THE MECHANICAL LILY.
To render an Easter lily mechanical, so that the petals will open and close, a small circle of wood is securely fastened to the standard rising from the floor. Each leaf (there should be six) is then hinged to this circular piece, a few inches from the lower end of the leaf. At the extreme lower point of each leaf is now fastened a cord, and all the cords are gathered into one a short distance down. Run the main cord through the floor of your window and attach it to the pivot of your water wheel. As the cord is drawn downward the leaves all close; when it is released the leaves open by their own weight. In the center of the lily may be placed any design or arrangement of goods. Sometimes the figure of a doll clinging to a cross is used.