The sun., 1918-12-22

and convalescent camps say that the
boys welcome a single blossom as
though It were a gift from the gods.
More than once n rosebud or n car
ration has done much to bring
sorely wounded soldier out from the
shadow Of death. Flowers, therefore,
have come to have a place Of much
greater Importance than was given
them a few months ago. when some OF
the authorities wanted them placed
in the list OF essentials.
It is we'll to remember in choosing
flowers for the wounded that one or
two blossoms may give more pleasure
than large bouquet. The single
flower has individuality ana a charm
which is not possessed by flowers in
the mass. When flowers are scarce
and expensive it is best to buy only
. few at a time
Among the flowers available during
the winter season, the carnation is
If the calyx splits so that the flower
bids fair. to fall to pieces this difficulty
can be remedied by making a little
loop Of thread and fastening it around
the base Of the flower, turning back
the calyx to allow this to be done.
The thread will not he seen, but the
blossom will keep its shape much
longer than IL this expedient were
not adopted.
Roses make a stronger appeal, per-
haps. than any other winter flower.
but their span of life Is short. II
roses are purchased that are droop-
ing when they arrive plunge the stems
into hot water. Then cut of the end
OF the stems under water. This plan
IS a pick -me-up for flowers that some
times works wonders. Another way
10 revive them Is to fill a bathtub
with water and let the roses float
there all night.
Snapdragons and stocks are being
grown, although they do not awaken
the same sentiments as those which
are more familiar. Among the most
satisfactory flowers to cheer the SOL
the bulbs. Potted bulbs are among
the best gifts which can be made.
! The wounded soldier who can watch
the flowers Of the poets narcissus or
tulip unfold will find recreation and
Joy. If potted plants are out OF the
question the cut flowers may be sub
stituted. They last well and always
give pleasure.
Another plant which can be grown
ut home to provide cut flowers Is the
cyclamen. Few people realize the pos
sibilities of this charming flower. III
the blossoms are cut when they first
open they will keep in water for a
week or ten days. The more freely
the flowers are cut the more gem
crously will they be produced. With
two or three plants in the house one
can have an abundance OF flowers for
gifts. The blossoms do not make
very snowy bouquet but they have
dainty charm all their own.
When buying flowers for those who
are confined to a sickroom always con-
slider the matter of perfume. Heavily
scented blossoms are likely to be OBJ
1eetionable. Some people cannot bear
the odor OF tuberoses, freesias and
other flowers with equally strong
odors Gardenias, heliotrope, hyacinths
and iessamine must be given with
caution. Flowers Of this kind are
likely TO produce effects quite con-
trary to those desired. Niolets and
lilies of the valley are less objection
able. but offend some people. Few
nost-ils rebel at the odor or pinks,
walIlowers, sweet peas and stocks
even in a close room. Some or the
Darwin tulips have a decided perfume,
but X is so wholesome in its nature
that almost everybody likes it and Is
invlgorated by it.
Another point to be remembered is
tho fact that some flowers which look
very handsome by daylight have a
sickly and washed out appearance
after nightfall This is especially true
OF yellow. violet and purple blossoms
Vio!ets themselves are not very pleas
Ing b. electric light. Yellow roses that
are charming in the daytime lose their
beauty when the lights come on. Pink
in its various shades is always pleas
ing by artificial light. Reds, too, are
good. and specially pleasing where
electricity is used.
Violets. like lilies of the valley. are
hardly to be considered flowers for
mon The place for violets seems to
be in a lady's corsage, while lilies of
tho valleys are associated almost as in
timately as orange blossoms with a
brides bouquet.
II Offering flowers in a vase be sure
that the latter is large enough so that
plenty Of air will be admitted. When
so many flowers are thrust into vase
that the mouth Is choked with their
stems they last only short time be-
Ing literally smothered to death. Vases
with wide mouths are always desir-
able, and a bit of charcoal in the bot
tom will help to keep the water sweet
The water should be changed daily in
the summer and every other day in
winter, and it Is we'll to place the flow
ers in a cool spot on the floor at night.
II the stems rest on the bottom OF the
vase give them slanting cut, so that
they will not be sealed up. Cutting off
q bit OF the stems each day helps to
kccp the flowers in good condition.
Make the cut with sharp knife rather
than with scissors. The latter press
the stems together so that less water
can DO taken up. BE sure that the
vase has enough water at all times.
fome fleshy stemmed flowers. like
tulips and daffodils, will empty Il mar