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PROCEEDINGS Cr-

OF THE

Tenth Annual Convention

OF THE

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lET! OF AMERICAN FLORISTS,

HELD AT

ATLANTIC CITY, N. J.,

August 2 1 St, 22d, 23d and 24th,

1894.

Published by Order of the Society.

BOSTON :
Daniel Gunn & Co., Printers, 31 Hawley Street.

1894.

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OFFICERS

OF THE

SOCIETY OF AMERICAN FLORISTS.

For 1894.

President :
J. T. ANTHONY, Chicago, III.

Vice-President : ,
ROBT. KIFT, Philadelphia, Pa.

Secretary :
WILLIAM J. STEWART, Boston, Mass.

Treasurer :

MYRON A. HUNT, Tekre Haute, Ind.

H. B. BEATTY, Oil City, Pa., for unexpired term of Mr. Hunt (deceased).

Executive Committee :

For One Year.

C. W. HoiTT, Nashua, N. H.
J. H. DuNLOP, Toronto, Ont.
J. C. Vaughan, Chicago, 111.

For Two Tears.
Ben.t. Durfee, Washington, D. C.
P. O'Mara, Jersey City, N. J.

For Three Tears

Alex. Waldbart, St. Louis, Mo. | J. C. Rennison, Sioux City, la.
Elijah A. Wood, West Newton, Mass.

For 1895.

President :
EDWIN LONSDALE, Chestnut
Hill, Philadelphia, Pa.

Vice-President :
E. C. REINEMAN, Allegheny,
Pa.

Secretary :
WILLIAM J. STEWART, Boston, Mass.

Treasurer :
H. B. BEATTY, Oil City, Pa.

Executive Committee :

For One Tear.

Benj. Durfee. Washington, D. C.
P. O'Mara, Jersey City, N. J.

For Tioo Tears.

Alex. Waldbart, St. Louis, Mo.
J. C. Rennison, Sioux City, la.
Elijah A. Wood, W. Newton, Mass.

For Three Tears.
Three Members to be appointed by the President-elect, January 1, 1895.

PROCEEDINGS.

Atlantic City, X. J., August 21, 1894.

A bracing atmosphere, delightful bathing, and the numerous diver-
sions of a popular seaside resort, contributed to make the Tenth Annual
Convention of the Society of American Florists one of the most enjoy-
able yet held. Notwithstanding the attractions of the board-walk and
the beach, there was a gratifying attendance at all the business sessions,
excepting possibly, in the closing hours of the third day ; the promi-
nence given to the social enjoyment feature being apparently without
detriment to the practical work of the Society.

The Florists' Club of Philadelphia had made elaborate preparations
for the comfort and convenience of their guests of the Society of Ameri-
can Florists, and cordially received the visitors upon their arrival. A
series of entertainments, mainly for the ladies, was supplemented at the
close of the Convention, by a day of social enjoyment, of which a sail on
the ocean and an evening entertainment on one of the piers were special
features. The trade exhibition in Morris Guards' Armory and Grand
Army Hall was the most complete on record, and to those who studied
it, it presented many suggestions of great educational value.

The interior of Odd Fellows Hall, where the Convention was held,
was beautifully decorated. A profusion of palms, hydrangeas, gladioli,
and other decorative foliage plants surrounded the platform; the rear
space being festooned with smilax and asparagus, and the walls lined
with bunting.

THE PRELIJnNARIES.

Following the appearance on the platform of the officers of the
Society and members of the Executive Committee of the Society of
American Florists, President Edwin Lonsdale, of the Philadelphia
Florists' Club, inaugurated the proceedings by introducing Rev. P. T.
Stewakt, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, of Easton, Pa., who
briefly invoked the divine blessing upon the Convention and its labors.

Hon. Franklin P. Stoy, mayor of Atlantic City, being introduced
by Mr. Lonsdale, delivered an address of welcome. He said he had not
any long speech to make, and he knew that his hearers, if they could

t) PROCEEDINGS OF TENTH CONVENTION,

appreciate the pressure upon him of his official duties, would not expect
one from him; his time being so fully occupied at this season that he
scarcely found opportunity to eat his meals. He asserted that it was a
pleasure for him, this morning, to come here to welcome this Conven-
tion to Atlantic City — one representing a profession universally admired
and appreciated. He congratulated the visitors upon this fact, and said
he now extended to all of them the freedom of the city, and trusted they
would enjoy themselves while they remained here. He expressed the
hope that no storms would occur to mar their pleasure, and that finally
they would all go home feeling that Atlantic City was a place they would
like to visit again. Referring again to the demands upon his time, and
pleading these as an excuse for the brevity of his remarks, the mayor
concluded with a reiteration of a most cordial welcome to the city.

Mr. Wm. Scott, of Buffalo, IS". Y., being called upon by Mr. Lons-
dale to respond, on behalf of the Society to the welcome of the Mayor,
came forward and said it was his privilege to voice the thanks of the
ladies and gentlemen of the Society of American Florists, for the very
hearty way in which the Mayor had welcomed them to this beautiful city
by the sea. He felt confident that all of them would take advantage of
the privilege accorded by the Mayor in the freedom of the city — than
which no more beautiful place in the whole continent of America could
have been selected for holding the Convention. Unlike his more for-
tunate brethren of New York and Philadelphia, who doubtless made
frequent visits to Atlantic City, he had never before seen this wonderful
city; but he knew that, if his residence was within a hundred miles of it,
he would be here every Sunday and the following day. To him the city
was unique and simply marvelous. He said that he understood that its
normal winter population of from 15,000 to 20,000 had increased within
the past few weeks to 160,000. He cited, as an evidence of the orderly
character of the place, the fact that although twenty-four hours had
elapsed since his arrival, he had failed to see a single instance of dis-
order, and had yet to discover a policeman. Good humoredly suggesting
that the Mayor, whom his hearers had now the honor of seeing, probably
embodied in his own personality the majesty and power of an entire
police force, and stating that this summer resort was distinguished above
all others for its high moral tone, Mr. Scott continued :

I want to remind his Honor (who, though not identified with our
business, is an admirer of flowers and interested in their culture), that
this little State of New Jersey is one of the banner States, if not the
banner State in floriculture in this great country. Beginning with New
England, and taking the group of the four States, of Massachusetts, New
York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, we have the first home, the embryo
of horticulture in this country; but perhaps very few of those who have
lately become identified with our business realize the fact that, within a

SOCIETY OF AMERICAN FLORISTS. I

comparatively recent period, say within ten years, the State of New
Jersey has produced more roses, carnations, violets, and other flowers,
than all the rest of the continent of America. The largest, if not the
most renowned floricultural establishments on this continent, up to a
recent date, existed in this State. [Applause.]

Mr. Scott then mentioned the cities in which the annual meetings
of the Society had been held, and after again complimenting "the
beautiful city on the shores of the Atlantic" as the ideal summer con-
vention city, said he wanted to remind the Society of the debt of grati-
tude it owed to that city foremost in floriculture, which was known as
the " City of Loving Brotherhood." It was to the Philadelphia florists
they were indebted for the pleasant meeting now being held — a meeting
which promised to be one of the most successful of any yet held.
Although the Second Annual Convention was held in Philadelphia, that
city had repeatedly endeavored to induce the Society to come back there,
and with such success that the Society of American Florists was now
again the guests of the Philadelphians. He thought that if matters con-
tinued in this way, that city would become the permanent meeting place
and the Philadelphia florists would be the hosts all the time. Mr. Scott
closed by suggesting that, in availing themselves of the Mayor's offer of
the freedom of the city, the visitors should acquit themselves with as
much credit as did other guests of the city, who had preceded them.
[Applause.]

Mayor Stoy (when Mr. Scott had concluded), again came forward
and provoked general merriment by remarking, in reply to what that
gentleman had said about not having seen a policeman, that he
(Mr. Scott) might have cause for not wanting to see one before he got
out of town. He then went on to state, as indicative of the good order
and decorum of this seaside community, that, although there were more
than 200,000 pei'sons within the city limits on the previous Sunday, not
one arrest had been made by the local force of sixty policemen. He
regarded this as an evidence that the residents and the visitors mutually
respected each other. In the present instance, he said he knew that the
florists were heartily respected by the people of Atlantic City, and that it
was the general wish that their stay would be prolonged as far as possible.
[Applause.]

the president's address.

Upon the close of the preliminary addresses, the President of the
Society, Mr. J. T. Anthony", of Chicago, assumed the duties of the
chair. After a cordial greeting from the audience, President Anthony
called the Convention to order, and delivered his address, which was fol-
lowed by applause. The address was as follows : —

Ladies and Gentlemen^ — The year which has passed since our last
meeting has been one of great depression in all lines of trade. The

8 PROCEEDINGS OF TENTH CONVENTION,

florist's business has felt the depression in trade, and has received its
first check in its onward progress. Let us hope the check is but tempo
rary.

In view of the fact of the dull times it affords me great pleasure to
see so many members of the Society of American Florists present at this
meeting. Coming, as they do from all parts of this country, it augurs
well for the future meetings of the Society when an attendance of this
size can be had in times like the present.

The progress that has been made in ornamental horticulture in the
short space of ten years, since this Society was organized, is truly mar-
velous. A comparison of the chrysanthemum shows of last year, with
those of ten years ago, will demonstrate the remarkable improvement
that has been made in the cultivation of show flowers. The develop-
ment of the chrysanthemum has surpassed the expectations of the most
enthusiastic cultivator of ten years ago. Though the material pi'Ogress
of these shows has been thus remarkable, it is not more so than has been
the increase in their numbers. Only a few years ago flower shows were
held in less than a half dozen of our large cities. There are very few
towns now of any importance in which a more or less pretentious flower
show is not held.

That the improvement of carnations has been nearly as great as the
chrysanthemum every one will admit who has seen the splendid display
of that flower at the meetings of the Carnation Society. The great
improvement in carnations that has been made in the last few years has
been almost entirely by American cultivators. The carnation, as grown
in this country, differs so materiall}' from those grown in Europe, that
those produced here might be called carnations of American type.

While the carnation and chrysanthemum growers have been making
these gigantic strides towards the ideal chrysanthemum and carnation,
what have the rose growers of this country done to improve that flower?
It is true that we have greatly improved our methods of cultivation of
the rose for the production of bloom, and are enabled to produce them in
larger quantities and of a better quality, leaving the production of varie-
ties almost entirely to growers in other countries where the climate is as
different from ours as our methods of cultivation and uses to which we
put the rose are different from those of the European growers. The
result is that vast sums are paid every year for new roses; very few of
which are ever heard of after the first trial. Let me ask the question,
why can we not produce our own varieties of roses as we do carnations
and chrysanthemums? It is true that it takes a longer time to produce
results with roses than with either carnations or chrysanthemums, but
would not the results when attained be worth the cost? This seems to
me to be the most promising field for some enterprising rose grower. I
believe the time will soon come when we shall have a class of roses of
American origin especially suited to our climate and requirements.

SOCIETY OF AMERICAN FLORISTS. 9

We had fondly hoped that the bill which is before Congress, grant-
ing this Society a national charter, would have passed before now. It is
a matter of prime importance that a charter be procured, and it is very
desirable that we have a national charter; but if one should not be
granted before this Congress adjourns, I would recommend that a charter
be secured from the District of Columbia, or some one of the States.
The Society of American Florists has been a homeless wanderer for ten
years. The time has now come when we should secure a home. A
suitable office should be procured for our Secretary where the books and
papers of the Society could be kept, and where periodicals and reports
on subjects connected with horticulture could be collected, and in time a
library.

The Secretary should receive such compensation for his services as
would enable him to devote his whole time to the interests of the Society.
Much of the work that is now intrusted to committees, such as the com-
mittee on statistics and nomenclature, could either be done by the Secre-
tary, or the committee could be materially assisted by him. There are
innumerable ways in which a paid officer could be of benefit to the
Society. I would earnestly recommend that arrangements be made as
speedily as possible to carry this recommendation into effect.

The Secretary and Treasurer should be required to give a bond to the
Society for the faithful performance of their respective duties. This has
not been done heretofore.

What are to be the future relations between this Society and its
numerous offspring, the Chrysanthemum, Carnation and Rose Societies,
should receive our serious consideration at this time. That the Chrj-san-
themum and Carnation Societies have done much good by imparting use-
ful knowledge in the culture of their special favorites we all know, but
could not this work be as well done by a section of this Society as by a
separate organization? on the principal that in union there is strength.
I think the work of all the societies could be much better done by the
Society of American Florists. It would certainly be more convenient to
have one Secretary's office for all the societies than to have them scat-
tered as they now are.

It seems to me that the Society of American Florists can confer no
greater benefit upon the profession than to provide a means whereby the
wheat may be separated from the chaff among the army of journeymen
florists. I believe it can do this by establishing an examining board
whose duty it shall be to examine florists, who may wish to avail them-
selves of the privilege, granting certificates setting forth the degree of
proficiency possessed by each one examined. The examination might
be oral or written, or a combination of both. The subjects touched
upon would naturally be very diversified, but not more so than the
florist's daily work. There should be a separate examination for each
specialty; take for example the rose. The one subject might be divided
into numerous heads, say:

10 PROCEEDINGS OF TE^fTH CONVENTION,

(a) Propagation; (5) General culture; (c) Insect enemies;
(d) Fungous enemies; (e) Fertilizers and how to use them; (/)
Growing for flowers; (g) Growing for plants, etc.

A man, who, after wrestling with these inquiries, carried out to
their fullest extent, could show a first-class rose certificate would hardly
need any other voucher, and one possessing rose, carnation and chrysan-
themum certificates would not need any other evidence to prove himself
a good all around grower of these flowers. The growing of general bed-
ding plants could be covered in another division, and of hardy plants in
still another. Orchids, too, and palms and like decorative plants should
be provided for. In these days of specialties it is not necessary that a
man should have a high percentage in every department. We already
talk of rose growers, carnation growers, etc. If we know just what a
man can do (where he is strong and where he is weak) , selection for the
work of most importance to the employer is simple.

That some such plan would be equally to the advantage of the work-
ing florist and his employer no one can doubt, and that it would give our
profession a higher standing in the eyes of the public is equally certain;
people have a good deal of respect for organized effort in any form.
When it is known that a florist, to be recognized as such, must pass a
careful examination and receive a certificate of proficiency, people will
conclude that he really occupies a higher plane than an agricultural
laborer with whom he is very often classed.

As to employers, the granting of certificates should greatly simplify
their anxieties as regards help. Those who want good men, worthy of
fair wages and fair treatment, will want men who hold certificates; if
they want cheap labor they must expect unskilled labor. Such a con-
summation as this, likely both to elevate the position of the journeyman
florist, and to lessen the anxieties of his employer, is surely worth con-
sideration.

The adoption of such a plan of work would also surely strengthen
the Society. It would bring to its annual meetings many journeymen
anxious to secure certificates from the examining board, (which should
be in session at each annual meeting) , and certificates issued by it would
magnif}' its importance as an organization of real practical benefit to the
trade. Of course the examining boards must be composed of the best
and most capable men in the Society in the several divisions, and cer-
tificates awarded with the greatest care.

REPORTS OF THE SECRETARY AND TREASURER.

The next order of business being the presentation of reports of
oflicers, Secretar}^ WilliAjM J. Stewart presented and read his annual
report. It was as follows : —

secretary's REPORT.

The story of the meeting at St. Louis last year, having been given in
full detail in the printed report, it is hai'dly necessary to make more than

SOCIETY OF AMERICAN FLORISTS. . H

a general allusion to it on this occasion. There are a few points, how-
ever, to which we might profitably give a moment's attention. It had
been expected that the World's Fair would prove a contributing attrac-
tion, it being the general opinion that the attendance of eastern mem-
bers especially would be much larger on this account than would
ordinarily be the case at a point so far west; but these expectations
were not realized, and it transpired that the World's Fair, instead of
enhancing our attendance, had the contrary effect. Not many of our
craft could spare the time to visit both Convention and Fair, so they
naturally chose the latter. Another drawback to last year's attendance
was the fear of hot weather; this happily proved to be unfounded, and
whatever the ordinary St. Louis weather may be, we must give it credit
for having treated us well on that occasion.

These were the drawbacks. They were offset by many advantages
which the visitors were not slow to appreciate, and which made the
occasion one of the greatest enjoyment to all those who were present.
Whether in visiting the far-famed Shaw Botanical Gardens, riding
through the beautiful avenues and parks of the city, under the escort of
our big-hearted St. Louis brethren, listening to essays and discussions of
more than the usual interest and value, or in meeting with the famous
horticulturists from the Old World who honored us with their presence,
the St. Louis Convention was a continual round of enjoyment, both
physical and mental, and all felt at home from the moment we listened
to those eloquent words of welcome from St. Louis' gifted mayor until
we took a last lingering look at the radiant arches of the illuminated city.

As in every instance where the attendance at the Convention has
been small the receipts for the year have been materially reduced.
From present indications the falling off is only temporary, however, as a
large majority of the members who failed to pay their dues last year are
coming forward cheerfully and making their arrearages good and there is
no doubt that the present year will see our paid up membership list fully
up to the maximum. The whole number of dues collected for 1893 up
to August 19th, is 607, and members of 1892, who are in arrears for
1893, number 269, but these figures will change considerably for the
better when the large number of arrearages paid up at this meeting are
counted.

Death has made unusual havoc in our ranks since we last met.
Eleven of our members have been taken away and in this number are
included two who were among the Society's founders and have always
been faithful workers in its behalf. The list of deaths is as follows :

ISr. Singler, of Washington Heights, 111,, died August 2-1, 1893;
C. A, Dahl, of Atlanta, Ga., September, 1893; Thomas Hudson, of
Northampton, Mass., September, 1893; H. A. Daacke, of New York,
N. Y., October, 1893; J. R. Bather, of Clinton, Iowa, November 22,
1893; W. F. F. Murray, of Atco, N. J., November 22, 1893; R. J.

12 PROCEEDINGS OF TENTH CONVENTION,

Halliday, of Baltimore, Md., March 11, 1894; Harry C. Gass, of
Allegheny, Pa., March 20, 1894; M. A. Hunt, of Terre Haute, Ind., April
23, 1894; L. Guerineau, of Northampton, Mass., June 8, 1894; W. M.
Eldridge, of Wilkesbarre, Pa., August 6, 1894.

The regular winter meeting of the Executive Committee was held at
Philadelphia on February 13th and 14th. The Phialdelphia brethren
were kind and thoughtful as always. Many timely questions regarding
the Society's future policy and work were brought forward and earnestly
discussed, and the foundations laid for the very comprehensive program
which is now before you. Among the more important matters
considered were our relations with the Hail Association, the Chrysanthe-
mum and Carnation Societies and other auxiliary organizations; the
feasibility of devising some equitable and economical plan of greenhouse
insurance against fire; the injury sustained by ihe trade through the
shipment of lily blooms from Bermuda and the remedy therefor; the
work of the Nomenclature Committee, as well as that of the two special
committees provided for at the St. Louis meeting, viz. : on a standard
list of commercial decorative plants and statistics of exports and imports.
Requisite funds for the needs of these committees in their work were
duly provided for.

The change in time for the sessions of this Convention, and substi-
tution of afternoon for evening meetings, was in accordance with the
advise and request of Philadelphia members, who explained to the com-
mittee that on account of the attractions and distractions peculiar to
Atlantic City, a fuller attendance at the meetings would thus be secured.

The annual badges provided for the Society, having been long
regarded as inartistic and inappropriate, it was decided to have a new
die made which, while adhering to the old design of a rose leaf, should be
a more truthful representation of that object, and it is believed that the
members generally will be pleased with the change.

Resolutions in memory of the late George W. Childs were drawn up
by a special committee, and an engrossed copy prepared and sent to
Mrs. Childs on behalf of the Society of American Florists.

Your Secretary would respectfully bespeak for the noted specialists
who are to address us, a full attendance of all our members at the
meetings; a recognition to which these gentlemen are justly entitled.
Note particularly the early hour at which the morning sessions open, and
bear in mind that a full hall and prompt opening at the time named in
the program will be due courtesy to the essayists, and will conduce
to the pleasure of each and every individual by ensuring an early
adjournment to the beach and its delights.

The next business being the report of the Treasurer, Mr. S. M. Rey-
nolds, of Terre Haute, Ind., responding to the call of the President, came

SOCIETY OF AMERICAN FLORISTS. 13

forward and was introduced as representing the estate of the late Treas-
urer, Mr. Myron A. Hunt, whose death occurred during the year.
Mr. Reynolds said:

Ladies and Oentlemen, — In the ordinary course of affairs I probably
would not be here, although I am very much interested in your work
because of the beautiful product of your studies. I have never known a
bad man to love flowers, and I have never known a lover of flowers to be
a bad man. The death of Mr. Hunt was peculiarly a sad one, and prob-
ably most of you are familiar with the circumstances of it. He was very
much grieved by the sickness of his wife, who had been taken to a
private sanitarium for her health; and, despairing of her recovery, suf-
fering with pain and trouble of that kind, and of that kind only, he dis-
posed of himself by his own hand on April 23d of this year. Thus a
good man, as good a Christian as ever lived was lost to our city, and to
you, members of the Society of American Florists. It became my duty,
under the orders of the Court, to take charge of the estate of M. A. Hunt.
I found his financial affairs in perfect order; but as there had been no
premonition of his sudden death, they required some study and investi-
gation. His accounts as Treasurer of this Association were in first-class
shape. The funds are ready to be handed over to hig successor, when
appointed. The following is a statement of his accounts: —

Balance on hand, S2,125.58; membership fees since received, $1,776.
Total, $3,901.58.

Expenditures (for which I hold vouchers in every case), a total of
SI ,747.26.

Leaving a balance in my hands, due to the Association, of S2,154.32.

Upon my return to Terre Haute, I will send to the successor of your
late Treasurer, a proper release to the estate and a draft for the amount •
[Applause.]

On motion, the report just read was accepted.

Secretary Stewart, (who had acted as Treasurer pro tem. since the
death of Mr. Hum), here made the following statement: —

It has been customary for the Treasurer to bring up the annual
statements of his accounts to July 1st. Between the time of Mr. Hunt's
death and the 1st of July the transactions were naturally quite small,
that being a time of the year when there was not much coming in, in the
way of dues, nor much expenditure. I have here an account of my
expenditures and receipts, with the bills that accrued during that period.
The expenditure was for trifling amounts aggregating $6.95. The
amounts due up to July 1st, are as follows: To the Secretary of the
Society for six months' salary, $375; bill of Mr. J. N. May, for badges and
dies, $95; printing bill, $4.50; total, $474.50. This, together with the

14 PROCEEDINGS OF TENTH CONVENTION,

cash paid out, amounts to S481.85. The receipts during that time were
S297. This account has been examined by a committee of the Executive
Committee, and has been approved. It stands as an addition to the
report made by the gentleman who has preceded me; and the two state-
ments constitute the Treasurer's Report of the condition of the Society
up to July 1, 1894.

On motion of Mr. J. M. Jordan, of St. Louis, the supplemental
report just presented was received and ordered to be filed.

NOMENCLATURE COMMITTEE.

Reports from committees being in order, Mr. John N". May pre-
sented and read the report of the Nomenclature Committee. He
explained that the chairman of the committee, Mr. Trelease, was
unavoidably absent, being now in foreign lands; and that a portion of
the report had been prepared by that gentleman before his departure.
An appendix to it had been prepared subsequently.

The following is the report : —

To the Society of American Flonsts, — Your Nomenclature Com-
mittee, appointed by the Executive Committee at its Philadelphia meet-
ing, beg leave to report as follows: —

The committee has made diligent inquiry as to cases of misnaming,
corrections and improvements needed in the naming of decorative plants,
and other matters falling within the province of the committee, and has
ascertained that the work of the Society and its nomenclature committees
for the period of years just passed has resulted in a very considerable
improvement in the matter of nomenclature in the trade. No very
flagrant errors, or nomenclature abuses calculated to deceive, have been
reported to the committee. In roses, the nomenclature of which was
formerly greatly confused, we are informed on good authority, that for
the last two seasons there has not been observed a single case of dupli-
cation or misnaming. We have learned that one western florist dis-
posed of a considerable quantity of Virginian stock under the name of
Linum flavum, a totally different plant, so that the error was detected
the moment that the plants began growth; but it is hard even to suggest
the reasons for this substitution, which was apparently simply the result
of a gross blunder.

This committee records its gratification that the Society, in accord-
ance with the recommendation of the Nomenclature Committee last j^ear,
has appointed a committee for the preparation of a standard list of deco-
rative plants handled by the American trade, guided by the principles
which were announced at the St. Louis Convention, and which are
printed in full in the Proceedings of the Society for 1893, at page 92; and
we wish to urge upon every member of the American trade his cordial
co-operation with the committee in its difiicult but useful task.
Respectfully submitted,

Wm. Trelease, Chairman.

SOCIETY OF AMERICAN FLORISTS. 15

Your committee very much regret the absence of the chairman of
this committee, Mr. Wm. Trelease, who has taken great pains with this
work, and in his absence, but with his entire concurrence, we present
the following as an appendix to his report just read:

We sent out the following letter to the representative men of the
country, wherever we thought we could get any information bearing
upon the subject; replies to some are herewith attached, or parts of
them bearing upon the subject: —

'■^ Dear Sir, — The Nomenclature Committee of the Society of
American Florists are very desirous of making as complete a report of
any misnaming of plants that may be in circulation at this time, or
errors, duplicates or anything calculated to be misleading to the florist or
general public as possible, and with that end in view the committee
through me as the chairman, (Mr. Trelease is absent from the country at
this time), specially request that if you can give us any information bear-
ing upon this point you will kindly do so, to enable us to make a full
report at once, which cannot be otherwise than beneficial to us all.

Thanking you in advance, and hoping to get your reply soon, I am,

Fraternally Yours,

John N. May.

N. B. — Please find enclosed stamped envelope for reply."

Two parties reply in reference to carnation Portia being sold as
Lady Emma, while the true Lady Emma, which was sent out in
'75 or '76 was a dull brick red, totally distinct from Portia. The
general opinion, so far as we can find, is that the variety now offered as
Lady Emma is Portia, pure and simple. Personally I have grown
the two side by side as offered by different growers and have never
been able to detect the slightest difference. Stock procured from
different growers will sometimes for the first season show a little
difference in growth but none the second season with me. The variety
sold this season as Bouton d^Or is not that variety but is Baron de
Eothschild of the French. The case of Carnation Geneva distri-
buted this season by the Wisconsin Flower Exchange, of Milwaukee,
Wis., is an unfortunate one as there is already a variety under that name
sent out by Messrs. W. P. Simmons & Co., of Geneva, O., some four
years ago, and described as " white, striped with purple.'' Such dupli-
cations of names are calculated to be very misleading and we therefore
advise that the name Geneva be changed by the Wisconsin Flower
Exchange.

In chrysanthemums we find the following: — The variety sent out
the present season by two firms, one as James Comley the other as
ZTnde Sam are one and the same variety; it is also known around
Boston where it has been grown for four or five years as Donald,
and Eugene B. Knapp. We are informed that the variety being reg-

16 PROCEEDINGS OF TENTH CONVENTION,

istered by the introducer under the name of James Comley, is entitled
to that name over all others.

The following synonyms also occur, the first named having prece-
dence by either registration or dissemination: —

L^ Enfant des deux mondes — White Boehmer.

W. A. Manda — Patrick Barry.

Domination — Mrs. Geo. Bullock.

J. H. CUffe — Wm. Simpson.

Portia — Mrs. James Paul.

Princess of Chrysanthemums — Good Gracious.

V. II. Ilallock — Dawn.

Ruth — Marguerite Graham.

Mrs. Wm. Tevis and Golden Wedding are said by some large growers
to be identical, while others say it is doubtful. Should they prove on
further trial to be identical, the first name has the precedence, being dis-
seminated first. There are many others with duplicate names, but to
give an entire list would, we think, be burdensome to this Society.

In roses we have received only the following two: —

Duchess de Monca has been sent out by two distinct firms, both
roses being quite distinct; the one sent out by Weber being much the
better variety. Which has the precedence of the name we are unable to
ascertain. One correspondent complains that the Climbing La France
has not the color, shape or fragrance of La France^ and says his cus-
tomers say they have been deceived by it.

Of geraniums there is a variety widely distributed in western New
York and Pennsylvania, under the name of Lettree, the correct name
of which is F. S. liaspail. Lettree was a poor pink variety discarded
by most growers years ago. Some of the California growers com-
plain that Mrs. Robert Sandiford received from an eastern house, is
the same as Duchess of Teck, sent out several years ago by an Eng-
lish firm. They also complain that an eastern grower is listing two
varieties as Empress of India. This, in our opinion, is an error
which the parties should correct, as it certainly is likely to cause dissatis-
faction and confusion.

Cannas, considering their multiplication of names and wide popu-
larity, appear to have escaped duplication, so far as we have been able to
ascertain, with the exception of Antoine Barton and Florence VaugJian,
which in the opinion of experts are synonymous; Florence Vaughan
being distributed first.

The De Parma violet is a sport from the original De Parma
of the French and Germans, or the Neapolitan of the English and
Americans, and to designate it from the original should have a distinct
name; then if it proves valuable it would avoid confusion in the future.

Magnolia fi. pi. proved identical with Magnolia stellata.

Some complaints reach us that catalogue men still persist in wrong

SOCIETY OF AMERICAN FLORISTS. 17

classiflcatioa of plants. One writer says he supposes that having used
them so long they reason as the lawyers do, " the longer you continue to
do wrong the less harm there is in it. If you owe a man ten dollars for
six years, the debt becomes outlawed; you live on a piece of property
for twenty years without paying rent, you may claim it, etc.; and having
used wrong classification of plants, etc., for so many years there can be
now no harm in trying to mislead the public." This, in our estimation,
is mistaken policy, and we think that the Society of American Florists
should use its utmost influence to correct all such evils. A case in point
is the liichardia Africana, commonly called Calla Lily, or Lily of
the JSfile. Not being a lily at all it should not be catalogued or sold as
such. There are several other misnomers in this line that we think
should be corrected.

We feel that we should not be discharging our duty to this Society
and its members if we omitted to call the attention of the Society of
American Florists to such errors; but we are also very much pleased to add
that the work of this Society in this line in former 5^ears has had the very
desirable effect of greatly improving the general classification and right
naming of plants; and with care and earnest work of this Society, we
trust that in the near future there will be nothing whatever for such a
committee as this to report.

Respectfully submitted,

John N. May.

RoBT. Craig.

RoBT. George.

Jackson Dawson.

(The reading of the report was much applauded, and upon its con-
clusion, on motion of Mr. W. K. Harris, of Philadelphia, the report
was adopted.)

STATISTICS OF FOREIGN TRADE.

Reports of special committees being called for, the President invited
a report from the Committee on Statistics of Foreign Trade.

Mr. John Burton, of Philadelphia, chairman of the committee,
responded. He expressed his regret that the committee was not at the
present time ready to report. He explained that, as a great part of their
report embraced figures showing imports and exports, they had expected
to get the work done through the State department, but that the two
members of the committee residing in Washington (Messrs. Durfee and
Smith) , had been so busily engaged — the former being connected with
the finance committee of the Senate — that they had been unable to
prosecute the work as expected. He intimated that possibly the com-
mittee might be able to make a full report at a later stage of the proceed-
ings of the Convention. He also stated that the work was far advanced,

18 PROCEEDINGS OF TENTH CONVENTION

but had not, he thought, yet reached a point at which a report would be
of benefit. He added that the committee liad not used any of the money
so kindly appropriated to it by the Executive Committee.

On motion of Mr. Edwin Lonsdale, seconded by Mr. John N.
May, an extension of time was granted the committee.

STANDARD LIST OF DECORATIVE PLANTS.

Secretary Stewart, having received a communication from the
Committee on a Standard List of Decorative Plants, here read the report.
It was as follows : —

To the Society of American Florists, — At the St. Louis Convention
a resolution was introduced by Mr. Hill, calling for the appointment by
the chair of a committee to prepare a check list of plants handled by the
American trade, for adoption by the Society as its official list. Owing to
various reasons, several members of the committee were unable to take
the active part in its work that they felt was demanded by the importance
of the work entrusted to the committee, and it was therefore thought
best by the chairman to postpone its work until this fact could be laid
before the Society. At the late meeting of the Executive Committee,
held in Philadelphia, a preliminary report setting forth this fact was sub-
mitted by the chairman, and the Executive Committee at that time
revised the committee on standard lists, so that its membership is now
as follows: William Trelease, chairman; Edwin Lonsdale, G. C. Watson,
W. H. Taplin, W. A. Manda.

Immediately after the re-organization of the committee, the chair-
man sent a circular letter containing suggestions for the action of the
committee to each member; and these suggestions having been ap-
proved, requests were inserted in the principal trade journals, and also
mailed to all procurable addresses of florists issuing catalogues, for copies
of their late catalogues, and other data, which would be useful for the
work of the committee. The burdensome task of classif3dng the names
contained in these catalogues is now under way, under the direction of
the chairman of the committee; and so soon as this shall have been com-
pleted the compiled list will be carefully revised to bring it into accord
with the rules under which the committee works, and this revised list
will then receive the scrutiny of specialists in the various branches of
decorative horticulture, for the elimination of synonyms; and it is hoped
that the list so revised can be adopted by the committee in season to be
submitted to the Executive Committee of the Society at its next session.

Your committee recommend that authority be given to the Execu-
tive Committee, in case such authority is not already vested in said com-
mittee, to adopt on behalf of the Society, and publish such a list at its
next session, so that it may be placed in the hands of the trade as early

SOCIETY OF AMERICAN FLORISTS. 19

in 1895 as possible. We do not expect that tlie spring catalogues of 1895
can be brought into conformity with the list, even if this prompt action
is taken by the Executive Committee; but with the standard list in hand,
the Nomenclature Committee for 1895 will be able to render much more
efficient service than without this guide, and we have no doubt that the
prompt publication of the list will make it possible for all dealers who
issue catalogues to conform the nomenclature to the wishes of the
Society in the catalogues issued for the following spring.
Very respectfully submitted,

Wm. Treeease.

Edwin Lonsdale.

G. C. Watson.

W. H. Taplin.

W. A. Manda.

On motion of Mr. William J. Stewart, seconded by Mr. Edwin
Lonsdale, it was voted that the Executive Committee be instructed
by the Society as requested in the report just read.

JUDGES OF EXHIBITS.

The Committees on Awards to Exhibits, as constituted by the Exec-
utive Committee, were here announced by Secretary Stewart. (Their
names will be found appended to the respective reports at the end of this
volume.)

DISCUSSION OF president's ADDRESS.

At this point President Anthony temporarily vacated the chair,
and his place was taken by Mr. Edwin Lonsdale, of Philadelphia, who
announced as the next order of business a discussion of the President's
Address.

Mr. J. G. Esler, of Saddle River, N. J., opened the discussion. He
said: It seems to me that the President strikes a key-note on the subject
of the relations between the Society and its numerous offspring; but
when he says he thinks that the work of the auxiliary societies could be
much better done by the Society of xVmerican Florists, I beg to differ
with him. Specialists can always do the work pertaining to them better
than it can be done by a general body. The question is of enough
importance, I think, to warrant the appointment of a committee by the
Society of American Florists, whose duty it shall be to endeavor to
arrange for closer relations between these societies than now exist, and
such as will be satisfactory both to the Society of American Florists and
its kindred societies. The work is getting too far apart. I believe they
should get nearer together.

Mr. J. M. Jordan, of St. Louis: The criticism of the Secretary
of the Hail Association (Mr. Esler), may be a proper one, but the Hail

20 PROCEEDINGS OF TENTH CONVENTION,

Association is not one of those societies which our President has included
in his category of auxiliary societies, as that is an incorporated organiza-
tion, and cannot be merged into or run by the Society of American
riorists which is not an incorporated body.

Among other points in the President's Address, the one in regard to
issuing certificates of merit to those who have their labor to dispose of
and want situations is, I think, exceedingly valuable, and should com-
mand our consideration. We have been discussing from year to year,
-ever since the organization of this Society, in regard to a higher educa-
tion; and how are we to know whether those who apply for employment
are educated unless we do issue certificates showing that they possess the
proper qualifications to enable them to fill the situations for which they
apply? Although the subject has been discussed many times, I do not
know that we have advanced a great deal in the proper direction. If the
Executive Board would examine applicants for positions, or would
appoint gentlemen of knowledge in the different lines of the business —
men like Mr. Harris, of Philadelphia, or Mr. Lonsdale — to make such
examinations, they could ascertain in a very few minutes whether the
applicants were qualified to fill certain positions. For instance, they
could ascertain whether such persons possessed the requisite knowledge
to fit them to manage a business in Massachusetts or to do the same
thing in New Jersey, in Indiana or in Missouri. The climatic conditions
in these localities are distinct and widel}' different; the atmosphere in
Missouri being of an entirely different type from that which prevails in
New Jersey. Due regard, therefore, must be had to the effect of the
sea air in the latter locality and of the mountain ranges upon the weather
of the Mississippi valley.

The same consideration applies in the case of gardenei's coming from
abroad. Their services are almost valueless in the western dry climate
until after they have served there for a year or two, notwithstanding
they may have previously served with great distinction in the British
Empire. These things should be taken into account, so that meu of
means who want well informed and well educated men, in carrying on
this business, may be enabled to command the kind of service that is
essential for success. If they could be assured of the services of such
men it would be of great value to culture in this country.

Mr. Olof Johnson, of Memphis, Tenn.: I do not believe that
these certificates of examination would be of any practical value except
in the section in which they are issued. A man who is a good rose
grower in the east could not succeed in the south until he had studied
the different situation and the different climate there. Therefore his
certificate, while of use in the east, would not be the thing in a far dis-
tant part of the'country. I think that every florist ought to examine and
find out for himself the capabilities of the men who apply to him for
.work.

SOCIETY OF AMERICAN FLORISTS.' 21

Mr. W. B. Du RiE, of Rahway, ]Sr. J.: A simple oral or written
examination does not cover the whole ground. The individual applying
for the certificate may have been " coached," and he may go through a
course that would be superficial in itself but sufiicient to pass an exami-
nation upon ; at the same time he would not have an actual thoi'ough
knowledge of the business. More than that he might not be energetic,
nor willing, nor honest. He may talk well and may be able to tell you
very glibly how to do certain things, but the important thing is to find
out whether he can do well. The question is whether he has enough
of push, energy, honesty, and the other qualities of character that are
essential to enable him to assist a florist to success in his business.

I think that an examination of this kind is a necessary means for
obtaining a certificate; but in addition to that a knowledge of the ser-
vices and habits of the individual should be obtained, and it ought to be
obtained from those who have employed him. That, I think, is fully as
important as any written or oral examination that may be given by a
committee.

Mr. Du Rie further said that at one time he employed a tramp, who
came with recommendations which were written on printed letter heads
of the principal florists of the country. The fellow was one of the best
talkers; an Austrian by birth, but turned out to be a rascal.

Mr. .Jordan: The recommendations given by some employers are
worthless as a general thing. I have knowledge of gentlemen who have
stood high in this Society, who have given a man a recommendation for
the purpose of getting rid of him. That is one reason why we want this
committee from this Society. When a man comes along and wants to be
examined, that committee will ascertain where he has worked. His
employer, if a respectable man, will answer truthfully when interrogated
by the committee.

Mr. P. O'Mara, of New York, here suggested, that as portions of
the President's Address had been imperfectly heard by the members, in
consequence of noise or other causes, it might be a good plan to provide
for the printing of the Address and its distribution to the Convention, as
enabling members to look over it and become familiar with its contents.

As to the question of labor, he remarked that this was one with
which he had considerable to do in his own experience. He said it
seemed to him that to attempt to give testimonials or recommendations
to persons, testifying to their^capacity, might be a good thing in theory,
but that it would hardly work out in practice. His personal experience
as to the needs of the florists for help resolved itself into about this :
That from about the middle of March to some time in April or May,
they were fairly flooded with applications /oc good men; that then the
demand ceased, and they were flooded with applications for positions

22 PROCEEDINGS OF TENTH CONVENTION,

from good men. He was apprehensive that anything like the giving of
certificates, as proposed, might be the inception of a labor organization
of florists' employees, and that the florists might find themselves some
day face to face with an organization like that of the bricklayers or car-
penters, which would threaten to call out every employee holding a
certificate unless certain wages — say six dollars per day — were paid.
It seemed to him that the florists individually would always be able to
determine, by personal examination, and a day or two of actual work,
the qualifications of the laborer applying for employment. He thought
it would not take a longer time than that for a man in the business to
find out whether the employee was a good man or not.

Mr. (j. L. Grant, of Chicago: If we are to have any progress in
the future I think we will have to adopt tactics different from those we
have employed in the past. I have had the privilege of looking over the
President's Address (not having been present when it was read) , and it
has seemed to me, that in this recommendation, he has struck an import-
ant opening for progress. I think that a good point was made by the
gentleman on my left (Mr. Du Rie), in what he said about our wishing
to know something more about the man applying for employment than
that man might be willinsr to tell us. Would it not be valuable to have a
committee of this organization to \v'hom an}' member of the craft who
might desire to 2:0 on record could <ro? to whom he misfht communicate
everything he knew, more or less, and also information as to where he
had worked in the past? Let him give a record of himself, of his ability,
and soon. Then let the committee communicate with the parties for
whom that man has done work, and ascertain from them, in confidence,
just what the man can do, what his habits are, where he is weak and
where he is strong; and let that information go upon record for the
benefit of the members of this Society. I should say that one great
value of a thing of that kind would be in encouraging young men to go
upon record in the matter; that it would furnish an opportunity for the
studious young man and the young man of good, correct habits to sepa-
rate himself from the crowd of tramps with which this profession is
more or less overloaded. If we will do that, we will take an important
step in the right direction, it seems to me.

Mr. O'Mara here suggested, as an additional consideration, the fact
that the field of floriculture is not one in which the very highest wages
or anything equivalent to them can be obtained for the laborer^ there-
fore it would always be more or less subject to attacks from nomadic
laborers, people who imagine they are florists. He said his personal
experience was that it very rarely occurred that a really good man as a
commercial florist was without a place. Once in a while he may be, but
it would be for a very short time. Mr. O'Mara said he thought that the

SOCIETY OF AMERICAK FLORISTS. 23

condition of labor in the floricultural market at the present time hardly
required that such a step as was proposed should now be taken. If a
committee was appointed to take the matter in charge, he thought they
would find a very large task on their hands, and that the result desired
by them would seldom be attained.

