Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1896-12-24
nrEnanGnn rnnnnrs.
Pigs, Peacooks ana Ducks win Ornament
tho christmas foust.


tho christmas foust.
Washington Times.
Instead of graceful droOp and flowing
curve, Christmas decorations will this
year incline more to straight line and
sharp angle, for notable among the greens
to be used is the Norwegian pine, whose
branches straight, uncompromising never
theless WELD u subtle charm with their
spicy suggestions of the Land of the Mid
night Sun, the original haunt of old Kris
himself. Scarcely less popular is the
Australian pine, u little more tender and
luxuriant in foliage, but still thrusting its
bows stiflly out in direct right angle to
its parent stalk. One great advantage in
choosing the Australian pine is that hav-
ing spent six or eight dollars for your
miniature tree, yon, have d lovely and yer
dant decoration for many months to come,
as these are all freshly growing in pots.
Instead then Of the usual centre piece of
flowers, this Christmas will see the din
ncr tables of the up-to-date illuminated
by Jolly little tree glowing with red and
white electric lights and bearing upon its
sturdy branches many sparkling trifle.
The salient point in this manner of deco
ration is the diversion 1t is bound to Gre
ate. The most dignified party in Christen-
dom cannot long retain its stiffness in the
presence of smiling, merry Christmas
tree
Where expense is not to be considered,
the hostess will be able by simple press
of the button to astonish her guests now
and then. with n complete change in the
color of lights going from red to white,
| from blue to yellow in a flash. The little
| tree may be made, too, to bear charming
| gifts for each guest without going near
| ayrnppiua .nts hn hov ia
not been forgotten in the fascinating trink-
cts this season. There are, for instance,
the three new little silver implements for
cleaning and filling Il pipe; the charming
miniature drags and other horsey novel
ties in silver. and the tiny dogs, horses,
| etc. in colored bronze to be had for T5
cents each, and which are genuine works
of art for all time. For the women there
are the hundred and one new trinkets in
silver, for which there is always II place
and II use. But when one cannot afford,
or does not wish to spend even SO much in
gifts, little tin soldiers, grotesque little
dolls and n myriad bizarre drollcries fur
nish, perhaps, even greater amusement.
The most striking novelties in Christ
mas greens, however, are the literally
growing birds and beasts that have just
been imported from Berlin. Fancy, IL
| SOu Nhii' Itutt'NSs u'iNhH, thihEs - PiHS'
etc, in living green, for that is exactly
what few OF the leading florists are now
able to display. Box, which only grows
the more luxiiriant by constant clipping
is naturally the plant most used for this
odd achievement. To produce the perfect
results of those imported means of course
years of growth and training, and the
pieces are correspondingly expensive. none
being less than S25. The box must first
grow into Il hardy shrub, then it is cum
ningly clipped into the spmblance desired,
and left to put forth fresh green shots
at every point, so that only young, leafy
verdure will appear. Then Il daily shave
and plenty of water will keep the little
animal in perfectly well-groomed, we'll
fed condition. The counterfeit present
nlcnt is so perfect that there is not the
least danger Of installing the complacent,
portly duck. just ready to quack, for the
naughty peacock, with its stately crest and
spread tail The greedy little green pig,
too, will he most festive figure with
wreath of red roses around HIS neck,
and rosebud or two in his mouth.
"Of course, the only way in which these
could he used us u table decoration would
lie to cut n hole In the table to let the
tub down into" said the florist "and as
few will do this, they will serve more for
side ornamcntntion."
Z. In fact, set, conventional pieces of every
kind are to he more than ever used this
season, the acacia trimmed into pyramid,
ball, and other symmetrical shapes being
specially in demand. The orange tree in
full fruitage is also one Of the pet holiday
decorations, Holly wreathes will be
varied by graceful, trailing wreathes of
maiden hair fern whose stems are CON
cealcd in glass tubes filed with wafer
and thus able to retain their freshness;
with their tender leaves will be mixed
scarlet flowers, the poinsetta being a
favOritc Christmas flower.
En- passnnt, n new rose bids fair to out
rank all its predecessors. This is named
after no less person than President
Carnot. and is rose Of exquisite delicate
coloring, shading from pink into salmon.
With the exception of the qucenly Ameri-
can Beauty, it stands straightcr than any
other rose, and boasts n large stem free
from thorns Florists predict great
future for this beautiful new variety, ms
the orders for it are daily increasing, and
it is being tremendously forced for holt
day trade.
!