n8 FLORAL DESIGNS. 
and finger of the left hand, give the wire held in the right hand a quick 
pull, and the wire ties itself into a " kink " between the thumb and finger, 
breaking easily. Roll the short end left between the thumb and finger 
and the operation is complete. This can be done very rapidly by a good 
" wirer, " and takes but a fraction of the time necessary to describe it. 
Flowers for designs or baskets are divided into two general classes ; 
" body " and "surface " flowers. Body flowers are stemmed with the pick 
attached close under the blossom, while surface flowers are allowed a 
length of stem necessary for the position they are to occupy. This 
depends on the design and the individual taste of the worker. 
TO WIRE A FLOWER. 
To wire roses, carnations and other long-stemmed flowers, use No. 22 
wire, cut into suitable length for the purpose required. Pierce the calyx 
of the rose or carnation, turning the end of the wire over but slightly ; 
give one or two twists of the wire around the stem, taking care to bring 
at the same time all the green leaves into proper place. Do not wrap the 
wire around too many times. This is a common mistake, and should be 
avoided. If the flowers are to be used for baskets, on the bases of designs, 
or other places where long-stemmed flowers are required, it will be neces- 
sary, after running the wire down the stem, to fasten a tooth-pick or match- 
stick onto it ; do this with the same w 7 ire you used for running down the 
stem. For light roses, such as Bon Silene, Safrano, and roses of that 
weight, use No. 22 wire. American Beauty, L,a France, large Mermet, 
The Bride and all hybrid roses require No. 20 or 21 wire to support them 
properly. 
No floral work will be light or graceful if too heavy wires are used, 
while too light wire will not retain the desired position of the flower. Iron 
annealed is better than the "bright" wire, so-called, as the latter has a 
spring in it, which causes it to get out of place. The same grade and 
number of wire may be "soft " or " hard." The " soft " grades will be 
found to be the most pliable and useful. Long-stemmed carnations are 
best on No. 22. Heavy hybrid roses require match-sticks to support their 
weight properly, when arranged in loose work. The skillful wirer will 
always study to bring the foliage so into shape by the wire that it will 
enhance the beauty of the flower. 
MOSSING, TINFOIEING, ETC. 
For mossing floral designs nothing has yet superseded sphagnum. It 
is used universally. It seems to be the lightest, it retains the moisture 
the longest, and is the cleanest and most convenient material we have to 
handle. Where wood moss is plentiful, and can be had of a bright green 
color, a lining of it, with the balance of space filled in with sphagnum, is 
desirable. Where green moss cannot be obtained, tinfoil is the next best 
substitute. 