Mr. W. S. Rennisox, of Sioux City, la.: Speaking from the stand-
point of a commercial florist, I think something should be done in the
matter, and that a committee should be appointed to consider it. We in
the west are differently situated from the eastern florists, who have an
opportunity of trying their men for a few months, because help is plenti-
ful in the east. To western florists, who have to spend several hundred
dollars in trying a man, the question is quite a different one. During
the last two years it has cost us in the neighborhood of five hundred
dollars to try a man, and probably without sufficiently definite results at
the end of that time.

Hon. C. W. HoiTT, of Nashua, N". H. : It seems to me that this
matter is right in the hands of the florists themselves, and that it resolves
itself to this point: That when a man asks for, and you give him a.
recommendation, upon his leaving your employment you should make
that recommendation mean something, you should make it mean just
what it says. If you believe him to be a first-class man as a rose grower,
state only that fact. Make every man who receives a recommendation
from you earn and deserve that which you give him.

In the last ten years applicants for employment have come to me
with recommendations from gentlemen known to me and in whose judg-
ment I placed a great deal of reliance. Any one of those recommenda-
tions, if I had taken it at one hundred cents on the dollar for what it
stated, would have secured the man his place; but upon writing to the
gentleman who had given it, I found that the recommendation had a
string tied to it, and it was pulled back at once. Now, I submit that
recommendations of that kind are dansjerous. I contend that no man
has a right to give me, for instance, a recommendation as a first-class
florist unless I deserve it. You want men who can live up to the recom-
mendations they present — so do I. But a committee of this Society
would not ascertain the qualifications of these men, because the recom-
mendations handed to the committee would not be what they purport to
be. The desired results may not be accomplished by means of examina-
tions. Oftentimes the young man who talks glibly or writes rapidly
passes an examination with a higher grade of merit than one who, with
less of self assertion, can go into a greenhouse and get the practical
results which the other cannot get.

It is the same in every profession and business. In my own profes-
sion, a young man applicant for admission to the bar who passes a clean-
cut examination with brilliant success, often proves a failure when he

24 PROCEEDINGS OF TENTH CONVENTION,

comes to practice for a living. The proposition made here may be all
right in theory; but when you come to the practical, the hard-pan, the
hard-headed business workings of the thing, I submit you will not
accomplish the results you are seeking for. I submit that if Mr. O'Mara
gives a gardener a letter of recommendation to me, and when I inquire
whether he means it, he answers, " yes; " that settles it with me. But I
want to go a step further than that. I do not want to be compelled to
make the inquiry; I want the recommendation that a man presents to
me to mean exactly what it says; I want it to be taken literally. By that
means you will free yourself of this wandering class of whom the gentle-
man (Mr. Du Rie) has spoken, and will secure the results that are sought
to be secured in the suggestion made by our President.

Mr. Esler: I ask the gentleman (Mr. Hoitt), what he proposes to
do with gentlemen who give recommendations that will not pass at one
hundred per cent, value.

Several voices (responding) : Sit down on them.

Mr. Grant: I ask Judge Holtt if, in his judgment, a half or a
• quarter of a loaf is not better than no bread at all. That gentleman
criticises the value of an examination; still the Judge, I understand, was
at one time admitted to the bar through the medium of an examination.
The bar association had determined that an examination was necessary.
Possibly they did not assume, when the}' admitted an applicant, that he
was going to be a first-class lawyer, but they did feel satisfied that he
had gone through a certain process of education which should make him
a lawyer of fair capacity, provided he had it in him to become such.
Now, this examination may take the same relation. I ask whether an
examination into the record of a man, an inquiry into his references
through the medium of the gentlemen who have employed him in the
past, who are thoroughly familiar with the little ins and outs in the
man's character, and know what he can do, whether such an inquiry
and the information secured in that way will not get around the worth-
lessness of the recommendations of which the Judge has spoken and
with which we are all familiar? This committee can take the matter up
and investigate thoroughly into those recommendations. Let the appli-
cant present the names of those for whom he has worked in the past; let
the committee get all the information they can get about the man; and
let the man who has a clean record have an opportunity to show it. I
think that in this way we will accomplish something.

Mr. J. C. Vaughan, of Chicago: I cannot help but endorse what
Judge Hoitt has said in regard to the practice by some large commercial
houses of issuing certificates to employees who leave them. It is well
known among men in the trade that certain large houses, employing
hundreds of men, make it a practice to write first class testimonials with

SOCIETY OF AMERICAN FLORISTS. 25

a view to securing the trade whicli those youQg mea are able to influence
after they are located through the country. It is undoubtedly true that
such a practice exists; Judge Hoitt has alluded to it, and I feel that I can
do no less than endorse what he has said in regard to it. It seems to rae
that direct information secured by our committee through such houses
cannot be of such force as those letters have been.

Mr. J. L. DillOjST, of Bloorasburg, Pa.: I do not think it practical
to carry out this suggestion. There are in the United States some four
or five thousand florists, and their help must number some twenty thou-
sand. Out of this large number of people there would be hundreds
who would apply to obtain these recommendations. For the committee
to examine each one, and satisfy themselves, would require an immense
amount of time. It seems to me it would be simply impossible to give
each person a thorough examination and such a recommendation as
would carry any weight with the trade.

Mr. O'Maka here remarked that he did not know what large houses
may be sending out young men with recommendations, but he assumed
that no man, whether in a large or a small house, would send an employee
out with a letter of recommendation unless he had some personal knowl-
edge of that man's ability. He (Mr. O'Mara), handled in the course of
a year, possibly hundreds, he might say thousands, of recommendations
of men coming from all sections of the country and from the other side
of the water; and he doubted whether ten per cent, of the recommenda-
tions handed to him said absolutely anything. When a man came in
and presented to him a recommendation, he read it but found it said
nothing. He then sat down and asked the man as to what he was capa-
ble of doing or had done. He said he would urge upon every one within
the sound of his voice, when giving a I'ecomniendation to a man, to make
it mean every word that it says. Meaningless recommendations were
not worth the paper on which they were written.

Mr. Du RiE said he thought the members of the Society ought to
resolve to be very careful in giving recommendations. He suggested
that care should also be taken in reading recommendations. Referring
to the employee, of whom he had previously spoken as having turned out
to be a rascal, he said that that man, when applying to him for employ-
ment, had among other letters in his possession, one from the Arm with
which the preceding speaker (Mr O'Mara) was connected. That letter
did not recommend the man, but the man was using it as a recommenda-
tion; and any one looking at the heading and not reading the letter
would have supposed that it was a recommendation from that firm.
Instead of that, it was simply a reply to an application from the man,
stating why they would not give him work, viz.: because of their rule
not to re-employ any one who had left their service, and adding that

26 PROCEEDINGS OF TENTH CONVENTION,

they did not want him to feel badly about it, but that that was the reason
they could not take him back. The man had folded this letter in with
others, supposing they would not all be read, and he was using it in that
way. He would hand out one or two that were actual recommendations;
the others merely served to swell the size of the package of letters.

The speaker went on to say that an employer who wanted to say
something for a man, on account of that man's service, should be careful
not to say too much. Letters which state actual facts in regard to the
experience of an employer with a man may be worth something in
establishing a character for that man. Deserving j'oung men, who wish
to earn a position and a name, are the ones who will be helped by this
means. On the whole, perhaps the better way was for each employer to
find out by conversation and an actual trial, as to the capabilities of a
man. At the same time many employers have not the time to spare for
this purpose, and those of the west who send for and bring workmen
there from the east are occasionally subjected to a loss of hundreds of
dollars because of their being led astray by worthless recommendations.

Mr. John X. May, of Summit, N. J. : I want to delay the meeting
just a minute. I have studied this subject for many years. In my boy-
hood days I served some time in Kew Gardens. There was a law
brought into operation there which had the effect of making every young
man go under an examination before he could get a diploma. They
thought that by that means they could send out a better grade of pro-
gressive gardeners through the British Empire than they had already. I
went through it with all the rest but unfortunatel}^ for me (and I am now
as I was then) I could not talk much, and I did not get a diploma. But
there were many who did not work as hard as I did — they may have
worked harder with their tongues — who did get the diploma, and they
at once went out into the world.

I have found the same thing constantly through life. It is the
theorist who gets the diploma; the hard working man -gets to the bottom
facts. The latter is the man I want to emplo3\ I will say this to you all,
ladies and gentlemen: I have never seen a hard working, industrious,
thorough and deserving young man, in this country, walk but a very
short time before he could find employment. (Applause.) It is the
dead-beats who want the diplomas, who want the letters of recommenda-
tion; and they are the ones who will impose upon a committee of this
Society or upon any individuals who can be imposed upon. It is not the
hard working, trustworthy young man who will ever come to this Society
to ask for a diploma. He can get along without it.

Mr. Martin Finaghty moved that the discussion close. The
motion was agreed to without objection.

President Anthony here resumed the chair and, being permitted to
add a few words on the subject of the preceding discussion, said:

SOCIETY OF AMERICAK FLORISTS. 27

The way in which the idea originally suggested itself to ray mind
(and that was the way in which I had it written at first and intended to
have it so inserted in my Address) , was that the Secretary of the Society
should issue blanks to the members of this Society, for them to fill out,
to be used in the place of ordinary recommendations which, as has been
truly said, mean nothing.

I believe there is a great need for some such regulation. I am not
one of those who do not believe in an examination. I have been
through an examination myself in another line of business, have proved
myself thoroughly competent to transact that business and have tran-
sacted it for many years successfully. I have made frequent examin-
ations into the capabilities of others in connection with that business, for
I would not trust a man to run an engine or even a steam boiler for me,
unless I had thoroughly examined him respecting his capacity for such
work. I cannot see why an applicant for employment in the florists'
business should be exempt from the same examination as to qualifi-
cations which is regarded as essential in the case of an engineer. No
man should be allowed to run a boiler unless he knows how to run it,
and no man will be able to run a florist's establishment successfully un-
less he knows how to run it. It may be well enough for gentlemen like
Mr, O'Mara or Mr. May and others who have large establishments to de-
preciate the necessity for some established system in this matter, but
take the case of a man who is but a small grower or who wishes to em-
ploy a private gardener — how is that man to know whether the man
who applies to him is a competent florist or only a tramp ?

If the idea I suggested is carried out, it may be true that a tramp
or an undeserving person may be able to induce a committee of this
Society to give him a diploma or a recommendation, but the chances are
that the committee will later detect the fraud and will apply a remedy
for it. At present a man who wishes to employ a gardener and
who is unable to distinguish between the glib talker and the practical
florist is denied the opportunity to acquire imformation as to the qualifi-
cations of the applicant from an authoritative source. I think that
much can be accomplished if my suggestion is followed in the way I in-
tended it should be when it first occurred to me to present it to the
Society, viz., to have the recommendation issued by the Secretary and to
have them state what the applicants in question really are. If the man
is a propagator let the facts be stated as to whether he is a No, 1, a No,
2, a No. 3, a No. 4 propagator; whether he is an expert or a fair or an
indifferent propagator. Where the man has been in a certain employ,
the facts as to what he has done, whether he has been at work around a
greenhouse or has had a recommendation from some previous employer
for whom he was a propagator or in some first-class position, together
with exactly how he has acquitted himself in each capacity — all these
facts should be stated. If the man has been at work for a dozen or more

28 PKOCEEDINGS OF TENTH CONVENTION,

employers' the consensus of opinion of each of those employers' recom-
mendations would show just where the man is weak and where he is
strong.

I have had, in my own experience, cases which demonstrated the
value of my suggestion. Last fall a man who came to me for employ-
ment presented a genuine recommendation as a first-class propagator. I
have no doubt he was such. But I had a propagator at that time, and
did not want to employ a man in that capacity. I afterwards found that
the same man was an expert packer. If he had come to me with a
recommendation as a packer, I would not have hesitated for a moment to
employ him, as I needed a man for that special work; but I did not know
the fact that he was such, and he did not mention the fact. Yeais ago
another man came to me with a recommendation as an excellent rose
grower. I employed him for two years, but found, that while he was not
much of a rose grower, he was the best salesman I had ever seen. Now,
all these points should be set forth in the recommendation. The matter
should not be left to Tom, Dick or Harry, for, as has been stated here,
they will write recommendations which amount to nothing; but by this
means you will have a prescribed form. If a recommendation states
that Mr. Jones, tor instance, .has been employed by me in a certain line,
you thereby have a fact which you may put down with confidence as
something tangible and definite. That which I have now stated is the
way in which I originally intended to bring this matter before you, but
subsequently I incorporated it in my address in its present form.

The discussion here closed.

PERTAINING TO THE SECRETARY AND TREASURER.

Secretary Stewart read, for general information, two proposed
amendments to the By-laws, relating to the duties of the Secretary and
Treasurer. (The amendments are given in the proceedings of Thursday
afternoon, when they were adopted.)

On motion of Mr. E. A. Seidewitz, of Annapolis, Md., a recess was
taken until afternoon.

FIRST DAY — AFTERNOON.

Tuesday, August 21, 1894.

THE elevation OF OUR BUSINESS.

The first business of the afternoon was the reading of an essay on
" Some Requirements for the Elevation of our Business," by Mr. W. H.
Taplin, of Holmesburg, Pa.

The essay was read as follows: —

SOCIETY OF AMERICAN FLORISTS. 29

Jfr. President, and Members of the Society of American Florists, — In
considering the problem of the elevation of our business, it will doubtless
be remembered by many of those present that various phases of this
subject have been very ably discussed by former essayists before this
Society, and it will therefore not be necessary to enter into any lengthy
explanations or arguments as to why the business needs elevating; the
admitted fact that there is room for improvement being quite sufficient
excuse for the present writing, and this same fact will, in all probability,
furnish the opportunity for much abler papers from other pens at future
conventions of the Society of American Florists.

We find from daily experience that the most successful men of busi-
ness are the most systematic ones, those who pay the strictest attention
to the details of organization, and keep thoroughly posted in regard to
any movements that tend towards the advancement of those interests in
which they are particularly concerned.

Eternal vigilance, we are told, is the price of success, and this is no
where more true than when applied to the business of a florist, a business
in which the habit of close observation is of the first importance if we
desire to keep our stock up to a given standard, and our business abreast
with the times, for in this age of keen competition the man who hesitates
is lost.

Taking the figures of the last census as a basis, we can safely esti-
mate that our business now represents an invested capital of nearly forty
millions of dollars, and an interest of such magnitude as this sum indi-
cates, certainly should have some standing among the industries of the
country.

But our methods must be such as to command respect in order to
gain recognition from the business world in general, and one great
requisite in this direction is the practice of more system in our house-
keeping, if we may be permitted to use this term in reference to green-
house work. The man who takes no account of stock, and does not
know the result of his sales in any particular specialty for the past season,
nor how those sales compare with the results of former seasons, cannot
expect to make much progress toward the elevation of his individual
business, and without the efforts of individuals any movement on this
line by organizations will naturally prove to be failures.

In the opinion of the writer, systematic work, orderly arrangement
and cleanliness are among the first requirements to be observed by the
grower of plants who feels interested in the elevation of his business, for
on system depends his profit, on orderly arrangement and proper display
of his stock depends most of his sales, and cleanliness is as essential to
the best growth of most plants. A heavy crop of weeds, muddy walks,
broken down benches, and a generally unkempt appearance should not
be accepted as indications of how busy we are, but rather as evidence
that there is a screw loose in the management.

30 PROCEEDINGS OF TENTH CONVENTION,

This State of affairs, though not so prevalent now as it was a few
years ago, is still too much in evidence in many establishments, and
deserves a radical change; for if order is Nature's first law, we who
practice " an art tohich does mend JSTature,''^ as Shakespeare tells us, should
surely strive to observe that law.

Have a general cleaning up at proper intervals, keep walks, benches
and all the surroundings of the houses neat and tidy, arrange the plants
in the most attractive manner, and emplo}'^ help enough to keep them in
that condition. It is false econom}^ to worry along with an insufiicient
force of men, and we all know that the most efficient and reliable help is
the cheapest in the end, and in this connection it may be added that so
far as my experience has gone, a proper proportion of men to glass is
about one man to each six thousand square feet of glass in an average
estaljlishment, unless the business includes much out-door work or job-
bing, and in the latter case an extra man or two may be needed during
the busy season at least.

A systematic arrangement of the labor should also he made, by
appointing certain men to attend to the routine work of watering, ventil-
ating and firing of certain houses, (if the size of the place does not war-
rant the employment of a regular fireman), and these men to be held
responsible for the performance of these duties at the right time, for by
this method the men become more interested in the welfare of the plants
under their immediate control, and will take some pride in keeping them
in condition.

But this idea of systematic work is not only applicable to the grower,
for even among the retailers the lack of system is sometimes found, and
dirty floors, dustj' shelves, and littered counters are sometimes seen
where we had been led to expect aesthetic elegance. By the use of the
above term, I do not intend to signify velvet carpets, lace curtains, and
bell-boy with large gilt buttons, but rather the idea that where choice
and delicate flowers are exposed for sale, cleanliness should prevail, and
some effort be made in the direction of proper display and adornment.

The retail florist can be, and really is, in some cases, an educator of
the public taste, but in order to attain such prominence, he must use
business methods, and among these are courteous sales-people, careful
attention in the selection and packing of even a small order, prompt
delivery, and a regular system of bookkeeping. A closer observance of
these items would doubtless promote the interests of this branch of the
trade to such a degree that many outstanding liabilities could be more
promptl}' met, and thus much benefit accrue to the trade in general.

But in order to make any of these suggested reforms operative, the
proprietor of the establishment must take the initiative, and with the
adoption of certain regulations, the habit of neatness and systematic
work can readily be inaugurated among the men.

These brief remarks in reference to a more thorough organization of
individual establishments as a means of elevating our business, bring to

SOCIETY OF AMERICAN FLORISTS. 31

mind the fact that there is another agency that we should encourage
with the same end in view, namely: our national, state and local orsjani-
zations. It is unquestionably true, that the Society of American Florists
has accomplished good in bringing the members of the trade together
and stimulating the exchange of ideas, for by no other means could such
a representative gathering be brought together, and similar benefits,
though in a more restricted degree, have been secured from the various
florists clubs and horticultural societies. These influences should be
encouraged, for they all tend toward the spread of knowledge of plants,
flowers and gardening, and are thus agencies for the promotion and
elevation of our business, and as such, should receive our hearty support.

A tasty exhibit at a local exhibition is a good card, and while there
is not in all cases an immediate increase in trade from this source, yet it
is one of the best opportunities for the florist to disi)lay his talent and
enterprise, and to create a good impression on the public mind. And
still another requirement for the advancement of our business, is for
every member of the trade, whether employer or employed, to secure as
good a horticultural education as possible.

I believe in a combination of practical experience and theoretical
knowledge, with the former predominating; for while we sometimes note
actual successes in the trade, made by purel}'' theoretical men, yet the
weight of evidence is in favor of the man with experience.

One road to improvement in the matter of education, will be found
in encouraging the reading habit among the men in your employ, and if
they decline to subscribe to one or more of the various horticultural peri-
odicals, it may prove a good investment for the employer to make a few
extra subscriptions each season and distribute the papers among the men.

And in coQclusion let me add, that while the present condition of
our business is not entirely discouraging, yet it seems that the more
general adoption of the three points of (1) systeraatic icork, (2) organiza-
tion, and (3) education, would tend to improve and elevate it, and with
this suggestion, I leave the subject to the wise consideration of the
Society.

When the applause which followed the reading of the essay had sub-
sided, the President invited discussion of the subject.

Mr. E. A. Seidew^itz, of Annapolis, Md. : 1 think that, in the eleva-
tion of any business, the first consideration is to start with those people
who intend to go into the business when they are young. It is a shame
that our apprenticeship system in this country is so poor. When we
take a boy we are compelled to pay him so much for so much service;
and too often the consideration with him is not that of becoming an ex-
pert in his vocation but simply as to how much money he can earn.
The first consideration with many, in almost every business, is as to the
amount of money that can be made out of the business. To my mind

32 PROCEEDINGS OF TENTH CONVENTION,

that is all wrong. For one, I believe that the florists' business belongs
to the arts. I do not think that an employee in a large florist's establish-
ment can be a good grower unless he is in love with his business; for
otherwise he will not give to the care of plants that thoughtful, careful
attention — that eternal vigilance, if I may so call it, — which is indis-
pensable to success and which cannot be bought with money. I know
that some persons may smile satirically when we talk about working for
the love of anything; but I contend that until that spirit of self devotion
to business is instilled into our employees, we cannot derive from their
work that satisfaction which we ought to have, and we cannot elevate
them as we should. I remember an instance of this which occurred in my
vicinity. A boy with very little education, who had perhaps gone to
school until he was eleven years of age and could barely read and do a
little addition and subtraction, was promised by his employer a present
of a five dollar bill if he would bring into bloom six months later, on the
first of January, a certain geranium. The boy accomplished the task
and had the geranium in bloom on the day appointed. His employer
told me afterwards that that investment of five dollars was the best that
he had ever made in his life. It is true that it is money which develops
this love for the business, but the fact remains that if that boy had not
taken an interest in his work he would not have made tlie successful
grower that he is today.

The speaker here spoke of the different conditions which prevail in
the old country. According to the custom there, when a young man
had been in an establishment a little while, he was able, through the re-
commendation of his employer, to get a position with some other grower.
In America, when the florist got hold of a good man, he kept him, being
afraid that, if he let the man go, somebody who would offer higher
wages would get hold of the man and he could not be got back. The
speaker thought that the employer should be a little self sacrificing and
should try to develop the capabilities of his employees. Referring to the
means he had taken to stimulate an interest among young employees,
Mr. Seidewilz said he had required his boys to keep diaries in which
were entered details of the growing of shrubs and perennials in some
corner or space specially set apart for the boy's use. He also
stated that he had given the prize money obtained for his chrysan-
themums, at exhibitions, to the men who grew the plants; thereby en-
couraging each man to try to out-do the others. He reiterated that, un-
less young men were imbued with this love of their business, they
would ultimately fail of reaching success, as no business could be
elevated by simply looking at the money side of it. [Applause.]

Mr. Benjamin Hammond, of Fishkill, IS". Y., referring to that por-
tion of the essay which speaks of the impression created upon a stranger
by a disorderly, careless or slip-shod appearance of things in a florist's
establishment, said that the effect of this was to create an impression

SOCIETY OF AMERICAN FLORISTS. 33

unfavorable to the place and the opposite of that which might be hoped
for. Instead of conveying the idea that the place was doing a consider-
able amount of business, the littered up condition of things impressed a
stranger or a resident of the locality with the belief that the man in
charge had too much to attend to; that he was incompetent and had
become rattled.

Referring; to the discussion in the morning, upon the establishment
of an examining board to examine the qualifications of young men
applying for position as florists, Mr. Hammond said that the view taken
by some members was that the President's plan would have the effect of
licensing a lot of men who were simply tramps and who were too indo-
lent to be of any value to themselves or to any one else. He thought
that to deal with this class of men would be like teaching old dogs new
tricks; for when a man took to the road, whether he was a printer, a
florist, a railroad laborer or what not, it was because that man had lost
heart in all the things that make a man. The characteristics of the
tramp are a lack of education and more or less indolence. He lacks the
nerve to stick at an occupation or to carry through what he undertakes.
Mr. Hammond suggested that where the improvement and the advance-
ment of floriculture would come in would be to begin with the young
men and lads who are looking toward floriculture as a permanent
business. The object of the Society of American Florists, from the out-
set, had been the elevation of the craft. In years past the gardener or
florist had not held the rank or rating in his community to which the
profession of floriculture entitled him; the village doctor or apothecary
had out-ranked in standing the skilful florist. Many a boy who would
be inclined to follow the business, alike for pleasure as for profit, would
be more inclined to take it up as a life-work were he sure of the recogni-
tion which the great Society of American Florists would have in their
power to give through the medium of an examining board and the issu-
ance of certificates. If it was held up before a young man, during his
one, two or three years of service, that if he was industrious, studious
and attentive to his business, thereby becoming a proficient and useful
helper, he could appear before this examining board for examination,
he would have an incentive to exertion. The judgment of that board
(composed, as it would be, of men whose character and ability would
carry weight), would be accepted throughout the country as a thing of
value; and the young man who, upon the recommendation of his em-
ployer as to his qualifications, had been found by the board to be com-
petent would be benefited by receiving a certificate, stamped with the
seal of the Society of American Florists, attesting his ability and past in-
dustry; this would be of value to him in all his future career.

Mr. John Spalding, of Kew London, Conn., said that, to get at
the heart of a thing, the root must be reached. lie thought that the
root of the boy trouble was that the boys had no education before they

34 PROCEEDINGS OF TENTH CONVENTION,

came looking for work. He continued: My experience with bo3fs has
been that '■'■ one boy is a boy, two boys are half a boy, and three boys are
no boys at all." [Merriment.] I ask my friend here to tell me whether
he can pick out a boy of twelve or fifteen years of age, in a city of
twelve or twenty thousand inhabitants, who would be of any use. I
never had but one, and he was a lanky boy of fourteen. I said to him,
"You worked at something before you came here?" " Oh, yes," he
replied, " I worked in the factory." Now, unless we can get boys who
have been taught to use their hands we are absolutely unable to make
them of any use to us. I would not have a boy in my place. Since I
have got too old to run about after one, I have employed men. [Renewed
merriment.]

I remarked, this morning, when the discussion was going on, that
the question was a one-sided one altogether. I do not want to renew
that discussion but I will say this. Suppose the boys' employers would
agree to some method of dealing with them, with tramps and the others,
would it not be fair that the workingmen should have an agreement
among themselves to look after the employers ? When I was a young
man, looking for a position as a head gardener in the old world, a gentle-
man of large experience said to me, " You have the same right to
inquire into the character of those who are to employ you that they have
to inquire into your character." This is the point I wish to make, that
the workingmen in our business have a pretty good right to inquire into
our charactei's ; and I tell you we need to make them good and that we
ought to deal honestly and fairly with the men. When you have a good
man treat him fairly, make it for his advantage and your own for him to
stay with you, and you will not have so many tramps. 1 tell you this,
and you know it as well as I can tell you, that you will not make much
by changing about. [Applause and merriment.]

Mr. Fred Storm, Jr., of Bayside, N". Y.: I understood the gentle-
man (Mr. Spalding) , to say that since he became too old to run about
and look after a boy, he did not care to employ one. I suggest that you
would get more good from boys if you would put more dependence upon
them. If you are continually running after and nagging a boy, he is
simply going to watch to see when you are coming, and then he will
work like a steam engine, but will sit idly down when you are not watch-
ing. I think that if the boys are given a chance to work for a purpose —
if there is a certificate that they can get — they will endeavor to learn
rapidly, that they will feel a pride in holding that certificate and will feel
that they are men and will have to do men's work. [Applause.]

The discussion here closed.

COMPARATIVE COLORS AND THEIR RELATION TO FLOWERS.

President Anthony announced as the next business an essay by
Mr. F. Schuyler Mathews, of Boston, Mass., upon "Comparative
Colors and their Relation to Flowers."

SOCIETY OF AMERICAN FLORISTS. 35

Mr. Mathews was enthusiastically greeted upon his appearance on
the platform. He said: It gives me great pleasure to come before you
to speak of something which for some time past I have been interested
in and written about. But it is one thing to write to you and it is quite
another thing to talk to you. It is one thing to write in black and white
what one thinks, and it is quite another thing to make colored papers
and your beautiful flowers talk.

Before proceeding to read this little paper, I wish to make a prefa-
tory remark in one way. An old eastern poet said, " I love God, I love
children, I love flowers." I think there was a great deal of truth in
what he said. I believe that the minister's profession, the florist's pro-
fession and the artist's profession are three of the highest in the world.
The man whose work in this world is to struggle after truth and tell
truth; the man whose work in the world is to show God's sweetest
smiles; the man whose work is to paint on paper or canvas God's beauty
— these men, I believe, are fultilling three grand missions.

You, my friends, are closely associated with the artist in your pro-
fession. In the matter of color we are all deficient in vision as well as
in appreciation. It is not alone people who are not attached to any pro-
fession or art, who are perhaps, as we idly say, " color blind," but even
some artists. But in truth the truest artists are the greatest colorists,
and they are the ones who make color one grand study; but there are
very few of them, I am sorry to say. In my profession, out of a hundred
men there are only two score who really know what color is. I remem-
ber hearing a gentleman say, when looking at pictures in an art gallery,
" These pictures are all very beautiful, but I would just as lief have an
engraving; I think it tells more truth. I do not understand that picture
there; it is one vast daub of green, and in the middle a red spot, and the
man calls it a sunset. I could do as well as that with a rotten orange."
[Merriment.] Well, we all have our impressions of Nature, and we all
draw them differently; but there is one thing we are all after, and that is
truth. When today I come before you, and have on this desk a jDerfect
distraction of color, I do not know how I am going to tell the truth. It
is not an easy thing to tell, and what is more, what I have to say is not
infallible truth.

I do not think there are any two artists who agree on any one sub-
ject. As regards schools we all disagree; as regards principle in art we
all agree, but as regards the working out of that principle we all agree to
disagree. When it comes to these colored papers which I have, and
these flowers, given me this morning, which are colored by God's hand,
you will see what a little thing man can do and you will see what
Almighty God can do through your work, because it is not the wild
flowers which give us the beautiful ranges of color; I know of only a few
exceptions where the wild flowers are really grand and gorgeous. But

36 PROCEEDINGS OF TENTH CONVENTION,

these colors here are really grand colors. Mine are as mud compared
with them; and it will not take me very long to prove it to you. *

One of the strongest elements of beauty in Nature is her colors. As
time goes on, the people of our country show an increasing interest in
pictures which are full of color. We are past the age when steel engrav-
ings were popular, and it is not probable that there will be any revival in
this department of the engraver's art.

How far the beauty of color in flowers has exerted an influence in
this change from nonochromatic to polychromatic art I am not prepared
to say, but I believe flower colors have had more to do with this matter
than we are prone to think. It is only within the past twenty years
that the florists have put before the eyes of the public the magnificent
pure reds of carnations, and the glorious magentas of the cinerarias.
What influence this must have had on the city people who do not possess
garden plots, it is not easy to say; but that the florist through his
flowers, has been a potent factor in nurturing a love of color, it is
reasonable and wise to believe.

But this growing fondness which we indulge in for color, sometimes
outstrips our knowledge of its character. We have no reliable nomen-
clature of color tones, and we resort to nature at once for a color name
which scientifically does not exist; as, for instance, peacock blue, cherry
red, sulphur yellow, sea green, crushed raspberry, and old gold. We
go jumping about among natural objects for similitudes in color, and we
do not locate our colors in the rainbow tints.

I would like to call your attention, therefore, to colors as we may
find them related to each other in the prismatic condition. I regret that
pigment color, all I can refer to directly, is so dreadfully lacking in
purity and brilliancy; but at the same time it must be borne in mind that
color is color the world over, and there is no color in the prism which
cannot be adequately represented by pigment color.

The most remarkable things about Nature's colors, however, is their
purity. Flowers possess the next best quality of color tone to that
which we see in the rainbow. I must refer to several splendid flowers
which illustrate this truth perfectly, " Prince of Orange " calendula,
"Portia" carnation, "Empress of India" nasturtium, "Madame
Crozy " canna, lemon colored marigold, (African), purple cineraria,
violet blue morning glory, and " New Cardinal " poppy.

These flowers show the most extraordinary brilliancy in such colors

* Note.— Mr. Mathews here gave some practical illustrations by means of a dial with
sixteen colors. He incidentally remarked that considerable error existed in the cata-
logues in regard to color description; for instance, the nasturtium family could not pro-
duce a yellow, yet we find them listed as such. He said the trouble is that color is seen
generically, not scientitically. By the use of colored papers, and living specimens of
variously colored flowers, the essayist showed how one color in close proximity to
another had a distractive influence and modified the apparent hue. He also said that an
artist who paints in December a July sunset sliy must carry the colors in his head.

SOCIETY OF AMERICAN FLORISTS. 37

as orange, pure red, vermilion, pure yellow, pure purple, and violet.
The pigments of the artist's paint box which go by the same names are
not comparable with them! If I were to use bits of petals of different
flowers, and connect these together in imitation of the prismatic colors,
I would have no difficulty in finding colors brilliant enough to match the
rainbow! the color J?re might be gone, but the color purity would remain.
A dial with sixteen radiating colors made up of flower petals could be
completed with the exception of pure blue, peacock blue, and green.
These are colors which it would be extremely difficult if not impossible
to find in Flora's world. I might specify the sixteen hues as follows.

Pure yellow. Purple.

Green yellow. Magenta.

Pea green. Crimson.

Emerald green. Pure red.

Peacock blue. Scarlet.

Pure blue. Pure orange.

Ultramarine blue. Yellou) orange.

Violet. Golden yellow.

The colors as they are printed opposite to each other, are what we
term complementary hues, that is, they form a full and complete color
when mixed together, which we call white.

In bringing this subject before you, of color for comparative examin-
ation, I shall try to show how colors can be recognized in their indi-
viduality, and how we can avoid confusion in the use of color terms. It
is, of course, a matter of education in training the eye so it shall dis-
tinguisli between tints of similar character; but provided one is not
deficient in color sense, and so more or less color blind, it is not difficult
to present a few simple colors in such a way that one may easily recog-
nize them ever afterward.

Scarlet is a red color which is characterized by a tincture of yellow.
The " Ranunculus" poppy gives us splendid scarlets; the "New Cardinal"
poppy, one which 1 may locate as having come to me from Mr. W. Atlee
Burpee, is a scarlet flower with a minimum amount of yellow in its com-
position, and a most remarkable character of lightness and purity of tone.
There is positively no " Ranunculus " poppy which can give us the same
color; and indeed, I know of no other flower which will approach it in
clearness of hue. I have long since analyzed the color of the " Madame
Crozy " canna, and found it an incomparable scarlet; but the character of
the color is entirely different from that which we see in the poppy which
I mention; it is heavy, and has a surface brightness with no depth at all.
A very different flower is the " King of Tom Thumbs " nasturtium; here
is a fiery scarlet flower which I cannot copy with any pigment in my paint
box; you would smile at the brick dust appearance of my best scarlet
vermilion beside the glorious intensity of this nasturtium's petal. A
step further in intensity of color and you have the nasturtium " Empress

38

PROCEEDIISrGS OF TENTH CONVENTION,

of India," a scarlet red of great depth, which I am also powerless to re-
produce with my paints.

So much for scarlet; but red in purity of tone it is not; this must be
borne in mind. I have referred to the poppy family as possessing some
splendid scarlets; I might as well include the nasturtium family, as it is
capable of giving us scarlet in all its intensity and paleness. But the
difference between the two families as regards red is wide. Poppies give
us a pure red in a more or less dilute condition; but the nasturtiums are
absolutely incapable of producing anything like red in purity of tone. It
must not be supposed that the " Rose " nasturtium is an example of
pure red even in a qualifying degree; this tlower is dilute red scarlet in
color tone, so far removed from purity that there is about twenty per
cent, of yellow in its make-up.

In the balsam and the phlox families there are no scarlet reds, and
as far as my knowledge goes, nothing which remotely resembles them.
The so-called scarlet Phlox Drummondii is a pure red flower with no
trace of yellow in its composition. I regret constantly the misuse of the
color term scarlet: the seedsmen's catalogues are full of the word, when
what is really meant is only a bright red color. I am glad to sec that in
the Century Dictionary^ so recently published, the proper and scien-
tific definition of specific colors is given; the position of the colors in
the spectrum is explained, and at once any one may discover by experi-
ment the individuality of a color of a certain name. As an example of
this, one may find that scarlet is a red so near the yellow division of
spectrum color, that it is distinctively a yellow red and not a bright red.

My salmon rose Phlox Drummondii has an ineffably pale pure
red pink color with a suspicious yellow inclination; but after careful
examination I have been forced to the conclusion that there is not a
particle of j^ellow in the expanse of the dainty petals. What the seeds-
men would undoubtedly call rose pink in color would be crimson pink. I
have a lovely pure pink flower among my " Shirley " poppies, but I have
never seen a crimson pink, or a pure crimson popp}' in any variety of
this flower. Crimson is too often a word loosely used; it does not mean
dark red, that is maroon; it does not mean deep intense red, that is pure
red perhaps, or a red with some touch of yellow in its composition ; but it
does mean a deep red near the blue division of the spectrum; and conse-
quently crimson must be a blue red. I have crimson zinnias, sweet
Williams, petunias and silenes, but I have no crimson poppies.

I wish there was time enough for me to say many a good word for
the too-often despised color called magenta. But I can only say this:
not until the florists discovered the wonderfully deep colored cinerarias,
and gave them to us in a profusion of magnificent bloom, did we under-
stand how magnificent magenta could be. The artist who is a colorist,
and could learn nothing more about purple reds at an exhibition of cin-
erarias, would be dead to color influences indeed! and what is more, the

SOCIETY OF AMERICAN FLORISTS. 39

florist who exhibited the flower would be proved the greater man so far
as his aesthetic sensibilities are concerned. But I am sure that it is not the
artists who are prejudiced against magenta. I could prove that by the
recitation of half a dozen facts about as many famous artists. It remains,
however, for the florist to persevere with his splendid magentas until he
gains the victory over unreasonable prejudice, and convinces the public
by orchid and cineraria, that purple red is a grand and dignified color
above the disdain of those who delight in unrefined and flashy scarlet
iniums.

Magenta is the contralto and baritone scale of the music of color; it
is too rich and deep when seen in all its purity for any but colorists and
lovers of color to understand. I believe the florist has gauged the value
of the hue in the presentation of it in his glorious cineraries, and evi-
dently its rich and uncommon music struck his ear long before it had
any effect upon the young ladies who like to paint wild roses and poppies!
It is not always the smallest ears and bluest eyes which distinguish the
beautiful in manifold nature.

As a representative orange flower I might point to the " Prince of
Orange " calendula. But orange is a color easily recognized by anyone;
there is little chance of its being misnamed. It is only the orange reds
which are confusing in their variety. There are orange red poppies, the
scarlet runner is orange red, so are some of the geraniums and zinnias.
Orange vermilion or orange scarlet are two names for the same color,
either of which Avill do very well; but they are not so often used in the
seedsmen's catalogues as they should be.

Pure yellow is a color which in its exact tone is not so easily recog-
nized. Sulphur is a pale pure yellow. But sulphur colored flowers are
not so very plentiful as the catalogue would persuade us to believe. There
is no sulphur yellow among calendulas, phloxes, nasturtiums, or gladioli.

The huffish tone of the " Pearl" nasturtiums is rather straw color;
wild mustard in its paler tints is much nearer sulphur. The outside of
buttercup petals is quite a pure yellow, but the shiny inside surface re-
flects the color to an intensity which approaches golden yellow. The
wild evening primrose is quite a pure yellow flower. Coreopsis is golden
yellow, and never approaches a pure yellow tone. The sunflower never
shows a sulphur yellow, nor is there any rose I know of, not even ex-
cepting the beautiful yellow " Scotch " rose, which gives us an absolutely
pure yellow.

The true green is really what, among our pigments in the paint box,
we call emerald green; this occurs rarely in nature, and I cannot cite
any instance of it worth mentioning, unless I refer to indirect color
effects in springtime landscapes. A green-blue, or even a pure blue
flower does not exist; one-half of the flowers called blue in the
catalogues, are not deserving of the name. Such flowers we artists
would employ purple paint to copy. I know of no blue aster. Bachelor's

40 PROCEEDINGS OF TENTH CONVENTION,

buttons are pretty blue, so is wild chicory. But I would be compelled to
use ultramarine to truthfully copy either of these flowers. The blue of
some of the convolvulus minor is charmingly bright, and has little
purple in its composition. The ultramarme of certain deep-hued
morning glories is rich, and true to the color name.

I am perfectly well aware of the fact that a florist or a seedsman
must use color names generically so to speak; so the blue aster and the
yellow rose are admissible speaking of these flowers in a general way;
but it seems to me, specifically the blue petunia, the sulphur nasturtium,
calendula, balsam and phlox, the scarlet phlox and balsam, the sky blue
aster, the crimsom poppy, and the scarlet aster, are non existent!
There is no art of the horticulturist which will induce certain flower
families to take on any positive color which is new to them. I think I
am correct in making this broad assertion. I allude to specific color;
and I am sure that the nasturtium is incapable of absolutely pure yellow.

The green petunia which I have raised with great success, is a well
named flower; although the best I can do is to show a specimen with
only seventy per cent of the petal surface green — and this not emerald,
or true green, but the generic green. No one can possibly object to
such a name, nor is there anything wrong in the name black scabiosa.
These are both color names which are absolutely true to color effect.
But the scarlet balsam had no excuse for itself on any ground, for
reasons which I have already stated.

As regards the various tones of pink and red in roses, I have only a
word to say now. Already I have written much on this subject, which
has appeared at different times in the American Florist, The pinks in
roses are generally compound colors; that is, they are made up of a
variety of delicate tints which can only be readily distinguished under
the microscope. There are pure pink roses and yellow pink roses. The
comparative examination of the petals of roses with some of the annuals
which I have just mentioned will locate the color of a certain rose with-
out mistake. The rose glories in deep crimsons, and in pale crimson
tints; but with scarlet it has nothing to do.

The beautiful reds, and pinks and yellows of carnations it would
take too long to describe here with an approach to justice. I consider
the carnation the prophet flower of pure and intense reds. The flower
is weak in the yellow color, but its pinks are incomparable in brilliancy.
The "Grace Wilder's " color is pure and even; not the best of my
"Shirley" poppies, nor any of my phloxes can stand beside it. The
" Portia's " red is beyond the red of any other flower in my garden,
except it be that of a certain gladiolus.

Regarding the broken tones in flowers, I would like to call attention
to several. The " Heinnemann " nasturtium, a golden brown; the
"Edward Otto" nasturtium, a purplish brown; the " Cyclobothera
flava," a russet yellow daintily broken in tone. Then there are a num-

SOCIETY OF AMERICAN FLORISTS. 41

ber of maroon pink poppies in the ranunculus division, which I take
great pride in growing; but I must complain that the seedsmen do not
separate these from the swarms of scarlet and rich red flowers which
interfere with the aesthetic tones of the maroon pink ones. So much
interest was taken in the "Louis Boehmer" chrysanthemum, particu-
larly with regard to its fine color, that I wonder the seedsmen do not
make an effort to group together these odd colored poppies, and make it
easy for amateur gardeners to become well acquainted with them. The
taste for aesthetic color is growing, and the day will come when magentas,
toned solferinos, plum purples, and purple browns in their more delicate
tints, will be fully appreciated and admired.

