 any time during the year, always selecting those a 

 year old in preference to the younger growth of the 

 present season. The Ivy leaf, like some others, has 

 a tough outer cuticle on each side, between which 

 the fibrous skeleton is concealed, the intermediate 

 space being filled with the green cellular matter com- 

 mon to all leaves. During the process of macera- 

 tion this green substance becomes dissolved, though 

 the outer skin remains whole and entire. When 

 taken from the macerating vessel and laid in the 

 clean water for cleansing, this skin will present the 

 appearance of a bladder fiUed with green water. By 

 puncturing, or gently tearing this skin on one or both 



