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 pon 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.