But color is an infinite thing, and its consideration here in connec-
tion with flowers must be greatly limited. I repeat that flower colors are
so far beyond pigment colors in brilliancy, and the variations are so
innumerable that it would take volumes to describe the differences, and
infinite patience to pursue the subject to a broad and profitable conclu-
sion.

We have yet to learn a great deal about color; not even the artist
can fathom all its depths; certainly the best study of it is in the flower
garden, and we owe to our florists, horticulturists and gardeners a great
debt of gratitude for their revelations of the most magnificent colors the
world has ever seen. It is not on the artist's canvas, but in the
gardener's flower that the greatest wealth of color may be seen.

The Convention expressed its appreciation of Mr. Mathews' admir-
able paper by long continued applause.

The President invited discussion of the paper.

Mr. Grove P. Kawson, of Elmira, N. Y., said: Mr. President,
after the de-jeuner, I suppose dessert is in order; but having such a full
meal a la carte, we do not require more substantial food; and surely you
cannot expect me to improve on the color tone of Mr. Mathews' valuable
digest of the subject in hand. I wonder if we can all get around it as
the anaconda does in the south when his snakeship swallows a whole
subject at a time and digests it at leisure afterwards. I hope the kaleido-
scope of harmonizing, contrasting and relative colors here presented has
not created any mind-conglomeration as to the color itself as a whole.
We have I'eceived some pretty hard taps, and like the school-boy who, in
his fall when skating, sees stai's in broad daylight, we see color as a rain-
bow tint flashing about us, without being hardly able to place it where it
belongs. Or are we like the medical student who, when questioned by
his professor and asked to describe the bones of his skull, hesitated, and
finally said, " Well, Professor, I have them all in my head, but I cannot
place them." [Merriment.]

42 PROCEEDINGS OF TEKTH CONVENTION,

One point upon which I should like to get Mr. Mathews' test, as
practical to florists, is to get a clear idea of the primary colors and then
the difference between the tints and shades of color. A shade is a
deeper tone than its primary color, and a tint is of a lighter tone than its
primary color.

I trust that we florists are not color blind. Such a condition would
be very unfortunate for a class which should be able to make Art assist
Nature in matters of the ornate and beautiful. Judging from some of
the design work we have seen, you would think florists would need to
study the harmony of color in relation to flowers. Surely we can all of
us profit by the instruction we have received from Mr. Mathews at this
time; and the matter is too important a one to be neglected. Of course
we need to use color in the arrangement of flowers, and any one who
manipulates flowers certainly ought to be an artist in his line and
thoroughly conversant with color harmony and technic. The news-
papers should have less to say about excrescences of the floral art.
There is little excuse for ignorance in these days when knowledge is an
open door. Fine design work can be made a picture in flowers in the
same way that an artist with his brush paints a canvas. There are plenty
of daubs, even in this line, that entail much loss of time and materials;
likewise many good flowers are wasted by being crowded into poor design
work. We do need to have more education as to primary colors in ref-
erence to the arrangement of flowers — a point by which certainly we
florists can profit. Good judgment is essential in any line of work or
business ; and we need to have good judgment not only in the arrange-
ment of flowers, but in the arrangement of their color.

Two rival French sculptors had each an order for a statue to be
placed in a high, commanding position. Their finished work was viewed
by friends and critics. One piece bore the most careful scrutiny in its
delicate modeling and grace of contour ; the other, by comparison, was
coarse and ungainly looking ; wlien the two statues were mounted the
conditions were quite altered. When upon its pedestal, in higher posi-
tion, the one which had seemed defective assumed all the grace and
dignity of expression that was wanting in the belittled and insignificant
figure of the other. Study to use color, as florists, to the best possible
advantage, either singly, en masse or in design work.

The most magnificent display of glorious color I ever witnessed was
in early morning, just off the harbor of Kingston, Jamaica, in the
West Indies. Tropic nights are usually surcharged with excessive
moisture, and at sunrise the earth's whole immediate surface is enveloped
in a white mist that rises alike over mountain, valley and plain. The
fervid tropic sun, however, soon gets in his work, and quickly dispels this
surplus moisture, fairly licking it up with its fiery tongue but permeating
every minutest particle with rainbow tints of glowing color. You ap-
pear to look through a gauzy veil of silver mist into a halo of surpassing

SOCIETY OF AMERICAN FLORISTS. 43

radiance. Occasioually you get glimpses of the cocoa palm, with its long
shimmering fronds of dark and bronze green, seemingly festooned with
tiny electric lights. Big, gay hibiscus flowers become as changeable in
effect as a humming bird's breast when emitting flash lights of brilliant
color. The high mountain peaks tower up into the shifting clouds ablaze
with vivid tints of flame, carmine and gold, while the deep blue violet
water beneath reflects and multiplies all these variations and tones of
color until you are fairly bathed in their glorious effulgence, and your
eyes dazzled with the wondrous splendor. My thought was whether the
gates of Paradise were more beautifully guarded.

A good deal is expected of a poor florist. He must be a first-class
gardener, of course. At the same time we expect him to be an artist, a
mechanic, a chemist and a book-keeper. Who can till this double com-
pound ? Wanted — an ideal florist, an all around man and not a mere
machine. [Applause.]

On motion of Mr. P. O'Mara, of New York, a vote of thanks was
tendered to Mr. Mathews, for his very excellent paper ; also a similar
vote to Mr. W. H. Taplin.

THE QUESTION BOX.

At this point the "Question Box" was reached and the first question
announced as follows, " What are the advantages of the one judge
system in horticultural exhibitions ? "

Secretary Stewart (being called upon by Mr. O'Mara as one
whose wide experience with the subject would enable him to respond),
expressed his gratification to know that the gentleman from New York
had given him the credit of being able to answer the question. He ex-
plained that he had made ineffectual efforts to secure some member who
was^interested in the subject and would be willing to respond to this
question and the one following, viz.: " What are the advantages of the
three judge system ? " Several members interested in the subject were
unfortunately absent — a fact which he regretted as he thought it one
well worth consideration, and if it were found that no one now present
was prepared to discuss it, he proposed to hold the matter on the pvo-
gram in the expectation of having it brought up at a later stage of the
Convention, by some one competent to present it.

Mr. Rawson: Is not the trouble this, that one judge is not enough
and three are too many ?

Mr. Wm. Scott, said that one gentlemen present (Mr. Wood) had
gone all the way from Boston out to Denver, last year, to act as a judge
on the one judge principle. He requested a response from that gentleman.

Mr. E. A. Wood, of West Newton, Mass., replied: Mr. President,
it has been my privilege to serve under both the single judge and the

44 PROCEEDINGS OF TENTH CONVENTION,

three judge system. My experience is that the three judge system is
preferable. As you all know, in a large show it takes a great deal of
time to judge the exhibits, and exhibitors are anxious to see their prize
cards put on and to know who are to get the prizes. If there is but one
judge going over them, of course he must be very accurate, and, in look-
ing over the exhibits, he is apt to slip by some defects. With three
judges, the defects are more likely to be discovered, as by working to-
gether they can find those defects more easily than one man can. I do
not know why there has ever been any cry against the three judge
system unless it was because of expense or perhaps the inability to ob-
tain the judges. I think that far better judgments are obtained with
three judges, where they can be kept well together, than with one.

Mr. Grove P. Rawson: I have had experience as a single judge
and also in the three judge system. As to the former, it may be
questioned whether your judgment is biassed when you are yourself con-
vinced that you are thoroughly sincere, while under the other system the
difficulty is for three people to agree. I can see where it is possible for
two to get together so as to be of the same opinion, but the third man is
a " bee in the bonnet." At a Buffalo exhibition, two or three years ago,
the judges' opinion was severely criticised and the tiorists present
thought they would endeavor to straighten matters out themselves by
each one judging the articles in question. Strange to relate, no two
agreed, thus proving that judging is after all matter of personal taste as
well as experience.

Mr. Wood: Mr. Rawson said that three may not agree. I suppose
we all have different opinions and different ideas. With one judge, we
have the opinion of just that one man. If a judge can be procured
whose opinion, whether he be right or wrong, all exhibitors are willing
to abide by, it might be very well; but we all know that, after the pre-
miums have been awarded, competitors who were not fortunate enough
to receive the first prize will often go about and button-hole their friends,
asking them if they do not think that they (the unfortunates) should re-
ceive the premium. These friends would oftentimes answer " yes*"
as it is far easier to say " yes " than it is to say " no," which of course
causes trouble for the judge, and he often goes out of town disliked by
all except the most fortunate exhibitors. It is very true that three men
may not agree; but when the three men are all good judges and come
together, after carefully examining and scaling the exhibits, the average
which they determine upon is the best possible judgment that we can get.

Mr. P. O'Mara, remarked that the three judge system was, to his
mind, the ideal one. He then detailed an amusing incident, which he
had read in the Gardener'' s J\fagazine, descriptive of the experience of an
old exhibitor in England, who at one time served as one of a committee

SOCIETY OF AMERICAN FLORISTS. 45

of three judges. Two of the committee were competent to judge and
one was a make-shift selected in the place of the original appointee who
did not put in an appearance. At the banquet the third man, who had
been able to agree with the other two and who was a very glib talker, re-
sponded to the toasts to the judges, and did this so well that, when he
sat down, everybody thought he was the man who had done all the judg-
ing and that the other fellows had done nothing. [Merriment.]

The next subject under the head of the '' Question Box," was
"Useful commercial cut flowers other than roses, carnations and
chrysanthemums. ' '

Mr. "Wm. Scott, to whom the subject was assigned, came forward
and read the following response:

This question referred to me is in my thinking, a little ambiguous,
but if it means what other flowers are there for the commercial florist to
grow then the answer would be simple, but necessarily very lengthy, for
it would include all the flowers that are sold in our greenhouses and
gardens except the three above memtioned. It can, I believe, be put
down as an indisputable fact that the rose and carnation are the most
important flowers, both commercially and any other way, but the chry-
santhemum I should not place third. It has sprung within ten or twelve
years, into great popularity, but its season at the most is short, and
prices have taken a great tumble during the past few years. I must
most decidedly place the violet in advance of the chrysanthemum as a
commercial flower, for the aggregate paid by our patrons during the year
is far more than that paid for " mums," however large, gorgeous, and
fantastic they may be. So we will have to call the violet the most im-
portant, after the rose and carnation. It is certainly true that it would
be impossible to run a retail trade without growing or keeping roses^
carnations, and in their season chrysanthemums, but here is a brief list
of other flowers used largely in our business. Even if only for variety's
sake they must be grown.

First violets, of which I have already spoken. Second, lily of the
valley; this little gem is asked for the year around by our best flower
buyers, and if you are successful in forcing it and retarding it there can-
not be anything yielding a larger percentage of profit. Third, tulips,
narcissus and hyacinths; immense quantities of these have been forced
during this last fifteen years, perhaps slightly overdone this last three or
four years, yet they never can go entirely out of fashion, because they
can be had at a relatively cheap price, when roses to make an equal
show would cost the purchaser three times the amount. Fourth,
Harrisii and longiflorum lilies; a continual succession of these can be
had from November to July, and are now in a general trade actually in-
dispensable. Fifth, Lilium lancifolium in variety and Lilium auratum

46 PROCEEDINGS OF TENTH CONVENTION,

are every summer coming more and more into use, and are now as indis-
pensable in July, August and September as the Harrisii are in the
earlier months. Sixth, mignonette is a very important crop and
a paying one; many thousand feet of glass are devoted to its growth in
winter and spring. Seventh, orchids; they may not be considered an
absolute necessity to the general florist, but a collection composed of a
dozen of the best species and varieties will well pay for the outlay, and
where they are grown largely in any establishment there is a steady
demand. Eighth, sweet peas are now forced by many, and in the
months of March, April, May and June they are in great demand, and a
paying crop.

I will not attempt to enumerate many more, but likely enough I
have forgotten more than one prominent and important flower to the
retail florists; there area number of flowers which enter into his business,
and which you all know, and for a cheaper grade of custom you have to
grow more or less of them. There is the zonal geranium, begonias,
sweet alyssum, heliotrope, stevia, eupatorium, ten week stocks, pansies
and many others familiar to you all. I had almost forgotten two impor-
tant plants; the poinsettia with its brilliant bracts is one; in many cities
they command a most remunerative price. The other is the old calla lily
which most of you can remember as long as you can any plant.

If you are the fortunate possessor of a few acres of good land
within driving distance of a large town, you can make a comfortable
living with a few acres cultivated to flowers. It is the natural and
healthy way to exist, and in addition to the flowers you can keep a flock
of chickens, cows, pigs, and ducks, some of whom will be producing a
crop when you are sleeping.

After the applause subsided, a brief discussion followed.

Mr. Grove P. Rawson said : I ask the gentleman to give his ex-
perience as to growing Swainsona. It is called for a good deal now by
the smaller or general florists.

Mr. Scott : I first made the acquaintance of Swainsona in Phila-
delphia, last fall, in the greenhouse of Edwin Lonsdale. Of course you
all know the common variety. It is an old plant and has been known a
great many years. The variety called Galegifolia albiflora is pure white.
It needs a temperature of forty-five to fifty-five degrees, what we call a car-
nation temperature. It is best planted iu a permanent border, where its
roots can spread out over the greenhouse, and it should be trained up to
a permanent pillar. Its flower is exactly like a small sweet pea. It
flowers continually, and is very durable when cut. It is one of the very
best plants that the general florist can grow. It is as easily grown as a
geranium or a heliotrope, and I would advise you, one and all, to procure
a few and plant them out.

SOCIETY OF AMERICAN FLORISTS. 47

Mr. J. D. Carmody remarked that, knowing as he did, Mr. Scott's
reputation as a humorist, he had been misled by the name of the plant.
He had understood it to be " Swine-sona," and thought it had reference
to the " pig-weed " family. [Merriment.]

Mr. Scott replied that there was a plant named " Swansona," but
this was not " Swainsona." He humorously suggested, that perhaps
Mr. Carmody was thinking of the western swine. [Continued merri-
ment.]

The President announced the next subject of the "Question Box,"
viz. : " AVhat are the advantages of forcing vegetables and fruits, by
florists, in plant houses?" (the answer to which had been assigned to
Mr. Ed. Swayne), but no response was made.

(Mr. Swayne's reply to that question had been prepai-ed by that
gentleman, and forwarded, but failed to reach the Secretary, until after
the close of the Convention.) It was as follows :

A good many years ago, before the trait of veracity had reached the
development it now enjoys among the florists of America, it is said that
in the heart of Rome there opened a tremendous chasm, full of cata-
clysmic portents, which the oracle declared would not close until there
was thrown into it the most precious thing in Rome. Many valuables
were cast into it, but it refused to close until a young man, clad in com-
plete armor, spurred his horse into the abyss, when it promptly closed,
and Rome was saved. I will not pursue the analogy further than to say,
that I have the keenest sympathy with that young man, and that " history
has repeated itself," which statement, by the way, was contradicted by a
school-boy, who said that his history would not repeat itself.

I do not believe that the brothers have come here so much for solid
information as for entertainment, and am therefore reluctant to be
serious, in spite of what Robert Craig has called my " venerable appear-
ance." If there is any evil calling for stringent legislation, it is the
number of papers of a serious nature, read before people who do not at
the time wish to be serious ; and the evil appears in its worst form when
such papers are read by the authors thereof. Having had some experi-
ence as a listener, I am loth to add to the sum total of human pain, by
such a performance.

I judge the question sent me refers to what are known as " second-
ary crops." Our experience in this locality, has been chiefly conflned to
the sweet pea and tomato. The former is in some respects an ideal cut
flower, — dainty, graceful, fragrant, and borne on long stems, as Messrs.
Keats and Lonsdale have said, " on tiptoe for a flight." Its only faults
are that it is somewhat ephemeral ; or, as John Thorpe would say,
" fugacious," and consequently, cannot be shipped long distances, and

48 PROCEEDINGS OF TENTH CONVENTION,

that it has small regard for the tlorists' wishes as to time of blooming. A
neighbor of mine, however, C. J. Pennock, by starting them about
September 1st, and growing them in six-inch pots, two plants to the pot,
well mulched with cow manure, and watered freely, has succeeded in
getting them enough earlier to pay him well for his labor.

The pots were set on the soil among his carnations shading nothing
but his propagating bench, and the result was a clear gain. We have
started them from October to December and grown in the beds among
our carnations have found all blooming about the same time, the
advantage gained by the earlier planting being, that there was more
wood to produce flowers when the time came. By putting a single plant
in a place about two feet apart, in the rows, and the rows three to four
feet apart they will not shade the carnations until the shade is rather an
advantage than a detriment. Blanche Ferry has been so far, the most
satisfactory variety, with an increasing call for white. Let me say in
passing that Blanche utterly forgets her name of dwarf, under such con-
ditions, and grows to be eight or ten feet high. If you have a good
market within a hundred miles or so, sweet peas will probably pay you
among carnations, and I think they could be grown to still greater
advantage in a violet house, if you have enough head room, the tempera-
ture suiting them, and the violets being nearly done when the peas get
very bushy.

As to tomatoes, it seems unnecessary to go over the ground while
there exists so complete an article as Wm. Swayne's in " Lamborn on
the Carnation." There are however one or two points that have been
changed in common practice here. Instead of taking out the leading
shoot, we now allow it to grow continuously until stopped finally, and
remove the side shoots excepting where two branches are desired. It
has also been thought more profitable to plant much more closely than
advised and let tomatoes take the place of carnations, earlier and more
completely.

THE LATE MYRON A. HUNT.

Mr. John N. May, of Summit, N. J., presented and read the follow-
ing preamble and resolutions, which were received in mournful silence: —

Whereas, It having been our sad misfortune to lose our esteemed,
kindly and genial brother, the late Treasurer of the Society of American
Florists, Mr. M. A. Hunt, of Terre Haute, Ind., in whose death we have
lost a very valuable oflicer ; one whose i^lace it will be hard to All because
of that rare combination of sterling worth, kindly nature and ever genial
disposition possessed by our departed friend ; therefore, be it

Besolved, That in the death of Myron A. Hunt, the Society of
American Florists has lost a valued counselor and trusted oflicer ; flori-
culture an enthusiastic lover and devotee ; and we all a firm and beloved
friend, whose genial presence we shall sadly miss from our annual
meetinsfs.

SOCIETY or AMERICAN FLORISTS. 49

Therefore, desiring to publicly express our sorrow and sympathy
with the bereaved family, be it further

Resolved, That these resolutions be spread upon the minutes of this
Convention, and an engrossed copy be forwarded to the family of our
deceased friend.

Mr. J. D. Carmody, of Evansville, Ind., said: Mr. President, as a
member of this Society, as a florist of Indiana, and I might almost say, a
neighbor of our lamented friend, I second the adoption of these resolu-
tions. Having been intimately acquainted with Myron A. Hunt, I would
say that I know this Society will miss his genial presence. I can testify
to the nobility of his nature, the honor of his character, and the purity
of his motives, the wide scope of his experience in the field of floriculture
and the vast fund of general information which he possessed upon all
matters pertaining to our business. He was a good man, an eminently
good man. He was an intelligent man, and he has fortunately for us,
left behind him for our benefit, some of the fruits of his education in
thftt noble work that he published before he died. Again, I heartily
second the resolutions just offered.

Mr. Edwin Lonsdale: Mr. President, as a further expression of
the sentiment of the Convention, I move to amend the resolutions by
providing that the vote upon their adoption be taken by the members
rising.

Mr. May accepted Mr. Lonsdale's amendment, which therefore,
became a part of the original resolution.

A vote being taken, all the members of the Convention present rose
in favor of the resolutions, and they were adopted by a unanimous vote.

Mr. Robert Craig: Mr. President, in view of the action just
taken, I move that as a further token of respect to the memory of our
departed friend, this Convention do now adjourn until tomorrow
morning.

Mr. G. L, Grant seconded the motion.

A vote being taken an adjournment was ordered.

SECOND DAY— MORNING.

Atlantic City, N. J., August 22, 1894.
The session opened at ten o'clock. President Anthony in the chair.

Secretary Stewart read partial reports from the committees on
exhibits. (The reports, in full, will be found in the appendix.)

50 PROCEEDINGS OF TENTH CONVENTION,

AT PITTSBURGH, PA., IN 1895.

President Anthony anuounced as the next order of business the
selection of a place of meeting for 1895.

Mr. E. C. Reineman, of Pittsburgh, Pa., said: Ladies and Gentle-
men, as you see by the posters tacked up around the walls here, we would
like to have you in Pittsburgh next year. Last year you were in the west^
this year you are in the east; and as for next year I think that a more
central point than Pittsburgh cannot be had. It is accessible on all sides.
It is a city of 200,000, and taking in Allegheny and the surrounding
portions, has about half a million of population; this making it almost
the fourth or fifth city of the United States, as it should be. We may
not have much in Pittsburgh to interest you in the florist line, we have
not many establishments there; but we have some few growers there
who grow as good stock as is grown in the United States. Our conserva-
tories in Pittsburgh and Allegheny are considered the finest in the
country, especially the one in Pittsburgh.

If you should decide to come to Pittsburgh you cannot expect to be
entertained, perhaps, as well as you have been heretofore, because we
have not the opportunities with which other cities are favored, but we
will certainly try our best to make your visit as interesting as possible for
you. I hope you will choose Pittsburgh for your meeting place next year,
and 1 do not think you will regret having done so. [Applause.]

Mr. D. D. L. Farson, of Philadelphia: Mr. President, in rising to
second the selection or nomination, as it may be, of Pittsburgh as the
place for our next meeting, I may say that we all, or a great majority
of us, realize that that location is first-class in every respect for the
next Convention. The intimation conveyed by our Pittsburgh brother
(Mr. Reineman), that our friends there may not be able to do the enter-
taining as it has been done heretofore, should be accepted as coming
from a very modest man. He is a prudent man and does not want to
make any mistakes. When it was my good fortune to enjoy Pittsburgh
hospitality, I thought I would never get away from there. They treated
me elegantly; they treat everybody well there. They have much for you
to see, lots of time to spend with you; and my experience was that they
were most generous entertainers. I would say further the central posi-
tion of Pittsburgh is such that it seems highly desirable for all hands to
join in making that the rallying point for next year. I second the
motion, and trust that the Society will accept the Pittsburgh invitation
and make that the place of meeting for 1895.

On motion of Mr. J. M. Jordan, of St. Louis, Mo., seconded
oy Mr. W. B. Du Rie, of Rahway, N. J., the invitation was accepted
without objection, and the city of Pittsburgh was chosen by a unanimous
vote as the place for the annual meeting in 1895.

SOCIETY OF AMERICAN FLORISTS. 51

N031INATI0N OF OFFICERS.

Nominations of offiqers being in order, Mr. John N. May, addressed
the Convention as follows: In rising to propose a member of our body
for the honered position of President for the coming year, I do so with a
good deal of confidence that I shall have the support of a majority of the
members here. The gentleman whom I wish to propose is well known to
you all; his name is Edwin Lonsdale. [Applause.] I think he is en-
titled to claim your consideration in more ways than one. He has been
connected with the Society of American Florists since its inception. He
has served as its Secretary with but very little compensation. He has
been an earnest, hard worker in the interests of the Society from the start.
He has never yet declined to do anything he was asked to do; and I
think the least we can do now is to tender to him the most honored posi-
tion we can offer him as a body. Furthermore, I think he has some
small claim upon the ladies. The ladies, as a rule, are always looking
for something higher. You all know that the name " Lonsdale " is a
soubriquet for a higher title, one ranking only second to that of a prince,
viz.: "The Duke of York." I assure you, ladies and gentlemen, that if
you will follow under the honest banner of this leader, he will march you
up to the top of the hill, and you will not have to march down again. I
ask of you, one and all, your earnest support for my worthy friend,
Mr. Edwin Lonsdale. [Applause.]

Hon. C. W. HoiTT, of Nashua, N. H.: It has been my pleasure, on
one or two occasions, to have something to do in presenting the name of
a member for President of the Society; and I think you will bear me
witness that the gentleman whom I have recommended has always gone
through successfully. In seconding the nomination of " The Brave Old
Duke of York," I do it with the utmost confidence that that gentleman
will fill the bill. He will fill the position because, first, he is a good look-
ing man. [Merriment.] When he is around, the rest of us, if I may
use an expressive phrase, are " not in it." Another thing, he is always
around. Again, he is the President of a kindred and subordinate societv
the Florists' Club of Philadelphia, and his success in that position, which
has been apparent to every one who has observed the prosperity of that
club, furnishes an additional argument in his favor. Let the one, if you
please, be a stepping-stone to the other position. I consider that to a
man in the florists' business the honor of the Presidency of the Society
of American Florists is one to be sought for. Every member has a right
to aspire to that office, and at the same time the office belongs to no one.
I submit that at this time, as at every other time, we want to secure the
best man for the position; and, while I have heard the names of two or
three other gentlemen mentioned for the office, and they are personal
and particular friends of mine, and would, I think, fill the position
acceptably, I ask you to support " The Brave Old Duke of York," as one
who will make not only a successful but a model President. [Applause.],

52 PROCEEDINGS OF TENTH CONVENTION,

Mr. E. HiPPARD, of Youngstown, O.: I have the honor of pre-
seating to this Convention, for its valuable consideration, the name of a
member who, I think, will give us as good an administration as we could
desire to have. He is able and willing at all times, and one who responds
quickly when asked to do anything for the organization or any of its
members. Without money, without friends, you cannot run this estab-
lishment; and I think we need somebody at the head of it in the interest
of progress, to keep the organization intact and to further its interests
as far as possible. The candidate whom I wish to announce has never
failed to respond, financially and otherwise, to an appeal from any mem-
ber of the craft; and he does this freely and without ostentation. I wish
you would all think as I do, and elect as the next President of this
Society, Mr. Wm. Scott, of Buffalo. [Applause.]

Mr. E. C. Reinemax, of Pittsburgh, Pa., in seconding the nomina-
tion of Mr. Scott, said that that gentleman had been with the Society
since its organization and had done everything in his power to advance
its interests. If elected President, he knew that Mr. Scott would do the
very best that he could. [Applause.]

No other names being mentioned, nominations for President, on
motion of Mr. Charles D. Ball, of Holmesburg, Pa., were closed.

The President invited nominations for Vice-President.

Mr. D. D. L. Parson, of Philadelphia: Mr. President, I again have
a pleasant duty to perform. I am aware that it is necessary to have the
very best men for our principal officers. We do not pay them a salary,
but we rel}' upon them to act; hence the need to have the highest order
of executive ability in those positions. Our By-laws call for a Vice-Presi-
dent, and as our next meeting will be in Pittsburgh, and as the honor we
wish to bestow will be of two-fold value if conferred upon a representa-
tive of that city, I wish to present the name of Mr. E. C. Reiueman.
[Applause.] It may appear strange that one end of Pennsylvania should
nominate the other end, but I know that Mr. Reineman would not nomi-
nate me for this high office, so I am going to be generous.

In placing Mr. Reineman in nomination for Vice-President, I wish
to say that the position for which he is named is one upon which con-
siderable work devolves and in which much good can be accomplished;
and I am sure there is no man whom I know of who is more capable of
performing its duties than the gentleman I have named. [Prolonged
applause.]

No other name being mentioned, nominations for Vice-President,
■on motion of Mr. C. W. Turnley, of Haddonfield, N. J., were closed.

SOCIETY OF AMERICAN FLORISTS. 53

The President invited nominations for Secretary.

Mr. J. D. Carmody, of Evausville, Ind. : Mr. President, I tliink
that the present incumbent of the office cannot be beaten. I put in
nomination Mr. Wm. J. Stewart for Secretary for the ensuing year.
[Applause.]

Mr. W. K. Harris, of Philadelphia: I heartily second the nomina-
tion of Mr. Stewart.

No other name being mentioned, the nominations, on motion of
Mr. J. G. ESLER, of Saddle River, N. J., were closed.

The President invited nominations for Treasurer.

Mr. W. R. Smith, of Washington, D. C: Mr. President, I place
in nomination for that office Mr. H. B. Beatty, of Oil City, Pa. He is a
gentleman whom we all know. His industry, integrity and high charac-
ter are assurances of the satisfactory performance of the duties of the
office, [Applause.]

Mr. Wm. Scott, of Buffalo, IST. Y.: The honorable gentleman from
Washington has taken the words out of my mouth. I second with great
pleasure the nomination of Mr. Beatty for Treasurer. [Applause.]

No other name being mentioned, nominations for Treasurer, on
motion of Mr. J. M. Jordan, here closed.

the bowling contest.

Mr. John Westcott, of Philadelphia, chairman of the sub-com-
mittee of the Florists' Club of Philadelphia, being here awarded the
floor, called attention to the trophies provided for the bowling contest,
which were displayed on the platform, and stated in detail the conditions
governing the competition for the various prizes.

the society of AMERICAN FLORISTS, AND AUXILIARY SOCIETIES,

Mr. J. G. EsLER, of Saddle River, N. J., offered the following: —

Resolved, That the President appoint a committee of three to report
to the next meeting of the Society of American Florists some plan for a
closer union between the Society of American Florists and the minor
societies.

Mr. Esler remarked that the resolution explained itself and that the
matter would come up for discussion upon the report of the committee.

Mr. .J. D. Carmody seconded the resolution.

54: PROCEEDINGS OF TENTH CONVENTION,

Mr. Edwin Lonsdaxe suarsrested the substitution of the term
"auxiliary" for " minor " societies, which suggestion was accepted by
Mr. Esler, and the resolution was modified accordingly.

The resolution was adopted without objection, and the President
appointed as the committee, Mr. J. G. Esler, Mr. E. G. Hill and
Mr. H. B. Beatty.

TOE BEST METHOD OF GROWING ROSES, AND THE BEST VARIETIES

FOR PRESENT DEMANDS.

An essay by Mr. John H. Taylor, of Bayside, N. Y., on "The
best method of growing roses, and best varieties for present demands,"
here occupied the attention of the Convention. The essay was read by
its author, whose appearance on the platform was the signal for long
continued applause. The essay was as follows: —

The growing of roses under glass has been so thoroughly discussed
at our conventions in the past, that I thought best to treat this subject
somewhat broadly, and touch on certain points of culture, past and
present, especially relating to the health of the rose.

The tendency of growers during the past few years has been to dis-
regard one of Nature's laws, that of rest. All plants require a dormant
or semi-dormant period, as is well known to horticulturists; but the sys-
tem at present pursued, that of constant forcing, has weakened the con-
stitution of the rose. It is impossible to obtain a healthy cutting from
plants whose vitality has been sapped year by year by over-forcing or
disease.

Plants adapt themselves to changes of climate, treatment and locality,
providing this occurs gradually and Nature's laws are not transgressed.
By judicious selection and propagation a race of plants can be made
healthier, more vigorous, and better adapted to the purpose intended.
On the other hand, injudicious and over-propagation will, if continued,
bring forth a race of weakly and sickly plants incapable of producing or
reproducing.

Littlejohn's methods of growing have been discarded for newer, and
what is considered, better ones I Undoubtedly for a few years better
financial results were obtained, but at a cost to the health and constitu-
tion of the plants. The old method was to grow the plants from good
wood struck early in the fall, which would by spring produce strong
vigorous plants in six or eight inch pots. These would be plunged out-
side, thoroughly hardened, and brought into the house in August or
September. They were then either planted or potted in ten or twelve
inch pots and allowed to flower, giving a fine crop by October.

The finest lot of plants I think I have ever seen was at Mr. Haugh-
out's in the month of August, 1883, plunged outside in eight inch pots.
They were Perles des Jardins, averaging about fifteen inches high

SOCIETY OF AMERICAK FLORISTS. 55

with from six to eight strong, well ripened shoots, ready and anxious to
tlower. The house stood empty, but thoroughly cleaned, and the soil
had just been put in the benches.

There are probably few present who have not seen such plants, and
remember when Madison, Summit and neighborhood was the Mecca of
all rose growers. But this proved too slow and expensive for our advanced
ideas, and the constantly increasing competition; so that the present
method of planting in June or July, plants struck from our overforced
stock, and having had no rest or ripening of the wood, has been generally
practiced. The consequence has been a more or less general deprecia-
tion in the strength of our plants, and so many diseases attack them that
a chemist is required to be constantly on hand.

These facts impressed me several years ago, as I noticed a gradual
weakening in the vigor of my plants. I decided not to propagate more
than was required for my own use, to use nothing but the best wood,
and also to rest my roses during the summer months. The result has
been more than satisfactory, as my plants have shown year by year more
stamina, and have been less subject to disease. The carnation men have
already discovered their error, and a number of growers are now propa-
gating their stock from unforced plants. Diseases of all kinds are ever
present, either in the shape of fungi or insects; whenever a plant
becomes weakened by improper treatment it is at once attacked. It it
so well understood in animal life that a man who disobeys Nature's laws
succumbs shortly to the ever present disease, and yet we do not hesitate
to treat our plants to so weaken their constitution that they are unable
to withstand the attacks of their enemies.

Having this object in view, namely, the production and growing of
vigorous healthy stock, what are the best methods to pursue?

To strike the cuttings in November and December, plants should be
carefully grown during the winter, and by March or April should be
strong plants in six inch pots. They should then be given all the air
possible inside or plunged outside, and kept on the dry side, thus giving
a slight rest and ripening the wood. Planting can be done in June or
July. The plants should be handled so as to get thoroughly rooted in
the bed or benches before allowed to flower. Plants thus treated should
be strong dwarf bushes ready to flower as soon as allowed in the fall.
The fall treatment of roses is of the utmost importance, as on that
depends success or failure during the winter; for a rose once checked at
this period will never recover sutficiently to pay during that season. The
temperature at night during October and November cannot be strictly ad-
hered to, as the weather and judgment of the grower must regulate what
he considers best adapted to the welfare of the plant.

Watering must also be carefully looked after, more so than at any
other season ; and it is a good rule to keep the plants a little too dry than
too moist. More trouble is caused by careless or over-watering at this

56 PROCEEDINGS OF TENTH CONVENTION,

period than at any other. In fact the quaUty of the flower in the early
fall should be secondary to the welfare of the plant. As a rule a higher
night temperature should be maintained than is conducive to the produc-
tion of the best flowers. In other words, in September our nights fre-
quently run as high as seventy degrees or over, and the plants should be
gradually accustomed to a lower temperature without checking their
growth in the two following months. No rule can be laid down, as dif-
ferent seasons require different treatment. As a rule, however, a warm
fall will require a higher night temperature than a cold one, owing to
smaller amount of artificial heat needed. Once safely in December, the
plants, with ordinary care and treatment, should produce good results for
the balance of the winter.

The question of beds and benches is still a mooted one, both systems
having their advocates. I am using both, but am not prepared to say
which is the better one. With pipes i-un through the beds in stone ducts
the soil in the beds can be kept at any required temperature. From
experience I have found seventy-five degrees about the best temperature.
The Hybrid Teas seem to flower more freely and do not have the tend-
ency to go dormant as when planted in benches. Another method,
which is a combination of beds and benches, has given the best results,
namely, to board the benches in and have sepai-ate pipes underneath for
warming the soil, the pipes for heating the house being placed along the
sides of the greenhouse, so that the warming of the soil can be done
independently of heating the house. The advantage the beds have over
benches is that of durability; and I am satisfied as good results can be
obtained if properly handled.

The question of carrying roses over one or more years has always
been a favorite topic of discussion, and is still an interesting one.

It has been my custom always to carry over about half my plants,
and my experience has been that the old ones can be more depended on
to do well than the young plants.

The method pursued is to Avithhold water gradually, beginning the
latter part of June until the beds are seemingly dry; after that the house
must be carefully watched to prevent the wood from shriveling; syring-
ing should be done dailj^, and in very warm weather twice a day.
Should signs of shriveling appear a slight watering must be given, but
not enough to start the beds. By the middle of August the plants will
be ready to prune. All but the best wood should be removed, and the
other shortened down to from six to eight inches from the bed. A
thorough watering should be given as soon as the cuts are healed, then
remove all loose soil and give a mulching of half soil and manure. Air,
night and day, should be given until the foliage appears hard and dark
green. I have a house of Brides treated this way which has been run-
ing five years, and is stronger and healthier this year than ever. The
base of the stems will measure from one to two inches in diameter. I

SOCIETY OF AMERICAN FLORISTS. 57

shall run it another year. Plants treated in this way have their first
crop in October, which is as early as good flowers can be obtained. This
treatment gives the plant a period of activity and one of rest. The soil
by being dried is sweetened, and the fresh soil added gives all the neces-
sary stimulus.

Like all other horticultural operations, great care and judgment is
required from the time of drying until the plants are once more grown
vigorously. Too rapid drying or too rapid a start may cause absolute
failure.

The following figures taken from the production of 2017 plants of
Brides show the result of above system.

First season, 1890-1891. Flowers cut . . . 46,57-5

Second " 1891-1892. " " . . . 77,231

Third " 1892-1893. " " . . . 74,069

Fourth " 1893-1894. " " . . . 94,409

Total for four years, 292,284

Average per year, 73,071

The fourth year shows nearly double the cut of the first year with
young plants.

In considering the best varieties to grow, several questions must be
considered.

The market requires as perfect a flower as can be produced; in fact
competition is so great that only the best can be sold to advantage.
Color, size, foliage and keeping qualities all have to be considered.
Again, from a producer's standpoint, a rose must be vigorous, floriferous,
and able to stand handling and transporting. So far, very few roses
among the thousands introduced possess this quality, although great
advances have been made during the past years, and judging from the
past few years even better varieties for forcing will soon be forthcoming.
In fact a great field is open to the hybridizers in this country.

The varieties to be had at present are the following:

American Beauty, syn. Mme. Fred. Jamain. This rose is probably
the finest so far introduced.

The Bride is the best white.

Bridesmaid has superceded Catharine Mermet, and is the most satis-
factory pink rose yet introduced.

Meteor, splendid in color but lacking in fragrance, and in cloudy
weather has a tendency to come dark in color and deformed in shape. A
good red rose is still badly needed.

Perle des Jardins is still the best yellow, and in some localities one
of the best of all Teas.

Mme. Hoste is remarkably prolific, and when well grown resembles
in shape, size and color, Cornelia Cook. A few can be profitably grown.

Mme. Cusin has been badly hurt by the Bridesmaid, but still can be
considered as a profitable rose to grow.

58

PROCEEDINGS OF TENTH CONVENTION,

Mine, de Watteville, although a beautiful flower and very productive,
has proved such a poor keeper in a warm room that the public no longer
ask for it.

Mme. Augusta Victoria has proved for winter work a great disap-
pointment, as it has a tendency to come green and keep poorly. In
summer it is the best white introduced.

Mme. Testout is still in doubt. The color is beautiful, but it is a
poor keeper and shipper.

Papa Goutier has been badly hurt by Meteor, and owing to its short
season is now no longer profitable to grow.

Mrs. Whitney is still to be tested. It promises well but lacks sub-
stance. A great future should be in store for this class, as it combines
fragrance, color and productiveness.

La France, except for summer woi"k, can no longer be classed with
the other good pinks.

For all purposes the following are probably the best roses to grow.

Pink Bridesmaid.

White
Red .
Tellow
Deep Pink

The Bride.

Meteor.

Perle des Jardins.

American Beauly.

It would appear advisable to select the best one in each color rather
than to grow several shades of any color. A still further advance towards
more perfect flowers might be obtained by making a specialty of one or
more roses that owing to soil, treatment, or other causes appear to
flourish best in any one locality. For instance, Mr. Nash of Clifton, is
known principally as a Beauty grower; Mr. Pierson, of Scarboro, as
a noted grower of Meteor; Mr. E. Asmus, of Hoboken, a very success-
ful grower of Mme. Cusin, etc.

This list might be considerably lengthened, but I have probably ex-
hausted your patience, even on the subject of the queen of flowers.

The President invited discussion of the subject.

Mr. E. F. Tesson, of St. Louis, Mo.: Like myself, you all doubt-
less have listened to Mr. Taylor's paper with the interest and attention
that are due to anything that is written by a man of his ability and repu-
tation, regarding the queen of flowers; and you all doubtless realize
from experience the truth of his remarks. When a paper like Mr. Tay-
lor's has been read, nothing of the more vital points can be lost by a
proper discussion of them. We live in such a large country, and one
with such a variety of climate, that it is hardly possible to believe that
what will succeed in one place will be successful, under practically the
same conditions, in another place five hundred or a thousand miles away.
We must also take into consideration on this subject, the variations in
the soil.

SOCIETY OF AMERICAN FLORISTS. 59

In speaking of Mr. Littlejohn's method and its abandonment for so-
called improved methods, Mr. Taylor gives us something for serious and
close thought and study. He does not leave us in the dark, however, as
he shows us that, by careful selection of wood for propagation and by
carrying the plants for two years, we can improve the health of the plant
and at the same time increase the cut of flowers. It is useless for me to
state the advantages to be derived from carrying the stock two years;
you are all familiar with them. I am an advocate of two-year stock.
We have been trying this method for several years and have had quite a
little experience in it. Mr. Taylor has, as you all know, been experi-
menting with it for a number of years; in fact, to quote his statement,
he has been carrying Bride for about five years and he has got the
method about perfect for his locality. Still, as I said before, I hardly
think that Mr, Taylor would sanction a statement that the method suit-
able at Bayside, N. J., would suit if applied five hundred or a thousand
miles away or would produce exactly the same result. Two years ago in
trying two-year stock, we pursued Mr. Taylor's method about as closely as
we could, and the result was a partial failure. Last year, profiting by the
experience of the year before and noting a good many of the minor
points that came up, we tried the experiment again, and from present
appearances I think we have made a success of it. The principal points
that were our stumbling blocks the first year were, first the water and
second the pruning. We found that in our hot, dry climate, where there
is no moisture at all in the air, the plants, after they were started into
growth, would take almost unlimited water. In order to have them start
growth and take hold of the soil quickly, we leave considerable more
foliage on the plant than Mr. Taylor does; hardly cutting the roses down
to more than eighteen inches. We find that by this method they will
take hold of the soil, and all the water that is necessary can be given
them. Our soil is a heavy clay loam, drying out in very little time, the
particles being so fine that it is a very hard matter to wet it. It takes
a large quantity of water to wet it, and it is hard to make it, as you
might say, like putty.

In making these few points, I wish to impress on everybody the neces-
sity of going slow in anything of this kind. A person may be, and proba-
bly is, positive that the thing is done safely and profitably at his own place,
but it does not follow that the same thing may be done exactly in the
same way and with exactly the same results at a distance. There are
many small points to be considered; and a small point that you perhaps
would overlook you would find to be enough to spoil your work for the
whole season. I would like to advise this Society, as our late member,
Mr. Hunt, advised me two years ago, when he said, "It is all very well
to experiment, but you want to go slow," [Applause.]

