Dinner- Table Decorations . 
moisture, the result of the dipping, entangled in the texture, especially about 
the margins of the pinnules, which assists to preserve its freshness; in this 
we have the explanation of the fact. Generally speaking, dipping is not 
necessary, but it is well to bear in mind that, when our work is likely to be 
severely tried, we have this resource to aid it. 
There are many more points that might be dwelt upon, but we must be 
content to mention only one, and that is, that flowers which emit agreeable 
odours or that are quite destitute of fragrance are to be preferred to such as 
offend the nostrils. Some odours are agreeable to many persons and 
obnoxious to others. The chrysanthemum is a fair example of the debateable 
flower, which we must use with caution, because to some it is agreeable and to 
others otherwise. Recurring to the subject of colour, and remembering that 
in November, when chrysanthemums are at their best, other flowers are 
scarce, the temptation to use them at that season is great, because, as a rule, 
they look well by gaslight. But it is possible for some one placed near a 
group of these most useful flowers to be very unhappy by reason of their 
peculiar odour. 
BARK BASKET OF FERNS. 
