gives us some of the most fragile flowers of which we have knowledge; they are so delicate and fine of texture not many artists are able to render perfectly the peculiar charm of the blossom.
Fig. 381. Beautiful in their varied colors, they blossom until killed by frost, and growing as they do almost anywhere, even along the dusty roadside, their cheerful faces sing out a bright “Good-morning” if one is there in time to find them open. Usually they begin to close early in the day, and when they close they change into twisted elongated affairs which are eagerly sought by children bent on having a little sport. If you will gather a few of these floral cornucopiæ you can make them pop so loud they will rival the torpedo. Hold tight the opening end of the closed blossom with the thumb and forefinger of the right hand and fill it with air by gently blowing in the wee stem end; grasp this securely with the left hand; then suddenly push the two ends together, and snap! will go the flower.
Home-made Baskets.
CHAPTER XVI
BASKET-WEAVING
In and out, in and out; under and over, under and over; around and around, again and yet again; widening and narrowing, and, lo! a basket is woven. A child of eight can learn it, a woman will find the work a charming pastime; so this is written for girls of all ages.