TREE AND FLOWER PRESERVATIVES
fresh. But it is well to know how they may be longest preserved. Wrap as in summer and then roast the ends of the stems in a charcoal or coal fire in which twenty-nine grains of Sansho have been put — it can also be done in a gas or candle flame without Sansho — until black and charred, holding the stems in a wet cloth while burning; then put in cold water for seven or eight hours.
In the So period — December, January, February, use very cold water to keep flowers in before arranging. Ice water, stream water, or that kept in a pail over night should be used. The Japanese say that well water is usually warm in winter, and therefore should not be used unless kept standing out of doors for a long time. Flowers do not require burning during these cold months; all that is necessary is to let them stand in very cold water as long as possible before arranging.
A camelia may be kept from turning brown by putting a few grains of salt in the center of each flower. To keep a magnolia, split
[211]