Mr. Kawson here made an inquiry of Mr. May in regard to the
results of the meeting of the Rose Society on the previous evening, rela-
tive to testing new varieties of roses.

60 PROCEEDINGS OF TENTH CONVENTION,

Mr. John N. May, having been called upon to mention that subject,
said: I would say that in our deliberations in the Rose Society, last night,
we about concluded that it would be a good thing to establish an experi-
mental station, for the time being, of probably five or six feet in some
good neighbor's greenhouse. I am not a very young man nor yet am I
quite decrepit, still I hope to live long enough to see this Rose Society in
America — the father and sponsor of the rose — able and willing, finan-
cially and intelligently, to take the van in the lead of the whole world.
As I mentioned a short time ago in one of our publications, we have to-
day a field before us that is simply immense.

The subject of eel-worms alone presents an immense field for in-
vestigation in this country today. Could I have compiled it in set form
so as to make it interesting to this meeting, I would have given you
enough food for reflection on this one subject to occupy you throughout
the entire Convention. A few days before leaving home I went through
my letter file, and found that I had eleven hundred and ninety-seven
letters on the eel- worm alone. These were not from any one State but
from every State of the Union, and from points not one hundred miles
apart, this showing that the pest covered a wide field. In my immediate
neighborhood such a thing as an eel-worm was not known a few years
ago. Today it is a hard thing to find anybody in my section of country,
who has not got the eel-worm to a greater or less extent. My friend,
Mr. Harris, grew roses in the open ground, five or six feet high, in one
season a good many years ago. Xow-a-days he has a hard job to grow
them as many inches. They did not think then that the eel-worm had
anything to do with it, but if they will lift the plants carefully, examine
their roots, wash them out, dissect them and put them under a micro-
scope, thej' will find ten thousand eels in every root-gall. This is the
cause of the trouble with the rose today. The eel- worm will be of itself
an exceedingly interesting subject to be taken up by the American Rose
Society in the near future.

I quite agree with Mr. Taylor in what he says with reference to the
constitution of the rose and its abilitv to resist the ravages of its enemies,
and I endorse all he has said in regard to the selection of healthy clean
stock of every description in a very careful way. He has referred to an
old friend of mine, Mr. Littlejohn — a dear friend of mine for many
years. Mr. Littlejohn's idea always was that you had to give plants, if
not indigenous to a hot climate, a rest congenial to their nature in winter
or some other season. For many years I followed his practice partially
and do now to a certain extent. I have seen Mr. Littlejohn cut from a
Safrano plant two or three years old, under his method of cultivation,
absolutel}^ perfect buds three inches long, buds finer than anything I
have seen in Sunset yet. Photographs are in my possession showing
how they were produced by his method. The further we divert from the
method of that old pioneer in rose growing the further we shall get

SOCIETY OF AMERICAK FLORISTS. 61

away from the object we are aiming at, viz.: the very best and finest
qualities we can produce.

Before sitting down I would like to mention one other subject in
regard to which I think Mr. Taylor has made a slight mistake. Several
persons heard that gentleman give the name " Madame Augusta Vic-
toria." The correct name is " Kaiserin Augusta Vistoria."

(Mr. Taylor was here understood to acknowledge the error.)
Mr. May continued: I will say, at the risk of becoming monotonous,
that one of the best ways I have found for resting tea roses and give
them natural treatment, is to propagate as late as you can in the spring
from clean, healthy, vigorous wood. Carry them over in small pots, as
small as you can use. Put them out of doors in the fall when the
extreme hot weather is past; plunging them, if you will, and let them
stay there until frost comes ; knock them out of the pots and take them
in a north house where the sun will not strike the house and where you
cannot give them any heat. Plunge them in sand there until the follow-
ing March. You will then have given your tea roses all the rest that
Nature requires, and you will have good vigorous plants that will yield
an enormous crop of flovvers.

Mr. EoBERT Simpson, of Cromwell, Conn. : I wish to say, in regard
to the eel-worm, that my experience is that you find eel-worms more fre-
quently in light soil from up lauds or high lands than in soil from low
lands. The up lands often contain a good deal of clover root, and that
seems to have the eel-worm in it. A year ago last winter, in a house
planted in soil from high lands, about three-fourths of the plants suc-
cumbed to the eel-worm. In the following season I planted some new
stock in soil taken from low laud, and I have not seen any trace of the
pest since then excepting a little on Mme. Cusin. I have tried Mr.
Tesson's recommendation and have found that deluging the plants with
water helps to drown out the worm and to kill it, thereby starting the
plants into growth.

My experience with bottom heat in the solid beds has been very
satisfactory. It has been reported that, after trying it for a year, some
growers in the east have discarded that method. I ask Mr. Taylor what
has been his experience in the past year, compared with the previous
year, as to those solid beds with the bottom heat and whether the plants
did as well as they did before.

Mr, Taylor replied that in his experience, the plants did even
better last year than in the year before because they were older and
better established; the roots had gotten hold and produced more and
better flowers. An important point was the proper temperature of the
soil in the bed. It was a difficult thing to keep the soil warm enough for
them to keep moving. He had made some tests, this summer, and

62 PROCEEDINGS OF TENTH CONVENTION,

found that the soil temperature averaged about 75° to 80°. He had been
trying about 75°, and whether that was too warm or not was still a ques-
tion. He had tried it only two years. His idea was to see whether, by
warming the soil artificially, the desirable result could not be produced
of keeping such roses as the Hybrid Teas from going to rest in winter.
His experiments, especially with the Hybrid Teas had been very suc-
cessful. He also said that this idea was not a new one, as the system of
growing and forcing asparagus, lettuce and various early vegetables had
been practiced in Paris; where they use frames and run their pipes
through the frames, thereby warming the soil and forcing the vegetables
out. He continued:

The statement that certain parties had given up the deep beds with
pipes underneath is erroneous, as they have not done so. The state-
ment was made that Mr. Ernst Asmus had become dissatisfied with his
deep beds and had torn them out and given them up, but it was not en-
tirely correct. That gentlemen altered two of them on account of the
pipes but he had five others that he did not touch, and these he was run-
ning again this year. When I was up there the other day I found that he
had torn out two and I inquired why he did it. He explained that the
pipes did not work well and he had to take them out and change the
whole house. He had four that he put up last summer, and these
remained.

Mr. ,T. M. Gasser, of Cleveland, O.: Concerning the solid beds, I
will say that I have been using them now about six years and I do not
intend to go back to benches. My beds, however, are a little different
from any of the others, and I think they are cheaper in the make and
probably not as dangerous as the stone beds with pipes through them. I
lay tiles through the bed, cross-wise', to open out onto the walk, on each
side. The tiles are four inches apart, being common drain tiles such as
the farmers use. They ai'e only nine dollars a thousand, which is
cheaper than benches. Then 1 lay the steam pipes through the walk,
over the pipes and cover with boards; so that the heat passes through
the tiles. Those tiles will drain the beds better even than stone will, be-
cause they are more porous. I have done this for five or six years and
think it is a cheaper and better way than any other.

Mr. Du RiE inquired as to the depth of the bed.

Mr. Gasser: The tile is level with the walk. I put six inches of
soil over the top. I have a bed that has been five years there, and out
of the old house we have cut four or five thousand more roses than out
of the house that was newly planted.

Mr. Jordan : What varieties ?

Mr. Gasser: Brides — in fact, all varieties. Brides are the ones I
happened to keep time on. I tried it with some young Brides, I kept

SOCIETY OF AMERICAN FLORISTS. 63

the record and I found they were ahead by about four or five thousand
roses in a year,

Mr. Taylor: As to the depth of soil, we tried eight, twelve, fif-
teen and twenty-four inches, and I rather favor about five and six inches.
(Here the discussion closed.)

ORCHIDS from a COMMERCIAL POINT OF VIEW.

The subject of the next essay, "Orchids as commercial flowers,"
by Mr. William Mathews, of Utica, N. Y., was here announced.

Secretary Stewart: I have a letter from Mr. Mathews, stating
that owing to the sudden illness of his son, he is unable to be here. He
has sent his essay on orchids to be read here, and Mr. Goldring, of
Albany, has kindly consented to read it for Mr. Mathews.

Mr. Samuel Goldring, being called upon, came forward and read
the essay, which was warmly applauded. It was as follows: —

When asked b}' our worthy Secretary to prepare an essay on orchids
from a commercial point of view, the question flashed through my mind
why so many people engaged in floriculture made exceptions to the
orchid, and at the same time attempted to grow so many trashy things
that are much harder to grow and dispose of than the products of the
orchid that are suitable for commerce. Go east or west, you can most
generally find many poorly grown marantas, dracsenas, crotons, etc., and
a host of other things that are of no beauty or utility, unless very well
grown, and to grow them well requires both skill and perseverance.
Generally speaking, should a gardener ask the proprietor of many of the
beautiful conservatory plants that can be found in almost every State of
the Union, for a line of hot and gi-eenhouse plants, no matter if they cost
double the price of good orchids, there is no refusal, the plants are ob-
tained, and many of them are often useless and unfit for the position in
which they are placed, and are much harder to bring to a state of perfec-
tion than a large percentage of the orchid family would be. Neverthe-
less, there seems to hang around the name of orchid a warning not to
touch them, and a feeling pervades many otherwise good gardeners that
orchids are very troublesome and hard to grow, when in reality, with a
minimum amount of care they are the most reliable and easily grown
stock that is embraced in the whole category of floriculture.

Some orchidists will persist in saying that orchids for commercial
purposes can be counted on the fingers of one's hand. To this dogma I
emphatically say, " No." Should a grower confine himself to five species
I am certain that in a few seasons he would find the grower who grew a
good range of species and varieties would soon outdo him. The beauty
of orchid flowers I feel free to say is much increased by grouping sev-

64 PROCEEDINGS OF TENTH CONVENTION,

eral rarieties together; at the same time I do not decry a display of one
variety, whether Cattieya, odontoglossum or phalsenopsis,

1 do not know of anything that appeals to a really artistic taste as
much as a well arranged stage of orchids, imtermixed with fine ferns,
etc. Unfortunately, many of the most beautiful orchids have very ordi-
nary foliage. If the foliage of the orchid were as ornate as their bloom,
then they would be grand indeed.

Commercially, the orchid has scarcely gotten a foothold in this
country yet, but the time T am sure is not far distant when it will
stand commercially in America in as good a ratio as in European coun-
tries, and there will then be few decorative events where the orchid will
not be present, not to the injury of other flowers, but to their benefit. If
in a decoration one mantel is ordered banked with orchids, the other one
must necessarily be more gorgeously banked with other flowers by way
of comparison.

Then, again, if you have a commercial stock of orchids, you have
always something to help you out. There are times just like at the
present writing, when your rose stock is " off crop," carnations scarce,
then you can fill the order with orchids much to the pleasure of your
customer and profit to yourself. There is another good feature, if you
do not want to use the bloom you have out today, they will be just as
good one to three weeks hence. So, it is very rarely you lose any orchid
bloom, even when you are consigning hundreds of once beautiful roses
to the waste barrel.

I have always found that when roses are very plentiful and cheap,
nobodv wants them. What buvers there are in such times are looking
around for some " tid bits." This is another instance where the orchid
will come into play to the pleasure and satisfaction of both florist and
customer.

Now, I have no doubt that you will consider it a hold assertion when
I say the orchid gives me less trouble than any other branch of flori-
culture I am engaged in. In our rose houses we kept fire till about the
5th of June. In our orchid houses the fires were let out about the 15th
of April, and not started afterwards — removing a few plants such as
phalsenopsis, a few dendrobes, and things that required strong heat to a
palm house, where a gentle fire is kept during the summer. Experience
has taught me that there are more orchids killed by coddling with them
in a close atmosphere than by anything else.

There is no plant that delights more in a fresh and pure atmosphere.
I never think of closing ventilators, top or bottom, in my Cattieya houses
after about the 15th of April, according to season as to date, even if the
temperature should go down to 48 and 50 in the early morning, except-
ing there should come up a strong cold wind, then the ventilators are
shut to prevent a cold biting draft going through the houses.

I suppose, commercially speaking, the grand and main point at issue
is the " great and almighty dollar''^ that is unfortunately so dear to the

SOCIETY OF AjVIERICAN FLORISTS. 65

hearts of most of us, even if we are engaged in one of the most pleasure-
able occupations on earth. I will confess to the fact that the outlay for
a large quantity of orchids will be large in comparison with roses, carna-
tions, etc. At the same time it is a fact that a large quantity of orchids
can be bought for a little money, but this grade of stock would be un-
profitable and disappointing, for, although it is only a few years that the
bloom of orchids have been on sale in public stores, yet it is remarkable
how discriminating and aesthetic are the tastes of American ladies in the
purchase of those charming flowers. So much have I experienced this
that I have concluded that a poor form or color of Cattle3'a, odontoglos-
sum, etc., no longer finds a place in my collection, the order being that
such stock be at once relegated to the waste heap. In every importation
there will be a certain percentage of such useless varieties, which would
be dear in a gift. In orchids as in all other commodities, those of a
good quality are the cheaper, and I do not hesitate to say that a collec-
tion of orchids, well selected and good healthy stock, will prove as lucra-
tive as any other branch of floriculture, but I would strongly persuade
intending purchasers to buy good strong stock, whether from the woods
or already established plants. I am confident that at present prices no
one need fear purchasing established stock. I think it will be cheaper
for them if the labor, anxiety and other contingencies are well con-
sidered. They will bring a quicker return than stuff from the woods
with all the risks, and there are many. Thousands are imported yearly
that have either been superheated or sea- washed. If you should get a
dose or two of this kind of medicine, as I have, it will tend to dampen
the ardor for orchid culture, especially if it should happen at the com-
mencement of your orchid careei'. I have bought Cattleyas at fifty cents
dry. I have bought the same varieties established at five dollars.
Those at five dollars brought the price of plant back and two and a half
dollars profit in six months. The fifty cent one was not at any time in
two years worth more than a dollar, flower and all included. So I would
strongly advise any one commencing orchid culture to get plants of the
best quality obtainable, even if he did not get so many. I have lately
had communication from collectors, and they say that it is impossible
that orchids can be collected and sold as cheaply as at the present time,
as they have to climb much higher up the mountains, which means addi-
tional expense. It is the opinion of lots of gardeners that orchids soon
get worn out. That is very true, and we see the same condition in all
branches of plant cultui'e. Too often has it been my experience to see a
once choice lot of orchids steaming and frying in some out of the
way corner, without even ever having been treated to a " pot washing."
I have seen what were once fine specimens of Cattleyas and vandas
standing in the same pots and positions, year after year, potting material
rotten, plants covered with scale, and those who have charge of such
stock are the very fellows that cry "wolf," and warn many intending
purchasers to go light on orchids, and confidently advise and declare that

66 PROCEEDINGS OF TENTH CONVENTION,

the orchid is a hard one. I have a house of Cattleyas that contains a
number of plants that were once owned by the venerable Isaac
Buchanan, of Astoria, and were purchased about 1883, and had doubtless
been in his possession a number of years previously. Those plants are
in perfectly healthy condition, and bear a fine crop of bloom annually. I
have also plants from the late Dr. Walcott's collection, Mrs. Morgan, and
others, that have been in cultivation about twenty-five years. Those
plants are today in fine, healthy condition.

I think these few remarks are enough to show that orchids, if well
established and kept in clean, healthy condition, are as safe and paying
a stock as one can invest in; but, improperly cared for and carelessly
and negligently handled, they, like all kinds of choice plants (excepting
none), will prove a losing investment; but T do claim that more of the
orchid family will stand abuse and improper culture than any other kind
of stock I am acquainted with.

In conclusion, I would say that it is a lamentable thing to see so
many wealthy people living in luxurious homes, surrounded by fine plant
houses, the latter costing from §5,000 to 8 10,000, which do not contain §500
worth of choice plants of any kind. Often this is the fault of the man in
charge, who is either too lazy or too ignorant to care for anything better
than a few trashy common things which, by the way, should be
furnished by the local florist or plantsman. I have reference to such
things as geraniums, coleus, etc. If we had better gardeners we would
soon see moi'e houses of choice stock that would be immensely grati-
fying to the proprietors of such places and at the same time create a de-
mand, and encouragement would spring up all around that would be both
beneficial and profitable to the trade and a credit to this glorious country.

The President announced that discussion of the subject was in
order.

Mr. Edwin Lonsdale, of Philadelphia : I have listened to Mr.
Mathews' interesting and instructive essay on " Orchids from a com-
mercial point of view," and I agree with him that with proper facilities
they are certainly easy to grow. The question has often presented itself
to me, however, will it pay for a florist to build houses especially for the
growing of orchids ? Speaking from my own experience, I never could
see my way clear to build orchid houses with a view to making a profit.

We will take a house, say, one hundred feet long and twenty feet or
so wide. What will it cost to stock such a house with the more desirable
species and varieties of orchids for cut flowers, and use it exclusively for
that purpose ? Well, according to my experience in buying these blue-
blooded aristocrats among flowers, it would cost from §5,000 to §10,000.
A large amount of money may be spent for orchids, and we may have
very little to show for our expenditure. My third speculation in orchids
was about four years ago, when I gave a dealer a carte blanche order for

SOCIETY OF AMERICAN FLORISTS. 67

$500 worth. The only stipulation made was, that they should be useful
for cutting, and to bloom generally in the winter season. It would be an
object lesson were I to give a list of what was sent to me. However,
that was " bought " experience. No more carte hlanche orders from
me ! I buy now what I believe will suit the trade which I am catering
for in Philadelphia.

Compare the amount which it will take to stock an orchid house with
what it will require to plant a modern rose house. For from ."^150 to
$200 most excellent rose plants may be secured with which to plant this
house one hundred feet long, to start for our winter's crop ; and the
returns will be far greater, per square foot occupied, than will be realized
from the orchid house. The first year the orchid house will barely pay
five per cent, on the original cost of stock, whereas I have known a rose
house to pay for itself in the first year after its construction.

It is of no use whatever for a florist who is in the wholesale business
to dabble in orchids on a small scale. We must be either so deep in them
that we can cut them nearly every day in the year, or otherwise we
should leave them alone altogether. To have a few orchids, generally
speaking, is to have them neglected.

It is understood, of course, that if orchids are properly cared for,
many of them will increase in value from year to year ; but that does not
help a florist with only limited capital. It is the first cost of this class of
plants which materially reduces the profit. Orchids cannot be grown on
the plan of small profits and quick returns. My experience has been the
opposite of this, so far.

If we would have variety in our orchid flowers (which is very desir-
able, I will admit), we will find it necessary to buy some for their own
worth and to furnish variety ; and these will be found to degenerate
under cultivation.

My practice has been to grow many of ray orchids in connection
with palms, and move them from house to house, according to their re-
quirements. But the Cattleyas, taking them as a whole, do not develop
to their fullest capabilities by this course of treatment; yet the returns
so far from the investments have not justified me in building a house or
houses for their especial culture.

I can quite agree with Mr. Mathews when he makes the statement
that the orchid gives him less trouble than any other branch of horti-
culture in which he is engaged. I fully endorse all that he says on that
point, but the additional expense in securing the stock in suflScient
quantity to make it an object to grow orchids for profit, far outweighs, to
my mind, the difference in care between them and roses or carnations,
for instance.

Mr. Mathews advises the safest plan, I believe, when he advocates
the buying of good healthy established plants; but for my own satisfac-
tion, I prefer to buy unflowered pieces direct from the woods. It takes
more experience, perhaps, to handle this class of plants satisfactorily,.

68 PROCEEDINGS OF TENTH CONVENTION,

but the charm which goes with the uncertainty of what the value of the
flowers may prove to be, overbalances, to my mind, the money profit we
may realize from established plants. There is a possibility of a rarity
appearing among them, and there is a mild and harmless excitement
about this plan of proceeding that compensates for some poor flowers
which generally appear in nearly all unflowered batches of orchids
received from the woods.

I must place myself on record here by saying that no one appreciates
the orchid more than I do, and that I can see for it a great future; but
as the question of ''Orchids from a commercial standpoint" is under
consideration, it seems necessary to look into the subject from a dollar
wid cent point of view, as it has occurred to me, with my experience with
it. [Applause.]

Mr. Samuel Goldring, of Albany, N. Y., was the next speaker.
He said that the question of cost or the consideration of dollars and
cents, as stated by Mr. Lonsdale, was not the onl}' one at issue. Of
course the I'ose always had been the queen of flowers; but when flower
lovers or the general public came to the florist's store and said, " We
want to have a very nice decoration for the table tonight, we are going
to have some visitors from England or some other country," should they
be told that they could only have American Beauties, La France or
some other rose, cai-nations or something in that order? They wanted
something new. The speaker said that this had been put to him many
times and that he had responded to the demands of the public without
thinking of the dollars and cents. He had been told that he could not
afford to do this, but he believed that if he suffered loss in furnishing a
mantel of orchids, for instance, for a large dinner party or some occasion
of exceptional interest and importance, he would be reimbursed for his
loss in some other way. He thought that the results accomplished in
this way, in furnishing something new and novel, would bear good fruit
in time. He said he believed that dealers should not look to the dollars
and cents all the time. He knew of many cases where dealers decorated
a table with orchids without ever seeing the money back that they had
put into what they furnished. When people wanted a table different
from anything they had before, the dealer might not be able to charge
fifty or a hundred dollars to decorate that table with orchids, but he could
charge a fair price and he knew that he was bringing the orchids before
the people. " Where is there a mantel or a table today," the speaker
asked, "that is more lovely than one of orchids?" He further stated
that, on one occasion, last year, when he wanted to fill an order for
orchids, which were scarce about Xew York, he telegraphed to Mr.
Mathews, and that gentleman sent him one hundred and fifty Cattleyas,
which were very fine. He used these in the table decoration and on the
mantel, and such were the effect which they produced that he believed
they had brought him one hundred fold all that they cost him. He said

SOCIETY OF AMERICAN FLORISTS. 69

he thoucjht it was all wronij for florists to assume that because there was
no money in orchid culture they should throw orchids out and not grow
them. He contended that orchid growing ought to be encouraged and
that it was one of the things today which florists could go into success-
fully. He advised the use of orchids, in decorating, alternately with
other flowers, so as to bring the former more prominently before the
people. He suggested that twenty or thirty feet at the end of a palm
house could be devoted for their cultivation, or that they could be hung
up in baskets along the roof, and they would amply repay for the trouble
connected with them. He repeated that the grower should not look only
to himself all the time but should defer to the demands made upon the
retailer, who had to supply the public and sell the flowers.

Mr. Lonsdale : I will only say that Mr. Goldring makes a very
good argument from the retailer's standpoint ; but mine was from the
growers standpoint. That, I think, is what we are after at this time.

Mr. Goldring : I would ask Mr. Lonsdale, should the grower look
only for himself all the time. Who gets rid of the flowers, in this
country ? I am a grower, and have twenty-seven houses. I have put
one or two of them into orchids, and I know that it does no more than
pay me. But should the grower think of ever dollar for himself and
forget all about the retailer ? That is the cause of many strifes today,
through the grower wanting everything and not giving the retailer what
he can sell. The retailer is the one he has to grow for, and he does not
grow for himself. We have to supply the public, and I think that grow-
ers should ask the retailers what thiey can sell.

President Anthony (having asked permission to add a word or two
on the subject, as he was somewhat interested in growing orchids), said :
I have the largest orchid trade in Chicago or in the west, and have grown
nearly all the varieties that are grown by the commercial florists. Of all
the flowers I have grown for commercial purposes, the one that has given
me, perhaps, the most profit and satisfaction is the Cattleya. I have
received more money from that, in proportion to the outlay, than from
any other flower I have handled. Of course I have sold many, nearly
all, of the flowers at retail, but I could make money with my flowers if I
sold them at wholesale. I grow them among the palms and other plants.
I get nearly the same amount from the house that I would get if I did
not have any orchids, because I have very few on the bench. They hang
above the palms and have done very well. My orchids, all or nearly all,
were brought direct from the woods, and they come not, as Mr. Mathews
has said, either sea-washed or dried up, but come in very good condition
and pay me nearly the price of the plants the first year. So that I am
pretty well satisfied I have got my money back from orchids.

The discussion here closed.

70 PROCEEDINGS OF TENTH CONVENTION,

RECESS.

In view of the near approach of the time for the noon recess, and
the comparatively small number of members remaining in the hall,
the reading of Mr. Temple's essay on Canuas was, on motion of Mr.
May, deferred until afternoon. A recess was then ordered.

SECOND DAY — AFTERNOON.

Wednesday, August 22, 1894.

OBJECTION TO AN AAVARD.

The session opened with the reading of a number of reports from
the committees of judges on awards for exhibits. These were read by
Secretary Steavart. When the reading had been concluded. President
Anthony (having temporarily vacated the chair) , said : I wish to say
one word respecting one of these awards, that is, that on boilers. I
decidedly object to any cast iron boiler being recommended for steam
purposes by this Society. It is not a boiler that is worthy of a certificate
of merit. The boiler here mentioned is as good a boiler, perhaps, as can
be made of cast iron, but it is not as good a boiler as can be made simply
for heating greenhouses with steam.

Mr. P. O'Mara, of New York : What is the proper course of
action in the event of an objection being made to the report of a com-
mittee ? Is it the custom of the Society to sanction the report of the
committee, or does it refer it back to the committee when objection to
it is made ?

Mr. Anthony : This report has already been referred back. I
suppose that the objection to it will be recorded in the report.

Mr. O'Mara : My inquiry was made merely for my own informa-
tion as to whether, when a committee report here, the Society is called
upon to receive and confirm the report, after having discussed it, or to
dispose of it finally, by vote, in some other way.

Mr. Anthony: The question in this instance would possibly in-
volve a very long discussion before it would be decided. It was dis-
cussed at several of our conventions and the subject generally occupied
a considerable portion of a session.

Mr. O'Mara: Possibly one way to dispose of it would be to allow
the report to stand with the objection to it appended to it. Is that the
course it will take?

SOCIETY OF AMERICAN FLORISTS. 71

Mr. Anthony: That is the course it will take, as I understand it
now.

Secretaiy Stewart: For the information of Mr. O'Mara, I will
state that this same objection was made when this report passed through
the Executive Committee this morning. All the reports here read by
me were passed upon by the Executive Committee before being pre-
sented to the Society. This particular report was given back to the com-
mittee with the objection as stated; and that committee subsequently
returned it with the following statement appended: —

To the 3f embers of the Executive Committee, — The report returned
with instructions has been gone over; and in view of the exhibit, and
the knowledge of the subject possessed by the members of the committee
on awards, that committee would respectfully request that the report
remain as presented.

The subject was here dropped without further action.

cannas.

The next business in order being the deferred essay on " Cannas,"
by Mr. John T. Temple, of Davenport, la., the same was read by
Mr. Temple, who was enthusiastically greeted.

The essay was as follows : —

A class of plants that is becoming very popular is the cannas. They
are rapidly crowding the geranium for the first place in bedding plants;
their beautiful and massive foliage stamps them as one of the best deco-
rative plants for all purposes, especially for use in greenhouses, halls,
dwellings, etc., while for the lawn they are one of the most satisfactory
plants grown, blooming from June until frost, rivaling the improved
gladiolus in size of blossom and the brilliancy of coloring of the various
shades of red and yellow flowers.

The name canua is, according to some authorities, derived from
cana, the Celtic name for reed or cane. They are mostly natives of the
Indies and South America. They are easily multiplied by seed and also
by division of the roots. Of late years there has been a great improve-
ment in color, size of blooms, and dwarf ness of habit of the plants;
especially in the hybrid seedlings raised by Mr. Crozy, of Lyons, France.
Mr. Crozy is entitled to great credit for the improvement and introduc-
tion of the fine varieties that are called the Crozy cannas.

A good many good seedlings are being raised in the United States,
and there is no reason to doubt that with our fine climate and soil that
we can produce finer varieties than are yet in commerce. After we
have obtained the ideal pure yellow canna with large blossoms we should
turn our attention to procuring a strain of foliage cannas, with the
beautiful colors and markings of the crotons and phrynium, and the

72 PROCEEDINGS OF TENTH CONVENTION,

elegant shadings and color of Dracsena terminalis; then the canna with
its gorgeous flowers, and the size and elegant markings of foliage, would
possess almost every quality that the most fastidious would desire. It is
feasible as we already have reddish and purple foliage in numerous
cannas, and the yellow shade and some markings, as in Canna Breningsii.

From the 1st to loth of April we divide and start the canna in the
greenhouse or in a mild hot-bed, in six or eight inches of soil, preferring
the hot-bed as it seems more congenial to them, dividing into one or not
more than two eyes to each piece. These make larger growth and foli-
age than if more eyes are left. When they have attained a growth of
about a foot high, say about May 20 (with us), we plant out in open
ground if the weather is suitable, if not we pot them until ready to plant
out. In very windy situations it is best to plant them out as soon as the
first leaf shows above the ground; they do not break off so easily, and
are hardier and stronger than plants forced to a lengthy growth caused
by starting them too early. To be effective the beds should not be toa
large. Wm. Robinson, in Suh-Tropical Gardening, truly says that enor-
mous meaningless masses of them are things to avoid, and not to imitate.
The best size of circular bed to plant the tallest varieties in is from
fifteen to twenty feet in diameter, made level (with very rich soil, one-
fourth of good manure, not too fresh) , a little below the surrounding
surface, so that the water will not run off as it would do if raised. If the
bed is larger than fifteen to twenty feet in diameter for the tallest variety
it will look low and squatty, and if smaller it will look too high. A study
of the height of the various sorts will prove a good guide for diameter of
bed; the taller the variety, the greater the diameter, and vice versa for
the smaller varieties. A proper planting for effect, whether for one or
more seasons should be one of the main ideas of the thorough gardener,
but as long as our profession is so truly empirical, so long will the gen-
eral public regard the civil engineer with more favor or his opinions with
more weight than those of the horticulturist.

After they are planted we give them a good watering, then when
they have started to grow rapidly, say about July 1, we place the hose on
the ground in centre of the canna bed, and let the water run slowly all
night. During the warm growing season they cannot have too much water
at the roots. I do not advise watering the foliage in beds more than once
a week when they are in bloom, as it spoils the flowers, rendering them
unsightly and making them fall off much sooner than otherwise. Keep
cutting the old flowers off before forming seed and they will bloom con-
tinuously until frost.

A well grown canna is an addition to any kind of architecture, and
is suitable for planting at base or side of steps and porch. They are
very effective planted in clumps or singly along walks in lawns, and are
useful for screening unsightly views. A very handsome bed is one of all
one color, say Chas. Henderson or A. Bouvier, with a border of some of

SOCIETY OF AMERICAN FLORISTS. 73

the dwarf yellow varieties. In a neighboring terrace lawn the owner
has planted clumps of the improved cannas (assorted), at the foot of
three terraces, and the plants five to six feet apart. The effect is very
pleasing, especially with the grass background. At the World's Fair,
between the Horticultural Hall and the greenhouses, were two novel
round beds raised eight to twelve feet, the mounds being made, so I was
informed, from old boxes, manure aud refuse sphagnum moss and soil
from cleaning out the greenhouses and sheds. They were planted chiefly
with Mme. Crozy cannas, yuccas, ricinus and smaller things to fill bare
spots. Being so high they were very effective aud showed well John
Thorpe's skill and the capability of the canna as a decorative plant.

They are easily grown from seed, blooming the first year. Soak the
seed in warm water for twenty-four houi'S before planting and almost all
will come up. There are some good varieties raised this way (especially
from the newer sorts), and it should be encouraged, but my advice would
be to throw them all on the rubbish heap, unless they are decided and
very distinct improvements on such varieties as Chas. Henderson, Al-
phonse Bouvier, Florence Vaughan, Capt. de Suzzoni, Mme Crozy, Paul
Marquant and other good varieties now in commerce. If you raise what
you think is a new and good sort it would be better before disseminating
to send bloom and plant to some canna expert, who grows in large quan-
tities the improved sorts, so that they can make comparisons, say J. C.
Yaughan in the west aud Dean, Pierson or Dreer in the east. Or, better
yet, start a canna society, auxiliary to the Society of American Florists,
which would register and test all varieties before they were disseminated;
it would save trouble in canna nomenclature. Some of our European
brothers are very extravagant in descriptions of varieties which some-
times need a microscope to detect the slightest shade of difference in
color, as many of our importers of roses, geraniums, cannas, etc., know
to their loss, so go slow until some other fellow has tested them.

In propagating a new variety for dissemination do not divide too
often, as it weakens the stamina and the variety is often condemned,
when it has been weakened by over-propagation. When Mme. Crozy
was first sent out I bought stock, and commenced to divide, and did so
until the foliage was no wider than corn blades, and most of the last
division had to be thrown away, for they never made good plants.

Insects. — The canna is, for the size of its leaves, remarkably free
from insect pests. I have only noticed red spiders on plants this year
that could not be reached by the hose, and on early planted stock a small
white hairy worm (name unknown) , which rolled up the leaves and cut
holes in them, disfiguring them badly ; the only remedy I know is to
hand pick ; I have not seen any of these latter insects since July 1st this
year.

Taking up. — The first day after frost I cut off most of the tops,
leaving a few leaves on, then take up and plant, without dividing, in
boxes in sandy soil, then place in light cellar or under bench in green-

74

PROCEEDINGS OF TENTH CONVENTION,

house, care being taken to see that they are given only enough water to
prevent drying up, and not enough to cause rot. If I have plenty of
room we jjlant on greenhouse bench and keep growing all winter, and at
Christmas and Easter the flowers pay for their keeping.

Qualifications. — A good canna should possess good foliage, a sturdy
habit, a large flower, composed of wide and net too long petals of good
waxy substance, on a stalk rising well above the foliage, and a good,
bright color. The flowers on the stalks should not crowd one another
too much and need not necessarily be upright, as is the standard set by
some, but may droop, as in the Iridifolia or Ehemanni type ; to some
they are more graceful and beautiful than the upright type.

For years I have been testing all the new varieties as they were in-
troduced. Some were extra tine, but many should not have been sent
out ; some had new shades and marking, but lacked substance and
breadth of petals, etc. Some years a variety would do especially well,
and the next year a variety that was poor the previous season would take
first place. Some plants of a variety do better in some locations than in
others, planted at same time and given same treatment.

The best twelve grown this year by me of the previous introduc-
tions, are :

Chas. Henderson, of its color, rich vivid crimson, the best canna to
date ; petal wide, not too much reflexed and of fair substance ; very
desirable planted singly, at side near foot of entrance steps to residence,
also good for beds of all one color.

Florence Vaughan, the gem of all cannas, color bright golden yel-
low, thickly spotted with bright crimson ; petals broad, not too long, and
of good substance, flowers lasting well this dry season. Very desirable
planted in same way and as a companion plant to Chas. Henderson. It
is not quite as showy as Capt. P. de Suzzoni for a bed of yellow on ac-
count of the large bright crimson spots neutralizing the golden yellow.
I think it is the best type of canna to date, and advise all to plant it.
The variety Florence Vaughan was purchased and named by the intro-
ducer in this country in the fall of 1891, while Anton Barton, which the
Nomenclature Committee claim to be identical, was first offered as a
trade novelty for the spring of 1893. A canna committee or society
would prevent the circulation of such inaccuracies.

xllphonse Bouvier, the brightest canna for bedding, richest crimson,
and will always be in demand, makes grand mass beds ; seems to have
some Ehemanni blood in it, as when the second flower opens on the
spike it spreads or droops, same as the Iridifolia type, and gives variety
and style to this class of plants.

Capitaine P. de Suzzoni is the best yellow for planting in solid bed
of one color ; it is not a pure yellow, but a canary yellow shade, lightly
spotted red so as to intensify the yellow shade. Extra good.

Mme. Crozy keeps up the reputation of being the most free-flower-

SOCIETY OF AMERICAN FLORISTS. 75

ing of the Crozy type of Canua ; too well known to describe. No one
loving cannas can do without it ; it generally comes true raised from
seed.

Paul Marquant is another grand canna hard to beat ; color salmon
scarlet.

This season the best dark or purple leaf variety is canna Geoffroy
St. Hilaire, a splendid variety for mass beds ; flowers orange red.

Another equally good purple leaf canna is J. C. Vaughan, with larger
and darker flowers than the preceding ; an extra bloomer.

J. D. Cabos and President Cai'not are both good varieties that cannot
be dispensed with, though J. D. Cabos fades out considerably this dry
season.

Count Horace de Choiseul is a variety giving satisfaction this year,
though it has done poorly with me for the two last seasons.

Mile, de CruUion should be planted for its odd shade of yellow,
shading to terra cotta ; it is a free bloomer.

Everyone should have some plants of C. Ehemanni, with grand foli-
age and beautiful drooping carmine flowers on stray stalks, entirely dif-
ferent from other varieties. It is a gem when well grown. There are
other good varieties, as Paul Bruant, Trocadero, H. Vilmorin, Egandale,
that did well with me last year, but the above named are the best this
year. Of the newest or later introductions that I am testing or have
seen, the first one, Koenigin Charlotte, very brilliant scarlet, with a
broad band of golden yellow, has flowers of good size and substance; petals
not very broad ; it will become very popular; a decided novelty. Paul
Sigrist, in color is an improvement on Mme. Crozy, but the flowers lack
substance and do not last well ; it may improve with cultivation.

Lemoine's Eldorado is a grand blooming Canna, color light yellow,
good sized petals and good substance.

Columbia, an Iowa raised seedling, raised by Kramer & Son, as
seen at the Chicago Exposition, also in 1892 at Marion, is a magnificent
variety ; color bright red ; flowers large, upright and supporting one
another well on the stalk. Gives promise of being a standard sort in
first class. Orange Perfection is another variety that I am testing this
year, a dwarf ; the color orange scarlet. I do not think much of it with
this season's trial.

The following varieties, seedlings raised by M. Crozj', and under
control of J. C. Vaughan, are extra good. My notes of varieties at the
Chicago Fair, show 103, and M. Mesnier, 107, Chicago, 118, and 124 not
named, were extra in 1893 ; this season they have kept up to their high
standing. No. 124 is in style and color of F. Yaughan, but larger flowers.
Magniflcent, No. 116, P. J. Berckmans, 126, J. W. Elliott, and 127, Mme.
Bouvier, are all good sorts; also 100, F. Guillord. Another variety
worthy of mention is Admiral Gervais.

In the exhibition hall at Atlantic City, were three varieties that are

76 PROCEEDINGS OF TENTH CONVENTION,

identical, viz. : Florence Vaughan, introduced in 1892 ; Anton Barton,
introduced in 1893 ; and Comte de Bouchard, 1894. It is not right for
the French growers to do this, and this Society should appoint a canna
committee to devise a remedy.

Discussion of the essay being in order, Mr. P. O'Mara said: I
would like to ask the essayist whether he investigated the published
report, which appeared some time ago, that Mme. Crozy was not a hybrid
but a species, and that it was identical with Aurea limbata, inti'oduced
in the early part of the century, from Chili or Peru, I have forgotten
which.

Mr. Temple: Yes, I did investigate it. I saw in the September
number (1892), of the Atnerican AgricuUicrist, the article by Mr. C. L.
Allen in regard to Mme. Crozy canna being an old variety. There is
in the Botanical Cabinet, published in London in 1820, by Loderidge &
Son, a description and illustration of a large tlowered canna which they
call Canna aurea vitata or limbata. Shortly afterward the London
Oardeners^ Chronicle gave good authorities to the effect that it was not
Mme. Crozy. I believe from all the authorities I could find, that it is
not the same thintj.

s'

Mr. 0"Mara: I would state that in the course of a short visit to
Mr. Allen which I made soon after this claim was published, he granted
me the privilege of looking over his library, and in a book of hand paint-
ings which he showed me, I found a plate of what was alleged to be the
Canna aurea limbata; and I must say that if Mme. Crozy was compared
with it, side by side, it might be very difficult to detect the difference
between them. I was pressed for time and did not have an opportunity
to talk the matter over thoroughly with Mr. Allen, and it has just come
back to my mind now. Possibly it would be well to have the facts
developed.

The President invited further discussion, but no response was
made.

Mr. O'Mara: I desire to move a vote of thanks to Mr. Temple for
his very able essay on this subject; and if the chair deems proper to
appoint a committee on the lines laid down, I hope that it will be done.
I make a motion accordingly.

Mr. W. K. Harris seconded the motion.

The motion was adopted without objection, and later on the Presi-
dent appointed as the Canna Committee, Mr. J. T. Temple, Mr. D.
Zirno:iebel and Mr. James Dean.

SOCIETY OF AMERICAN FLORISTS. 77

THE CHRYSANTHEJIUM.

An address on "The evolution of the chrysanthemum" (under the
auspices of the Chrysanthemum Society of America), by Mr. Grove P.
Kawson, of Elmira, N. Y., was the next feature on the program, and it
proved to be one of the most interesting and valuable ever delivered
before the Society, and was heard with intense interest. Frequent out-
bursts of applause accompanied it.

Mr. Rawson, upon being presented, said:

Honorable President, Ladies and Oentlemen of the Society of Ameri-
can Florists, Greeting, — I cannot say that 1 am especially fond of con-
ventions of either one sort or the other — I'm not built that way — though
of course the Florists' Convention is quite superior to all the others;
that goes without saying. I do not suppose I should have been here,
in fact, if I had not been sent for, but I am not sorry I came, so far. I
do not know, though, that I am a true florist even; I am no bowler; my
strong right arm don't work that way; and I have not much stomach
girth for liquid refreshments. Why, even a few glasses of Demerara
Swizzle were almost enough to give me "foot tangle." Possibly I am a
hybrid.

If I had selected my own subject I should have preferred to address
you on " Plant life about the Equator." I have had exceptional oppor-
tunities for study of natural history in South America. Nature in the
tropics is simply grand. I fancy I should have interested you. Vegetable
life is so exuberant and in such superabundance that a mere description
of its varied species of palms, scandent and upright, the strange flower-
ering trees, the wonderful variety of vines, of shrubby and herbaceous
character, the orchid in habitat, far prettier in its natural state amid
natural surroundings than as grown under glass, not to mention the
splendid fern growth, and floating islands of aquatics — I say a ver}'
common statement would command attention, as this field is so much of
it unexplored country, being so ditflcult of access.

