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 (using for the purpose a large brush, very moist.) When a second

colour requires to be laid on, I use a small portion of cake colour, (in

the present instance cake crimson, lake, with middle blue in powder.) To

curl the petals ress the pin once down the centre, upon the shining

side; turn the petal, and press against the same at the point, forming a

melon-shaped section. Fold the edges of the petal to meet at the lower

end.



Make a foundation of two strips of double wax, taking care to double in

the wire. Indent it strongly with the pin towards the point, as it must

be pressed into a conical form: it must be one inch deep and as much in

circumference. Cut three strips of double wax, vandyke them with the

scissors, and indent each point with the pin, bend the whole forward,

and paint them in the same manner and colour as the petals. Pass these

strips round the foundation first, keeping them exactly the same height.

Place three rows of petals on, seven in number, then increase them to

nine in a row, and so continue until the flower is complete. Take care

to place every petal between and not behind its predecessors, and let

each row fall back, so that at the conclusion it has a globular

appearance in front, and flat at the back of the flower. Cut the calyx

in double wax; it consists of ten points, five are light green, attached

to the back of the flower, and five dark sepals which are pendant round

the stem.