On the whole, though the price is sinful, carnations pay best;--it's a question, however, whether it's wise to have them wired.

Some shops advise it.

Certainly it's the only way to keep them at a dance; but whether it is necessary at dinner parties, unless the rooms are very hot, remains in dispute.

Old Mrs.
Temple used to recommend an ivy leaf--just one--dropped into the bowl.
She said it kept the water pure for days and days.

But there is some reason to think that old Mrs.Temple was mistaken.
The little cards, however, with names engraved on them, are a more serious problem than the flowers.