84 



PHANTOM FLOWERS. 



the paper has absorbed all the water. Then take the 

 pieces, one at a time, and turn them over, placing the 

 first on a board, and the others on top of the first, but 

 shifting them about as they are turned ; that is, if a 

 very wet end or corner is observed in one piece, turn 

 the piece around, so that the excessively wet places 

 shall come in contact with dryer surfaces in the new 

 pile. Be particular to smooth all wrinkles with the 

 back of the thumb nail. If the paper has been made 

 too wet, the accident can be remedied by interposing 

 dry pieces between two wet ones. T\^hen the whole 

 has been turned, put a slight weight on the pile to 

 press all down smooth, as much depends on having 

 the paper in perfect order. 



Being noAv ready to commence the printing, a leaf 

 is placed on a smooth board, with its under side iip- 

 permost, as there the leafy veins or ribs are more 

 prominent than on the upper side. The roller having 

 been charged Avith ink, it is rolled to and fro over the 

 leaf until the latter is seen to have received a suf- 

 ficient supply. Three or four times going over will 

 generally be enough. Then lay the leaf on the top 

 sheet of the damp paper pile, with the inked side 

 down, and over it place a doubled sheet of dry paper, 

 press on with the left hand so tight that the leaf shall not 



