SKELETONIZED LEATES

The first step in the process is the gathering of the leaves, which is best accomplished during the months of June and July, as at this season they are in the most perfect condition. Still there are some varieties which must, of course, be collected at other periods, and the seed ves- sels and those blossoms and other parts of the plant, which are used to make variety, must be gathererl at the time when they are in the proper condition. As these collections are made the leaves should be at once 23

338 SKELETONIZED LEA VES.

laid between the leaves of a book, and, as soon as possible after, sub- jected to a certain amount of pressure.

A large number of leaves should be gathered in preference to a few^, and care must be taken to select those that are quite perfect, as, unless the specimens are perfect, the result will be unsatisfactor)' ; indeed such care is necessary in this particular, that even a scratch or broken edge, or a blotch or small perforation will render the skeleton imperfect. The leaves must also be well matured, and they should be picked from tlie lower part of the branch, not at the top where they are not perfectly developed. Notice, too, where from the effects of the sun or wind the edges are curled or otherwise imperfect, as those that have a tough or leathery texture will not answer. A good plan for determining the state of the leaf is to hold it up to the light, when a defect is very readily seen.

Evergreens are good and may be picked late in the autumn, though due regard must be had to the age of the leaf. It is almost impossible to give a list of leaves available for this purpose, as the number is legion, but here are a few : All poplar leaves may be said to be easy to press, the silver poplar especially so, the aspen also ; the apple and pear of the orchard, and various vines. The willow, maple and crab-apple must be gathered young and carefully macerated. The camelia, orange, lemon, arbutus, wisteria and some rose leaA^es form a fine col- lection ; also lilac, holly and honeysuckle. Various seed vessels are extremely beautiful and easily prepared, but they must be treated by themselves. Scotch grass, ferns, etc., when bleached, are lovely.

The collection of the various specimens having been made, next pro- ceed to macerate the leaves by placing them in an open vessel, a tub or any other convenient receptacle, covering several inches above the leaves with rain water, and placing in the open air and full sunlight. Place a pane of glass over them, with a weight sufficient to keep them well down in the water, the loss of which by evaporation must be made up by adding a new supply from time to time as required. In about two weeks they may be examined, and if any are found soft and pulpy these must be removed. After this, those that remain should be exam- ined once or twice a week, removing the soft ones each time and pro- ceeding to cleanse them. This is the most unpleasant part of the entire operation, inasmuch as when the water is disturbed, the odor of decay- ing vegetable matter is most unpleasant, but it is well worth all the disagreeable part of the experiment to possess in the end a collection of the gossamer leaves. After arriving at this stage of the proceedings, the finding the leaf in the pulpy condition, it is to be removed to a ves- sel or basin of clear water, which should be done most carefully to pre- vent breaking or marring them. To accomplish this slip a card beneath the leaf, and cause it to float upon it, when it may be easily rested upon

SKELETONIZED LEA VES. 339

the card and removed. Then, when immersed in the basin of clean water, it will float off uninjured.

The cleansing part of the operation now commences, for which two or three brushes and a sharp-pointed knife are necessary ; a soft but thick camel's-hair brush, a stiff bristle brush and a tooth-brush ; a leaf is floated upon a piece of glass, then with the soft brush gently passed over the surface, all the pulp is removed ; aiding the brushing with a carefully poured stream of water. Slip the leaf again into the water, turn it, and again float upon the glass, cleaning the opposite side in the same manner. The green surface must be entirely removed until nothing but the skeleton of fibrous veins remain. If this is not accom- plished by using the soft brush, the stiffer one, or the tooth-brush must be applied. The motion used in cleaning must not be a sweeping one, but rather a downward tapping. As the leaves are cleaned they must be immersed in another basin of clear water, and left until the remainder are all cleansed ; then they should be bleached as soon as possible, which is done in various ways. The best, perhaps, is a solution of chloride of lime, and immersing them for a day or two in a covered glass dish, placed in a dark closet, covering closely with a folded towel.

The solution of chloride of lime is made with one tablespoonful of chloride of lime in a quart of water, adding a few grains of citric acid, shaking well until entirely dissolved, then decanting the clear liquid and bottling for use. After bleaching the leaves they should be placed in a vessel of clear, cool water for twenty-four hours, floated off upon a card and turned over upon a soft napkin, gently pressed with some old, soft linen until all moisture is absorbed, and then curled gracefully or pressed between the leaves of an old book, under pressure.

They are now sufficiently strong to bear handling with ordinary care, and can be arranged to suit the taste either on a stand, under a glass shade or in a deep recess frame. Leaves containing tannin, such as the oak hazel and many others, should never be placed with others. Holly leaves are beautiful, but must be also prepared alone, on account of the spines. Ferns and fine grasses are very difficult to arrange as their feathery fronds are liable to curl, and must be most carefully coaxed into position. The best method to accomplish this is to float the leaves off upon a card ; then, while damp, with a needle and camel's-hair brush arrange each tiny leaflet, then lay them under folds of soft paper, pressing gently upon the surface to extract the moisture, then lay each card between sheets of tissue paper, place newspaper over and under, and place under weights. This is a good method of drying any fine leaves.

340 SPATTER WORK.