12
as Rose-buds, Carnations, etc. Should the stem be very thick, two or three sizes can be doubled together to give it strength. This will be requisite in such flowers as the Magnolia or Water Lily.
One of the most important rules to be observed is to double the wire over at the top twice or thrice to make a kind of knot to secure the foundation to the stem, which should be molded in the shape of the heart of the flower. In modeling rose-buds, the foundation must be made very large, and in the shape of the flower, so that the petals may fit closely round.
Where stamens form the centre of the flower, they must be placed on the wire, and a very small portion of wax put at the base to secure them to it.
Stamens are made of white waxed thread. If they are thick as in the Fuchsia, spool thread No. 20, waxed with white wax; for the Azalia, and flowers of a similar character, No. 40; for the finest flowers, such as Mignonnette and Laurestinas, No. 100. Having waxed the thread, place a small portion of the wax on the top the exact size of nature, and conform its color with that of the natural flower. Should the stamens be red or any color but white, take the bristle brush and paint them with wet color, being careful not to rub the tops off. Count the number of stamens. If only a few are observable, as in the Azalias, Fuchsias, Laurestinas,
