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tdknef tin 11 -Pictorixil 
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NEW YORK, JUNE, 1874. 
OUR ILLUSTRATIONS. 
The illustrations of The Ladies’ Floral Cabi¬ 
net, so numerous and tasteful, have been confessedly, 
the most attractive part of its contents. It may be 
safely said, no journal of its kind has ever presented 
so many really elegant engravings, and with such 
uniform good taste. This number is believed to be 
the very best in this respect ever issued, and every 
flower lover may for a time believe he is 
in the midst of a floral paradise, so 
many are the pretty designs and fancies 
given. 
On the first page is a design of rare 
beauty representing a statue of an angel 
resting upon a globe, and 
holding in the right hand 
a rural wreath; this figure 
is surrounded by plants of 
a large growth and very 
ornamental character. The 
large leaves with pendant 
tips at base of globe are 
from the Latania Bor- 
bonica, a plant of noble 
habit and tropical appear¬ 
ance. The broad leaves 
of the Banana peep out 
from behind the statue, 
and the drooping lance¬ 
shaped leaves of other 
palms and gigantic ferns 
appear in the back-ground. 
Such a decoration placed 
in the centre of a lovely 
lawn, containing a group 
of rare plants selected from the best treasures of 
the green-house, make a picture of unexampled 
grace. 
Upon page 84 is introduced a pretty little bird 
house—one of those homes for birds which every cot¬ 
tage should possess—almost any one can make it. 
The only materials necessary are : 
1. A staunch cedar post with bark untouched, top 
sawed off square. 
2. A little box, with pointed roof in imitation of 
the gable of a house; here and there may be added 
bark and acorns over the entrance hole. Make a 
rustic eave or shelter. 
3. Under the base of the house fasten three or 
four rustic supports. 
4. At base, plant some rapid-growing vines, such as 
Roses, Cypress Vine, Morning Glory, Honeysuckle, 
Trumpet Creeper, etc. The height should be about 
four feet. 
The illustration on same page of ten-ace steps is in 
its style, a model of garden decoration. The ten-ace 
steps are very commonly used on sloping ground, and 
usually are constructed of stone. In this case the 
design admits of wood, hemlock being the best. 
Each step consists of half a log, about ten or twelve 
inches in diameter, laid with the flat side up, and each 
step supported near the ends by a piece of two by 
four inch joist, laid flat, and the steps notched out for 
it on the under side, as shown by the sectional draw¬ 
ing. The steps should extend into the earth three or 
four feet, and should be nailed fast to the steps on 
which they rest. The railing is made of hemlock 
branches, with the bark left on, the bottom and top 
posts about four inches in diameter and four feet high; 
the intermediate posts about three inches in diameter, 
and two feet six inches high. The steps can be made 
the same width at the top and bottom, as shown, or 
wider at the bottom. The width should be regulated 
by the number of steps, the greater the number 
of steps, the greater the width, and vice versa. For 
eight or ten steps they should be about five feet 
wide. 
THE MYRTLE. 
[Tender as this flower looks, in countries where it grows wild it 
is sometimes found blooming among rocks; and its delicate beauty 
when contrasted with the ruggedness of its abode, seems to acquire 
an additional charm.] 
Yes, take thy station here. 
Thou flower so pale and fair. 
That I from thee may sweetest lessons borrow; 
For thou hast that to tell, 
Methinks, which suits thee well— 
The lingering hours of languishment and sorrow. 
The cleft rock is thy home ; 
Yet sweetly dost thou bloom 
E’en while the threatening winds are round thee swelling. 
And where’s the pampered flower 
Can richer fragrance shower 
Than thou, fair blossom, from thy term-wrought dwelling? 
Say, then, though pale decay 
Wear youth and health away, 
Shall sighs alone this troubled breast be heaving? 
(>h, no! I'll bless the chain 
Which to this couch of pain 
Has bound me long; for ’tis of Mercy’s weaving. 
What though I tread no more 
The temple’s hallowed floor, 
Whence to our God the full-voiced hymn ascendeth? 
Yet may this chamber be 
A blessed sanctuary. 
Where to my whispered praise His oar He bendeth. 
But chiefly, gentle flower, 
Remind me, in the hour 
When ’gainst the Tempter’s might my soul engages, 
A rock is cleft for me 
More sure than shelters thee, 
Where I may safely hide — “the Bock of A^es." 
Large Fern Case. 
The following epigram was made when Dr. Good- 
enough, Bishop of Carlisle was one day appointed to 
preach before the House of Peers: 
“’Tis well enough that Goodenougli 
Before the Lords should preach; 
For sure enough they’re bad enough 
He undertakes to teach.*’ 
PUBLISHER’S ANNOUNCEMENTS. 
Six Months Subscriptions. —On page 95 see our new 
terms for six months. They are wonderfully cheap, and w’ill attract 
special attention. Our chromos so attractive can now be obtained for 
a very small sum—and when added to the other attractions of The 
Floral Cabinet, they are worth having. Will readers please show 
these reduced terms to their friends and induce subscriptions or new 
clubs. 
Clubs for Six months. —Clubs may be raised for Floral 
Cabinet for six months, July to December, 1874. 
Single copies, 65c., including chromo Gems. 
Five copies, $3 00 “ “ “ 
Ten copies, $6 00 “ “ “ 
Extra copy free to agent. 
A Poetical Tribute. —The poets at last 
have begun to spread the name and fame of 
The Eloral Cabinet and sing its praises. We 
were agreeably surprised the past month to find 
this little verse in the Lady Elgin: 
“ And. dainty Floral Cabinet, 
If Madam Fashion had 
One half the taste and sense you teach 
She wouldn’t be so bad.” 
How we Blush. — A 
personal letter from one of 
the editors, says that TnE 
Floral Cabinet is the most 
eagerly looked for and heartily 
welcomed of any journal that 
reaches the sanctum of the Lady 
Elgin. 
Premiums. —There are still 
many who sent us clubs of sub¬ 
scribers, and who did not claim 
premiums. We are ready at 
any time to forward them. 
Don t leave choice to us, but 
say whether you prefer seeds, 
plants, bulbs, books, games, 
chromos, engravings, etc. 
Compliment to Our 
Chromo — “Gems of The 
Flower Garden.’’ The follow¬ 
ing letter explains itself: 
“ We are taking the Aldine, 
with chromos for the third year, 
but the chromo " Gems ” you 
sent us is more beautiful than 
any one of them.” 
Mr. Jas. N. Barber. 
Beware of a swindler by the name of J. C. Staples, who is 
operating in various portions of New York State, in soliciting sub¬ 
scriptions for The Ladies’ Floral Cabinet. He has no authority 
from us, and if any hear of him please notify nearest Constable or 
Sheriff and have him arrested. 
Back numbers can always be supplied from January, the pages 
are electrotyped and can be reprinted if demand is sufficient. 