But enough. I must stick to my text; the string of my bow at this
time is the chrysanthemum. All honor to the glorious flower, the Eldo-
rado of the flower realm. Numerous friends and admirers always look
forward to its annual visit, and delight to do appropriate honors suited to
the occasion. He comes as a conquering hero assured of festive welcome.
Many a feminine bosom flutters at the first sight of his curly golden locks,
and she wears him over her heart, though it takes her last penny. " So
swell," don't you know! The "mum" is decidedly a ladies' flower.
These preliminary months are prophetic of future promise. Now is the
time to put in our good work, and be not weary of well doing. By and
by we may rest from our labors and enjoy the splendor of his regal
presence.

78 PROCEEDINGS OF TENTH CONVENTION,

Chrysanthemums appear upon the scene with such eclat that old
time favorites give way for the time being by mere force of circum-
stances, unable to cope with such prodigious displays of gorgeousness
and brilliancy. What flower excels it in color effect? Its various tints
and shadings ai'e at times unique, and again startling as to the ordinary
rules of color harmony. As well get out j^our paint pot, and try to re-
produce a glorious sunset sky, as to perfectly describe the colors of many
chrysanthemums. Nature defies imitation when she gets down to busi-
ness. When you want a yellow that is pure gold, a ruddy orange or
lemon tint, amber, cream or buff, what flower can so satisfy you as does
the chrysanthemum ? In this respect the " mum " is a peerless flower
and unequaled. In its form and shape it is alike varied and interesting.

It is said of some people, don't you know, that they " travel best on
their shape." The chrysanthemum might well do so, besides it belongs
to the "big four" — roses, carnations, chi-ysa^ithemums, violets. The
orchid and lily claim they don't care for the combination.

While chrysanthemums do not attract the furor of some few years
past, and the public press is not so enthusiastic in its exaggerations, and
the Hardy type is no longer a novelty, but nevertheless still attractive, and
most people are more or less familiar with the " swelled " heads of some
of the big fellows, yet all the same the chrysanthemum is no back num-
ber, nor will it ever be. It has come to stay.

Ward McAllister's edict that it is now too common for the exclusive
" four hundred," is worse for 'em than it is for it ; and for any one to
utter such treason is a shameless affront to the entire chrysanthemum
race. So much so that the poorest 'mum would feel dishonored to bear
his name ! No fears, though, but chrysanthemums will flourish when
Ward himself is quite forgotten. " You can't sometimes most always
tell what you least expect the most " — still I have no doubt the king will
reign, whether subjects do him honor or no. Vive le roi chrysanthe-
mum ! or dub the flower " Queen of Autumn," if you like !

The chrysanthemum is more useful and popular today than ever
before. We cannot do without it, nor would we. It tills in a gap. It
has its essential place that no other flower does or can occupy.

The best word that you can say for a good aster bloom is that it
resembles a 'mum.

Chrysanthemums usher in November with many a magnificent flower
show and private exhibition that otherwise would not be. Florists and
Flora's realm ought to be exceeding grateful and do homage to a flower
that serves so grand a purpose. Here's to the health of Chrys. Chrysan-
themum— whose shadow, may it never grow less, but enlarge !

And I am proud to say

That I honor its sway

In dull November weather ;

When it rules the day

And Is bright and gay

As birds of tropic feather.

SOCIETY OF AMERICAN FLORISTS. 79

I am still speaking of the good qualities of chrysaathemums in
general. I have not yet got round to its distinctive features of later de-
velopment. There have been notable improvements in some new varie-
ties, as well as heaps of rubbish palmed off on the public not worthy to
have been disseminated, and this fact has lessened the general interest
in new varieties not fully tested, or well medaled, certitied and abund-
antly advertised ; and many of these even failed to become standard
sorts, from one reason and another. For the good of the cause it is not
wise to have too many new kinds offered at a time. There isn't so
much room at the top as there used to was. By all means let the new
comers be distinct in some special feature, as well as up to the required
standard of what we expect of a good chrysanthemum. And don't patch
out "sets" with one or two of doubtful value. We are already over-
stocked in this line.

As a matter of fact, there are few connoisseurs at the present time
who are willing to pay a dollar or so for a two-inch chrysanthemum
whose merit, after all, is but a question of circumstance or lottery.
There are so man}^ — too many — good tested kinds as it is, that it is dif-
ficult indeed to draw the line what to retain or discard. The whole
chrysanthemum field has been pretty well plowed over of late, in that
good, bad and indifferent sorts are alike covered up, some even buried
alive that perhaps may be revived again in due time.

No matter how many disappear or are trampled under, the rank and
file knows no loss. There are plenty of enlistments to fill up the gaps.
Recruits from abroad and at home, from the east and from the west, a
very cosmopolitan army, making a confusion of tongues! No wonder
our Chrysanthemum Society demands registration, and many of these
foreigners require naturalization papers! " Restricted emigration " is
one of the topics of the day, why doesn't it apply to chrysanthemums!

Just to sell over the counter, one need grow but comparatively few
kinds, standard sorts, white, yellow and pink mostly. But a large col-
lection has its own especial interest. The enthusiastic chrysanthemist
creates a special demand for his fine stock. Enthusiasm is no mean
factor in the development of trade these days. It comes under the head
of advantageous advertisement.

As you all know, some varieties of " mums " you will find useful for
one purpose and some for another. There are those to be grown in pots
for exhibition to single stems, bush plants and standards, as also for cut
flowers. Amateurs and private gardeners occasionally train them into
fantastic shapes; all well enough, if it please their fancy, and there is
sufficient growth to hide the topmast, mainstays fore and aft, as well as
the jib boom. The presence of sticks, wires, or supports of any kind, if
at all prominent, considerably detracts from the natural beauty of a
specimen plant, no matter how otherwise well grown.

Let the Japanese grow a chrysanthemum bloom three feet across, as
it is said they do (my authority is H. Izawa), where is its beauty, when

80 PROCEEDINGS OF TENTH CONVENTION,

its thin petals have to be kept in place by a wire network support? Give
me less flower and more substance.

Reminds me of a story in war time. A soldier home on a furlough
noticed for the first time the ladies new style of wearing their hair, when
it was caught at the nape of the neck in a rather heavy net, the so-called
"water-fall." " Why," said he, "have the women got so darned lazy
that they have to carry their hair in bags? " Really, we have not much
use for a chrysanthemum that can not stand alone on its own merits,
causa sine qua non.

I believe in evolution as to the chrysanthemum, the fittest will sur-
vive; that is my idea of evolution, pure and simple. As the saying goes,
" You can't make a whistle out of a pig's tail," the material isn't suita-
ble. The so-called connecting links between the animal and vegetable
kingdom are at once separate and distinct after all, whatever the sup-
posed aflinities may be.

Four, five years ago anything most would pass muster that was a
chrysanthemum. They were all of 'em quite too lovely for anything!
Single ones that looked like daisies and smelled like violets? Every style
was lauded and praised, including the pin wheel, Catharine wheel,
feather duster, water lily and "chalice" shaped flower, as were the
anemones and pompons. Now, these classes are non est as to popular
favor, and even the Japanese must have less feathers and more petals.

However, when we become too critical we may lose the zest of com-
plete enjoyment. I wonder if this incident is at all apropos. An Irish
woman and her daughter came into my store lately to order a flower
piece of some kind. The mother had her eye on something large and
showy, when made up, plenty of this, and that, and so on. The girl
remonstrated, suggesting a more simple arrangement, but was entirely
squelched with " Molly, it's meself that's doiu' it, and I'm glad I haven't
got an educated taste as the likes of you." Oh, it's not half bad.

A musical critic is often so impressed with his own individual art
that he quite lacks any appreciation of a brother artist. The " doctors "
don't agree when it comes to judging chrysanthemums. Their relative
value will vary, much according to the experience and individual taste of
A, B, C. One will condemn what another recommends, the difference
of opinion being largely mere point of view.

I will simply give my experience, and confess I do not know all
about the subject, nor do I ever expect to. There will always be some-
thing to learn in this line or any other, and the more you know only
opens up new and greater possibilities for further attainment. xVgain
there will always be different methods of accomplishing the same results.

For myself, I know that I can grow as good chrysanthemums as any
I have ever seen on exhibition, with a high average of first quality
bloom, and with but a very small percentage of plants faiUng to flower,
or producing imperfect blooms. It is not my thought to go into detailed
cultural directions, nor is it necessary; that ground was well gone over

SOCIETY OF AMERICAN FLORISTS. 81

last year in Elmer D. Smith's admirable essay, " Bench grown chrysan-
themums."

I plant my first lot in solid beds about the first of July from three
and four inch pots, good strong plants that have not become starved or
woody. I would not want to plant them much earlier than this date,
judging from my experience. With me, I get larger flowers, more sub-
stance and earlier in bloom, than if planted out in May or June. I stake
nothing on the fact, as a rule, it is simply my experience.

Those planted on benches for early and mid-season blooms are in
place by the 1.5th of July, while the late ones for December flowers are
not potted oft' from the propagating bench much before the last of the
month, and planted in August. These late ones are all grown to single
stems, one flower each from crown bud cuttings, lateral and terminal
shoots, according to the variety.

I use plenty of half rotted cow manure for compost, with stiffish sod
turned over and stacked up the preceding spring. There is much more
" move " to it than if piled up for two or three years, and is better for
general planting of stock inside, though not so good for potting purposes,
a little too rough and coarse perhaps.

While 1 use coke for drainage in the bottom of rose benches, with
chrysanthemums I use manure instead, the "mums" being so much
more voracious a feeder I prefer this course to using liquid; 1 only use
liquid for pot plants.

Give a chrysanthemum too much strong drink and he will suffer
from " sour stomach," dyspepsia, and the whole plant will appear to
have a bad attack of jaundice. Use it, of course, as necessary, but there
is danger of over-feeding. When malformed blooms stare you in the
face you feel like using " cuss words." Stimulants ad libitum are as
bad for "mums" as for the human species. In planting chrysanthe-
mums carefully select your young stock same as you would for roses;
hard, woody or starved plants ought to be at a discount, even if they are
new " mums," and is a waste of time and space. You need to be more
particular with some varieties than others, especially those that make a
thin wiry growth to start with, as Mrs. M. J. Thomas, Mrs. Robt. Craig,
M, B. Spaulding, H. Waterer, and the like. Healthy young stock of
Golden Wedding grows quickly and vigorous, but if it once becomes
" hard " its growth is stunted and it rusts badly.

Mrs. Craige Lippincott will stand right still when stunted that way,
or else put out new growth from the bottom that generally fails to bloom
at all.

Mrs. Geo. Bullock (Domination) acts much the same way. By the
way, the former name is entitled to precedence. There are fewer chry-
santhemums imported under number than of yore, consequently less con-
fusion in names and synonyms. Examples are V. H. Hallock vs. Dawn,
Mrs. Humphreys vs. Snowball, Kineveh vs. Charity, Bride of Roses vs.
Wm. Tricker, et al. Besides, our Chrysanthemum Society registers the

82 PROCKEDINGS OF TENTH CONVENTION,

names of new aspirants to public favor, and the debutants are thus-
properly chaperoned. That's all that saved us from having a baker's
dozen Ruth Clevelands when the first baby put in an appearance at the
White House. What about Esther?

Quite a chapter could be written on histories of synonyms. Good
Gracious, the sport of Princess of Chrysanthemums, is classed by many
as synonymous with Princess, whereas tbe real article is a bona fide sport,
distinct in habit, of better shape and color, and holding its big graceful
flower quite erect. I have another sport similar to Good Gracious in
every wa}^ except being pure white. I am waiting to see whether it is to
be reliable or not. I wouldn't want it to be entailed with curvature of
the spine, same as Princess.

I had a yellow sport from L. Canning that showed up grandly last
fall. It gave a tremendous deep bloom of pure golden yellow, lasting a
whole month on the plant. Habit dwarf and sturdy like the parent.
Still, whether it will pan out satisfactory on further acquaintance is all
guess work. Sports should be thoroughly tested one or two seasons,
same as we expect of seedlings. A good many seedling novelties that
have shown up splendidly at exhibitions, receiving certificates and
medals, have really proved utterly valueless. Some of our most desirable
varieties originated as sports. Among the newer ones are Chas. Davis,
from Viviand-Morel ; L'Enfant des deux Mondes, from Louis Boehmer;
Clinton Chalfant, from Jos. H. White; Kate Mursell, from Robt. Bot-
tomly and others.

Of the newer sorts, the very earliest ones are the most sought after.
I venture to say that E. G. Hill & Co., have sold one hundred Mrs. E. G.
Hill to one of Challenge for this very reason. By the first of October
chrysanthemums are in demand and you are repeatedly asked " how
soon will they be ready?" The earliest flowers are quickly disposed of
to good advantage, in time to use the allotted space to carnations or
some other crop.

As far as I am able to judge of the novelties offered last season, I
consider the best very early sorts to be Mrs. E. G. Hill, Yellow Queen,
Lady Playfair, Clinton Chalfant and Thos H. Brown. Doubtless there
are others not so well advertised. These earliest sorts are over-stepping
each other year by year, and are also of much better quality than for-
merly. Let the good work go on.

I do not mention Mrs. Craige Lippincott, as the merits of this excel-
lent early yellow are sufiiciently well known. It is a fine thing, as most
of you are aAvare. The early French varieties of Delaux are of but
moderate quality, and not enough substance to grow under glass. I
state my own experience. Possibly there are exceptions, as the list is a
very large one. Of the extreme late ones are Challenge, Laredo and
Eider-down, yellow, pink and white.

Eugene Dailledouze probably showed^ up to the best advantage of

SOCIETY OF AMERICAN FLORISTS. 83

any one chrysanthemum offered last fall. It seems to be all right, and
much is expected from it.

Maj. Bonnaffon is another very good one indeed, and so is Minerva,
of a rich bright yellow. Marie Louise is a graceful dainty white.

Mutual Friend has good substance, and Mrs. J. Geo. lis is distinct
and very durable as a cut flower, as was evidenced at the World's Fair
chrysanthemum show. A. H. Fewkes pleased all who saw it at its best
last year. It is confidently expected to be on the front row along with the
other good yellows. It is rather after the style of Minnie Wanamaker in
build, and reminds me of Mrs. F. L. Ames, '93, also first-class.

Pitcher & Manda is distinct from contrasting color. Other certified
sorts are Achilles, pearl white, Farview, crimson lake. Silver Cloud,
white and salmon, White Rock and Inter-Ocean.

From over the water came the two sports, Chas. Davis, and L'Enfant
des deux Mondes ("The child of two worlds" shortened by common
consent to " White Boehmer,") and the two seedling Reys, Mme. Edward
(renamed), and M'Ue Therese. This notable quartette were visitors at
the World's Fair, and much admired. I don't think they had any cause
to grumble for not having been hospitably received.

Varieties wanted for exhibition purposes should be selected amonn^
the mid-season kinds, as at this time novelties, curiosities, monstrosities
or anything out of the usual line in shape or color will attract attention
that would otherwise be of doubtful value.

Some good large disheveled and curled blooms of Bronze and Golden
Dragon occasioned as much comment last fall as anything I grew, but
were of no other value aside from exhibition.

The evolution of popular taste a la mode demands a full high
rounded flower of good substance and pleasing color, and at the same
time not stiff or rigid outlines, as Golden Wedding, Emma Hitzeroth,
Mrs. Craige Lippincott, The Queen, Mrs. Jerome Jones, G. W. Childs,
J. R. Pitcher, and others. Good foliage is another requisite in the gen-
eral make-up of an ideal chrysanthemum. Wm. Falconer and White
Boehmer are very popular with the home trade, but do not ship well.
Do you remember the advent of Mrs. Alpheus Hardy and the boom it
was to chrysanthemums? Xo prima donna was ever half so much talked
about either by word of mouth or through the public press. I saw it for
the first time at Philadelphia on exhibition under a glass case. It proved
as good a "drawing card" as an Egyptian mummy or a live mermaid.
Golden Hair is claimed to be a worthy yellow of this class; we have had
nothing of any real value in this color up to the present time. The
numerous claimants were simply adventurers.

Chrysanthemums are like certain fruits, there is a great difference in
their shipping qualities. Some of the very best strawberries for near at
home use will not bear carriage any distance, so it is with many chrysan-
themums. The splendid blooms of Viviand-Morel, Xiveus and others of
similar build are better for the home market. Not that they lack sub-

84 PROCEEDINGS OF TENTH CONVENTION,

stauce, but are difficult to ship on account of their shape. These do not
travel so well on their " shape " as do some others.

Brvden Jr. and M. B. Spaulding are splendid yellows, representative
of what "the golden flower" ought to be, rich color, large, full
and shapely.

Mrs. Robt. Craig and its " double " except in color — a light yellow —
1 refer to "Congo," introduced by Yoshiike, are both extra good.
The blooms are very durable either cut or to remain on the plant.
These are really hybrid in class, partaking of the breadth of petal and
grandeur of build of the Japanese, with the spherical outline of the
•Chinese.

Golden Gale, J. C. Vaughan and Chicago are very attractive blooms
if cut before the eye becomes prominent.

Col. W. B. Smith and Edward Hatch would both be grand if they
could only hold their heads up. A little weakness in the stem is a bad
fault in 'mums, and unfits them for general duty.

Our fair English cousin Florence Davis has either a weak neck or
else is too modest by half. A chrysanthemum with a weak stem is as
bad off as a man without any liver — neither of 'em "haven't got long to
stay here," and it isp?-o bono publico.

Chr5'santhemum "The Queen" is the typical American Girl, and
fitted by nature and education to adorn the highest position. I admire
the Grace Hill type, a rich blush incurve of remarkable substance, though
not entirely covering center; still with the incurved sorts the suggestion
of an eye does not detract at all from the symmetry of the flower. In-
deed graceful outlines are often wanting in the densely doubles. Mer-
maid is of this type, but deeper color and quite covei'ingthe center. It
is an all 'round variety. Good for cut flowers and for exhibition, also
makes a good pot plant, though some authorities proclaim it a poor grower.

Reflexed and recurved sorts should be full and double for the most
part. This class has been much improved of late years, and we now
have some superb varieties for exhibition and cut flowers. Jos. H.
White is a distinct type and one of the most popular. Eda Prass,
Mveus, Charles Davis and Tuxedo are each representative. Tuxedo is
the best amber or orange cut flower to date, splendid keeper and shipper.
I think ^V. ^V. Coles is prettier for showing the eye than if it was
more double. It has a most pleasing flower of particularly bright color.
There is nothing just like it. Individuality is as marked among chrysan-
themums as in pansy faces. The one, so diverse in color and shape,
others in striking variations of color and expression.

To grow chrysanthemums well one needs to know their separate in-
dividuality, and like some people you know, improve on acquaintance.
But a single variety affords material for a diffusive English treatise. In
our climate, under glass, chrysanthemums are much easier grown, and
with less care and expense, than in England. Besides, we can grow
them in half the time and by simpler methods. Let a novice read or

SOCIETY OF AMERICAN FLORISTS. 85

study the elaborate English cultural directions and he would be ready to
give up in despair. Experience is always the best teacher, though some-
times it costs us pretty dear — " Le cdut en ote la gdut " the French say —
the cost takes away the taste.

Belle Poitevine is a beauty of the regularly incurved ball shape
Chinese section. It is a very early sort and exceedingly useful for cutting.
Makes the prettiest boutonniere of any chrysanthemum extant in my
opinion, and first-class for plateau work, with growing ferns bedded in
the moss. (This is the proper way to use ferns for this purpose, be the
flowers what they may.) Belle Poitevine is much like Mrs. Geo. Bundle
in general effect, easier grown and earlier is its distinctive feature. It is
a grand keeper, as all kinds should be, selected for cut flowers. It is ag-
gravating enough to have a flower go all to pieces almost as soon as cut,
like Mrs. Langtry, L. Canning and Mabel Simpkins. In a short time
these varieties resemble plucked geese, and eye each other askance — all
" eye," in fact, in their denuded state. I grow Belle Poitevine largely,
and Carry Denny, of similar build, an early bright amber, that takes well
with the home trade.

Marguerite Graham is a later cut flower kind I think highly of. A
shapely white, luminous with golden light. This has grand keeping
qualities also.

I greatly admire early Dr. Callandreau, of similar tint, as probably
you do. The white and gold effect is much like some silks; in certain
lights one tone is prominent, that shifts to the other according to focus.

You can't improve on Molly Bawu and Mary Louise, for a plateau
of white with adiantum ferns. Try them in this way, and work out the
same idea with j^ouug plants of croton and Grevillea robusta for yellow
and bronzed colored chrysanthemums. A plateau of chrysanthemums
when well done is a thing of beauty, or it may be coarse, crowded and
bulky. Eight here there's a chance for nice discrimination. Often blooms
that look well in a tall vase are out of place in a plateau arrangement.

American Beauty is a grand decorative flower, but in a hand bunch
to carry does look stiff' and awkward. A bull in a china shop is no more
out of place than a big poeony in a lady's hair! Why can not chrysan-
themums have special uses same as roses and other flowers?

Ivory is still the best representative white chrysanthemum, all things
considered. I believe it scores the greatest sum total of good points.

Wm. H. Lincoln occupies nearly as prominent a place among yellows.
New varieties come and go without seemingly affecting their relative
position.

Mrs. M. W. Kedfield is an excellent early pink reflexed cut flower
kind, after the general style of Ivory. Try it. At the second chrysan-
themum show in Kew York, as I remember, the best flower on
exhibition was Troubadour, now little seen — therefore the judges would
say " distanced." None that have come after equal its clear shade of
old rose. Under artiflciallight its fine color is distinctively characteristic.

86 PKOCEEDINGS OF TENTH CONVENTION,

We have a gi'eat many lilacs and magentas that are dull and inhar-
monious. We have no use for 'em, that is to sell over the counter, or for
" making up." Except for purposes of exhibition, the extra tall
growing kinds will be discarded among commercial growers. Mrs. E.
G. Hill is almost too tall for the shelf. What about Harry Balsley? Isn't
it a beautiful thing? And V. H. Hallock is a waxy flower of perfect tint.
Doubtless I grow some kinds I have found satisfactory that you may
have discarded, and vice versa. I can grow my own " G. P. 11."
profitably, but I don't ask you to bother with it.

There is no absolute standard of excellence, save in a general sense.
We are all of the same opinion as to some special kinds being good all
'round varieties; aside from this judge and choose for yourself . There
is no occasion for growing poor ones though.

Robt. Bottomly or its synonym. Lady Lawrence, Pelican and Mrs.
M. J. Thomas are particular favorites of mine. I would also mention
Mrs. Humphreys (Snowball) ; Snowball is a better descriptive ap-
pellation. Mrs. Humphteys is the name of Elmira's pioneer florist, now
out of business. I well remember the late Peter Henderson's enthusiasm
in speaking of this excellent cut flower variety. I still find it one of the
most useful late kinds. Personally, I am fond of the bronzes. When I
saw Comte de Germmy for the first time I thought it the most wonderful
flower I had ever seen; and the first sight of Mrs. Wheeler produced an
impression I am not likely to forget.

Hicks Arnold makes the best trained standard of any chrysan-
themum that I am acquainted with, growth free and vigorous, and per-
fecting numerous good sized blooms. Pitcher & Manda have shown
this up in fine form at several exhibitions. A lax'ge specimen shipped to the
Buffalo chrysanthemum show two years ago arrived in splendid shape
with hardly loss of a single bloom, speaking well for its durability.
Chrysanthemum plants in flower don't usually ship very satisfactorily.
By the time they get through with the express company, what with bent
or broken stems and damaged flowers, their ornate beauty is done for.
Hicks Arnold is one of the very best bronzes for commercial use.
Nearly all of the bronzes show to best advantage at night, under artificial
light, then they are beaux and belles, the observed of all observers, the
cynosure of all eyes. H. F. Spaulding is exceedingly attractive in color
as well as distinct in shape. It would come in under this general class,
as would E. G. Hill, A, Swanson, Harry May, Alcazar, Baronald or
Moseman, Mrs. J. T. Emlin, Prince Kamoutski and Thos. Cartledge,
comprising a fine lot.

I regard Waban an exhibition flower par excellence. It has remark-
able depth, quite full enough and of sufficient substance for the purpose.
It should be bench grown ; is no pot plant.

There are several of the older varieties that still hold their own, and
are to be depended on for faithful steady work. Cut Puritan early and
its lavender shading is lovely. As a bush plant it is an " old soger," as

SOCIETY OF AMERICAN FLORISTS. 87

are Beaute des Jardins, Mabel Douglas, Pere Deleaux, Tokio, Culliug-
fordii, Source d'Or aad others. Frank Wilcox used to be a favorite sort
for bush plants, in habit all that could be desired, but its flowers, profuse
as they were, altogether too stiff and looking like immortelles. Juvena
makes a good " bush " pot plant. I would like to see its striking color
duplicated in a large flower. As a rule these shades so quickly fade and
lose their brilliancy. Grand Mogul is an example.

Auriole is a halo of silvery yellow, unlike any other. Miss Mary
Weightman is a feathery globular mass of bright gold, also distinct, and
Mrs. L. r. Madeira quite another type,

Harn Ko's twisted incurve and its soft clear mauve tint is different
from anything I know of. It is one of the very latest and valuable on
this account. H. Waterer is another good sort in demand for late cut-
ting on account of its brilliant color. This variety is a little difficult to
grow, but does well from late struck cuttings.

Youitza and Miss Meredith are in use for late crop. Mountain of
Snow is a regular mountain of growth, but produces a good flower on
top. I saw a fine batch of this variety at John N. May's, a few years
ago. Jessica is by no means out of date for early large blooms, and
Minnie Wanamaker is as stately as ever.

I find Harry E. Widener and Edwin Molyneux rather inclined to be
variable. Both these varieties, though introduced with a flourish of
trumpets, are not nearly so much in demand as the}^ were. Have they
deteriorated? Curly yellow Yeddo is not half bad when well done, and
the tangled golden shock of Mrs. I. C. Price charms the eye at once.
Thos. C. Price is labeled " crushed strawberry," though it doesn't look
at all " sat down upon," but is too stiff and solid an incurve.

Le Tonquin is a reflexed type of flower, with crimped petals spirally
twisting after the form of a corkscrew of peculiar effect, while Ben
d'Or is a veritable little bunch of yellow pine shavings.

Marvel is as distinct in its contrasting color as Pitcher & Manda.
When it was considered a novelty, grand bush plants were shown at the
Philadelphia exhibitions. At night no fair maid present had such a
lovely pink and white complexion.

Lillian B. Bird is still another type — good when well done. Its color
is charming; nothing "off" about it, just the right tone. We some-
times grumble about the odd shades of many chrysanthemums as being
of little value to the general florist. Take my word for it, they are " not
in it " with sweet peas. Some of the " new " colors are simply " horrid."

Mrs. D. D. L. Farson and Lizzie Cartledge are good samples of the
greatly improved reflexed type. Mrs. Fottler is the best of its class and
type. Its silvery shade of rosy lilac is a better tone of color than any of
its numerous seedlings. At maturity its soft fleecy outlines the ladies
term " fluffy." " Just look at that big fluffy flower," they say, " isn't it
sweet! " Mrs. Irving Clark of the pseony type is too coarse to suit me,
but commands respect for its size; " big head and little in it " is what I
say of it.

88 PROCEEDINGS OF TENTH CONVENTION,

W. N. Rudd is probably the best of the elk's-horn type, and John H.
Taylor represents the reflexed plumed flowers, white, delicately shaded
pink. There are several good ones of this class, all popular as cut
flowers.

Mrs. E. D. Adams is an exhibition variety of the "swirled" type,
of huge size at its best. It was well advertised at the time of its debut.

Mrs. J. G. TVhilldin has been well received from the first. Pity
Gloriosum has such a weak stem, otherwise there would still be room for
it. Mrs. J. N. Gerard and Rohallion are struggling hard to hold their own
with the new comers. Will they do it ? Mandarin, an early Indian red,
resembling Tuxedo in shape, did well with me last year. I was sur-
prised to find it so good.

When Geo. W. Childs doesn't burn it is tine. What furor and in-
terest it excited when it was tirst placed on exhibition at Orange, N. J.
The rose Waban was also shown in excellent form at this time. I never
saw it so good elsewhere. Strange it should have so deteriorated! How
do you account for it ?

Shasta, Mrs. W. K. Harris, Eldorado, Mrs. A. Carnegie and others
are too difficult to grow to be satisfactory. If weak stems must go, weak
growers will follow suit. As evolution unfolds its plans it is plain to be
seen that only the fittest can hope to survive.

What may we expect ten years hence? Will the standard varieties
of today hold their own, or do some kinds deteriorate? It would almost
seem so, judging from the past. What do you think about it?

Tubiflorum, Ismail or Thistle, Golden Thread, Medusa, Val d'Or
and Mme. Hoyslet are especial curiosities among the entire chrysanthe-
mum family. The latter because it is the smallest of the tribe, but half
an inch in diameter!

Chrysanthemums do well in the south, the West Indies, and in South
America, where the thermometer runs up to one hundred and sixty de-
grees in the sun. You meet with the Chinese section more than all the
others, and there is no regular season of bloom. They go at it when
they feel like it, and are in proper condition.

The first chiysanthemum I remember to have seen was a magenta
pompon 'way back, when I was a little chap some thirty years ago. As
I recall it now it was a shapely plant, full of flowers, standing in a bay
window of a friend's house. I noticed it in passing. I stopped, looked,
went in and admired. Just to think of it! A plant like that in full
bloom 'way into November! Florists were a vara avis in those days. A
tea rose was a novelty, coleus almost unknown, no double geraniums,
palms seldom seen, and so on. Times have changed! Do you manage
to keep your end up ? progress, and not fall into slovenly retrogression?
As little orphant Annie says :

" The gobble-uus '11 git you,
Ef you
Don't
Watch
Out!"

SOCIETY or AMERICAN FLORISTS. 89

Gradually I became used to seeing chrysanthemums; and the rich
yellows of the Chinese section began to show up here and there. Early
in the seventies I grew Laciniatum for cut flowers. I thought it was an
awfully pretty thing, and still think so, though it has been crowded to
the wall by the big fellows that have come after and rule the day. Bulls
and bears have the best of it now and control the market. Not much
show for pompons and anemones! Both these classes resent the injustice
of being placed so entirely in the background.

M. Charles Lebocqz is the most violent in his vituperation, as he
was the representative leader of this class. A fellow who has been
"cock of the walk" doesn't enjoy being knocked from under; 'tisn't
human nature, and please give chrysanthemums credit for having
"feelins " as well. Thirty years have marked marvelous changes in the
old time artemisia, as it was called then. How long ago is it, some
twelve years — '81-'82 — since was introduced to America a set of im-
ported " mums; " among them the Japanese varieties Gloriosum, Mme.
Desgranges, Lady Selbourn, Mme. La Croix and Fantasie? Well, they
were great, were they not ? The interest and enthusiasm excited by
these early adventurers, with John Thorpe at the helm, has worked
wonders, and made "Uncle John," as some one has said, the godfather
of the chrysanthemum in America.

In this connection I would mention the valuable service of H. Waterer
as importer and introducer. I would not forget the obligations that are
due the veteran W. K. Harris. I honor that man for his grand service
to the " mums " as well as his knowledge and skill in other lines of the
florist's art. In the wake of these early beginnings a noble host have
followed on. They are all representative men known to you all. I need
not particularize. Thus was the success of the chrysanthemum assured
by the painstaking study of practical workers, and improvement has
been both steady and rapid to the present time. So thoroughly has the
subject been entered into by these experts, reducing theory to practice
in the matter of seeding and hybridization, e.t al, that we have even dis-
counted the Japs. American chrysanthemums abroad are receiving high
honors, and the most distinguished attention, same as our ladies always
command. God bless 'em — the ladies!

What improvement can be made remains to be seen. Certainly not
any great stride as to quality, substance and build of flower blooms, the
standard sorts are really quite good enough in this respect, and habit and
growth is about what it ought to be, sturdy and short-jointed. There
will doubtless be many new shades and tones of color, probably a much
brighter red, possibly a blue (not dyed in the wool), and again distinctly
striped and variegated kinds if you care for them.

What size they will attain, too, is a matter of conjecture and specu-
lation. The big Japanese sort referred to is quite single and not what
we want. Let the good work go on, I say, but at the same time, atten-
tion growers. Look to your laurels. Don't attempt to gull either the

"SO PROCEEDINGS OF TENTH CONVENTION,

unsophisticated public or the poor florist with anything inferior to what
we already have, or we'll cry out with the small boy, "what ye givin us? "
N"o, indeed, it won't work, we have had enough of this sort of business
along back. Let's stop it.

But we will accept a Vigilant for outside breezy water and white-
caps, if she can hold on to her centre-board, and award the cup to
Britannia for inside work. There are Vigilants and Britannias among
chrysanthemums, both good in their respective place, and excel under
certain conditions either for cut flowers or exhibition.

How old is the chrysanthemum? It is as old as the hills, ye flower
of the gods. Yet I have never been able to find out definitely; the Japs
won't tell us for a fact, and the Chinese keep " mum." Anyway, it
comes to stay, so what's the odds! It doesn't hardly do to rake up an-
cestors, rarely is it wise, we might unearth skeletons, and skeletons are
not always dry bones, they sometimes have unsavory odors. Isn't it
enough that it's the biggest flower out, and likely to remain so?

As we have already said, it is the flower par excellence for decora-
tions and general decorative work. Apropos the common fault is over-
crowding.

I have one or two chrysanthemum " yarns " before I close.

A customer came into my store last November when " mums " were
in good display. " Veil, how you vas, mein Ilerr. My! shiminies! ain't
dose nice ein grosse posy blumen," pointing to a vase of big fellows. "I
vants ein sausage bokay vor mein best girl." " A sausage bouquet? " I
thought a moment — " Ah, I suppose you refer to a corsage bouquet? "
" Ya, dot ist so." " Well, one of these large blooms will be amply suffi-
cient, I think." " I mind notings the price, Katrina ein shone fine frau-
lein, makes your eyes most vater, see 'er pooty vace. I dakes de vohl
lot," and he did.

Katrina must have been the bloomingest girl out mit her big " sau-
sage " bouquet.

I had an order for a church wedding; the bride's bouquet was a
huge bunch of Ivory " mums," to be carried by a small boy as page. It
was a comical sight to see the little chap stagger under his load. For
once people forgot to look at the bride.

A young minister, who was inclined to take love for a text, as
parsons sometimes do, was courting a pretty girl, a musician to-wit. One
day he took her a box of chrysanthemums, but she was not at home, so
left them with Bridget, who passed them over to her mistress as "Chris-
tian anthems," that Rev. So and So had sent her, with his compliments.
Without undoing the parcel she returned the same with a curt note,
" That she prefen-ed to select her own music."

What's in a name? Anything that smells as sweet would be a rose!
Shall it be plain " mum," chrysanthe, or chrysanthemum?

Let me not entirely exhaust your patience. I close with this toast:

Here's to the health — a votre sante — of every American florist, man

SOCIETY OF AMERICAN FLORISTS. 91

or woman, born of any nationality, so long as their feet are on American
soil, American good will above them, and America's blue sky is over
all — provided — that they pin their faith on the chrysanthemum.

(At the close of the essay the Convention manifested its appreciation
of the ti'eat it had enjoyod by long continued hand clapping and cheers.)

Mr. C. "William Turnley, of Haddonfield, N. J.: Mr. President,
I rise to express my high appreciation of this very elaborate and com-
plete essay on the Queen of Autumn. It is the most interesting essay
that I have listened to in many a year. I think that the essayist is pre-
eminently entitled to a vote of thanks, and I now move that a vote of
thanks be extended to him for his very elaborate and complete treatment
of this subject.

Mr. P, O'Mara seconded the motion.

Mr. John N". May: I think we have been entertained in a way
that deserves more than the usual recognition; and, with the permission
of Mr. Turnley, T move to so amend his motion as to provide that the
thanks shall be tendered by the members rising.

Mr. May's amendment being accepted as a part of the original
motion, and the latter being carried unanimously, the Convention arose
and tendered its thanks accordingly.

AQUATICS.

The subject of the next essay was " Aquatics," and the paper was
read by its author, Mr. Wm. Tricker, of Clifton, N. J. It was frequently
applauded. The essay was as follows: —

Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen: — This is a progressive age,
and as floriculture is making rapid strides it behooves every florist to
keep abreast of the times. During the past decade much has been ac-
complished in our profession ; many additions have been made to the list
of useful plants for general decoration and for cut flowers; the increasing
interest iu cultivation of the rose and carnation has resulted in the for-
mation of a Carnation Society, and later. Rose Society; but no one dreamt
ten years ago there would be a Chrysanthemum Society. The introduc-
tion of the Chrysanthemum as a florists' flower was an innovation, and
many considered it only fit for Chinese and Japs; but the stately Queen
of Autumn is with us still in all her splendor. More can be said of the
wondrous increase in the demand for palms, ferns, ornamental and flower-
ing plants for decoration, and what shall we say of the change in our pub-
lic parks, gardens, and cemeteries; the millions of plants grown annually
for their embellishment, and for private gardens, from those of the mil-
lionaire to the small plot of the mechanic, how many millions more ?
This is a vast field for the florist, and floriculture knows no limit.

92 PROCEEDINGS OF TENTH CONVENTION,

Aquatic gardening is apparently in its infancy, though aquatics are
as old as the hills, but this class of jilants now commands our attention.
Aquatics are associated with the history of the ancient Egyptians, where
mentiongis first made of the Egyptian lotus, Nelumbium speciosum, the
worship of which was common with them. Sculptural representations of
it are found among the ruins of Egyptian temples. It was not only
known to the ancient Egyptians, but was common in olden times in East
and West India, China, Japan, Persia, and Asiatic Russia. The Chinese
have everj^held it in sacred regard, but that character was not limited
merely to ornamental purposes; the roots (or tubers) were used and still
are as an article of diet. The American lotus, Nelumbium luteum, was
well known to the Indians as an article of diet, but has of late been dis-
regarded. This is a distinct species and must not be confounded with
the Egyptian lotus nor Pharoah's locust, with which we have been so fa-
miliar this year.

Nymphteas are also widely diffused, and are found in all parts of the
world, each different country possessing species peculiarly its own. But
of all the nymphseas no species can compare with Victoria regia; and al-
though many species were known in England prior to the introduction of
the latter, the cultivation of aquatics received a stimulus thereby, which
extended to the United States, the effect of which is felt by us this day.
The discovery of this wonderful plant by Mr. ]>ridges, an English trav-
eler, in 1845, created such an enthusiasm as nearly cost him his life. His
first impulse was to obtain specimens of the flower, and he would have to
attempt to enter the water, but was warned by the Indians who accom-
panied him that the stream swarmed with alligators; happily for him and
us he lived to express his wondrous amazement of his discovery; he suc-
cessfully carried to England the seed that produced the first plant, which
became so famous. This was in the year 1849. when a tank was built
expressly for the new plant in the great conservatory at Chatsworth,
under the management of Mr. Paxton.

It is interesting to note that they were progressive florists in the
United States at this date, although neither rapid transit nor ocean grey-
hounds were established, yet the result of such an achievement in flori-
culture was not only known here, but a similar tank and greenhouse were
constructed, and the Victoria regia was successfully grown by Mr. Caleb
Cope, Philadelphia, Pa., in 1851. Considering the time when the Vic-
toria flowered in England — K'ovember, 1849 — there was little time lost,
and this act exhibited an enthusiasm and enterprise worthy of our day.

The foregoing is the earliest record of aquatic gardening in this
country. With the Victoria was also introduced Nelumbium speciosum.
The construction of the Victoria tank and house was such as to stiru-
ulate natural conditions. The warm water and tropical atmosphere were
not enough; the water had to be kept in motion; a water wheel was con-
structed for this purpose, and a stream of water constantly flowed, which
was conducted into a cistern or reservoir in the middle of the vegetable

SOCIETY OF AMERICAlSr FLORISTS. 93

garden which was used for watering in those days, before city water hy-
drants and hose were thought of. In this cistern the Nelumbium specio-
suin was planted and was a great success. After this small aquariums
and ponds were made out-of-doors by different people and aquatics were
more or less grown.

It is sad to relate of this enterprising gentleman, as of many others
since, that he died very shortly after this event and that the glory and
pride of this horticultural establishment thereafter departed. On this
historical spot stands the Forrest Home for Aged Actors.

Yet another, a pleasing feature in connection with this first Victoria
in the United States, and which makes this event most interesting. We
have today at the head of the Department of Parks in the capital of the
Union, a man of singular ability, experience and judgment, who was an
employee in the gardens of Mr. Caleb Cope when the first Victoria and
lotus were grown. I refer to Mr. Geo. H. Brown.

The State of Massachusetts appears to have been the next in order of
date where the cultivation of the Victoria regia was engaged in; the
earliest grower in that State being John Fisk Allen, of Salem, who on the
ISth of June, 1883, exhibited a leaf of Victoria regia, four feet in diam-
eter; on the 16th of July, one five and a half feet, and on the 4th of
August, a flower, all at the rooms of the Massachusetts Horticultural
Society. Daniel Waldo Lincoln, of Worcester, was the next cultivator in
Massachusetts; he had the Victoria soon after Mr. Allen, but the exact
date is not known. The Victoria still led the way, and in the year 1856 it
was grown in Cincinnati by Mr. George Pentland, gardener to Nicholas
Longworth, Esq., but its cultivation did not become general, and would
not now under such expensive modes of culture.

Attempts to cultivate Nelumbium speciosum are reported prior to
Mr. Cope's venture. In 1839 it is stated by Hovey that Nelumbium
speciosum was naturalized near Philadelphia, blooming abundantly all
summer, and growing in a shallow ditch where it covered the surface of
the water with its broad peltate leaves and strong flower buds, which ex-
panded in all the splendor of oriental magnificence. The report was dis-
credited by the Boston boys who contended it was nothing more than the
American lotus. However, the archives of the Pennsylvania Horticul-
tural Society contain the following report (if not destroyed by fire) : At
the meeting held February 1840, the committee on distribution of seeds
submitted their report, from which it appears two parcels of seed had
been received; one from Calcutta, presented in 1838 by Dyllwyn Parrish,
contained among other things seed of Nelumbium speciosum and X.
album, and Mr. R. Buist succeeded in raising plants of these species,
which were considered very rare in this country, if indeed they existed
except from these Calcutta seeds.

From 1856 to 1876, very little was done in the way of aquatic garden-
ing, but at the latter date Philadelphia was again to the front, and a plant
of Victoria regia was a novel and attractive feature of the Centennial

94 PROCEEDINGS OF TENTH CONVENTION,

Exposition. About the year 1880, Mr. Sturtevant reintroduced Nelum-
bium speciosum, when it was planted in a pond near Bordentown,'X. J.
Here was the most successful attempt to naturalize this oriental species
which has astonished both the new and old world. Mr. Sturtevant also
succeeded in introducing several species of Nymphoea Victoria and^a full
line of aquatic plants which were distributed to all parts of the United
States.

