64 phantom: flowebs. 



better to gather them as soon as they fall, and place 

 them in the macerating vessel, allowing the berry 

 inside to remain until softened, in order to avoid 

 tearing the delicate little bladder. Two or three 

 weeks will be sufficiently long to allow for their 

 preparation. They may be washed, by passing rap- 

 idly to and fro in hot water, when the softened berry 

 may be pressed out, then dried with a soft towel. 

 Some species lose their stems, and may be prepared 

 for the bouquet by using the gummed thread, being 

 careful to bend gracefully, so as to give the effect of 

 drooping. 



Wild Hop Ptelia trifoUata). 



CCut No. 2.) 



This is a membranous capsule surrounded by a 

 leafy border, which, after about two weeks' soaking, 

 becomes very lace-like and beautiful. Before bleach- 

 ing, the seed may be removed by making an incision 

 on one side of the capsule, being careful, when after- 

 wards arranging it, to place that side downwards. 



NiCANDRA PhtSALOIDES. 



One of the most desirable and showy for this pur- 

 pose. The blue Nicandra should be cultivated by all 

 makers of the Phantom Bouquet. The calyx of the 



