HOW TO WAX FLOWERS

Waikato Argus, Volume XXXV, Issue 5508, 14 January 1914, Page 2 (Supplement)

HOW TO WAX FLOWERS

All kinds of methods of preserving real dowers have been introduced from time to time. A satisfactory plan consists of treating the blossoms with paraflin wax in such a way that the form and colour of the flowers are really preserved. In a general way it will be found that single flowers yield better results than double forms.

The paraflin wax may be secured from candles; buy good ones, as in this case a more transparent effect will be obtained. The candles should be cut up into chunks about an inch in length, and from each portion the wick should be carefully removed.

Now get a tin saucppan which it will not be necessary to use for any other purpose, and put the lumps of wax into this. DIPPING THE FLOWERS. The next step consists in melting the wax over a fire. Of course, candle wax melts very easily, and the process will be hastened if the lumps are stirred round with a stick. When all the wax is melted the liquid must be carefully examined to ice that if. is quite free from any mpurities. Even the smallest specks of dirt should be fished out. The wax solution may now be allowed to cool slightly while we go to get the [lowers for preserving. It is, of course, essential that the blossoms should be nice specimens in perfect condition. They should as well be quite free from any moistuio. In no way should the blossoms be faded, as a great deal of the success of the scheme depends upon having petals quite stiff. In every case a suitable amount of foliage should be allowed to each llower, as this preserves equally well. Now heat up the wax again, and while this is in a thoroughly liquid state take each flower and leaf and dip it into the saucepan. The specimens are, of course, held by the stalks, and the heads put into the melted wax. They must only be kept in for about half a minute* at the outside, and all the time they should be moved about. If this is not done it is certain that a number of bubbles will form on the petals. WHEN EXPOSED TO AIR. In the case of plants with a still', fibrous stalk it will not be necessary to treat this in any way, but where this is of a soft and succulent nature it should be immersed in wax after the llower or leaf has been treated. On exposure to the air the wax will, of course, rapidly dry, and it will then be seen that the flowers and foliage are most beautifully preserved, the transparent; nature of the wax allowing the natural colours to show through the coating.