About twenty years ago Mr. Samuel Henshaw, of West New Brighton,
Staten Island, established Nelumbium speciosum from seed obtained
from the late Secretary of State Frelinghuysen, who got them from the
United States Consul at Japan. But many years before that, the late
Thomas Hogg sent to Isaac Buchanan about thirty varieties of nelum-
bium, which were all lost through being planted in running water, in
the grounds of the latter gentleman, at Astoria, L. I. Mr. Henshaw
also obtained a plant of Nymphtea coerulea in 1875, from the late
Wm. Bennett, of Flatbush, and I learn from the same source that L. H.
Meyer, of Clifton, S. I., grew N. Devoniensis about the same period.
In 1880, Benjamin Gre}^, of Maiden, exhibited before the Massachusetts
Horticultural Society, Nymphfca Devoniensis, jST. coerulea and jS". den-
tata, receiving an award therefor.

In 1883 Hovey & Co. and Mr. Grey exhibited nymphaaa, and in
1884 N. S. Simpkins, of Yarmouthport, entered the field.

In 1880 aquatics were introduced into Central Park, New York.
Nelumbium speciosum is there naturalized and is one of the most strik-
ing features of the park.

In 1888 L. W. Goodell appeared on the scene with a tank of aquatic
plants at the annual exhibition of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society.
A year later H. H. Hunnewell exhibited a collection.

Amateurs now commenced the cultivation of aquatics, and choice
specimens were to be seen at Newport and in the neighborhood of
Boston, Chicago and other cities. Mr. Chadwick, president of Chicago
Horticultural Society, grew aquatics, which undoubtedly led to the intro-
duction of these plants into Lincoln Park in 1888, then under the able
management of Supt. J. A. Pettigrew. The cultivation of Victoria regia,
as well as all available nymphseas at that day has given Chicago and her
parks a world-wide reputation. Other parks and gardens have inti'o-
duced aquatics with surprising results, and today they are the most
popular plants. The Victoria has been grown in the Botanic Garden,
Washington, D. C, and other Southern States without artificial heat
after planted out, and probably the first instance of such is recorded by
the Wilmington, N. C, Messenger^ when Dr. Bahnson, after several
attempts, succeeded to flower the Victoria in the open at Salem, N. C.
In most cases it has been only a partial success when attempted to be
grown without artificial heat; it must necessarily be late in the season
before planting out or run the risk of losing all (as is tlie case this sum-
mer at Washington.) In many instances where steam power is used in

SOCIETY OF AMERICAN FLORISTS. 95'

factory, pump or for other purposes, the waste steam can be utilized for
the heating of the tank, but the safest and best method is to have an
independent heating system.

The introduction of Victorias into our gardens and parks opened up
a wide field for the general cultivation of tropical nymphoeas, which has
now become general in most of our public parks; also by a large propor-
tion of the wealthier class who own and maintain beautiful grounds. A
few enthusiastic amateurs who grew aquatics for pleasure and recreation
have done-more for the advancement of this now popular class of plants
than all the public institutions in the country, and it may safely be said
that in no other country can such aquatic gardening be seen at the pres-
ent day as in the United States.

In England, where every known variety finds a home, few, if any,
growers have ventured to cultivate the tender nymphisas save in aquatic
houses; hence it is very difficult to compare the same or to know the
species by description of plants grown under glass with less light and
solar heat, as given. The plants here are more vigorous, have more sub-
stance, and the color of the flgwers and foliage is intensified.

Aquatics attracted the attention of foreign visitors at Chicago last
summer, as well as many other visitors, and many received an object
lesson which will be productive of good results.

It is very noticeable that, from very eai'ly date, in this as in all
branches of horticulture, the true cultivator desired to improve, if possi-
ble, original species, and as a result the first hybrid nymphsea was
effected by Mr. Paxton, gardener to the Duke of Devonsiiire, at Chats-
worth, England, in 1850. After it came N. Kewensis.

The first hybrid raised in this country originated with Mr. E. D.
Sturtevant, and was named N. Sturtevantii; it is a flower of unsurpassed
merit. M. B. Latour-Marliac surprised the world with his no less
wonderful productions, which were exhibited at the Universal Exhibi-
tion, Paris, in 1889. These have gained a world-wide reputation, and
have given an impetus to the general cultivation of aquatics, especially of
hardy nymphceas in Europe and largely in the United States.

Among growers in the United States several natural hybrids have
been effected by insects, which work is likely to be repeated where
aquatics are grown in large ponds. One of the best selections of such is
ISTymphsea odorata Caroliniana. I had the privilege last year of present-
ing before the public at Chicago, some hybrids which were the progeny
of carefully selected parents. These are quite distinct and desirable
varieties.

This assembly represents all the different phases of floriculture, cut
flower and commission men, plant growers, wholesale and retail, in all
branches. There is a growing interest in floriculture. Parks and gardens
are public factors in this line, and florists must grow various kinds of
plants to meet the ever increasing demand for the embellishment of the
home, the flower garden, parks and cemeteries; and swamps, bogs,

■96 PROCEEDINGS OF TENTH CONVENTION,

ponds, now unsightly and in some instances nuisances, are destined ere
long to become veritable Edens. The time is come when people not
possessing a natural piece of water conclude they must have some kind
of a water garden, and artificial ponds, tanks, basins are made to accom-
modate these charming and interesting water nymphs. This particular
flora is represented at the present time by about fifty species, collected
from all parts of the globe, and hybrids; also the Indian, Chinese and
other lotus, and innumerable other aquatic plants.

Among the hardy plants are classed all nelumbiums, nymphseas,
including the native species N. odorata, N. o. gigautea, IT. o. Carolin-
iaua, N. o. rosea, N. tuberosa and N". t. rosea; also N. alba, N. a. candi-
dissima, N. Candida, N. pygmeea, N. Marliacea-rosea, N. M. albida, K. M.
carnea, N. M. chromatella, ]^. Laydekeri rosea, IT. odorata sulphurea,
N. helvola. These are all perfectly hardy, and once established take
care of themselves as do the native species. They embrace the soft and
delicate shades in color from pui-e white, yellow, pink, deep rose, and
produce charming scenery with their pleasing foliage and enchanting
flowers, associated with numerous water loving plants, as iris, spirjsa,
variegated rushes, acorns, reeds, arundo, bamboo, typha, sagittaria,
hibiscus, ornamental grasses, etc. But we must not omit the most
gorgeous varieties of water lilies from the tropics, the pale to deep blue,
or royal purple, the carmine and crimson. These are as easy to grow in
the open in summer as is a coleus, with unquestionably greater results.
The water garden is not complete without the Victoria regia, but at
present this will not be extensively grown, though with a nominal out-
lay, or where a tank can be heated by the greenhouse plant, the Victoria
will be a wonderful attraction, and business men know what an attraction
is worth.

Discussion of the subject being invited, Mr. Grove P. Rawson re-
sponded: Mr. President, I regard this as a very valuable paper. It will
read well afterwards too. I regard aquatics among bedding plants, if I
may speak of them in that way, as occupying the same position which
the orchid occupies among cut flowers. Over there in the Exhibition
Hall, I think they command more attention than anything else; and, as
the essayist has said, they are going to be more and more in demand. I
wish you could see aquatics in South America, in habitat, as I have.
Whole acres of Victoria regia; many of the flowers measuring fourteen
inches across, with the floating islands of aquatics that form in the dry
season, moving about and occasionally anchored here and there, compris-
ing nymphseas, nelumbiums, pontederia, and other species — the whole
making a most beautiful picture. I believe that aquatics have a great
future in America, and that they will be more and more in demand.

I think we ought to give a vote of thanks for this paper, which is
evidently one that has been prepared with the most careful study. I
make a motion to that effect.

SOCIETY OF AMERICAN FLORISTS. 97

Mr, Rawson's motion to tender thanks to the essayist, Mr. Tricker,
was adopted unanimously.

SUCCESSFUL VIOLET CULTURE.

An essay on " Successful violet culture," by Mr. Andrew Wash-
burn, of Bloomington, 111., was the next to command attention. Its
author was not present.

Secretary Stewart: I learn that Mr. Washburn has been taken ill
and had to leave the hall. Mr. O'Mara has kindly consented to read
Mr. Washburn's short paper on violets.

Mr. O'Mara here came forward, and read as requested.
The essay was as follows : —

This subject of so much interest and importance to the members of
this Society, having been assigned to me for a reply, I have attempted
with some hesitancy its consideration, mainly for the reason that others
who grow violets successfully advocate quite different methods; there-
fore I shall speak only of the way in which we have found success.

We propagate our plants by a division of the old stool, not later than
the middle of February, using onl}^ vigorous offshoots; discarding all
plants having large and woody-like stems; put in two inch pots, and
grow in a cool house under the same conditions we give the flowering
plants (which will be named later), and when well rooted remove to cold
frames there to become hardened and ready to plant in the field as early
in April as possible.

We plant in the field in rows fifteen inches apart each way in good
rich soil, and give frequent cultivation with the wheel hoe. During the
summer the plants are kept free from weeds and all thin runners re-
moved, care being taken not to remove the new growing crowns, so that
by fall there should be enough bud producing crowns around the original
plant to make plants from five to eight inches in diameter.

Violets should be planted on well drained land, and at no time
should be allowed to flag for want of moisture, or their vitality will be
impaired and the plants become an easy prey to disease. We have found
it necessary during our past dry summers to irrigate our plants, and to
this we attribute largely our success.

The plants should be carefully lifted in September before danger of
heavy frosts, care being taken that their roots be broken and exposed as
little as possible, and planted in the houses in about six inches of good
soil.

This soil we prepare several months before it is wanted for use, and
is composed of good loam and well rotted manure from the stables; after
setting, the plants should be thoroughly watered and for several days
frequently syringed.

98 PROCEEDINGS OF TENTH CONVENTION,

At this time a light shading on the glass will be beneficial. "We have
sometimes used a clay wash which will be removed by the first good
rain.

We have had the best success in houses about ten feet wide running
east and west with a walk in the centre and tables on each side, built so
as to bring the plants as near the glass as possible and with provision for
ample ventilation.

The night temperature should be kept as near as may be at forty to
forty-five degrees, with a day temperature of from sixty to seventy
degrees. Higher temperature will lessen the formation of buds and en-
courage a growth of foliage.

In cold weather much care should be exercised in watering, and the
foliage should only be wet in the morning of clear sunny days; at other
times if needed, water only the ground between the plants. During the
flowering season the plants should be kept free from runners, and all
leaves removed that have passed their usefulness.

By this method of culture our plants have given an average of thirty
to forty good flowers from October to March.

Of violet disease I am unable to speak, we have never had it. Man
in vigorous health is not susceptible to disease. Good sanitary condi-
tions are necessary to good health, and as with man, so with plants;
they will respond to like conditions, and given an abundance of pure air,
water, cleanliness and suitable cultural methods may we not hope to
escape violet disease and still have success in violet culture?

After the usual applause, discussion of the paper was invited.

Mr. Grov^e p. Raavson, who made the only response, said: I also
have been fortunate in growing violets, and I regard this paper as pre-
senting the truth in a nut-shell. There is not much for me to say.

On motion of Mr. W. B. l)u Rie, the thanks of the Convention were
voted to Mr. Washburn for his practical paper on violet culture.

THE question BOX.

President Anthony here introduced the "Question Box," and an-
nounced as the first subject, "The use and application of sub-irrigation
in plant growing," the answer to which had been assigned to Mr. John N.
May,

Mr. May responded: Irrigation is one of the things which we, as
florists, do not thoroughly understand in its full importance as a factor in
producing the best results, particularly in such a season as the present
one; and I am afraid that anything I may have to say will throw but very
little light upon the subject, as my experience in this line has been very
limited indeed. But I have found that a very liberal application of water

SOCIETY OF AMERICAN FLORISTS. 99

at the roots of plants is beneficial, whereas if only a limited quantity is
given the beneficial effect is not apparent. The best results obtained
have been, so far as my observation goes, in giving a large amount about
once a week rather than smaller amounts more frequently. The mode
of application is to draw a shallow drill, four or five inches deep, along
each side of the row of plants which it is desired to irrigate; then turn
on the water and allow it to run slowly until the trenches become full
from end to end. Then regulate the supply so as to make it just suffi-
cient to keep the same full as long as it may be considered necessary to
thoroughly soak the whole soil as deep as the roots go. With such a
crop as sweet peas, for instance, which root ver}' deeply, fifty gallons of
water to the square foot planted will be none too much if the soil is
naturally of a porous nature. Such an application once a week will prove
infinitely more beneficial than a much smaller amount applied oftener.
The nature of the sub-soil must be studied, of course, and the amount to
be given regulated accordingly. No stated rule can be laid down as
suitable for classes of soil or varieties of crop to be treated, but the same
rule applies here as in all other matters appertaining to our business —
what is worth doing at all is worth doing well.

No response was made in regard to the next three subjects in the
" Question Box." The subject, " Profitable winter blooming plants," to
which a reply had been received from Mr. W. K. Harris, closed the list
of subjects.

The reply of Mr. Harris was read by Seci-etary Stewart, as
follows : —

The question assigned to me to answer is " Profitable winter bloom-
ing plants." The question is a broad one, and gives no specific meaning. I
suppose the inquirer meant plants grown in pots for the purpose of dec-
orating conservatories, windows and other places on festive occasions.
The word " profitable," in this connection, means that plants can be dis-
posed of for more than the cost of production; or to obtain from them
how much more, is a question for each individual to decide for himself.
I desire more than some of my brethren, and having my desire gratified ^
I am enabled to meet my obligations more promptly than many of my
fellow craftsmen.

From my standpoint of profit, there are but few varieties of flower-
ing plants in pots that will pay to grow, and they must be grown in
limited quantities. This branch of our business is on the wane. The
demand has been growing less year after year for the past ten or twelve
years. There was more demand fifteen or twenty years ago than there i&
today for winter blooming plants in pots. Under the cool shadows of
such facts there is but little encouragement to foster or develop nature's
beauty in form of blooming plants in pots:
To brighten weary winter's gloom,
Aud to scent its cold breath with the fragrance of June.

100 PROCEEDINGS OF TENTH CONVENTION,

The scene of this gloomy picture from one branch of our business
lies in Philadelphia, the place where I have watched and catered to this
line of horticulture for the past twenty-seven years. (My remarks refer
to this locality only, not being acquainted with the demands of other
markets.) I have grown nearly all of the popular plants of the day, and
have introduced many novelties with some success, and many failures.
I will not attempt to name or enumerate the many varieties of plants I
have grown in the past, as I do not wish to take up too much of your
time, nor to wander so far from the question, although it might be inter-
esting to some.

The following, I think, will be more or less profitable to grow. I
will open the list with chrysanthemums, as the festive season opens with
the advent of her queenly beauty. They are wanted in large quantities,
but not as many as former years. Poinsettia and stevia are both good in
limited quantities for Christmas. Carnations, in variety, are wanted,
but do not grow them unless you can produce good plants in six-inch
pots full of buds and bloom for fifteen or twenty cents each; I can not.
Begonia incarnata robusta is the finest of all begonias when well done
for the holidays. Begonia rubra is a fine pot plant when well grown.
Cyclamens and primulas are very popular, but the former require some
skill and much care to grow. Lilium Harrisii is in fair demand from
Christmas to Easter. Azalea indica is the most popular of all winter
blooming plants in pots from December to May. Genista canariensis
and raccmosa in small quantities from the 1st of Febi'uary to Easter.
Ericas or heather; hyemalis, Wilmoreana and gracilis are the best of this
extensive class of plants. Cineraria hybrida is always wanted in goodly
numbers. They make a big show on the florist's counter, but a very
small one on the grower's ledger. Paris daisy (Chrysanthemum fru-
tescens) , is quite a favorite all winter. Mahernia odorata is admired for
its fragrance, or its vulgar name "honey bell," I know not which.
Mignonette, heliotrope, violets, pansies, English primroses, hyacinths
and narcissus are all wanted in limited quantities in the latter part of
winter and early spring; but the price is so low for them, it is a question
to me whether they are worth bothering with. Some years ago there
was a good demand for this class of plants at fair prices, but they no
longer seem to please the masses.

The above is about all I can think of that would pay to grow in any
considerable quantities, although there are many other flowering plants
that could be disposed of in moderate numbers, such as libonias, linums,
and the many varieties of winter flowering begonias, etc. In fact, any
plant that is pretty and showy will find some admirers, but not enough
to make it an object of profit. We can not give correct advice to a
grower what he should grow. One man may be able to grow a plant
quicker and better than another can ; therefore he could grow it cheaper,
or make more money at the same price than his competitor. Hence the
importance of self reliance upon self judgment. And again, I have ever

SOCIETY OF AMERICAN FLORISTS. 101

found, he that is always giving advice hiraself is most in need of that
which he parts witli so freely. One thought more, Mr. President, and I
am done. —

Nature, like friends, will help the strong,

Neither has much time for the weak, in life's busy throng ;

So work, and on yourself depend !

Then Nature kind will make yourself your dearest friend.

On motion of Mr. Thos. Foulds, of Gwynedd, Pa., the thanks of
the Society were voted to Mr. Harris.

EXPERIMENTAL STATION AT CORNELL.

Secretary Stewart here read for general information, a letter
addressed to the Society, which had been received from Mr. Michael
Barker, of the Cornell University Experiment Station. The letter was
as follows: —

Atlantic City, X. J.

Mr. Wm. J. Stewart, Florists' Convention Hall: — Bear Sir,
— It will doubtless interest you and many of the trade and amateur
growers to know that we are experimenting largely with violets and
chrysanthemums. Our immediate aim, so far as chrysanthemums
are concerned, is to collect all the novelties available, and to grow and
compare them with standard varieties so as to ascertain with some accu-
racy the amount of progress which is being made with these flowers. We
also propose to grow all the varieties of the violet in the market with a
view to the selection of kinds most useful to the florist, and we shall
give considerable attention to the insects and. diseases which affect chry-
santhemums, violets, roses and carnations.

Through the generosity of some of the leading growers, we have
received a full assortment of the new chrysanthemums sent out last
spring; but we have still some space for such varieties of the violets as
are not common in cultivation, and at all times we shall be glad to have
diseased or insect-infested specimens of any of the leading florists'
flowers and plants.

On our investigations of these matters we shall report to all con-
cerned in due time, and thus we hope to be of some slight service to the
florists throughout the country. All we ask in return is a supjily of
material to work upon. Next year we propose to enter upon even more
extensive experiments with chrysanthemums and violets, and it is ex-
pected that we shall then have such additions to our plant as will enable
us to give roses and carnations similar consideration.

I regret exceedingly that pressure of work dejirives me of the
pleasure of meeting many old friends at Atlantic City, especially as I am
anxious to personally thank all those who have already aided or promised
to aid us in the foregoing lines of action; but Prof. L. H. Bailey, who is
the leading spirit in the movement, will attend the Convention on
Wednesday and gladly furnish interested parties with all details of our
intentions. With best wishes for the success of the Convention,

Yours very sincerely,

Michael Barker,

Horticultural Department, Cornell University.

102 PROCEEDINGS OF TENTH CONVENTION,

Hon. C. W. HoiTT, of Nashua, N. H., suggested the necessity of
taking some formal notice of Mr. Barker's communication. He said that
the experiments were of considerable importance, and he had understood
that the reports were accessible to every member of the Society. He
knew that Secretary Stewart, with his usual diligence and courtesy, would
acknowledge the receipt of the letter, but he thought some further action
in the matter should be taken, and that it was due to Mr. Barker that
the Society should express to him its thanks for the part he had taken,
should assure him of its assistance and co-operation in the work. He
made a motion accordingly.

The motion was adopted.

An adjournment was here ordered until the following day.

THIRD DAY — MORNING.

Atlantic City, N. J., August 23, 1894.

The attendance of members at the opening of the session was un-
usually large but a diminution of the number was perceptible immedi-
ately after the announcement of the result of the election for officers.

3IISCELLANE0US BUSINESS.

Secretary Stewart announced, for general information, sundry details
of the ai'rangements for the social entertainments on the following day;
also the names of Vice-Presidents who had been elected by State delega-
tions. Upon the request of the President, he called attention to the
requirement for the exhibition of the badge of the Society by each mem-
ber, before depositing his ballot for officers.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS.

The Society proceeded to the election of officers for the ensuing year,
when President Anthony appointed the following as tellers to distribute
and count the ballots, etc.: Messrs. C. W. Hoitt, Harry Sunderbruch,
Robert F. Tesson, and Samuel Goldring.

The election of a President was the first in order. Ballots havinsr
been distributed and collected, the tellers retired to count the same and
after some time. Judge Hoitt, on behalf of the tellers, made the following
report, as the result of the ballot;

Total number of votes cast 221

Necessary for a choice ...... Ill

Of which number Edwin Lonsdale received . . . 135
William Scott received 86

Mr. Lonsdale's election was announced by the President, and the
announcement was followed by long and tumultuous applause.

SOCIETY OF AMERICAN FLORISTS. 103

Mr. Scott: Mr. President, I would like to make a present of eighty-
six votes to Mr. Lonsdale, so that we may consider he is elected unani-
mously. [Cheering.]

Mr. Scott, (responding to repeated calls) , ascended the platform
and said: Some two or three months ago it was proposed to me by some
intimate friends of mine, it was not my own idea, that 1 should run for
President of the Society of American Florists. I told them I was flattered
but thought I could fill the duties of the office and would make a run for
it. I had no idea of who was to be my opponent, but the moment I heard
that the noble " Duke of York " was to be my competitor, I was less confi-
dent of success; and I do honestly think that if it had been anybody else
than the " Duke of York," I would have received many more than eighty-
six votes. I will give you another opportunity at it, it may be next year.
In electing Mr. Edwin Lonsdale you have chosen one of the most worthy,
amiable and honest men in this country. [Applause.]

Mr. Lonsdale, responding to calls, expressed his thanks for the
honor conferred upon him. He said that, having had " the Great Scott "
as his worthy opponent, he did not know which way the thing was going
and therefore refrained from preparing a speech that would be worthy of
the occasion and now had a good excuse for not having one prepared.
He expressed the hope and belief that the Society of American Florists,
which had been so successful, would, with the help he would get from
every member, continue on in its career. He said he felt he could claim
this because all could do something to further the general welfare, and
he knew that every member had this at heart. [Applause.]

The election of a Vice-President being proceeded with, and there
being but one candidate for the office, the Secretary was instructed, on
motion of Mr. John N. May, to cast a ballot, representing the vote of the
Society, for Mr. E. C. Reineman.

The ballot was cast and Mr. Reineman's election announced.

Mr. Reineman, being called upon, returned thanks for the honor
conferred upon him. He remarked that he was not now a florist exactly,
that he had been one but had been knocked out by the hail, though he
had been with " the boys " ever since and hoped to remain with them.
He pledged his utmost effort to advance the interests of the Society and
said he thought he would have an opportunity to do plenty of work for it
when the members came to Pittsburgh next year. He hoped to see a
good attendance there, where everything needed in the way of public
halls and the usual accommodations were to be had; and he felt sure that
the meeting there would be a pleasant one.

The Society then proceeded to the election of a Secretary for which
office but one candidate had been named.

104 PROCEEDINGS OF TENTH CONVENTION,

On motion of Mr. P. O'Mara, the ballot of the Society was cast by
Mr. Lonsdale for Wm. J. Stewart, who was declared unanimously elected.

Mr. Stewart (after being called out, and presented by President
Anthony as the newly elected Secretary) said: I have just had the honor
of being introduced to you as " your newly elected Secretary." I am
glad to know that I am still considered so young as to be a new Secretary.
[Merriment.] This is the eighth time that you have been pleased to
honor me in this way, and with each repetition, I must say I appreciate
it more and moi'e as a proof not only of your satisfaction with the way I
have done my work for you, but more than that, as an assurance of your
friendship, which I have had every evidence of possessing, not only in
my official relations with you, but wherever I have met you personally
and socially. 1 do not know of anything in the world that would give
me greater pleasure than the consciousness that I have the friendship,
good will and affection of the florists of the United States. [Applause.]
I have tried to do my duty in connection with this office in the past, and
I certainly feel that I have an incentive to try more earnestly than ever
and to work harder for you in the future. I do not know that any man
could have a greater incentive than that which you have given me in this
renewed proof of your confidence and esteem. I thank you sincerely.
[Applause.]

The election of a Treasurer being proceeded with (for which office
but one candidate had been named), the ballot of the Society, on motion
of Mr. C. H. Allen, was cast by the Secretary for Mr. H. B. Beatty,
who was declared unanimously elected for the ensuing year or until his
successor should be installed.

Mr. Beatty, being called out, returned his thanks. He said: Like
Brother Lonsdale, I was so uncertain in regard to my election that I
have not prepared any set speech, but your kind reception has much
gratified me and I thank you very heartily for what I consider the greatest
honor you could confer upon me. [Aj^plause.]

Mr. John Burton, of Philadelphia, here made an announcement
of certain details of the shooting match on the following day.

FERTILIZERS AND THEIR APPLICATION.

The next business, according to the program, was an essay on " Fer-
tilizers and their application," by Mr. Robert Simpson, of Cromwell,
Conn. The essay was read by Mr. Simpson, and received with applause.
It was as follows : —

I must ask you to be as patient as possible this morning while you
listen to my very prosaic remarks. Devotees of the rose, the orchid, the
chrysanthemum and the violet have charmed us as they have descanted

SOCIETY OF AMERICAN FLORISTS. 105

on the beauty or sentiment of their favorite flowers, but you will all agree
with me that my subject is not one which lends itself naturally to poetic
utterance. The question of fertilizers, however, is one that interests
every grower of plants and flowers, and if I cannot treat the subject from
the standpoint of the chemist as well as that of a grower, I can at least
relate a little of my own experience.

According to my obsei'vations a great many growers attach too little
importance to the quality of the soil, especially for roses, thinking to
make up for any deficiency by a liberal application of manure. But can
the necessary elements be supplied in this way? I should certainly
answer in the negative. If it were possible to get a soil sufficiently rich
in all that is necessary for the proper development and sustenance of our
greenhouse plants, without any addition of fertilizers, I would be only
too glad to use it. Few of us, however, are fortunate enough to possess
such a soil; one of the greatest mistakes, however, that a florist can
make is to put up a range of greenhouses where the soil in the immediate
vicinity is unsuited for greenhouse purposes. Nothing in the shape of
large glass and model greenhouses, or even special treatment, can com-
pensate for poor soil. The question then is, what can be considered the
best soil for such crops as roses, carnations, chrysanthemums, etc.? My
choice would be two inches from the top of an old rich pasture, where
the soil is inclined to be a heavy loam and the land is low enough to
catch the deposit from the continual washings, yet not low enough to be
sour and wet; this cut in the spring as early as the land is dry and laid
up with good cow manure of the previous season in thin layers in the
proportion of four parts soil to one of manure; if the soil is naturally
very rich less manure will answer, and if very poor a larger quantity
should be used. Mr. Hunt, in his book, "How to grow cut flowers,"
strongly condemns the use of cow manure where the animals have been
fed with slops from distilleries, claiming it to be as fatal to plants as the
refined product is to man; if such is the case, beware! At any rate that
from grain fed animals is so much stronger and better that whenever
possible it should be used.

Horse manure I would never mix with the soil for roses under any
consideration; it may when thoroughly decomposed be used as a top
dressing, but its action in the soil is often pernicious in the extreme. I
have seen it fill the beds so full of white fungus, resembling mushroom
spawn, until the whole thing was matted together and smelled abomina-
bly; at other times toadstools would spring up so rank that there was
danger of lifting the plants bodily out of the bench; it is needless to say
plants cannot thrive under such conditions.

Sheep manure I consider one of the very best fertilizers we have,
used either in liquid form or mixed with the soil at the time of planting;
but I have never dared to mix it in the compost heap, for too much of it
in one place is certain death to all vegetable life. I know of one large
grower who declares he will never use another shovelful of it as long as

106

PROCEEDINGS OF TEKTII CONVENTION,

the world stands; upon enquiring how much he mixed with his soil I
found he used somewhere about one part sheep manui-e and three parts
soil. You won't be surprised his plants had the jaundice. We have
proof of the powerfulness of sheep manure as a fertilizer if we look at
the crops of grain produced by land that has been pastured with sheep.
I know of nothing in the wa}' of animal manure that can equal it as a
crop producer, but we must use it cautiously; two hundred pounds to a
one hundred foot house of roses or carnations will not be too much if it
is pulverized and evenly mixed with the soil, or the same amount can be
used as a top dressing. Having secured good soil and good manure and
planted therein good plants, the most natural thing in the world is that
they should grow, providing of course that all other conditions are favor-
able.

When we undertake to furnish food to a plant or a number of plants
it is reasonable to suppose we will understand the particular require-
ments of the plants and the nature of the food we propose to supply; but
I fear a great many of us will have to admit that our knowledge is very
scant indeed. If we knew enough about the laws of chemistry to analyze
our soils and determine what properties are lacking which are known to
be essential to the complete development of certain plants, how much
guessing and puzzling we might save ourselves, how many failures and
partial failures we could prevent; and for the young men of today there
is no excuse for this ignorance; if we for the space of one year would
devote the leisure time now tritled away to the study of chemistry as it
relates to our business we would acquire sutficient knowledge to make us
much happier and wiser men. Searching for information on this sub-
ject, I addressed several inquiries to Professor Halsted, who I believe is
here this morning, and I do not hesitate to say he will be most happy to
reply to any questions of a scientitic nature bearing on our subject. My
first question was " To properly develop such plants as roses, violets,
carnations and chrysanthemums what chemical properties should the soil
possess?" Here is the answer: "The soil for growing roses, carna-
tions, violets, etc., should contain among the leading ingredients of plant
food, potash, phosphoric acid and nitrogen, these three being the ele-
ments that are most usually absent, one or all, in a soil that is unfit for
such plants. In addition to these three substances there needs to be
lime and a small amount of iron and other substances; but as these with
rare exceptions are present in sufficient quantity nothing further need be
said of them. Clay and sand make up the bulk of ordinary soil in con-
nection with the decaying vegetable matter, and this latter furnishes
nitrogen." Professor Johnson, in his work " How crops feed," says
practically the same as Professor Halsted. Speaking of the relative im-
portance of the different ingredients of the soil he says, "Those which
like oxide of iron are rarely deficient, are for that reason less prominent
among the factors of a crop; if any single substance, be it phosphoric
acid or sulphuric acid or potash or magnesia, is lacking in a given soil at

SOCIETY OF AMERICAN FLORISTS. 107

a certain time that substance is then and for that soil the most important
ingredient. From the point of view of natural abundance we may safely
state that on the whole available nitrogen and phosphoric acid are the
most important ingredients of the soil, and potash perhaps takes the next
rank. These are most commonly the substances whose absence or de-
ficiency impairs fertility, and are those which, when added as fertilizers,
produce the most frequent and remarkable increase of productiveness."
These three ingredients then, nitrogen, phosphoric acid and potash, are
the most likely to be absent or deficient in our soil, and for that reason
are to us the most important.

How are we to discover their presence in the soil, and if not present
how can they be introduced? In reference to the above I asked these
questions: " What elements of plant food are found in unleached wood
ashes, in nitrate of soda, in sulphate of ammonia and in kainit? " And
received this reply: " The leading food element in wood ashes is potash,
but as it is the residue after the burning of a vegetable substance, it con-
tains all of the mineral substances which the plant takes from the soil,
and the list would be a long one, including lime, magnesia, iron and not
to forget phosphoric acid in combination with lime and so on. Nitrate
of soda contains nitrogen in combination with sodium, and is a very satis-
factory source of nitrogen; and applied in small quantities the plant
quickly responds to the nitrogen that is thus received. Sulphate of am-
monia also contains nitrogen, and one of the elements of ammonia which
is united with sulphuric acid. Kainit is a mixture of very many sub-
stances, as potash, common salt, salts of magnesia, and other substances."
All these elements or substances may be in the soil in sufficient quantity
at the time we fill our benches and plant our roses, etc., and as a result
the plants make beautiful growth, but after a time we fancy they are not
doing so well, they haven't the same vigor, the same beautiful glossy
foliage; the flowers are not quite as large perhaps, and we think some-
thing is wrong; and so it is, the suppl}' of food is giving out, the soil is
being exhausted probably ten times as fast as it would be out of doors; the
growth is much more rapid, and while it only rains once a week, or once
a mouth in the garden or field, it rains every day in the greenhouse,
washing down through the benches each time in solution all the different
kinds of plant food. It has been proven that plant food is carried down
in the water through the drains of well drained land, in quantity suffi-
cient to mature a crop of grain; this being the case we can readily
understand how impoverished our soil in a greenhouse bench must
become if the amount of food is not constantly added to.

As a general thing when rose foliage has a pale, yellowish, sickly
look, it is a sign the plants lack potash, in which case I should use wood
ashes at the rate of one barrel to a one hundred foot house of the i*egula-
tion width. About a month ago we found a house of Perles planted for
the summer trade that had just this look, but after a liberal dose of wood
ashes they are today as thrifty and well colored as could be desired.

108 PKOCEEDINGS OF TENTH CONVENTION,

Fruit growers claim that the "yellows " on peach trees can be overcome
to a great extent by a liberal use of potash.

Nitrogen, perhaps the most necessary food ingredient, is usually
present in sufficient quantity I think where an abundance of manure is
incorporated with the soil, but this is not always the case; and I have
come to the conclusion that when plants in a greenhouse bench present
a stunted appearance without any apparent cause, the roots being in a
healthy state, and all other conditions being favorable, the soil does
not possess nitrogen in sufficient quantity, or else what it does contain is
locked up and is not available for the use of the plant. I had an illustra-
tion of this last fall in a house of Mermet and Bridesmaid roses. The
house was not completed until sometime in August, hence was planted
rather late, but the plants were large and vigorous, and the soil as far as
we could tell fairly good; the house itself was all that could be desired,
yet somehow the plants did not grow, but immediately after planting
took on that hard look which none of us like to see. We waited as
patiently as possible until a little ahead of Christmas, and then con-
cluded something must be done, or we would never cut enough to pay
for heating the house. We accordingly commenced a systematic feeding
from a couple of barrels brought into the house, using sulphate of am-
monia and fresh cow manure one week, and alternating with nitrate of
soda and sheep manure. The animal manure was used in very small
quantities, and the salts at the rate of a three-inch potful to a barrel of
water. They were watered with one of these liquids once a week for
about two months. The change was almost instantaneous, and was most
remarkable; they at once began throwing up strong shoots from the root,
and while they never grew as large as some of the plants in the other
houses, yet they produced large crops of flowers, the individual blooms
were large, the foliage was perfect; the plants in fact became so strong
and vigorous that we selected all our cuttings of those varieties from
these same plants, in preference to any others on the place. This should
be a sufficient reply to those who claim, that while nitrate of soda and
similar fertilizers may stimulate a plant for a time, they simply do so at
the expense of the plant's constitution, being almost certain to produce a
soft, unhealthy, unnatural growth.

Some years ago I had a house of Mermet roses which began to go
back during the early winter, and it soon looked so disgraceful that we
would have pulled out the plants if it had been possible to use the house
for another crop, for they looked for all the world as if they were in the
last stages of consumption. We debated for some time as to what we
should do with them, and finally concluded to try the same experiment I
have just mentioned, nitrate of soda and sulphate of ammonia. My em-
ployer had very little faith in them, but as he said, the roses were dying
anyway, and if this newfangled stuff killed them outright there would be
very little loss. The day after they had received the first dose, I took a look
to see if they had improved any; you can imagine how I felt, for there

SOCIETY OF AMERICAN FLORISTS. 109

was hardly a leaf left on the plants. I thought "we have fixed 'em sure,"
but we picked up the leaves and kept right on with the fertilizers, and
strange as it may seem, before spring this was the best house of Mermets
we had.

I am fully aware when I speak of nitrate of soda, that some of you
will shake your heads in disapproval; there have been cases of injury to
plants, the result of its use (abuse I should say), and there will continue
to be similar cases in all probability where care is not taken to use only
the safe quantity. I have used nitrate of soda for almost all kinds of
greenhouse plants, and am not aware that it ever injured any one of
them.

A word about phosphoric acid; I can not tell you what symptoms are
manifested by the plant when there is a deficiency of this ingredient in
the soil, but as I have never heard or read of there being too much of it
for the plants' welfare, we are safe in furnishing a liberal supply. There
is no question of its being a great factor in furnishing food to plants.
Bone meal is one of the best sources of phosphoric acid, yielding as it does
from twenty to twenty-five per cent. I have in mind a farm which inva-
riably produced wonderful crops; the only fertilizers used were barn
yard manure, and for all root crops such as turnips, etc., a liberal sprink-
ling of half inch bones ; this had been kept up for at least thirty years,
and as there was a systematic rotation of crops each one fed more or less
on the bone in the soil. It was not unusual for a crop of oats to average
one hundred and twenty bushels to the acre. There is danger from
bone meal in the greenhouse, however, if it has come in contact with
acids; Mr. Hunt mentions having lost f 2,000 worth of new roses at one
time in this wa}-. It behooves us then to make certain that our bone is
absolutely pure.

Lime is usually present in the soil in sufficient quantity, but an addi-
tion of this important ingredient to heavy or clayey soils is often very
beneficial; it acts as an enricher, as a sweetener, as a pulverizer, and as an
insecticide, hence its value to the florist. I had a peculiar experience
this spring in the use of lime. Two benches of ferns planted out for
cutting became infested with a black fungous growth which threatened
the destruction of every plant; we scratched it off, but it grew again,
and the plants got smaller daily, when it occurred to us to use air slacked
lime as a top dressing; I was sure it would kill the fungus, and didn't
know but it would kill the ferns too; but we tried it, a good covering,
over crowns and all, and strange to say that while it did not kill the para-
site, only checking it, it started the ferns into active growth, and since
then we have picked in large quantities the longest and finest adiantums I
have ever seen grown on a bench. It is hardly necessary to say I shall
not be afraid to use lime on ferns in the future.

Perhaps the most satisfactory and economical method of supplying
food to such plants as roses and carnations during the winter and spring
months is by means of liquid manure. I have a decided objection to

110 PROCEEDINGS OF TENTH CONVENTION,

laying manure on the benches as a top dressing in the late fall, or during
winter, believing it to do more harm tlian good; it prevents evaporation
and keeps the sun from the roots at the time when they are benefited the
most by its direct action. I do not wish it understood that I dislike
mulching at any and all seasons of the year, for I have regularly attended
to this operation twice during the season with all tea roses, the first time
in August, and the second about March; the first saves a great deal of
watering and is entirely gone by November, and the March mulching
gives the roots new material to run in and also prevents severe drying
out. Between these dates and in fact after the latter dale I consider
liquid manure cheaper, cleaner in the house and more effective; for ordi-
nary purposes that made from animal manure is the safest and best; four
pecks of cow or horse manure, two pecks of sheep manure, or one of
hen droppings, is sufficient to make one hundred gallons of liquid. I
have known people who never thought liquid manure was strong enough,
unless its odor was powerful enough to drive most people away from the
house where it was being used; but this is against all reason and com-
mon sense, far better to use it weak and often; plants, like animals,
should be fed regularly if they need feeding at all, not gorged today and
starved for a mouth. Their food also should be changed from time to
time, so that what is not supplied in one form may be found in another.

A word about the mode of applying liquid manure. The old method
was to use barrels in the walks, and apply with the watering pot, and a
beautiful job it is, crawling along a twelve-inch walk with a three-gallon
can in front of you. I have been there, perhaps some of you have; with
such a system the man who has charge of your houses is hardly likely to
remind you when the appointed day for going through this performance
arrives, and 1 don't blame him. This old fashioned method may do
where the place is very small, and can hardly afford to put in anything
very expensive, but where there is much glass something better and
cheaper in labor should be devised. We have a system which works so
nicely, that 1 will try to describe it to you as briefly as possible.

A large tank holding from eight thousand to ten thousand gallons is
built directly under the stable ; I should mention the fact that there is a
cellar under the building, and in this cellar is our tank, six feet deep,
half above ground and half below; the drainage and manure from six
horses and two cows find their way into it through an opening in the
floor, and this with a change to sheep manure, or nitrate of soda occa-
sionally, gives us all the strength we require. By opening a valve the
liquid flows by gravity into another tank which is connected with the
steam pump. If the water should get too strong we dilute by starting
up the clean water pump and running both at the same time. There is
no carting of manure, very little mixing, and no disagreeable sights or
smells for visitors. You will readily understand the saving in labor over
the barrel and watering pot system, when I say that six men with hose
and one to run the pump can water everything in our greenhouses in half

SOCIETY OF AMERICAN FLORISTS. Ill

a day, whereas with the old method it would require seven men four full
days to do the same work, costing just seven times as much, and not
giving half the satisfaction.

In conclusion, I would say, that with fertilizers, as everything else,
we must study, we must observe, we must experiment; Nature's secrets
are all locked to the indolent and indifferent, but to the man who will
dig, who will search, who will explore, she will yield the key, and lay
bare her hidden treasures.

Mr. Benjamin Hammond, of Fishkill, N. Y.: I listened with much
pleasure as Mr. Simpson laid bare the basis facts of successful fertiliza-
tion of soil, laying great stress upon the simple fact that no plant can
grow unless it be fed. It has been said that water is Nature's common
carrier, and it is well known that all plant food, to be available, must be
in solution. A practical knowledge of chemistry is one pre-requisite
todaj^ for any man who assumes to be a manager of a place, whether
large or small, in which plants are grown for pleasure or for the market.
The growth of plants varies little in the assimilation of food from that
of the animal body. If you want bone in your nursing infant it is neces-
sary that the infant should have what is necessary to make bone. Lime
water, as you know, is a favorite formula with a physician to give to a
puny, delicate child. If we want woody fibre in a plant it is necessary to
give it that which constitutes the strength of woody fibre. If you want
firm and temperate growth, you want the substance that makes growth
to be applied in a soluble form, so that it can be absorbed by the plant
into its cellular tissue and can develop the herbaceous matter.

