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Because these little flowers are 50 suitable tor miniaturę work, it is worth preparing them in large auantities. By plating the plunts in water on a sunny window ledge after the first crop of opened heads has been gathered. the buds will open out to priwide further supplies. Speedwell and Srarlet Pimpemel are alsu two-way pressers but becausc lhoir petals aro so * flimsy, they are easier to press sideways.

Curlers (Fig$. 9, 9a)

Dwarf Pansies, and members of the Viola fnmily, canbo difficult to contro! becauSO thoir petals have a tendency tocurl uo as soon as they are picked. Ordy pick a few at one limę, therefore, and loavc a smal] length of stalk attached to cach head bccause the inegular petals will fali apart if Irimmed too closely.

Place them facing downwards with the larger uppor petals pointing towards the top of the storage sheet. Press down lite protruding spurs with the fingertip and roli the covering sheet first into position over the lower petals. If this is done speedily, these elusive flower faces can bc successfully raptured.

The bright Rosebay Willowherb is also inclined to droop within minutes of picking and one plant with sovcral open florets is usually ample for one pressing. Cu: the florets beneatll the purple pointed base and arrange face downwards on the paper. Evcn when the petals fail to press well, the dark sćpals provide inter-esting shapes.

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