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THE DARK GERANIUM.
Cut out the three small petals from thin white wax, the two larger size back petals from doubled wax; curl them at the edge afterward. Color the small petals with carmine and white color, (wet;) the larger petals are first colored at the edge with a deep pink made of carmine and white; then color the surface (but not quite to the edge) with pure carmine, the next tint carmine and violet, after in the extreme centre, with violet, carmine, and prussian blue mixed with a little thin gum water. The lines or marks are made with the sable pencil painted over the flat surface of color, and should be delicately touched. The centre is made of fine thread waxed, and the five points placed together, letting them expand at the top. Color them with a reddish purple, and add some fine points cut from white wax, for the stamens. Place the three bottom petals on first; then, the dark petals at the back. Cut the calyx out of green wax, and put round the flower.
The leaves should be pressed on the mold, and arrow-root and green rubbed over to give the down-like appearance. This can not be imitated perfectly, but looks well when the natural flower is not present.
There is no flower more difficult to paint than
