34 



FJIAXT02I FLOWERS. 



ously in tlie same jar. tlie seed-vessels will become so 

 eutangied in the fine network of tlie leaves, tliat in tlie 

 attempt to remove them the latter will be seriously 

 injured. Seed-vessels and flowers requii^e the same 

 treatment in bleaching and washing, only remembering 

 that the coarser seed-vessels may need a stronger in- 

 fusion of the bleaching preparation. A little experi- 

 ence ^^'ill soon inform the operator as to the exact 

 quantity required for all kinds of leaves and seed- 

 vessels. 



The bleaching of the Ferns Avill need some special 

 directions. Many who have succeeded admii-ably with 

 leaves, have invariably failed in their attempts at pre- 

 paring these gi-acefiil sprays. As they constitute the 

 most brilliant embellishment which can be introduced 

 into a bouquet, such failures are especially mortif\ung. 

 But by closely following these simple directions, there 

 will be no difhculty in producing entire- sprays of 

 Avhite Fern ready to be arranged with other materials 

 for the bouquet. 



Having gathered Ferns of different varieties during 

 tlieu' season of maturity, — which is when the seeds 

 are to be found on the back of the leaves, — they 

 should be preserved by pressing them between the 

 leaves of a book, there to remain until required for 



