The large wax or composition candles, of a firm texture, are best
for purposes of decoration. Water-color paints can be used, or those
powders which come for coloring wax flowers. In either case it will
be necessary to use a little ox-gall to give the paint consistency.
A band of solid tint--crimson, black, blue or gold--is usually put
around the middle of the candle, with a pattern in flowers or small
bright points above and below. Spirals of blue forget-me-nots all
over the candle are pretty, or sprays of leaves and berries set in a
regular pattern. These gay candles are considered ornamental for a
writing-table, and look well in the brass candlesticks which are
so much used just now, though _we_ confess to a preference for
unornamented candles of one solid tint.