MODELLING THE DAISY 343 



comes upon the stem, and slit about half-way up. Replace it, 

 and press and knead thoroughly all over, but avoid direct 

 pressure upon the rib, and do not strain the fabric over this, 

 but press down closely on each side of it as far as the slit, along 

 which the edges must be welded, by means of any convenient 

 tool, to the sides of the rib. 



Great care and some little skill are required to execute 

 these leaves satisfactorily, but the joining of the fabric and of 

 the wax to the rib can be so managed that each of the former 

 appears to blend imperceptibly into the latter. 



The Making-up of a Plant 



When making-up, it need hardly be stated, a natural plant 

 is indispensable for reference ; this having been provided, there- 

 fore, commence at the top of the main stem, or peduncle, and, 

 having made pedicels of the proper length for the first two 

 flowers, unite their extremities by pressure, and make the 

 peduncle to where the next flower branches therefrom by 

 folding a strip of wax around both the wires to the required 

 length and thickness. Add another flower, and continue the 

 peduncle until the first little " branch " is reached ; make this 

 up separately and affix it afterwards in its natural position, and 

 so proceed, adding wire " tails " from time to time to strengthen 

 the main stem sufficiently to support the increasing weight. 



The bracts and leaves must by no means be omitted, and 

 these, when quite small, can be easily copied without casting, 

 and may be affixed by pressure upon the wax stem, whilst the 

 larger ones should be cast and have a fine " rib " inserted for 

 their support. 



The Daisy, Bellis perennis, Linn. 



This "wee, modest, crimson -tipped flow'r" is one of the 

 nicest things as an accessory if skilfully made, and, as it is not 



