PRESERVING LEAVES

Evening Post, Volume CXXIII, Issue 130, 3 June 1937, Page 18

PRESERVING LEAVES

There are various methods of preserving autumn leaves and berries, and you probably have a pet theory of your own w,hich you are going to carry into practice again this autumn, states an exchange. But if your efforts have not yet been successful, then perhaps a new method is indicated. . Many, if not most, failures in this respect are due to the fact that the leaves or fruits are not gathered early enough. If you leave them until they are almost ready to drop they will probably wither and lose their colour, or fall off their stems, however carefully you may treat them. One simple, yet often successful, method is to take the : leaves, place them between clean white paper, and then lay them, carefully under the carpet for a fortnight or so. ■' Another way is to, prepare a solution of equal parts of common glycerine and water, and to place the stems of the leaves in it, leaving them until the solution has been exhausted. Then arrange the stems in empty vases. Berries may be brushed all over— as well as the stems—with clear varnish, such as artists use. They are then hung Up for several days until they are absolutely dry. Leaves, as well as berries, may also be preserved by being placed in boxes and covered with clean silver sand. The boxes are then placed,;ln a dry, rather warm place for about two weeks when the branches'will; emerge perfectly'preserved.; .Vj,'.\:>■":.•■.<• Silver sand, used in; this way, is often successful in the preservation of small branches of flowers, such as Michaelmas • daisies, but here , the flowers may sometimes need a little gum, afterwards, in order to stick the heads firmly to the stems..