APPENDIX 361 



wedge would crack it ; and for the same reason it is inadvisable 

 to try to fix a wedge in fine or valuable china. 



From all these select those of a most suitable shape — i.e. 

 either broad and flat for water decorations ; or narrow-necked 

 with a vidde mouth ; or a tall, narrow-necked shape, suitable for 

 supporting only one branch without a wedge. If the vessel he 

 small, and made only of thin pottery or china, it should be 

 weighted by placing stones or something heavy inside to 

 balance the weight of the flower erection ; without this pre- 

 caution a tall arrangement might overbalance the whole thing. 

 If the vessel be heavy in itself — of bronze, brass, silver, or other 

 metals, or if of earthenware, sufficiently large to become heavy 

 when filled with water — then this additional weighting is not 

 necessary. 



Tour next step should be to procure some narrow wood — 

 fire-lighting wood, or laths of any kind. Measure the width 

 of the vase at the place where the wedge is to be fixed ; this 

 should be slightly below the surface, so as to be concealed when 

 the vase is fiUed with water. Cut two pieces of wood to the 

 required length, and shape them at the end to fit the sides 

 of the vase ; then scoop out the inner side of each piece of wood, 

 so as to form an oval-shaped opening when they are placed 

 together, slightly narrower below than at the top surface, so as 

 to allow the stalks a freer play of direction, at the same time 

 holding them firm. Then cut out a small notch at each angle 

 of the wood, at a distance of about half an inch from the ends ; 

 place the two pieces together, and tie them firmly with string 

 at both ends in the rut of the notches. The string should first 

 be soaked, wound round two or three times, and firmly knotted ; 

 it will then remain quite secure. Wire is even better adapted 

 to the purpose than string. 



A yet simpler way is, instead of scooping out an oval-shaped 

 opening, to insert a small extra piece of wood at each end 

 between the two woods that form the wedge, and, by thus 

 keeping them apart, make an opening large enough for the 

 width of the stems. 



"When the wedge is made, soak it in water for a few seconds 

 to make the wood swell ; then fix it firmly in the neck of the 

 vase. 



Yet another fastener, and perhaps the most adaptable of any, 



