. The
four outside petals are green externally and white within; this is
accomplished by pressing a sheet of thin green wax against the thick
white. They are shaded brown up the centre upon the green side, using
for the purpose the large brush, slightly moistened with carmine and
sepia. The stem requires to be thickly covered with light green wax,
shaded with brown, similar to the back of the flower.

THE YELLOW WATER-LILY.

_Retirement._

Is much more simple to form. It consists of only five petals; these are
cut in double yellow wax; colour them rather lightly with green upon
both sides, from the centre towards the base of each. Curl the petals
with the head of the large pin until they become deeply cupped. The
centre is much smaller than that of the white lily--not exceeding in
diameter the third of an inch. The stamina are produced by cutting three
or four narrow strips of double yellow wax, and passing them round the
foundation; they must not extend above it, but when brushed out form a
full daisy-like centre. The five petals are attached to the back of
these, and the stem finished off as the last.

THE BLUE WATER-LILY;

_Warm affection;_

Forms a pleasing variety, but is not so generally well known, from the
fact of its requiring care in cultivation. Those previously described
may be seen blowing luxuriantly in common ponds; but this I am about to
give instruction upon I have never seen except in a hot-house.

Cut the petals in thick white wax; attach a fine white wire half-way up
the back of each. Colour them upon both sides with light blue, or more
properly speaking with blue lavender. It is a peculiar shade of colour
produced by mixing the light blue powder with white and a minute portion
of crimson. Curl the petals with the head of a large curling pin, by
passing it firmly once down each centre. The four outside petals are
green at the back, and shaded rather darker up the centre with the same
colour. The centre is formed similar to the white lily, but not so
large. The stamina are cut also in double yellow wax, and arranged
regularly round in rows of sixteen; three rows of these are sufficient.
The petals are placed on four in a row throughout the flower; the stem
is moderately thick and green.

DAHLIA.

(DAHLIA PURPUREA.) _Instability._

Cut the required number of petals from pink wax--colour them upon both
sides with crimson. When quite dry, wash them over lightly with bright
purple (usi