711. To take Impressions of Leaves.—Dissolve in a saucerful of water about a tea-spoonful of bichromate of potash. Pass the paper to be used through this solution, and, while wet, press the leaves lightly upon it, and expose it to the sun when it is shining brightly. When perfectly dry, remove the leaves, and a fac-simile will be left in a light lemon shade, while the rest of the paper will be of a dark brown.
712. To preserve the natural color in Petals of dried Flowers.—Immerse the petals for some minutes in alcohol. The colors will fade at first, but in a short time they will resume, permanently, their natural tint.
713. To revive faded Flowers.—Nearly all flowers may be revived, when faded, by placing one-third of the stalks in hot water; when it has become cold, the flowers will be re-set and fresh; the end of the stalks should then be cut off and the flowers put into cold water.
Or, dip flowers in spirits of wine for twenty minutes; at first they will appear to have entirely faded; but in drying, the colors will revive, and the fragrance be prolonged.
A few grains of salt put into the water with flowers, will keep them from fading.
Sand may be substituted for water.