However, they are but a means to an end, and their use is soon apparent now that we come to the principal operation of dressing. In this, order is evolved out of chaos, and in the hands of an expert the bloom immediately begins to assume an altogether different appearance.
THREE SPECIMEN BLOOMS.
THIS "EDWARD MOLYNEUX" WAS NINE INCHES ACROSS.
THE BLOOM HERE PHOTOGRAPHED—"MUTUAL FRIEND"—WAS TEN INCHES IN DIAMETER.
First it undergoes the operation of cupping. The cups are made of zinc, and vary in design according to the shape of the flower. The upper part closely resembles the socket of a candlestick. The outside is threaded, and screws into a cylindrical case containing water.
Now the reason of the long stalk is apparent. It is passed through the hollow till the lower petals of the bloom are pressed firmly on the plate, then the outer case is screwed on, and the flower is held as rigidly as though in a vice. The screw cup performs three functions: It waters the bloom, keeps it in position, and by pressing the under petals upwards accentuates its shape and size. The operation of dressing brings another instrument into use. It seems a simple matter to take hold of a ragged bloom and pat and stroke it into shape, curling a petal here, twisting another there. In reality it is a matter of great delicacy, and some years of experience are required before one may hope to obtain the best possible results, and even then some three hours may easily be spent in dressing a bloom.
