jo8 Flowers and Festivals 



tinus, and such like ; and afterwards filled in with the 

 lighter, closer kinds — such as Yew, Fir, Box, Privet, 

 Holly, &c., until it is of the required thickness. 



The evergreens should be separated, in various 

 lengths, at the commencement of the work; choose 

 good bold sprays, as many an ugly wreath is the con- 

 sequence of a bad selection; experience teaches us 

 that it is almost impossible to form a graceful wreath 

 from small sprays ; a decent length of stem should be 

 chosen, that a firmness may be obtained, but thick 

 and bare stems should be avoided, as they add greatly 

 to the weight, and make the garland stiff and un- 

 wieldy. Endeavour to place the leaves alternately; 

 and imitate, as nearly as possible, the way in which 

 the leaves would fall naturally. 



In making the garland, it would be as well to 

 employ some one or more little hands to supply the 

 material. This plan saves time and trouble, and 

 ensures a certain amount of evenness in the work. 



By way of finish, small sprigs of variegated shrubs, 

 bunches of berries, &c., may be added. The berries 



