effect. In many sections of our country the Laurel grows abundantly, and we are always 
pleased to obtain a package from our friends about Holiday time. Its broad, green 
leaves, are unsurpassed, eveti by the Ivy, for winter 
decoration. Smilax excels everything we are 
acquainted with for tasteful trimmnig. It is so 
light in appear- 
ance, of such a 
clear, glossy ; 
green, that for 
trimming dresses 
or the hair, or 
any light materi- 
al, we know of 
nothing in the 
world its equal. 
Our engraving 
shows a curtain 
trimmed with 
this beautiful 
plant. It is a 
climbing vine, 
growing to a 
great length, and 
can be bought of 
florists by the 
yard. It succeeds very well in the house, and may be grown either from the bulbs or seeds. 
FOR THE TABLE. 
The subject of Floral Decoration for the table is attracting a good deal of attention, and in 
Europe prizes are awarded at many of the Horticultural exhibitions for the most highly orna- 
mented dining table. We have seen many such on exhibition, and our objection to many of 
them has been that the floral ornaments obstructed the view, so that persons sitting on one side 
PICTURE TRIMMED WITH IVY. 
WINDOW CURTAIN DECORATED. 
TABLE WITH FLORAL DECORATIONS. 
of the table could scarcely see their friends on the other, much less converse wdth them. The 
accompanying plan obviates this objection in a great measure. The tall ornaments are of glass, 
and very light, so as to obstruct the view as little as possible. The low margin is glass troughs 
filled with water, in which small flowers are arranged. These glass troughs are made straight, 
and half and quarter circles, so that combined they can be made to assume any form desired, 
even letters and monograms, for which purposes we have seen them used on festal occasions. 
Sometimes the central ornaments are omitted, and these flower borders surround and ornament 
the Thanksgiving Turkey. 
84 
