Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1880-08-04

well to remember that nothing is
gained by putting mass of leaves
into one vessel. The following
named varieties all make fine speci-
mems. Ash and Silver Poplar are
the most easily prepared;
Elm, Sycamore, Linden, Ash,
Poplarg, Naples and Weeping Will
low, may be gathered from the mid
die of June to the middle of Au-
gust. After the middle Of July it
will be difficult to find perfect Elm
and Maple leaves, they are so sub
iect to the attack of insects. All of
these leaves will require about six
weeks maceration, and some of
them will lose their stems during
process, Willow and Elm leaves
are very DELEGATE and corresponding
| ly beautiful, A cameps hair brush
will be found useful in cleansing
them. Pear, Rose and Wild Cherry
leaves may be gathered in July,
and will take two months to pre-
pare. Deutzia and Barberry leaves
may be gathered at the same time
and will be ready in four or five
weeks. With them put English
Ivy leaves, which may be gathered
at any time, Choose those a year
old; the young leaves are too tender
They will need four Or five weeks.
The skeleton is cancelled in a tough
covering. When this skin is gen
tlv torn, it viii float out, clear and
perfect, but minus stem. w itch
Hazel, Sassafras, Wisteria, BIgno-
MIA, Mahonia, Magnolia, Camelha,
Cape Jasmine, Laurestina, and the
leaves Of India Rubber plant may
all be used. PUPPY leaves and
those in which the fibrcs are longl-
tudinal will not answer; a leaf to be
suitable for skcletonizing must have
strong and woody network.
Practice will soon enable one to
Judge OF leaf by holding it up to
the light and looking at the VEIN
mos Chestnut, Hickory, Beech,
and any other Leaves containing
tannin should be kept by them
selves; they will take at least three
months to complete. A few drops
of maturic acid added to the water
will hasten the process.
There are many seed vessels and
flowers that make beautiful skele-
tons, Some of these become SO
while remaining on the plant or vine.
In gathering them, choose those
that arc thoroughly matured and
turning brown, Hydrangea BIOS
SONS require three months mecera-
ton. The seed pod of the Wild
cucumber opens with the frost and
drops its seed; gather it then, and
soak two months or less if it is al
ready partially skeletonized- '5tra-
monium burrs should never be US
ed. for 10 matter how carefully
tLey are prepared, age turns them
yellow. Shell flower, Skull Cap,
Mallows, Poppy, Campanula,
Ground Cherry, and the membra-
nous bracts from the Linden or
! Bass wood tree arc all suitable, and
will take about two weeks soaking.
The Wild Hop is particularly
beautiful. The seed capsule is sur
rounded by a leafy border which
becomes clear and lace-like after two
weeks soaking. The seed must be
removed before bleaching This
shrub is not common in all local.
ties. 1t grows plentifully in the
north end Of Lincoln Park, and
reaches maturity late in the sum
mcr.
Ferns should be gathered any
time after the middle Of July. They
need no preparation besides bleach.
ing. Those having spores on the
under side are particularly beautiful
when bleached, Select differenr
varieties and sizes, perfec in shape
and finely cut. Discard all coarse
and extremely large ones. Garry
book to ithc woods, and place them
Immediately between its pages whel
gathered. Ferns are sometimes
found partially bleached; it require
very little chemical action to maxi
them as white as snow. The greer
ones will be just as white, but vii
take longer. Directions for bleach
ing these and the leaves, also to1
mounting the phantom will be CIV
en- next week.