These things have been so well brought out by Mr. Simpson, that in
no pamphlet or book that it has been my fortune to read, have I seen
them so well and concisely stated as in his paper. The fact with which
he began should be borne in mind; that it is of no use to start a place
where you cannot get natural soil suitable for the work you intend to
carry on. I do not think that anybody would be inclined to go away up
on yonder beaches, which some of us visited yesterday, for soil to stait a
market garden, calculating to obtain from that soil what would be early
vegetables for your city markets. There would be no sense in such a
thing. In using soil in your houses you must take into consideration
whether you are getting that which is most suitable for feeding your
plants with. That most successful man in the culture of roses,.
Mr. John N. May, of Summit, N. J., by the aid of a large steam plant,
sterilizes the soil used in his benches, so that what would not conduce to
successful growth may be eliminated; in other words, as you sterilize
milk so that it will be absolutely healthy, he sterilizes his soil.

The artificial manures to which Mr. Simpson has referred can be of
immense value when used reasonably, although in some cases there may
be a prejudice against their use. They should not be too strong. You

112 PROCEEDINGS OF TENTH CONVENTION,

will bear ia mind that a chemical salt is a strongly concentrated sub-
stance. For instance, potash is taken from the ashes of burned wood,
and nitre is obtained from organic matter which originally contained the
salt in the minutest of quantities, or it is found in the dry deserts of
Chili and Peru, the result of vast evaporation. When you have these
things in concentrated form, you are able to give food to your plants by
dissolving a small quantity of the fertilizer or the chemicals in a large
quantity of water, but by making it too strong you will do more damage
than good. Their effect upon the structural growth of growing plants,
when properly dissolved and applied, is similar to that of the lime water
when given to a delicate child. When fertilizer so applied becomes as-
similated in the plant and acts on the substances which form the solid
texture of the plant, it takes away from it the weakness and the yellow-
ness and adds to it the lustre, the darkness and green which are the
indications of health and vigor.

I regard this paper of Mr. Simpson's as worthy of the most careful
study. If revised in some particulars, it would be worth publication in
pamphlet form for free distribution by you employers to your men upon
whom you have to depend so much for the success of your crops.
£Applause.]

Mr. John H. Taylor: In the admirable paper just read by
Mr. Simpson, one point touched upon was the fact that bone treated
with sulphuric acid is injurious to plants. It undoubtedly is to rose
plants when mixed with the soil. It can, however, be used as a liquid
manure. The essayist did not mention one very excellent fertilizer,
namely, hiperphosphate. This fertilizer is treated with sulphuric acid in
order to make the plant food more available. A good hiperphosphate
should contain all the elements necessary to sustain plant life. It gener-
ally contains a large proportion of nitrogen, potash and phosphoric acid.
Florists have not been using it, owing to the fact that it was considered too
powerful. In experimenting with hiperphosphates I find they can be
used with safety as a top dressing or as a liquid manure. By its use in
small quantities we have a complete manure, and one that is more avail-
able than can be obtained by using a special fertilizer, as it acts very
rapidly.

My experience with fertilizers has been very similar to Mr. Simp-
son's; that is, to apply frequently but in small quantity at a time. In
fact, as far as fertilizing is concerned, more damage is done by over-feed-
ing than too little feeding. In the greenhouse we have our plants so much
under our control that nine-tenths of our plants get too much instead of
too little food.

Mr. Taylor was understood to add, in reply to an inquiry by
Mr. Simpson, that the quantity of hiperphosphate necessary to give sat-
isfaction was about a three-inch pot full to four gallons of water.

SOCIETY OF AMERICAN FLORISTS. 113

Mr. John N. May: Mr. Simpson has made one statement which
I think ought not to go forth without some qualification; and that is that
he has never found nitrate of soda to do harm to any growing plant. In
that gentleman's experience it may be so, but I wish to say that nitrate
of soda, whether applied judiciously or injudiciously, (more often the
latter is the case, of course,) to rapid growing chrysanthemums is un-
doubtedly injurious. I have tried it for five different seasons to satisfy
myself, and I am satisfied that nitrate of soda, applied to chrysanthe-
mums in any stage of their development is injurious. It produces a soft,
weakly growth, and oftentimes, if applied just before the sun strikes the
plant, it will burn the foliage. I wish to make this statement because I
know that many people are trying nitrate of soda in various ways, and
Mr. Simpson's valuable paper will probably induce them to try it on
chrysanthemums, when a man with only a few plants would be a great
sufferer.

Mr. May closed by proposing a vote of thanks to Mr. Simpson for
his admirable and highly interesting paper.

The motion was adopted and the discussion here closed.

THE CLASSIFICATION AND INSPECTION OF COMMERCIAL PLANTS.

An essay upon the above named subject, by Mr. G. L. Grant, of
Chicago, 111., was here read by its author and commanded close attention.
The usual applause followed its delivery. It was as follows: —

This subject is entirely too large to cover in an essay of ordinary
length, and I shall do no more than present the several main points for
the consideration of the Society.

It will be admitted by all that the present description of plants by
size of pot means little or nothing. We all know that the variation in
quality among a large lot of two and one-half inch stuff is simply im-
mense, and runs all the way from first class, to stock fit only for the rub-
bish heap.

Can we devise a classification that will make it possible for the grower
to intelligently offer his stock for sale, and for the buyer to purchase with
discrimination when it is impossible for the latter to personally inspect it?

Probably plants cannot be so accurately classified as some other
things, but we can, beyond a shadow of a doubt, devise a system that will
be a vast improvement upon the one at present in use.

It seems to me that the number of perfect, healthy leaves upon the
plant will more nearly determine its actual value than any other one char-
acteristic. I believe we can come closer to an accurate classification than
by this means; but this feature will be an essential point in any system
that may be devised. Mind I do not say merely the number of leaves
alone, but the number of perfect and healthy ones. The leaves may be
either large or small and still meet the requirements. It is a botanical

114 PROCEEDINGS OF TENTH CONVENTION,

axiom that the number and condition of the leaves correspond to the
number and condition of the roots in a normal plant. With diseased
roots a plant cannot produce healthy leaves and with diseased leaves it
cannot produce healthy roots. Are not then the number and condition
of the leaves a true index of the value of the plant?

Of course the size of the pot should also be considered. In classify-
ing young tea roses, I would say that a first-class plant in a two and one-
half inch pot should have not less than twenty perfect, healthy leaflets;
a second class one not less than tifteen, and a third class one not less
than ten. It would be necessary to consider each class of plants sepa-
rately of course, as a rule, for one might not be just to another. It might
even be necessary to consider each variety separately. Even doing this
it would not be such a great amount of work to cover the plants most
commonly bought and sold through the medium of correspondence.

I would suggest that a competent committee be appointed to devise
a system of classification on the line noted, and submit the same at the
next annual meeting for the consideration of the Society. I would sug-
gest further that the committee be requested to prepare a comprehensive
exhibit of commercial plants of the various classes, the same to be dis-
played in the exhibition hall for the information and criticism of the
members.

Certain it is that we must make a serious attempt to solve the prob-
lem of classification if the shipping trade is to continue its ^growth. In
the sharp competition that now prevails there is a continual tendency
toward lower quality in order to meet lower prices. Often the " cheap "
plants would not be accepted as a gift if the actual quality was known to
the buyers. I consider it the duty of this Society to make it possible for
the grower of really good stock to so offer it in^his printed list or adver-
tisement that its value will appear and be appreciated, and for the buyer
to be able to know what he is buying.

FINAL RESOLUTIONS.

The following were constituted a committee to report final I'esolu-
tions for the action of the Society: Messrs. Grove P. Rawson, Wm. Scott
and John Spalding.

THE QUESTION BOX.

The only remaining order of business at the morning session, the
" Question Box," was here taken up. The first subject was " The value
of auction sales of plants and flowers." Mr. Robert Craig, to whom the
reply had been assigned, was not present.

Mr. P. O'Mara, being called up by Mr. Du Rie for the reply, briefly
remarked that he thought the value of auction sales would be measured
by exactly the same standard that applied to private sales of plants and
flowers; that a good price for them was a good thing, and a poor price
was a bad thing.

SOCIETY OF AMERICAN FLORISTS. 115

The following replj' to the inquiry, " How to destroy red spider,"
was received in writing from Mr, Geo. Klehm, Arlington Heights, 111.,
who was unable to be present: When spraying is properly attended
to you will very seldom find this insect on any place, but when the red
spider has a foothold, you can very easily destroy it if you have the con-
venience to heat your spraying water. We have a cistern built under-
ground ten feet wide by fifteen feet deep, bricked, and cemented, and
arched over the top. This cistern is near our boiler and pump. In this
cistern we run steam pipes, and we heat the water to about one hundred
to one hundred and ten degrees, and after spraying with a good force
with this warm water once or twice, you will find your red spider has
deserted. When the water is warmer than the air is, you will always
find that the red spider will let loose of the leaves with hard syringing,
but when the water is cold you will find that the insect will cling very
tight to the leaves.

The next question, " What are the results of growing carnations
under glass all summer?" was the subject of a reply by Mr. Fred
DoRNER, of Lafayette, Ind. Mr. Dorner's reply was in writing and was
accompanied by a communication apologizing for his absence on account
of the illness of his son.

Secretary Stewart read the reply as follows: —

In answer to this question I have to say that the results were very
unsatisfactory with me. I planted a house, arranged with side and top
ventilation, with well-grown plants from four-inch pots, the first days in
June. The plants grew very slowly; scarcely any advance could be
noticed for a long time. They required daily watering. Quite a number
were lost by decaying right above the ground; any other disease I did
not notice. The plants had rather a healthy appearance but were nearly
at a standstill, and by the first of September my field grown plants com-
ing thi'ough a three months' drought were larger than those under glass-
with daily watering. The object of having larger plants and earlier
blooming was a total failure, for those plants housed the first part of
September were away ahead in time, quality and quantity of flowers.

A second house in course of construction with no roof on, I planted
at the same time with equally strong plants. Careful watering was
attended to. These kept pace with the field grown plants which had no
rain at all. The same disease made its appearance, the decaying of the
stems near the ground, and quite a good many plants were lost. But
here I had an advantage over the delay of transplanting the field grown
plants, for they gave me earlier flowers; but on the whole, not enough to
warrant all the extra work. I put the glass on this house the middle of
September. From my own experience, and what I heard from several
other growers who had made the same experiments, I came to the con-

116 PROCEEDINGS OF TENTH CONVENTION

elusion that by careful field growing, careful lifting and planting in the
houses, we gain the best results, far better than by growing them under
glass all summer.

On raised benches the soil gets too hot, either wet or dry during the
hot summer months for carnations to grown in. Better results may
probably be gained on solid beds, but I consider it doubtful. The desire
for earlier and better flowers, especially for the fall exhibitions, gave
rise to these experiments, and we might be successful if we could con-
trol temperature as well as we can moisture without impairing the sun-
light during the summer months; but as this is not the case, we have to
make our efforts in a better field culture and a more careful transplanting
to the houses.

"The advisability of flower markets " was the next subject. Mr. Wm.
Feast, of Baltimore, to whom this subject had been assigned, being
called upon by the chair, came forward and made the following reply:
Having been requested to make a few remarks in reply to the question
just presented, I am afraid that what little I may say will have little or
no weight in comparison with what has already been said on the subject.
I will, however, with your permission, give a brief outline of the work-
ing of our Baltimore Exchange, allowing you to draw your own conclu-
sion as to its advisability. As far as we Baltimore florists are concerned,
our Exchange has passed the stage of advisability and has become a
necessity, inasmuch as it is the only recognized place in our city at which
to buy at wholesale, for we have no commission houses there. That fact
alone is responsible today for the organizing of our Exchange; and I
doubt whether, had Baltimore been blessed with her just proportion of
commission houses, as other cities are, the Exchange would ever have
been established. However, it is established and has come to stay. It
■was established not with the intention of making money for stockholders,
but for the mutual benefit of growers and dealers alike; and for that
reason the shares of stock were placed at five dollars each. All con-
signors were requested to take at least one share, so as to entitle them to
the privilege of having their goods sold at ten per cent, commission.

The affairs of the Exchange are governed by a board of seven
directors, three dealers and four growers, elected to serve for one year.
They in turn elect their own officers, consisting of president, vice-presi-
dent, secretary and treasurer; also a price committee composed of two
growers and one dealer, whose duty it is to place prices on the blackboard
once every week. The president and secretary, being recognized as the
executive heads, are responsible to the Board for the fulfillment of all
orders passed by them at their monthly meetings. In that way the em-
ployes of the Exchange have in reality only two officers to obey, which
avoids confusion and does away with too many bosses. Our present
force consists of salesman, lady bookkeeper and two boys. A regular
double entry set of books is kept, and we endeavor to settle with growers

SOCIETY OF AMERICAN FLORISTS. 117

every week. We are at present using the autographic register, which
makes it next to impossible for anything to go wrong with the charges
and cash. This I will explain. We have two registers, one for cash
with red tickets, and the other for charges or blue tickets. Every sale
that is made for cash is itemized on a red ticket with grower's name,
price, total of sale and number of ticket. All of this is duplicated on
rolls in the register, and the same with charges. Every item is credited
direct to growers from these tickets, and the ledger accounts at the end
of the week have to agree with total cash and charge sales, as indicated
on the two rolls in the register. Should there be a difference it is easily
discovered, as every ticket is numbered and must agree.

We have another very good feature, and that is our advertising wall
space. We have a large blackboard with a space ruled eighteen inches
by twenty-four inches, for which we charge five dollars per year. The
matter can be written in chalk or printed, as preferred. We found this
scheme to take very well last season, and it brought in a handy sum
which helped considerably to keep our expense account down.

In conclusion permit me to say, that we consider our Exchange an
ideal wholesale place in every respect, inasmuch as the growers direct its
affairs and govern to a certain extent the price of their product; and at
the same time the influence exerted by the dealer lessens the possibility
of dissatisfaction as regards prices.

Adjourned until afternoon.

THIRD DAY — AFTERNOON.

• Thursday, August 23, 1894.

After an interval of waiting, President Anthony called the Con-
vention to order.

PERTAINING TO THE SECRETARY AND TREASURER.

Secretary Stewart submitted 'and read the following amendments
to the By-laws, of which previous notice had been given:

Add to Section 2 (relating to the duties of the Secretary) , the follow-
ing: " He shall also receive, receipt for and remit to the Treasurer such
annual dues as may be paid to him; and shall give a bond in such an
amount and with such security as the Executive Committee shall, from
time to time, consider sufficient."

Add to Section o (referring to the duties of the Treasurer) , the fol-
lowing: " The Treasurer shall give a bond for such amount and with such
security as the Executive Committee shall from time to time consider
sufficient."

118 PROCEEDINGS OF TENTH CONVENTION,

Mr. P, O'Mara moved the adoption of the amendment.

Mr. W. R. Smith seconded the motion.

Mr. J. G. EsLER inquired whether, if the amendments were adopted,
there would be any system by which either the Secretary or the Treas-
urer would have a check upon each other.

Secretary Stewart replied: The only system hitherto has been
this: The Secretary receives no money and none is likely to pass through
his hands except that which comes from the payment o£ dues; and the
payment of dues is always acknowledged by consecutively numbered re-
ceipts. These numbered receipts have corresponding numbers on the
bound stubs in the book, and all the money has been paid to the Treas-
urer on the basis of these stubs. A book of fifty stubs has been assumed
to represent one hundred and fifty dollars. If a receipt was for any
reason destroyed it was accounted for.

Mr. Esler: Has the Treasurer furnished those stubs or books?

Mr. Stewart: No; they have always been furnished by the Secre-
tary.

Mr. Esler: Understand, I am not insinuating that there is or
would be anything improper on the part of the Secretary, but the proper
way to do business is in a business-like manner, and I think it would be
proper for the Treasurer to furnish the Secretary with those books, and
for him to hold the latter accountable for them.

Mr. Stewart: Well, your Treasurer is present, and I serve notice
upon him now that I would be very glad to have him furnish me with
the books.

Mr. Bkatty, (the Treasurer): The Secretary has been doing this
work so acceptably for many years that I would not think for a moment
of changing it, because I think he is better able to receive the dues from
the members than is the Treasurer. It relieves the Treasurer, of course.
There is no authoriLj' in the By-laws for the Secretary to do it, and
this amendment is proposed in order to bring the By-laws in accord with
the way we have been doing business. Mr. Esler states that there is a
right and a wrong way to do business. We have been doing the business
in the right way, but the By-laws have not been written quite in the
right way.

Mr. Stewart: I regard Mr. Esler's suggestion as a good one and
perfectly proper. I should prefer to see it followed out.

Mr. Esler: It would relieve you of an amount of responsibility;
and under the present practice we might at some time, in the case of a

SOCIETY OF AMERICAN FLORISTS. 119

dishonest Secretary, lose some money because we do not know how many
books are received.

Mr. O'Mara's motion was here adopted, and the amendments were
ratified without objection.

FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC STATISTICS.

President Anthony announced as the next business an essay on
"The value and importance of statistics, foreign and domestic," by
Mr. Benjamin Durfee, of Washington, D. C.

Mr. W. R. Smith stated that it had been impossible for Mr. Durfee,
on account of his arduous duties, to attend the Convention. As the sub-
ject was an important and interesting one, and as Mr. Durfee could do
ample justice to it, Mr. Smith asked that leave be given that gentleman
to print his essay.

Mr. J. G. Esler moved that leave be given, as requested.

Mr. P. O'Mara: Of course the intention is to have the essay incor-
porated in the Report of this Society, not merely to print and distribute it?

Mr. Smith: Certainly.

Mr. Esler's motion was adopted without objection.

FIRE insurance FOR GREENHOUSES.

The item of " Miscellaneous Business," being reached at this point,
the Convention took up the subject of fire insurance for greenhouses.

President Anthony stated that the report of the committee ap-
pointed at the St. Louis meeting to consider the matter, of which
Mr. E. H. Michel, of St. Louis, was chairman, would be presented by
Mr. Seidewitz.

Mr. E. A. Seidewitz: I regret to state that Mr. Michel, the chair-
man, was taken ill some time prior to the meeting of this Convention.
He had all the statistics and reports in his possession until a week or so
before our coming together here. At that time the reports were handed
over to me, but the committee had very little time in which to get up a
report. Mr. Michel handed us an incomplete report, and from the
papers submitted to us, we have endeavored to make the report as full as
possible. I will now read the report, part of which is in the wording of
Mr. Michel. It has appended to it the classification which the committee
would put before the Society for its consideration.

120 PROCEEDINGS OF TENTH CONVENTION,

The report was read as follows: —

Your committee in the matters of fire insurance in its effort to secure
definite information regarding the amount of insurance carried by florists
and the rates of insurance usually paid, has failed to elicit important
statistics, because the large majority of the florists failed to respond to the
requests made both through the trade papers and to each individually by
circulars. We received answers, however, from about two hundred and
fifty greenhouse men; the total value of whose houses aggregated over
SI ,500,000. Out of this number only one hundred carried fire insurance
to the amount of 8300,000, paying from one-fourth per cent, to three and
one-fourth per cent, premium per annum; the average rate being one
and one-half per cent., or not quite as bad as we were led to believe they
were before we had entered upon our work. The higher rates were
rather exceptional, the general charge in large cities being from one per
cent, to two per cent.

The two hundred and fifty florists answering our questions, reported
twenty-five fires which had occurred in their vicinities during the past
year. An exceedingly high estimate of the total losses in these tires
would place the amount at less than 810,000. The value of the proper-
ties of those who reported alone being 81,500,000, we are perfectly safe
in placing the value of the properties in their vicinities, including their
own, at 83,000,000, which makes the rate of loss at an unfairly large
percentage on the glass insured. The risk in almost every case where
there was a fire was through the careless manner in which the flues or
chimneys were built, or through the carelessness of placing ignitable
material on the flue or boiler.

The causes of the different fires were as follows : —

JiTo reason given, four.

Defective flue, seven.

Carelessness, five.

Over-heated chimney too near wood-work, one.

Pipes too near floor beams, one.

Defective gas pipe, one.

The lowest rates given by any was by the Reading Mutual, one-
fourth per cent, on greenhouses and contents. The Western, one-third
per cent, for greenhouses and contents. The Royal of Liverpool in one
instance gave one-fourth per cent., and in another, one and one-fourth
on greenhouses, showing that the local agent took into consideration the
style of risk.

While it seems that the majority of florists do not insure their
houses, thinking that the risks are slight, still there would be many who
would insure had they cheap rates offered them. In order that we may
receive such reductions in the rates of insurance, we have made a classi-
fication of greenhouses, which we place before you for your attention.
Having settled upon a classification, we would suggest that such classi-
fications be placed before the board of underwriters, and show this body

SOCIETY OF AMERICAN FLORISTS.

121

that greenhouse risks are good risks if the houses are properly con-
structed. There is no doubt that if this matter is properly put before
the underwriters we will receive the benefits of a reduced rate.

Classification.

First. Greenhouses in good condition, heated by hot water or steam,
or both, where boilers, fines and pipes are properly insulated, and having
tire-proof boiler pits. Each house being separate and detached, except
for one connecting hall or shed to each one hundred feet in length of the
house with water under pressure on the premises, and being within reach
of a fire department. A watchman on the premises at night. One per
cent, for three years.

Second. Greenhouses heated partly by hot-air flues and partly by
hot water or steam, or both. All other conditions the same as above.
Two per cent, for three years.

Third. Greenhouses heated by hot-air flues in especially good con-
dition. The other conditions the same as above. Three per cent, for
three years.

Add for no watchman twenty-five per cent, to rate of premium.

Add for no fire department twenty-five per cent, to rate of premium.

Add for no water under pressure fifty per cent, to rate of premium.

Add for every attached greenhouse twenty-five per cent, to rate of
premium.

Old and dilapidated houses heated by flues to be excluded from
insurance.

Kindling wood in contact with flues, boilers or steam pipes, or iron
flues in contact with wood-work of any description, to cancel obligation
of company insuring in case of loss.

Where oil is used as fuel the risk is to be governed by the rules of
insurance companies regarding its use.

We believe risks as above could be profitable taken at above rates.

E. H. Michel, )

J. G. ESLER, >- Committee.

E. A. Seidewitz, )

Mr. H. A. SiEBRECHT, of New Rochelle, N. Y. : The report cer-
tainly gives us some data as to fires that have occurred, the risks that the
various florists run, the net insurance; and the classification they make
is a very good one. This is certainly a beginning, and I think the matter
should be fairly and fully considered. We should hear from those who
have made the matter a study so that we may get at some favorable rate
and be able to insure our property reasonably.

Mr. J. G. Esler: My work on the committee consisted largely in
talking the matter over with insurance companies. I found that one

122 PROCEEDINGS OF TENTH CONVENTION,

difficulty was that the companies had concluded that greenhouses were
very dangerous property to insure. They made no distinction in green-
houses as to good risks or poor risks. I think that if a classification of
this kind was placed before the board of underwriters and also in the
hands of every member of the Society of American Florists, to be used
with his agents, we could get insurance companies to recognize that
there is a difference in greenhouse risks. When we get them to recog-
nize that fact, better rates will follow. It is a question of time as to
when we will get better rates; we are not going to get them today or to-
morrow. They have been taking a lot of greenhouses that ought not to
have been insured, but they did take them and they lost money on them,
and the better class of greenhouses has had to suffer for it in their rates
of insurance.

Mr. J. L. Jordan: If I understood the report correctly, a rate is
fixed for greenhouses heated by hot-air or flues, that is, where a flue is
put in at one end and smoke and heat go through the other end. For
one, I am entirely opposed to recommending their being insured at any
rate at all. It is not a ijood insurable risk.

o^

Mr. Esler: Make the rate higher

o

Mr. Jordan: You will find that the higher the rate is the more
likely they are to have a fire.

The speaker here referred to two fires at his greenhouse or in the
barns and sheds adjoining, which occurred in the summer when there
was no fire around the greenhouse, and had occurred probably through
accident or the work of tramps or thieves in using matches. He also
stated that he had been enabled of late years to get a rate on greenhouses
of one per cent, per annum, but none on plants. This had been con-
sidered in his locality, a low rate; a higher rate was paid on merchandise
in the stores.

Mr. Esler: I will say to Mr. Jordan that the committee took that
matter into consideration, and he will remember that we excluded green-
houses heated by flues. But there are cases where a man may have half
a dozen or a dozen greenhouses heated by hot water, and still have one
greenhouse flue-heated and perfectly protected. While he would have to
pay the high rate for all on account of the flue-heated greenhouse, it
seems to me it would be rather hard to exclude it. That is why we have
left the clause in whereby we recommend a company to take insurance
upon that class. The classification simply points out to insurance men
that those greenhouses are dangerous risks.

Mr. J. D. Carmody: I think one thing that has been brought out
by the discussion upon that class of risks is the unfortunate fact that

SOCIETY OF AMERICAN FLORISTS. 123

some florists are not honest. The general impression is they are. I say
it here (I do not want anything said about it outside) , that there are some
who are known to be not honest. I call to mind a case of that kind. A
man who worked for me (I don't know whether he acquired his dis-
honesty from me or not), went out from my house and established a
house for himself; and when I followed him up afterwards, I found some
of my appliances in his place. He got the little rat-trap he built heavily
insured, perhaps at the rate of twenty-five cents a foot, and he had a
brick flue in it. He propagated an immense quantity of plants of the
coleus and alternanthera; he filled a whole bench. Somehow or other
his greenhouse took fire. He declared that those alternantheras were
worth five cents apiece in the cutting bench, and he got some friends of
his to swear they were worth all of that. He claimed a thousand dollars
of insurance for what I would not have given twenty-five dollars for;
and he got five hundred doUai's insurance when he ought to have been
sent to the penitentiary. This happened five or six years ago, before the
present permanent character of building with modern appliances was the
rule. Well, insurance companies get their data from such instances of
rascality, and we must disabuse their minds of the unfavorable impres-
sions they have received.

Mr. SiEBREcnT: I move that the report of the committee be ac-
cepted with thanks; that they be requested and instructed to continue in
their good work; that we give them a little more power, that is to say,
that they shall improve this classification and make a fuller report; that
this shall be done at the expense of the Society; that the Society shall
appropriate a reasonable sum or whatever is required to get the informa-
tion desired, when the committee should go to the insurance companies
and place before them an honest report, and assure them that this
Society will vouch for the honesty and integrity of those who may avail
themselves of that plan of insurance. In that way I think we can get a
reasonable rate of insurance on greenhouse property. In my opinion
the greenhouse risk is a good risk, if your houses are properly constructed
and if you are vigilant, especially if you keep a night watchman, and
more so if you have plenty of water pressure and are near a fire depart-
ment. All those things are to be considered, and the plan should be sug-
gested as to a low rate of one dollar for three years on a good risk. If
there be no water pressure, add fifty per cent.; if there be no watchman,
add twenty-five per cent, to the rate of premium.

I think if this plan is put before the underwriters they will be im-
pressed favorably by it. They will know then that it is not alone the
dilapidated places that are insured, and that the object of insuring is not
to get money upon them improperly. We want to put down and keep
out that class of men who would insure their property for the purpose of
taking advantage of an insurance company; we do not want them in our
Society; we do not want to do anything for them until they repent and
become honest.

124 PROCEEDINGS OF TENTH CONVENTION,

Mr, Esler: I think that Mr. Siebrecht's motion is all right but
that the recommendations would have more weight with a board of un-
derwriters if they were presented by the officers of this Society, or if those
officers used their influence in the matter.

Mr. W. R. Smith: I think that smoke flues should be left out of
the classification. They are a thing of the past. With that amendment,
I think the classification should be adopted by the Society.

Mr. Siedewitz remarked that he thought the suggestion of Mr,
Smith would not be treating some florists fairly. He thought that the
insurance companies ought to be allowed to take any risk they chose to
take for a certain sum.

Mr. Esler said that the recommendation of the committee had
been made with the expectation that the Society, knowing much more
on the subject than the committee, would suggest changes in the classifi-
cation. The committee did not pretend to be infallible. He suggested
that if the change indicated by Mr. Smith was made it would simply put
the smoke-flue greenhouses under the head of " dangerous " and recom-
mend that they be not taken. If then the insurance companies did take
them it would be at their own risk. The figures suggested by the com-
mittee were simply those which they thought ought to be charged,

Mr, O'Mara remarked that, as it was admitted that the committee
had no right to dictate terms to the insurance companies as to rates,
(which of course the companies would not allow) , it was inconsistent
to embody in the paper a risk which the committee said the insurance
companies should not take. He thought the paper as read should be ac-
cepted, without tacking on to it a statement that there was a certain
grade of houses which the insurance companies should not take. If they
wanted to take a greenhouse with a flue in it, at their own risk, they
should be allowed to do so.

Mr. Beatty said he coincided in the view expressed by Mr.
O'Mara, He went on to explain that the phraseology of the committee's
report was objectionable in so far as it could be construed as an attempt
to dictate to the insurance companies how they should run their business.
He thought that the committee had done a great deal of work and he
would not attempt to deprecate their labors but he thought that the
classification would read better if, instead of fixing one per cent, for three
years, for instance, the risk should be rated as a first-class one or such a
risk as the insurance companies take for one per cent, per year, thereby
simply giving the opinion of the committee in regard to the risk. He
was apprehensive, however, that the opinion of the committee would not
have much weight with an insurance company in effecting a change of
their rates, as these were uniform and long established.

SOCIETY OF AlVIERICAN FLORISTS. 125

Mr. SiEBRECHT replied that his motion did not propose to call for
any set rate but simply that the matter should be left in the hands of the
committee; that then the officers of the Society should take part in it,
complete the classification and put it before the underwriters. In this
way the insurance companies, being given a better understanding of the
risks, as to whether they were extra hazardous or ordinary, might be
led to reform their rates and make them more favorable to the craft. He
further stated that he did not at present insure, though he formally had
a blanket insurance on .^20,000 worth. Fires had occurred in badly kept,
delapidated places in his neighborhood and he was among those who felt
the consequences, the companies raising the rate to one per cent, and
then wanting one and a quarter. He stopped insuring with them and
for the last eight years had done his own insuring and would continue to
do it unless a reasonable rate was granted. If he could get such a rate
as had been mentioned here, he would again insure because a man felt
safer in going away from his property, when he knew there was some-
thing there if a fire did occur, although every effort had been made to
prevent it.

Mr. Smith explained that he had ascertained that smoke flues had
already been eliminated from the classification, and therefore he with-
drew the amendment he had suggested. He said that what the commit-
tee had proposed were simply suggestions, that he regarded them as excel-
lent and that it was a mistake to construe them as attempts at dictation.

Mr. SiEDEWiTZ referred to the difference between rates in different
places and said that Mr. Michel's figures had been obtained from the
insurance companies themselves and that they represented the average
amounts of insurance.

Mr. SiEBRECHT replied that the reason of the disparity in the rates
was because the matter had never been worked up and was not under-
stood by the insurance companies. When they lost a risk on an old
greenhouse they were led to conclude that all greenhouses were alike.
The committee, by keeping at their work, would enable the companies to
understand the actual nature of the risks.

Mr. Beatty said his objection was not to going before the insur-
ance companies but the manner of going. He contended that a single
classification could not cover a greenhouse in New York and another in
Illinois but that the insurance men would want to see each property sep-
arately and would fix the rate for each independently. He thought they
would be glad to do this.

Mr. EsLER said that, to meet the views expressed, he had appended
to the classification the words, " We believe that risks as above could be

126 PROCEEDINGS OF TENTH CONVENTION,

profitably taken at these rates." He also stated, as showing what insur-
ance companies knew about a greenhouse they insured, that, upon inquir-
ing of the officers of a New York company, with whom he was [ac-
quainted, he was told by them that they had but one greenhouse on their
books and they could not answer whether it was heated with steam or
hot water.

Mr. Beatty suggested that it was the local agents, not the officials
of the company, from whom such information could* be 'procured, and
that Mr. Esler had not gone to the right party. He said he was only
objecting to the matter in the way it read, as it was telling an insurance
company it must take a risk at one per cent a year.

President Anthony here stated the question to be on adopting
the classification.

Mr. Esler: I think it was included in the pending motion that the
officers of the Society of American Florists should place it before the
underwriters throughout the country.

Mr. Beatty: It was to that I was objecting.

Mr. SiEBRECHT called for the reading of his motion from the steno-
graphic minutes.

Mr. Esler remarked that a certain amount of data on greenhouses,
which had been accumulated by the committee, was available for use.

Mr. Carmody said he thought it would be a good idea for the com-
mittee to present the data to the boards of underwriters for their consid-
eration.

Mr. SiEBRECHT : That is the motion.

Secretary Stewart said that, at the risk of being accused of a desire
to shirk some responsibility, he would express a very decided opinion
upon the matter. He asked what did the officers of the Society know
about the data referred to. The gentlemen who had secured it were
thoroughly interested in it and in touch with the subject — who could
present it to the underwriters as they could? He felt sure that the co-
operation of the officers of the Society would be given and that this could
be counted upon, but for the officers of the Society to go to the under-
writers about a matter they had not studied up would be a mistake. He
insisted that action could more properly be taken by the committee.

Mr. O'Mara: I think the original motion was to that effect (and

SOCIETY OF AMERICAN FLORISTS. 127

that the stenographer's record will show it), viz., that the report of the
committee be received with thanks, that the committee be continued and
that they carry out these recommendations which they make. I think
that that is the motion which is now pending.

Mr. Esler: Is this committee to understand that they are to rep-
resent the Society of American Florists and to speak for the Societ}'^ of
American Florists as being behind them, or are we to act simply as a
committee?

Mr. Siebrecht: That was my motion, to have the committee act as
the representative of the Society of American Florists. The officers of
the Society of American Florists are not to do any work particularly;
they are to give you their sanction, they are to be at your back. For
instance, if you want to have a signature to anything, the Secretary of
the Societv or the President could be asked to sisrn his name to a state-
ment put forth by the committee.

At this point the text of Mr. Siebrecht's motion was read, for general
information from the stenographic notes, as follows: That the report of
the committee be accepted with thanks; that they be requested to con-
tinue in the good work, and be given a little more power; and that the
necessary expenses be paid by the Society to continue the work.

President Anthony stated the question to be upon the motion as
read; and a vote being taken, the motion was adopted without objection.
In this way the subject was disposed of.

the unexpired term of treasurer hunt.
Mr.WM. Scott here addressed the Convention, and stated that owing
to the death of Treasurer Hunt, and the fact that the term of the suc-
cessor of that officer dated from January 1, 1895, to the end of that year,
the Society was at this time without a Treasurer. He explained that
it had been generally supposed that the newly elected Treasurer
(Mr. Beatty), would enter upon his duties immediately upon his elec-
tion, but this was an error, and therefore it was necessary to make some
provision to cover the interval between the present date and January 1.
Mr. Scott then nominated Mr. Beatty for Treasurer to serve for the
period stated.

No other nominations being made, the Secretary was instructed, on
motion of Mr. Siebrecht, to cast a ballot x-epresenting the unanimous
vote of the Society for Mr. H. B. Beatty for Treasurer, to till the unex-
pired term of the late M. A. Hunt, viz., until January 1, 1895.

The ballot was cast, and Mr. Beatty's election announced by the
chair.

128 PROCEEDINGS OF TENTH CONVENTION,

FINAL RESOLUTIONS.

The report of the committee on final resolutions was read by Secre-
tary Stewart, as follows: —

Mr. President and Members of the Society of American Florists, — We,
your committee on final resolutions, beg leave to submit the following
report: —

Whereas, The florists of the City of Brotherly Love have honored
our Society by extending to us the most cordial reception and providing
for our comfort and entertainment at Atlantic City,

liesolved, That this Society takes pleasure in returning the most
sincere thanks of each member present for the profit and enjoyment
received.

Besolved, That we especially honor the worthy Mayor Stoy, of At-
lantic City, for his pleasant word of greeting, good will expressed, and for
the freedom of the city.

Eesolved, That to the Florists' Club, of Philadelphia, we owe a debt
of gratitude for their assistance in the transaction of business pertaining
to our Society, and providing so interesting a program of entertainment.

Itesolved, That to the several committees of the Florists' Club, of
Philadelphia, individually and collectively, the earnest thanks of the
Society are due for the manner in which all matters of business and
entertainment have been carried out.

The ladies offer cordial thanks to Mr. Chas. D. Ball, for their enter-
tainment Wednesday afternoon per special train along the beach to
Carisbrooke Inn and return; including music and refreshments, as well
as a pleasant social hour at Carisbrooke Inn. Also for the steamboat
ride Thursday afternoon.

Thanks are due Mr. John Westcott, chairman of bowling committee,
and to the generous donors of prizes olfered.

For the yachting cruise from the Inlet out to Sea, one and all extend
the right hand of fellowship to chairman Robert Craig.

For the shooting tournament — a novel and exciting feature — well
contested by several clubs — all honor to the chairman of said commit-
tee, Mr. John Burton.

For the elaborate and unique entertainment in the Pavilion of the
Iron Pier, the Society would render its most heartfelt thanks to Mr.
Robert Craig, as chairman.

To Vice-President Kift, as a prominent factor of the success of the
meeting in its general arrangements, the Society is alike grateful; and
would make special mention of the courtesy of the Philadelphia Ledger
in offering us more space and attention than we have received heretofore
from the public press.

Resolved, That we, visiting florists of the Society of American
Florists, shall ever hold the Florists' Club of Philadelphia before us as
an example of free and generous hospitality.

Respectfully submitted.

Grove P. Rawson.
John Spalding.
William Scott.

SOCIETY OF AMERICAN FLORISTS. 129

The resolutions were heartily applauded, and on motion of Mr. J. M.
JoRDAisr, adopted unanimously.

THE NATIONAL CHARTER.

Mr. W. R. Smith: Mr. President, I have been anxiously waiting
all day for a telegram from Washington, telling me that our charter had
been secured. The bill providing for it has passed both houses of Con-
gress, and all that now remains to be done with it is to have it engrossed
in the Senate and presented to the President to have it become a law. I
am sure that its ultimate success is only a question of time. We there-
fore should have some provision for a called meeting of the charter
members, to be held in the city of Washington, at such time as may be
appointed. I now offer the following:

Resolved, That the officers of the Society be authorized to call a
meeting to organize under the charter at such time as they may deem
proper.

The resolution was adopted.

Mr. H. A. Siebrecht moved that the thanks of the Society be
tendered to Mr. Smith for his labors in procuring the charter.

Mr. Smith modestly protested against the motion, but his protest
was drowned in calls for a vote on the motion.

Mr. O'Mara; I think the thanks of the Society are certainly due
to Mr. Smith. Tt is really a poor compensation, and yet it is all that
Mr. Smith asks and more than he asks. He is one of our earnest and
unassuming members, one who works in the dark and asks nothing from
us. I think we ought to insist upon thanking him, whether it is agree-
able to him or not.

Mr. Siebrecht's motion was here adopted; the only negative vote
being that of Mr. Smith himself.

adjournment.

On motion of Mr. O'Mara, there being no further business, the
Convention at 4.10 o'clock p. m. adjourned.

THE entertainment ON FRIDAY EVENING.

After a day of recreation as the guests of the Philadelphia Florists'
Club, the members of the Society of American Florists and their ladies
enjoyed an entertainment provided for them in the Casino on the iron
pier. The evening program included songs, recitations, cornet solos and
dancing by expert performers and amateurs, also the presentation of a
scene from Henry IV., in which Messrs. Burt Eddy, Wm. K. Harris
Edwin Lonsdale and P. O'Mara took part.

130 PROCEEDINGS OF TENTH CONVENTION,

Prior to Ihe performances, Mr. Robert Craig, chairman of the local
committee of arrangements, welcomed the visitors. He said he was
present to express to them the kindly greetings of the Florists' Club of
Philadelphia, and the satisfaction of the Club that they had been honored
tonight with the presence of so large an audience. He continued:

You will pardon me if I say only a word or two about the Conven-
tion which has just closed and the lesson that may be drawn from it.
This is the first time we have attempted to hold a Convention of the
Society at a seaside resort so pleasant as Atlantic City, and there are
many diversions here which naturally tempt people away from the meet-
ings and from the exhibition; but with the exception of the closing
session, I think the attendance at the Convention, considering every-
thing, was very gratifying. The exhibition was an excellent one in
many respects. Many new classes of great merit were shown, especially
gladioli and cannas. That exhibition, for those who took the pains to
study it, was full of suggestions of great educational value.

Some questions which have come up in connection with this Conven-
tion will press themselves upon the Executive Committee as never before.
We certainly cannot entirely ignore the social enjoyment feature of the
Convention. The attendance here tonight shows that social enjoyment
is in some degree necessary. I believe there are fully as many here to-
night as there were at any session of the Convention, [merriment], which
shows that it is proper and right that we should cater to that feature.
Just how far we may do so without injuring the practical work of the So-
ciety is a question not for me to discuss tonight but for you all to think
about and to write to the Executive Committee about at your convenience.
I know that they will be glad to consider it at their next meeting. We
had some fears that so many outside attractions here would affect the
success of the Convention, but we venture to hope that any disadvan-
tages on that score have been offset in some degree by the coolness of
the atmosphere, the delightful bathing and the bracing air here at the
seaside, which is in such striking contrast with that of the large cities in
August. Let me look forward a moment to our next Convention, which
is to be in Pittsburgh. Pardon me if I say a word about the hospitality of
the florists of Pittsburgh. It is beyond measure. When the Carnation
Society met there, a year or so ago, they were entertained in that city as
they never had been entertained before ; the thoughtf ulness of the flor-
ists there was exhibited in a marked degree and their hospitality was
boundless. I predict for your meeting in Pittsburgh the greatest suc-
cess. The men of Pittsburgh are practical and they are hospitable.
But I will not inflict any more words upon you, as we have prepared an
entertainment tonight of considerable length and one which we hope will
please you.

The program for the occasion was then gone through with; re-
freshments being served to the guests at intervals.

During the evening, Mr. William Scott, being called upon for some

SOCIETY OF AMERICAN FLORISTS. 131

remarks, spoke of the hospitality of the Philadelphia Club and said that,
while all of the eight annual conventions he had attended had been most
enjoyable affairs, the present one was entitled " to take the cake."
Meanwhile the business of the Convention had not been neglected but it
had been demonstrated that the social element was a necessary factor
for the success of the Convention. He advised the Pittsburgh brethren
not to try to emulate Philadelphia in entertaining but merely to make
the Society welcome, to put their hands out and say, " We are glad to
see you. What is your name? "

Mr. Scott then referred to the shooting contest and expressed the
hope that similar competition would be inaugurated at future meetings.
He said it had created quite as much excitement as the bowling contest
and was just as harmless. He complimented the gentlemen who had
taken such an active part in providing for the entertainment of the Con-
vention and mentioned, in this connection, Messrs. Craig, Westcott,
Watson, Burton, and Kift.

