PHANTOM FLOWERS. 



55 



and after remaining some weeks, the outer cuticle 

 can be easily removed without untwisting the curl, 

 and these, when bleached, Avill be found ornamental 

 to the bouquet, especially where the design adopted 

 consists of a vine. 



Elm. 



The leaves of this beautiful tree must be gathered 

 very early. Indeed, so soon do the caterpillars begin 

 their ravages, that in some sections of the country, 

 before the leaf is strong enough for the purpose of 

 the skeletonizer, it is too much eaten to be worth 

 collecting. June or July will answer, if any perfect 

 leaves are then to be found. They will macerate 

 in about four weeks, and being very delicate, will 

 need the greatest care. If the leaf be laid on a 

 plate, or something similar, a camel's hair pencil will 

 remove the softened particles, leaving the fibre clean, 

 to be floated off into the basin of water, and then 

 laid carefully on a towel to dry. 



The Evergreen Elm ( Ulmus sempervipens) (Cut No. 

 8), is a small, glossy leaf, with scalloped edges, and 

 may be used at any season of the year, requiriug about 

 three months for its perfect clearing. A native of 

 France, and is rare in America. 



