Rensselaer Republican, Volume 16, Number 48, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 7 August 1884 — A Novel Idea. [ARTICLE]

A Novel Idea.

A pretty floral device, which has a charming effect, especially by gas-light or candle-light, may be made by placing a small bouquet of flowers in a plain glass vase, and over this a little glass cage; then the whole is to be plunged into a pail of water, so that the shade is quite full, and, before taking it out, a glass plate must be slipped underneath, to keep the water in. The result is that the water in the shade gives a most charming aspect to the flowers, and will preserve them for a very long time, if the air can only be kept out. This is the great secret in preserving flowers. The lovely bouquets which come from florists for weddings, balls, and the like, are all made up on wire, so that the stems cannot touch the water; but we have often succeeded in keeping them fresh for a long time by covering them with a glass shade at once, and excluding the air: and "we have • also kept them fresh, so as to use them twice, by covering the blooms over with a wet handkerchief, or wadding. Maidenhair fern may be kept fresh for a long time by placing it in a basin full of water, so that it is quite covered, till wanted. We have frequently, in this way, known it to be used in the hair three or four nights running, even when it had seemed quite withered.