This subject having excited a little interest amongst some horticulturists recently, I took the liberty of appealing to a lady friend who has been very successful as a skeletoniser of foliage, requesting her to favour me with the modus operandi by which she produces her specimens; which, I may say, are of an admirable character, some groups of hers having received, a few years since, the highest honours that could be awarded in the particular class in which they were exhibited at a large and important county exhibition. I am pleased to say that my request has been cheerfully complied with, and I am enabled to lay the result before the readers of the 'Gardener.' We are first told that "the art of skeletonising leaves and flowers would be found much less difficult of accomplishment were the nature and character of the various plants thoroughly studied at first. For instance, it would be but a poor guide to the learner to say, 'Gather the leaves on a certain day,' unless proper attention be also paid to the leaves chosen. They must have reached a certain degree of maturity, neither too old nor too young; and as all leaves do not reach this point at the same time, care must be taken that each kind is gathered when fit for use.

The leaves of the Magnolia may be gathered when the plant is in bloom, varying in time from June to August; they will require from a month to six weeks for immersion, and are easy to dissect, as the fibre is so strong. Ivy ranks among the most difficult, but from the beauty of the formation of its fibre will well repay the trouble expended. These may be put in from the beginning of May until October, but should be leaves of the previous year's growth. All leaves will not answer for dissecting, but those that have been most successfully operated upon are the leaves of the Magnolia, Ivy, Pear, Rose, Holly, Orange, Poplar, Willow, Elm, Lime, Service-tree, Spanish and Horse Chestnut, and Oak. The last, however, should not be put into the same vessel as the others, as it affects them in an undesirable manner. Certain seed-vessels will also dissect admirably, such as the Stramonium, Winter Cherry, Poppy, etc. To produce good specimens, put the leaves into a deep jar and cover over with soft water, which must not be changed; the jar to be put into a cool place. When, upon examination, the leaves are found to be quite soft, they must be carefully brushed in a plate of water with a camel's hair brush.

Then they should be placed in a weak solution of chloride of lime for a short time, to whiten the fibres, and afterwards washed well in two or three waters, and dried carefully between sheets of blotting-paper or linen; after which they are ready for mounting. To make stems for this purpose, thread stiffened with gum is most useful, and has a natural appearance. The leaves may be formed into bouquets or wreaths, according to the taste of the operator, and should be placed under glass shades to preserve them from harm." This is the simple outline of the process, and if executed by the hands of the gentler sex, for whom it would prove a very fitting employment, a fair amount of success might well be looked for. It is evident that much nice discrimination in the selection of the right leaves is required, and a very light and careful manipulation is also essential; and in the case of failures no small amount of patience is needed to carry the operator through to ultimate success. I have seen the productions of the lady who has favoured me with these instructions, and can bear witness that they are beautifully executed and mounted. One handsome group, especially, would make a fitting ornament for any drawing-room; the branches of Ivy laid upon the dark velvet covering of the stand were exquisite.

Would it not be well if horticultural societies could be induced to offer good prizes to ladies for productions of this character? Certainly they require rather more labour than is necessary for the dressing of epergnes, or the putting together of a bouquet. Alex. Dean.