FLORAL DECORATIONS. 
97 
the flowers cut through the bits of paper at the bottom and 
let the sand run out. The flowers at first are so brittle that 
they cannot be taken out without breaking them, but if the 
open box is placed in a cool moist cellar for a few hours 
the contents may be removed with safety. 
By this simple process flowers, ferns, ietc., are preserved 
in their proper shape, as well as their natural colors, and 
are very beautiful for winter bouquets and baskets, and will 
look well for a long time if protected from dust and the 
rays of the sun., 
AUTUMN LEAVES. 
The bright-hued leaves of autumn can be used in orna¬ 
menting in a great variety of ways, and it is desirable to 
be able to preserve them so that they will be most lasting 
and serviceable. 
Small and medium sized leaves are the best, and they 
should be of as great variety of form and color as possible- 
As soon as gathered, the leaves should be pressed between 
sheets of paper. Old newspapers will answer, or if more 
convenient, old books may be used. Place the leaf on a 
page so as to cover it, and then turn over five or six leaves 
