The Helena independent., 1894-12-24
CHEIsrMAS DECORATIONS.

Year after year Christmas comes and
goes, It's joys and merrymaklng lomag
no whit OF Interest and sentiment FOR
young or old; ana while always new each
season In their giving OF pleasure, the
same old customs continue TO prevail, with
alterations IN detail only,
Tho day would hardly seem like Christ
mas without the hanging OF Christmas
green's. and though a greater variety IL
onorod In the way OF decorations than
formerly, those are stlll most liked and
used that bear out the old practices and
significance. and chief among thom are
the mistlctoc and holly. whose very names
carry one back 60 the days OF ancient
English cheer az yulc tide, with wassail-
bowl, yule-log, ana joyous mcrrymaking,
The most favored mlstlotoe comes from
across seas. but some Ia sent from Canada
and the south, whore, particularly IN
Texas, Il grows In large olumps on the
live oak trees, always 10 the latter's grad
ual destruction; for being a parasite, it
shps the oaks life blood. lourishlng lux
unantly the while II is not SO artistic In
appearance as It's English cousin. the
leaves more commonplace, and the berries
smaller and poorer In quality though
more in quantity. Strange 10 say. the
Texas mlstletoe, like the prophet In his
own country. is not greatly priced al
home, and at few OF the Christmas fes-
tiyltics does Il make part OF the dccora-
ration. while In other quarters a cluster
OF the oddly shaped green leaves ana
opaque white berries must almost OF ne
cesslty be suspended In the doorway or
from the chandelier when Christmas
comes IN and Il never fails to cause the
same testing and merrlmenti Tor a kiss
stolen under the mistletoe Is ones right
and the pilferer cannot with justice re-
celye rehun
The English holly, too. Is 1ner IN quality
than that grown on American shores the
leaves are a better green, ana the ber-
rles larger. and before the holiday season
season sets In great hampers OF It are
shipped from the English ports to delight
American eyes aud hearts. An attractive
manner OF using It " 10 tie big punches
with long satin ribbon loops and ends,
matching IN shade the hue OF the berries.
and place them over pictures or mantle
shelf. or fasten against the wall cspe-
ciRlly In some picturesque nook or corner.
Underneath the mantle when there II no
fireplace. the space may be banked with
masses OF the spiny leaves and bright
berries, Jars or vases may be filled with
them. while holly wrenths and ropes are
another form OF decoration. very effective
both in large and small apartments.
Next TO the mistlctoc and holly the laurel
and ground pine are most favored the
formers glossy leaves and berries sug-
gestive OF good cheer and always form
Ing an effective background when gay bcr-
ries or mosses are used In addition. The
ground pine coils easily and gracefully
Into wreRths. and is invaluable for twining
about staircases or pillars, or for using In
decoration on a large scale, when houghs
OF spruce. hemlock and cedar are also
much in vogue.
For the past year or two an innovation
In Christmas ornamentation has been the
use Of potted woodworking plants and
srubs, from the tall palms to the delicate
maidenhair and silvery fern. There are
several varieties OF palms beside the round
leayed one, most common OF all; the long,
plume leaved variety is much favored, ana
also the new dwarf palm from the Isle of
/ Bourbon, The fealhery asparagus ia n
| favorlte, too, with lis soft luny foliage
and tiny white blossoms The aruucaria
is another feathery looking plant, though
sitter than and differing in shape from
the asparagus plumosus; IL is brought pot
ted all the way from the coast OF New
Zealand. The hot house ferns are shown
In infinite variety and their delicate beau
ty always appeals strongly to the careless
observer as well as TO the lover of plant
life. These potted Christmas greens are
stood in the window. beside the doorway.
or upon small stands. Just as they seem
best 10 III by their size and character into
their environment, and choice vases and
jardlnieres Of porcelain or opon-work sill
yer hold them-Harper's Bazaar.