New-York tribune., 1902-05-08
WIZ 30 Do VIE wILD FLowERs.

WHAT TO DO WITH WILD FLOWERS.
Now that wild flowers beginning TO blossom
in every direction and little children coming
home with their full Of woodland treas
ures, the fond mammas who the recipients IF
these inconvenient presents find no little diff
Guilty In tactfuy disposing the motley collections
which their darlings bring to them with so much
pride and pleasure. or course, they would not for
the world hurt the feelings OF the latter by show
ing any lack Of gratitude for the half wilted ac-
cumulations that are so lovingly bestowed upon
them; but how to dispose of them is always a ques-
ton. for. every housekeeper knows. wild flowers
take time and patience TO arrange. while such
occasions empty bowls and vases always seem con-
spicuous by their absence
A certain clever woman and wise parent has
solved this difficulty in such a delightful fashion
that her methods worthy of mention and imi-
tation. Her first step was provide receptacIes
for the yearly invasion, and the purchase Of a
Der Of really artistic pots and bowls ridiCu-
lously small prices at A japanese importers gave
her the idea of combining artistic training of
the perceptions with the wild flower gathering
She next that each child received basket and
ball Of soft cord that could be easily broken off
the length required, and told the little
keep the different varieties of flowers separate. to
be sure 10 pick long stems and always TO include
the leaves. This method of procedure she found
smplihed matters greatly when the children
rived with their treasures. and the flowers were
not nearly wilted
She, Of course, professed herself perfectly de
Aghted tas she really was) with what they had
brought ner. and told them put all the punches
up TO their necks in water in great stone crock
which she had filed with water After the children
had rested and had their dinner or tea. the case
might be, she proposed that they arrange her
flowers in the pretty Jars she had bouEht-a task
which was always eagerly undertaken With a
little suggestion IT astonishing how
and yellow tones Of the Isumo jugs accorded with
certain blossoms, and how yellow swamp butter
cups looked at their best in a brown pot. and the
pink blosSomlnE twiEs in blue and white bowl.
Then there would he a great deal OF wise and
funny talk Of what would be becoming 10 this
and that flower, and pretty consideration for the
poor things that must not be Overcrowded but
have to show their pretty leaves and branches
Each family, too, strictly kept separate. and
long, slender glass provided for Isolated
specimens What 10 do with those that left
over after thes@ arrangements were carried out
at first problem. But the happy thought OF
a large separate vase kept hospital" solved
the difficulty. The children carefully put all the
broken. Wilted or rejected ones IN the water pro-
vded for them, and tenderly carried them or to a
place of honor IN the nursery, while the more aTts
nc creations were LEFT to adorn their mothers
apartments. Several times n week flowers
thus gathered and arranged by the children. who
under the praise and encouragement they received
developed pride and great liking for their mis-
sion, which they considered more OF an amusement
than task