Preserving Autumn Leaves

These may be easily preserved and retain their natural tints, or nearly so, by either of the following methods: -

As they are gathered they may be laid between the leaves of a magazine or large book until it is full, and left with a light weight upon them until the moisture in the leaves has been absorbed. Two or three thicknesses of paper should intervene between the leaves. If they are large or in clusters, take newspapers, lay them on a shelf, and use them as with a book.

When the leaves have become perfectly dry, dip them in melted white wax into which you have put a few drops of turpentine, and lay them on clean papers to dry; this will make the leaves pliable and natural, and give them sufficient gloss. Great care should be used to make the wax just hot enough, the temperature being ascertained by the first leaf dipped in. Draw it gently out of the wax and hold it up, - if the wax is too hot, the leaf will shrivel; if too cool, the wax will adhere in lumps. Leaves preserved in this way make chaste and attractive ornaments, if grouped in graceful figures.