66 PHANTOM FLOWERS. 



skeleton will appear. When bleached, they resemble 

 carved ivory, and are much admired in the bouquet. 

 The only drawback to their value is their tendency 

 to become brown again after bleaching. For this 

 cause we have entirely discarded them. 



Wild Cucumber, or Balsam Apple {Echinosystis). 



This is one of the most curious specimens in our 

 list of beautiful seed-vessels. It is said to grow in 

 abundance in the neighborhood of Boston, bearing a 

 profusion of seed. The seed-vessels vary in size from 

 an inch to nearly two inches in length, and about 

 half that in thickness. They become perfect skeletons 

 on the vine, where they should be allowed to remain 

 until the frost has opened them and dropped the seed. 

 If not entirely clear when gathered, they may be 

 completed by a few weeks' soaking. They form 

 beautiful vase-like receptacles for the base of the 

 bouquet, and as they retain their whiteness, are excel- 

 lent substitutes for the Stramonium burrs. 



Lobelia. 



The little wild species is very beautiful, with its 

 delicate globes set along the stem. About three weeks 



