Early in the history of art the wild flowers lent their aid to decoration. The acanthus which gave its leaves to crest the capital of the Corinthian column, the roses conventionalized in the rich fabrics of ancient Persia, until they have been thought sheer inventions of the weaver, are among the first items of an indebtedness which has steadily grown in volume until to-day, when the designers who find their inspiration in the flowers are a vast and increasing host. In a modern mansion of the best type the outer walls are enriched with the leonine beauty of the sun-flower; within, the mosaic floors, the silk, and paper hangings, repeat themes suggested by the vine, the wild clematis and the Mayflower. The stained glass windows from New York, where their manufacture excels that of any other city in the world, are exquisite with boldly treated lilies, poppies, and columbines. In the drawing-room are embroideries designed by two young women of Salem, Massachusetts, who have established a thriving industry in transferring the glow of wild flowers to the adornment of noble houses such as this. As one goes from studio to studio, it is cheering to find so many men and women busy at work which is more joyful than play,--which in many cases first taken up as a recreation disclosed a vein of genuine talent and so pointed to a career more delightful than any other,--because it chimes in with the love of beauty and the power of giving it worthy expression. TRANSCRIBER'S NOTE: Unable to verify "partnery" nor "tucu-tucu", but they have been left as in the original. The word "sylvain" has been verified as a valid word, and therefore it has been left as in the original. End of Project Gutenberg's Little Masterpieces of Science:, by Various