Eeferring in a humorous way to the winners of the individual prizes
(outside of the teams), in the bowling contests, he said that the boys had
been bribed to set up the pins close together for the fortunate bowlers,
to whom it was now his duty to award the prizes captured so unfairly.
He then announced that the winners were Robert Craig, George C. Wat-
son and John Westcott, to each of whom he presented a troph3\

(The gentlemen named here came forward and bowed their thanks).

Later in the evening, Mr. .J, M. Jordan spoke briefly upon the ca-
reer of the Society since its organization.

The singing of " Auld Lang Syne " was followed by a hop, which
terminated the entertainment.

WILLIAM J. STEWART,

Secretary.

APPENDIX.

A COMMUNICATION.

[ See page 119.]

THE VALUE AND IMPORTANCE OF STATISTICS, FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC.

Members of the Society of American Florists, — When the subject of
the value of statistics was assigned to me there was every prospect that
valuable data connected with European floriculture would be secured in
time to form the basis of the essay; and to this end circular letters to
consular and diplomatic agents of the United States abroad were formu-
lated and mailed. No valuable responses have been received as yet, and
the authority and power of the State Department has been invoked with
a view to securing, at as early a date as possible, such detailed replies
from abroad as will give to our Society a knowledge of the popular
bulbs, roots and plants in each country of Europe, the amounts of each
produced, their dispositions both at home and abroad, the methods of
cultivation peculiar to each section of Europe, the characters of soil, the
climatic influences, the methods of transportation to market and the
trade regulations governing sales, the character of chemical and natural
manures and methods of application, and the methods of retailing
adopted in the various centres of European countries for the sale of
plants and flowers. All these elements it is desired to place before the
Society in such a way as to stimulate active domestic competition. It
was deemed advisable to extend the inquiry so as to embrace methods of
greenhouse and conservatory construction, and the various appliances
for heating and ventilating. Having all these points in mind, I have felt
it to be much better to simply state to you the character of the investi-
sation which is to take place, and submit from time to time reports cov-
ering such information as we may secure.

1 take it that no member of the Society fails to see the great import-
ance to himself and to the other members, of an up-to-date history on all
the points above enumerated. You can all readily perceive how im-
mensely valuable to the farmers of the south would be an intimate
knowledge of the element for a successful cultivation of the Roman
hyacinth, the various forms of narcissus and of Dutch bulbs, and how
like groping in the dark it is to attempt their cultivation without this
intimate knowledge of the best methods in the countries where they are

11 APPENDIX.

most largely produced and have been for centuries. We have seen many
statements in our trade journals calling attention to the fact that in the
south there exists today every element necessary to this successful line
of work, but these statements are based upon the most cursory knowl-
edge, either of conditions abroad or at home.

It is my desire to simply, in an elementary way, set forth these facts
as I have above, not merely to advise you of the effort which is being
made abroad to secure this information, but largely to encourage those
of our citizens who have been educated in these lines in Europe to come
forward in our public trade journals, and in clear and plain language
enlighten the rising generation of tlorists on all points within their
knowledge.

I trust that this short explanation may be satisfactory as an intro-
ductory to future work, and I thank you for your courtesy.

Kespectfully,

Benj. Durfee.

REPORTS OF EXHIBITION COMMITTEES.

florists' supplies.

H. Bayersdorfer & Co., Philadelphia, certificate of merit for largest
and best general collection of Florists' Supplies and Fancy Baskets.

Ernest Kaufmaun & Co., Philadelphia, honorable mention for display
of Fancy Baskets and Sheaves of Wheat and for collection of Metal
Designs.

Z. De Forest Ely & Co., Philadelphia, highly commended for gen-
eral collection of Florists' Supplies.

N. Steffens, New York, honorable mention for collection of Florists'
Wire Designs.

W. C. Krick, Brooklyn, N". Y., certificate of merit for collection of
Immortelle Letters and Designs.

J. C. Meyer & Co., Boston, honorable mention for Silkaline.

A. Herrmann, New York, certificate of merit for large and complete
collection of Metallic Designs.

Whilldin Pottery Co., Philadelphia, certificate of merit for largest
and best collection of Fancy Jardinieres.

S. A. Weller, Zanesville, Ohio, honorable mention for Fancy Jar-
dinieres in artistic designs.

A. Blanc & Co., Philadelphia, honorable mention for large collection
of imported Japanese Flower Pots.

Aug. F. Brabant, New York, certificate of merit for collection of
Florists' Pins.

Samuel Goldring.
h. a. schroyer.
Walter S. Rennison,

APPENDIX. Ill

PLAKTS.

We find the following exhibitors are entitled to awards as mentioned
below:

To Robert Craig, Philadelphia, Pa., a certificate of merit for collec-
tion of highly colored, healthy out-door grown Crotons, and honorable
mention for general collection of Palms, Ferns, etc.

To Edwin Lonsdale, Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia, Pa., certificate of
merit for fine grown specimens of Areca lutescens.

To Siebrecht & Wadley, New Rochelle, N. Y., honorable mention
for collection of Palms, Ferns, Orchids and Decorative Plants.

To Henry A. Dreer, Riverton, N. J., a certificate of merit for a col-
lection of fine grown Palms and Ferns for general fiorists' purposes.

To Pitcher & Manda, Short Hills, N. J., a certificate of merit for col-
lection of Palms, Ferns, Orchids and Stove Plants.

To Pitcher & Manda, certificate of merit for Anthurium crystalliuum
variegata.

Pitcher & Manda, Strobilanthes Dyerianus; highly commended.

"W. A. Manda, South Orange, N. J., highly commended for a general
Icollection of Plants.

Edw. A. Seidewitz, Annapolis, Md., highly commended for collec-
tion of well grown Cyclamen persicum giganteum.

To Chas. D. Ball, Holmesburg, Pa., honorable mention for general
collection of Palms and Decorative Plants.

F. R. Pierson Co., Tarrytown, N. Y., highly commended for general
collection of Palms and Decorative Plants.

To Storrs Harrison Co., Painesville, Ohio, honorable mention for

collection of Budded Hybrid Perpetual Roses.

Aug. W. Bennett.

J. F. Huss.

J. A. Kramek.

BULBS AND SEEDS.

Your committee begs to report that a certificate of merit be awarded
J. C. Vaughan, Chicago and New York, for his very complete display
and extensive variety of bulbs.

Z. DeForest Ely & Co., Philadelphia, Pa., be highly commended
for Liliums Harrissii and candidum, freesia, Roman hyacinths, narcissi
and callas.

F. R. Pierson Co., Tarrytown, N. Y., be highly commended for
Roman hyacinths, narcissi, Liliums Harrisii and candidum, and col-
lection of freesias.

Pitcher & Manda, Short Hills, N. J., highly commended for callas,
Liliums Harrisii, longiflorum and candidum, Roman hyacinths, narcissi
and freesia.

Henry F. Michel, Philadelphia, Pa., highly commended for cineraria

IV APPENDIX.

and primula seed, Lilium Harrisii, callas, freesias and Roman hyacinths.
Henry A. Dreer, Philadelphia, Pa., highly commended for his neat
exhibit of hyacinths and tulips.

C. H. Joosten, New York, highly commended for Liliums candidum,
Harrisii and longiflorum, Ornithogalum arabicum, Roman hyacinths, nar-
cissi and callas.

Wm. K. Harris.
Henry Young.

CUT FLOWERS.

Cushman Gladiolus Co,Cleveland, O., collection of seedling Gladiolus.
Certificate of merit.

Wm. Tricker & Co., Clifton, N. J., exhibit of Water Lilies and
other Aquatics. Certificate of merit.

John N. May, Summit, N". J., new rose, " Mrs. W. C. Whitney."
Honorable mention.

Collection of hardy perennial Phlox. Received in poor condition.
Cannot judge of their merits. Evidently a fine collection in variety of
colors.

Edward S. Schmidt, Washington, D. C, collection of Water Lilies
and Lotus. A commendable exhibit.

Thomas Foulds, Gwynedd, Pa., two vases of roses, Catharine Mer-
met and Bride. Unusually good for summer. Honorable mention.

H. A. Dreer, Riverton, N. J., collection of Canna flowers. Certifi-
cate of merit.

Henry Pfister, Executive Mansion, Washington, D. C, collection of
Water Lilies. Honorable mention. Also, seedling Cannas; owing to their
being received in poor condition, cannot judge of their merit.

F. R. Pierson Co., Tarrytown, N". Y., large vase of Meteor roses.
Honorable mention.

Pitcher & Manda, Short Hills, N. J., collection of hardy herbaceous
Cut Flowers. Honorable mention.

Thomas Cartledge.
W. E. Kemble.
Thos. a. Cox.

greenhouse appliances and flower pots.

Certificate of merit for Flower Pots to A. H. Hews & Co., North
Cambridge, Mass.

Honorable mention to Whilldin Pottery Co., Philadelphia, for Flower
Pots.

Highly commended, Parmenter Manufacturing Co., East Brookfield,
Mass., for Flower Pots.

APPENDIX. V

Certificate of merit to Hitchings & Co., New York, for Ventilating
Apparatus.

Honorable mention to E. Hippard, Youngstown, Ohio, for Standard
Ventilating Machine.

Honorable mention to Quaker City Machine Works, Richmond, Ind.,
for Challenge Ventilating Apparatus.

Honorable mention to the Ormsby Ventilating System, Melrose,
Mass.

Honorable mention to Chadborn-Kennedy Manufacturing Co., Fish-
kill-on-Hudson, N. Y., for Chadborn Automatic Hydraulic Ventilator.
Deserving the attention of the florists.

Honorable mention to Hitchings & Co., New York, for Greenhouse
Benches of iron; also honorable mention to Hitchings & Co., New York,
for Greenhouse Construction of iron.

Highly recommended, Hitchings & Co., New York, for Greenhouse
Gutter.

Certificate of merit for construction of greenhouses of Cypress Lum-
ber to Lockland Lumber Co., Lockland, Ohio.

Chas. Zeller.

W. Ellison.
E. Haentze,

BOILERS AND HEATING APPARATUS.

Your committee examined the exhibits of above, and would award
certificate of merit to The Herendeen Manufacturing Co., Geneva, N.
Y., for their display of Furman Boilers; noting their admirable con-
struction and adaptability for the consumption of the smaller sizes of
coal, they being the cheaper, and also their adaptability for either water
or steam.

Honorable mention to Hitchings & Co., New York, for their exhibit
of Boilers, noting simplicity of construction and ease of operation.

The exhibit of Thomas W. Weathered's Sons, consisting of Models

of their Boilers, is highly commended for their improvements and ease

of operation.

Joseph Heacock.

Robert F. Tesson.

miscellaneous exhibits.

Edwards & Docker, Philadelphia, exhibit an assortment of Water-
proof Paper Folding Boxes for shipping cut flowers. We And them
compact and well adapted for the purpose. Certificate of merit.

D. B. Long, Buffalo, N. Y., has on exhibition Photographic Album
of Floral Arrangements. Certificate of merit.

The J. Horace McFarland Co., Harrisburg, Pa., show specimen
Catalogue Work. Highly commended.

VI APPENDIX.

Frank L. Moore, Chatham, N. Y., shows the " Workesy" Buckle,
which is attached to a strap, holding together a series of trays for the
shipping of cut flowers, the device enabling the strap to be quickly
detached. Certificate of merit.

Thomas Woodason, Philadelphia, Pa., exhibits a Bellows for distrib-
uting powdered insecticides; also, one for spraying liquid insecticides.
We find these bellows excellent in every way, giving an even spray.
Certificate of merit.

He also exhibits a Hose Mender which we find cheap and durable.

C. H. Joosten, New York, exhibits a Bellows for distributing insect
powder; style B. We find it an excellent bellows for vineyard work.
Honorable mention.

Benjamin Chase, Derry, N. H., shows excellent painted wooden
Labels and Plant Stakes. Highly commended.

The Worcester Wire Co., Worcester. Mass., show a Wire Flower
Support. We find this a practicable, durable, cheap and quickly ad-
justable support, especially adapted for staking carnations. Certificate
of merit.

A cheap Wire Nippers exhibited by the above. Highly commended.

Powell Fertilizer and Chemical Co., Baltimore, Md., make a good
display of their Insecticides and Plant Food. Highly commended.

The Bonaffon Steel Fence Co., Philadelphia, show a good, durable,
neat, wrought Fence. Certificate of merit.

Hose Connection Co., Kingston, R. I., exhibit the Kinney Pump for
the distribution of insecticides and manures. We find it a practical de-
vice for distributing such materials. Certificate of merit.

Rose Manufacturing Co., Niagara Falls, N. Y., exhibits Sulpho-
Tobacco Soap. Certificate of merit.

James R. Wotherspoon, Philadelphia, Pa., displays a collection of
well made Watering Pots of galvanized iron, with nozzles of copper.
Highly commended.

Edwin A. Seidewitz.

E. G. GiLLETT.

C. G. Weeber.

Report of Meeting of the Florists' Hail association.

•

The Board of Directors recommended the following amendments to
the By-laws of the Association.

1st. Amendment to Section 1 of Article II.: "The President shall
preside at all meetings of the Association and Board of Directors, and
also sign all drafts upon the Treasurer, and shall keep a record of all
such drafts, and have a general supervision of the affairs of the Asso-
ciation, and fill any vacancy that may occur for unexpired term; such

APPENDIX. VU

appointments to be ratified by a majority of the Board of Directors."

This amendment was unanimously adopted.

2d. Section 2 of Article IX. : "The Secretary shall receive S400 per
annum for his services."

Unanimously adopted.

3d. Section 3 of Article IX. : " The Treasurer shall receive $75 pel-
annum for his services."

Mr. Du Rie moved to amend to make this section SlOO per annum.

The amendment was adopted with only one dissenting vote.

4th. Section 4 of Article IX. : " The Tresident shall receive S50 per
annum for his services."

Unanimously adopted.

6th. Section 1 of Article I. : " The term of office of the Board of Di-
rectors shall be three years, two to be elected each year, and every third
year one additional, making a board of seven directors, and that the
Board elected after the adoption of this article, shall arrange their term
of oflfice to comply with this section."

Unanimously adopted.

Upon motion of -John T. Temple it was resolved that the report of
the Secretary and Treasurer be printed in the American Florist and
Florists^ Exchange.

The following Directors were then elected: William Scott, James
Horan, E. G. Hill, John T. Temple, Julius Roehrs, J. C. Vaughan, and
Albert M. Herr.

The following reports were read by the Secretary and Treasurer:

secretary's report.

The Florists' Hail Association now consists of five hundred and
seventy-four members in good standing, and the risks in force on August
1, 1894, are equivalent to a single risk upon 6,653,695 square feet of
glass, divided as follows: On single strength glass, 2,218,169 square feet;
on double strength, 3,163,.388 square feet. Extra half, 74,295 single and
17,442 double; extra whole, 408,045 single and 739,735 square feet of
double strength glass.

Ten thousand four hundred and eight feet of single thick and 1,666
feet of double thick were broken by hail during the past year, being a
trifle over one out of every 213 square feet of single and one out of every
1,899 feet of double insured.

The total cash balance in the Treasurer's hands is S5,200.15; this,
together with .S3, 000 in securities invested for the reserve fund, makes
the total assets S8,200.15, against which there were no liabilities on
August 1, 1894.

Of the cash balance .*4,560.60 belongs to the assessment fund and
.S039.55 to the reserve fund.

Owing to the depletion of funds by the disastrous losses of last year,
it was necessary to levy the fifth assessment on May 1, 1894, which, not-

Vm APPENDIX.

withstanding the prevailing business depression, was responded to by a
greater percentage of members than any previous assessment.

The sudden death of Treasurer Hunt, upon the eve of the levy of
this assessment was especially unfortunate, but by prompt action on the
part of the officers and directors, the business of the Association was
transacted with trifling delay; thereby in an entirely unexpected manner
furnishing a perfect test of the stability of the Hail Association and the
perfection of its methods. Your Secretary desires to tender his thanks
to members for their patience and forbearance while order was being
restored out of the chaos caused by the sudden demise of the late uni-
versally lamented Myron A. Hunt.

The fifth assessment brought to the treasury of the Association,
S3,299.51.

The expenditure for salaries, postage, expenses, stationery, etc., for
the year is §569.62. The amount paid for losses is S715.77. When com-
pared with the expenditure of .So,856.83 last year for glass broken, it will
be seen that the members of the Florists' Hail Association have reason
to congratulate themselves upon their good fortune, which has not been
shared b}' many florists who were not members of the Association.

During the past year the Secretary has been able to locate fifty-five
hail storms in twenty different States, some being especially violent.

At the end of seven years the Florists' Hail Association has per-
formed all that the most sanguine projectors claimed, and it is safe to
say has fairly earned the confidence reposed in it by its members.

John G. Esler,

Secretary.

treasurer's report.

During the past year three persons have officiated as Treasurer, as
will be seen by the following reports:

Cash in hand, reported by J. C. Vaughan, last year, §1,679.20
Amount received by J. C. Vaughan to Sept. 17, 1893, 162.99
Salary as Treasurer, J. C. Vaughan . . . $4.50

Cash transferred to Treas. M. A. Hunt by Treas.

J. C. Vaughan 1,837.69

Sl,842.19 $1,842.19

Cash in hand, received by M. A. Hunt from J. C.

Vaughan ........ $1,837.69

Received by M. A. Hunt, from fees, new members

re-insurance, and six months' interest on bonds 375.41

The following bills were paid by M. A. Hunt:

By printing receipts (Hackensack Republican) . $4.00^

By advertising annual meeting (American Florist) 1.96

By advertising annual meeting (Florists' Exchange) 1.00

Carried fonoard . . . . . $2,213.10 $6.9&

APPENDIX.

IX

Brought forward

By advertising annual reports (American Florist)
By 500 certificates (Wilson & Humphreys)
By 200 orders on Treasurer (Hackensack Republi-
can)

By Membership in Protective Association

By 600 letterheads (Florists' Exchange) .

By advertisement, 1 year (American Florist)

By expenses of M. A. Hunt to Chicago .

By stamped envelopes and printing (Moore B. Lan

^ gen)

By amount returned to Bradford Rosery
By filing certificate with Secretary of State of X. J
By filing report with Secretary of State of N. J.
By 1,500 applications (Florists Exchange)
By advertisement, 6 months, (Florists Exchange)
By 650 assessment blanks (Florists Exchange)
By 1,000 envelopes (Hackensack Republican)
By 1,000 applications
By Ellis Bros., Keene, N". H., loss .
By R. E. iN'ace, Royersford, Pa., loss
By Henry Krinke, St. Paul, Minn., loss
By Fred Burki, Bellevue, Pa. .
By mortgage, reserve fund investment
Balance paid by McKean & Co., for M. A. Hunt to
J. G. Esler, Treasurer

S2,213.10

S6.96

8.00
4.00

1.50
5.00
5.25
25.48
9.00

8.25

3.50

1.00

20.00

8.25

6.75

4.00

3.25

7.75

11.01

10.25

18.30

47.76

500.00

1,497.84

S2,213.10 §2,213.10

treasurer's statement from ilAY 1, 1894.
RECEIPTS.

Received from McKean & Co., account of M. A.

Hunt Sl,497.84

Received from McKean & Co., account of J. M.

Jordan, being funds received by the President 516.90
Received by Treasurer for re-insurance . . . 9.94

Received by Treasurer from all other sources . . 4,241.00

Total

$6,265.68

disbursements.

Paid Chapin Bros., Lincoln, Neb., 16 St. Houses

Paid Chapin Bros., Lincoln, Neb., Union College Houses

Paid Hackensack Republican, 500 postal notices

Paid expressage on Treasurer's books and papers

Paid Stamm & Clare, Hutchinson, Kansas, loss

Paid Emma Killenberger, Fort Dodge, Iowa, loss

Paid Langdon & Belt, Sterling, 111., loss .

Paid F. M. Pennock, Charlestown, West Virginia, loss

Paid expressage on blanks and Treasurer's vouchers

Paid J. C. Willis, East Rochester, O., loss

Paid Florists' Exchange, 500 proofs of loss

Paid Florists' Exchange, 100 warrants

$43.50

35.60

7.00

1.45

11.53

16.74

39.25

6.70

1.25

27.45

10.75

1.50

Carried forward $202.72

APPENDIX.

Brought forward

Paid over remittance, amount returned

Paid Hackensack Republican, 1,000 envelopes

Paid Moore & Langen, circulars ....

Paid J. M. Jordan, President, expenses to Terre Haute,

age, expressage, etc.

Paid Sugust Mining, East St. Louis, loss .

Paid Ella Campbell Wilson, Cleveland, Ohio, loss

Paid Florists' Exchange, 150 note circulars

Paid F. Hahman, Philadelphia, loss .

Paid C. V. Evans, Kearney, Nebraska, loss

Paid J. P. Corn, Jr., Lexington, Mo., loss

Paid Uhas. P. Muller, AVichita, Kansas, loss

Paid S. D. Bradford, Colorado Springs, loss

Paid Fred Ehrbarr, Cleveland, Ohio, loss

Paid W. H. Gulp & Co., Wichita, Kansas, loss

Paid estate of M. A. Hunt, salary as Treasurer

Paid C. E. Kern, Kansas City, Mo., loss .

Paid Florists' Exchange, 500 letter circulars, 300 note circulars

and 100 noteheads

Paid Frank I^uce, Ashtabula, Ohio, loss .
Paid Mrs. S. E. Luther, Lawrence, Kansas, loss
Paid J. S. Morris, Glen, Kansas, loss
Paid Steinhauser & Eagle, Pittsburgh, Kansas, loss
Paid Florists' Exchange, advertisement, G months
Paid William Clark, Colorado Springs, Col., loss
Paid The Heite Floral Co., Kansas City, Mo., loss
Paid Jennie E. Keeling, Canton, 111., loss
Paid A. J. & S. M. McCarthy, Canton 111., loss
Paid J. M. Jordan, salary as President, 1894 .
Paid John G. Esler, salary as Secretary, 1894 .
Paid John G. Esler, salary as Treasurer, May 1 to

1894

Paid John G. Esler, for postage, Secretary and Treasurer

Balance in bank

post-

August.

S202.72

1..38

3.00

.50

18.10
30.80
18.19

3.75
11.07
*8.78
45.38

5.81
43.60
37.75

4.50
30.00
58.37

14.00

123.96

4.58

14.67
4.69
6.60
7.30

13.88
4.00

10.25

30.00
250.00

12.50
45.50

.f 1,065.53

5,200.15

.^6,265.68

THE RESERVE INVESTMENT CONSISTS OF

No. 1. One 5% Lake View bond for

No. 2. One 4% City of Chicago bond for

No. 3. Two 5% County of Du Page bonds for S500 each

No. 4. One 4^% Village of Evanston bond for

No. 5. One 8% mortgage note of Isabell Pearce, of Terre

Haute, Ind.,

$500.00
500.00

1,000.00
500.00

500.00

$3,000

And six months' uncollected interest upon bonds Nos. 1, 2, 3 and 4,
and upon mortgage note.

John G. Esler, Treasurer.

At a meeting of the Directors subsequently held, J. M. Jordan was

APPENDIX. XI

elected President; James Horan, Vice-President; John G. Esler, Sec-
retary; Albert M. Herr, Treasurer.

The term of office of Directors was arranged by drawing, and resulted
as follows: John T. Temple and Wm. Scott, one year; Albert M. Herr and
E. G. Hill, two years; James Horan, Julius Roehrs and J. C. Vaughan,
three years.

CHRYSANTHEMUM SOCIETY OF AMERICA.

A meeting of the Chrysanthemum Society of America was held at
Atlantic City on Wednesday afternoon, August 22, 1894, President E. A.
Wood in the chair. In the absence of Secretary Elmer D. Smith, Edwin
Lonsdale was appointed secretary pro tern.

The election of officers for the ensuing term resulted as follows:
Elijah A. Wood, President; E. G. Hill, Vice-President; John N. May,
Treasurer, and Elmer D. Smith, Adrian, Michigan, Secretary.

It was on motion agreed that committees of threes be appointed to
receive and examine seedling chrysanthemums and sports in the different
cities as follows:

Boston. — A. H. Fewkes, (flowers to be forwarded express prepaid
to Horticultural Hall), Lawrence Cotter, James Wheeler.

New York. — Eugene Dailledouze, (flowers to be forwarded express
prepaid, care John Young, 53 W. 30th Street), Ernst Asmus,
Wm. Tricker.

Philadelphia. — Edwin Lonsdale, (flowers to be forwarded express
prepaid, 1514 Chestnut Street, care Pennock Bros.), Robert Craig,
Thomas Cartledge.

Cincinnati. — Richard Witterstaetter, (flowers to be forwarded
express prepaid, to corner 4th and Walnut streets), Fred Walz, H. L.
Sunderbruch.

Chicago. — W. N. Rudd, (flowers to be forwarded express prepaid,
to Room 202, 185 Dearborn Street), Frank LesUe, E. A. Kimball.

It was ordered that the foregoing committees be in session October
20 and November 10, in their respective cities, where the blooms sub-
mitted for judgment will be examined and reported upon under the fol-
lowing conditions, viz.:

Not less than six blooms of each variety to be shown, and these to
be only such varieties as have been given at least the second year's trial.

No member ol a committee shall exhibit his own blooms before a
committee of which he is a member.

It will be well for those who exhibit seedlings under number to also
provide the committee with a name to be used in case the variety is com-
mended, so that they may be reported upon by name rather than
number.

Xll APPENDIX,

It was on motion agreed that a committee of three be appointed to
prepare a scale of points for the use of judges at chrysanthemum exhibi-
tions, for consideration at the next annual meeting.

A communication was received from Mr. Michael Barker, Ithaca,
N. Y., which was on motion received and filed.

In order to make sure of the name of this organization, it was voted
that it should be known as the Chry.santiiemu3i Society of America.

It was moved, seconded, and duly carried, that the report of the
Secretary, Elmer D. Smith, on registration of new varieties be printed in
the Proceedings of the Society of American Florists.

Edwin Lonsdale, Secretary pro tern.

'New chrysanthemums disseminated and registered in 1894 are as
follows:

By John N. May, Summit, N. J. — Achilles, Malmaison, Mayflower,
Minerva, Titian, Yellow Queen.

By E. O. mil * Co., Bichmond, JncZ.— Mrs. E. G. Hill, Challenge,
Inter-Ocean, Beau Ideal, Eugene Dailledouze, Abraham Lincoln, Cen-
tur}'. Elegant, Lagoon, Mrs. Jas. Thompson, Richmond Beauty, Mrs. P.
W. Smith.

By Thos. H. Spaulding, Orange, N. .7. — Thos. EL. Brown, Miss G.
H. Bates, Mrs. W. H. Trotter, Esther Cleveland, Wm. Plumb, Eider-
down, R. L. Beckert, Wanlass, Frank Hatfield, Shawmut, Snowflake,
Mrs.R. English, Mrs. John Dallas, Judge C. S. Benedict, Maud Pierson,
Fairview, Judge Addison Brown, Silver Cloud, J. Pitchers, Great Re-
public, Cinderella, Christa Bell, Mary Hill, Goliath, White Bock, Black
Diamond, Roger Williams, Heron's Plume, James Comley, Flossie A.
Williams, Conqueror, Golden Queen, George Raynor, L. L. May,
Meteor, Laura Gushing, M. B. Little, Mrs. A. E. Boynton, R. C. Mar-
tin, R. McArthur, Silver Bell, Silver Queen, Thalma, Wilbur Condon,
Wildfire, Waldemar.

By Pitcher & Manda, Short Hills, iV. .1. — Georgiene Bramhall, Mrs.
Jas. B. Crane, Mrs. H. McK. Tworably, The Livingstone, Bonnie Mar-
jorie, Charlotte, Miss Florence Pullman, Miss E. T. Hulst, Mrs. Geo.
H. Morgan, Mrs. Florence P. Langham, Jessie Godfrey, Miss E. K.
Kingsley, Thomas Emerson, Mrs. George West, W. C. Cook, Miss Tocie
Belle Harper, Mrs. John H. Starin, Mrs. Paul Wilcox, Mrs. Mary A.
Forepaugh, J. J. Hill, Mrs. W. K. Vanderbilt, Mrs. Archibald Rogers,
Mrs. Howard Rinsk, Miss Agnes L. Clucas, Mrs. Marshall Crane, Mrs.
James Eadie, Geo. Schiegel, Mrs. Charles Lanier, Mrs. E. O. Wolcott,
Mrs. Geo. J. McGee, Mrs, A. H. Ewing, Elizabeth Bisland, Dorothy
Toler, Adele Merz, Mrs. Geo. M. Pullman, Mrs. Sarah Rose, Mrs. W.
R. Merriam, Robert M. Grey, Hon. Thomas Lowry, Miss Louise Harts-
horn, Katherine Richards Gordon, Mrs. F. Gordon Dexter, Garza,
American Eagle, Partridge, Yellow Hammer, Condor, Titmouse, Silver
Bill, Tanager, Red Robin, Toucan, Falcon.

APPENDIX. XIU

By Peter Henderson & Co., New York. — Uncle Sam, Thomas
Jones, Marion Henderson.

By John H. Sievers, San Francisco, Gal. — Mrs. J. Geo. lis, Freda,
Mrs. Xellie P. Moulton, Lurline, Geo. E. Goodman, Sophie Sievers.

By R. Yoshiike, Oakland, Gal. — Perfectio, Capt. J. C, Ainsworth,
Amber Ada Spaulding, Pride of California, Fisher's Torch, Amoor,
Formosa, Morocco, Quito, Satisfactio, Tasmania, Yukon, Arctic, Castle
Peak, White Lotus, Bankok, Mount Hamilton, Golden Castle, Mount
Everest, Oruba, Port Imperial.

By F. L. Ghandler, South Lancaster, JIass. — Sayonara.

By Fred Dorner & Son, Lafayette Lnd. — Maj. Bonnaffon.

By 3Iann Bros., Bandolph, JIass. — Mutual Friend.

By E. Witterstaeter , Sedamsville, Ohio. — Marie Louise.

By Edwin A. Seidewitz, Annapolis, Md. — Sebriua.

By W. A. Chalfant, Springfield, Mo. — Clinton Chalfant.

By J. C. Vaughan, Ghicago, Llls. — Constellation, Joanna.

By Vick & Hill, Rochester, N. Y. — Geo. S. Conover.

By Nathan Smith & Son, Adrian, Mich. — Laredo, lora, .T. A. Petti-
grew, Miss Hattie Bailey, Oriana, Ingomar, Golden Hair, A. H. Fewkes,
Prairie Hose, Lady Play fair, Mrs. Jos. Rossiter.

The following names have been registered since the last meeting but
these varieties are not yet in commerce. — Erato, Hiawatha, Eureka,
Nyanza, Polyphemus, Brick Top, Monte Vista, Camilla, Xissus, Endymi-
on, Ursino, Orange Judd, Minnehaha, Durango, Proserpine, J. J. B.
Hatfield, Zipangi, Mrs. E. H. Hunt, Mrs. F. G. Darlington, Nyanza,
Sundew, Columbine, The Debutaunt, Conspicua, Infatuation, Agrippa,
Colloseum. Venus de Medici, Isoleon, Castillian, Zulinda, Sunrise, Con-
stellation, Pluto, Peach Blossom.

The Society are indebted to Prof. L. H. Bailey for Annals of Horti-
culture and to The American Florist Co. for their Trade Directory.

Elmer D. Smith, Secretary.

Florists' International Telegraph Delivery Association.

At the meeting of this Association, held on Thursday Evening, Aug.
23d, the Secretary's report showed that the volume of business done had
considerably increased over that of last year. Several alterations have
been made in the by-laws and also in the rules and regulations governing
the workings of the Association.

Officers for the ensuing year were elected as follows: President, H. A.
Siebrecht, New York; Vice-President, Thomas Cartledge, Philadelphia;
Secretary and Treasurer, H. B. Beatty, Oil City, Pa. The Board of
Managers are: Messrs. Cartledge, Whitnall, Siebrecht, Seidewitz, Smyth,
Small, Jordan, Gasser and Feast. A European agent has been elected in
Vienna; this is the first member from abroad, but it is expected that in

XIV APPENDIX.

a short time foreign agents will be established at the principal watering
places and large centers in Europe.

A circular letter is to be issued to every prominent retail florist in
every city, informing him of the rules and regulations and terms under
which this Association is doing business; also, giving the names of the
members of the Association, so that the retail florist will be enabled to
transmit any order he may take to such member; and the party so trans-
mitting the order will receive the same percentage from the Association
as the members themselves.

Florists' Protective association.

At the meeting of this body, held on Wednesday Evening, August
22, a plan was formulated by those present that will undoubtedly add to
the efficiency of this Society. The Secretary's report showed that the
usual volume of business had been done, and a slight increase in mem-
bership.

The American Rose Society.

This Society assembled on Tuesday Evening, August 21; the meet-
ing was a very enthusiastic one, the principal rose growers attending the
Convention being present. The following officers were elected: Presi-
dent, Robert Craig, Philadelphia; Vice-President, John H. Taylor, Bay-
side, N. Y.; Secretary, H. B. Beatty, Oil City, Pa.; Treasurer, John N.
May. The Executive Committee will be chosen by the Chairman-elect,
and will commence work immediately. This Society, from present indi-
cations, promises to become one of the leading auxiliary bodies. The
same constitution and by-laws (which set forth the aims and objects of
the Society) , with few exceptions, were adopted.

H. B. Beatty, Secretary.

LIST OF MEMBERS FOR 1894-9^.

ARKANSAS.

Bowen, Wm. M., Box 10, Newport. |

CALIFORNIA.

Loins Edlefsen, East Los Angeles, Vice-President.

Armstrong, Robt., Mountain View,

Santa Clara Co.
Berger, Mrs. H. H., San Francisco.
Clack, Sidnej', Del Monte Gardens,

Monterey.

Edlefsen, Louis, 524 Downey ave.,-
East Los Angeles.

Sproule, Jas., Sherwood Hall Nur-
series, San Francisco.

COLORADO.

Clarke, William, 318 E. Platte ave.,
Colorado Springs.

Wood, E. A., Denver.

CONNECTICUT.

Geo. H. Rowden, Wallingford, Vice-President.

Atwood, Geo. W., 250 Smith St.,

Hartford.
Austin, Ed., SufSeld.
Bindloss, T. Palmer, New London.
Champion, J. N., New Haven.
Clark, Mrs. M. G., Willimantic.
Coombs, John, 118 Benton St.,

Hartford.
Dallas, A., 32 Union St., Waterbury.
Duncan, J. W., Black Rock.
English, E. S., Pomfret.
Geduldig, G., Norwich.
Hill, Morris A., Ansonia.
Horan, James, Bridgeport.
Ives, J. H., Danbury.

Lines, C. P., 23 Beers St., New-
Haven.

Marchand, P., So. Manchester.

O'Hara, Eugene, Thompson.

Reck, John, Bridgeport.

Rowden, Geo. H., Wallingford.

Smith, Jos. F., 62 Main St., Norwich.

Snow, W. J., 434 Bank St., Water-
bury.

Spalding, John, New London.

Spear, D. A., Asvlum St., Hartford.

Wiard, F. S., Yalesville.

Whitehead, Geo. B., Green's Farms.

Whiting, A., Farmington ave.,
Hartford,

DELAWARE.

Baylis, L. E., 9th ward, Wilming-
ton.
Brinton, Chas. E., Wilmington.

Grant, Henry, Penna. ave., Wil-
mington.

XVI

APPENDIX.

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.

Philip Gauges, Washington, Vice-President.

Brunffer. C. A., Industrial School,
W. Washiniiton.

Clark, Jas.. Bladensbm-g Road,
Washington.

Clark, W. S., Bladensburg Road,
Wa.shington.

Durfee, Benj., Washington.

Freeman, J. R., 612 13th st., Wash-
ington.

Gauges, Philip, Botanic Garden,
AVashington.

Gude, Adolphus, 1224 F. St., Wash-
ington.

Gude,Wm.F.,1224 F st. .Washington

Hitz, John, 917 R St., N. W. Wash-
ington.

Kane, H. A., care C. Strauss & Co.,
Washington.

King, W. H., Langdon.

Oliver, G. W. Botanic Garden,
Washington.

Reynolds, C. Leslie, Botanic Garden,
Washington.

Shellhorn, Christian, 441 Centre
Market, Washington.

Small, Archie, Washington.

Smith, W. R., Botanic Garden,
Washington.

FLORIDA.

Lewis, W. F., Pensacola.

GEORGIA.

Thomas H. Brown, West Atlanta, Vice-President.

Brown, Thomas H., West Atlanta.
Guien, A., 1483 Broad St., Augusta,
Oelschig, A. C, Savannah.

Plumb, William, Atlanta.
Wachendorf, Ed., Atlanta.

ILLINOIS.

Andrew Washburn, Bloomington, and E. Weinhoeber, Chicago, Vice-
Presidents.

Ammann, J. F., Edwardsville.
Anthony, J. T., 3425 Prairie ave.,

Chicago.
Bailer, F.^A., Bloomington.
Buckbee, H. W., Rockford.
Buettner, Emil, Park Ridge.
Chad wick, W. H., 402 Rialto,

Chicago.
Cole, J. M., Peoria.
Corbrey, T. J., 64-66 Wabash ave.,

Chicago.
Deamud, J. B., 34-36 Randolph st.,

Chicago.
Eddy, Burt, 146 W. Washington

St., Chicago.
Fehr, A. G., Belleville.
Franks, Thomas, Champaign.
Gardner, Mrs. S. P., Hinsdale.
Gentemann, C F. W., Quincy.
Grant, G. L., 322 Dearborn st.,

Chicago.
Grossart, G. W., Belleville.
Guy, E. W., Belleville.
Haisted, A. S., Belleville.
Hav, Chas. E., Springfield.

Hauswirth, P. J., 318 Wabash ave.,

Chicago.
Heinl, Jos., Jacksonville.
Heinl, F. J., Jacksonville.
Heller, J. A., 1117 North 8th st.,

Quincy.
Hunt, E. H., 68 Lake st., Chicago.
Kanst, Fred., South Park, Chicago.
Kay, John C, Rock Island.
Kennicott, F., 34 Randolph st.,

Chicago.
Kid well. J. F., Chicago.
Killen, J. E., Irving Park, Chicago.
King, F. J., Ottawa.
Klehm, Geo., Arlington Heights.
Lane, John, 4801 Lake ave., Chicago.
McAdaras, Andrew, Hyde Park.
Murray, J. C, Peoria.
Newett, Alex., Jr., 22d and Millard

ave., Chicago.
Phelps, H. L., Springfield.
Raynolds, J. D., Riverside.
Silliman, Mrs. I. C, 118 Ogden ave.,

Chicago.
Smyth, W. J., 270 31st St., Chicago.

APPENDIX.

XVU

Stromback, C, Lincoln

Chicago.
Sunclraacher, W. H., Chicago.
Swayne, H. S., Bloomington.
Tliorpe, John, Chicago.
Vaughau, J.C.,88 State st., Chicago.

ILLINOIS — Continued.
Park,

Walcott, S. A., Batavia.

"Washburn, Andrew, Bloomington.

Weinhoeber, E., 417 Elm St., Chi-
cago.

Wilson, Jas. S., care J. C. Vaughan,
Chicago.

INDIANA.

Fred Dornek, Jr.,

Balmer, J. A., Vlncennes.
Baur, Alfred, Richmond, Ind.
Bertermann, John, Indianapolis.
Bertermann, William G., Indian-
apolis.
Carmody, J. D., Evansville.
Coles, W. W., Kokomo.
Dorner, Fred., Lafayette.
Doruer, Fred , Jr.. Lafayette.
Evans, J. A., Richmond.
Gause, G. R. , E. Main st., Richmond.

Lafayette, Vice-President.

Hartje, John, 1637 N. Illinois st.,

Indianapolis.
Heinl, John J., Terre Haute.
Hill, E. Gurney, Richmond.
Hunt, C. A., Tcrre Haute.
Reiman, Mrs. W. A., Vincennes.
Stuart, J. S., Anderson.
"Wade, John H., Evansville.
"Wiegand, A., 7th and Illinois sts.,

Indianapolis.

lOW^A.

W. E. Kemblb, Oskaloosa, Vice-Prtsident.

Barr, F. D., Davenport.
Biihr, F. G., Davenport.
Bills, F. L., Davenport.
Dannache. Chas., Davenport.
Greene, "W.. Box ,58, Davenport.
Harkett, W. A., Dubuque.
Kemble, W. E., OskalooSta.

Kramer, Judson A., Marion.
Laisle, Christ, Keokuk.
Rennison, J. C., Sioux City.
Rennison, W. S., Sioux City.
Temple, J. T., Davenport.
"Wilcox, J. F., Council Bluffs.

Coventry, M. J., Fort Scott.
Mueller, Chas. P., "Wichita.

KANSAS.

Whitcomb, A., Lawrence.

KENTUCKY.

W. S. Bell, Lexington, Vice-President.

Bell, W. S., 23 East Short street,

Lexington.
Hobbs, T. C, Anchorage.
Nanz, C. G., Owensboro.
Power, E., Frankfort.

Rayner, Charles, Anchorage.

Reimers, E. G., Baxter ave., Louis-
ville.

Schultz, Jacob, 1325 E. Broadway,
Louisville.

LOUISIANA.
John Eblen, New Orleans, Vice-President.

Eble, Charles, New Orleans.
Eblen, John, Hurst street,

Orleans.
Maitre, R., New Orleans.

New

108

Vignez, L.,
Orleans.
"Virgin, Uriah J

White St., New
New Orleans.

George L,

MAINE.

Mahoney, Saco,

Vice-President.

Dirwanger, Joseph A., Portland.
Mahoney, George L., Saco.
Morton," W. E., Portlaud.

Moses, F. H., Bucksport.
"Wallace, Alexander, 136 Vaughan
St., Portland.

XVIU

APPENDIX.

MARYLAND.

E. A. Seidewitz, Annapolis, Vice-President.

Bester, Henry A., 36 E. Baltimore

St., Hagerstown.
Bester, William, 205 So. Potomac

St., Hagerstown.
Burger, Fred. G., 1128 Greenmount

ave., Baltimore.
Cook, John, 318 North Charles st.,

Baltimore.
Donu, John, 1st Toll gate, Harford

road, Baltimore.
Feast, C. F., Baltimore.
Hermann, Charles, Frederick.

Hahn, E., 1345 So. Charles st., Bal-
timore.

Holzapfel, Henry, Jr., Hagerstown.

Kress, E., 2506 North ave., Balti-
more.

Millman, F. X., Green st. station,
Cumberland.

Rodgers, Jas. G., Jr., Govanstown.

Seidewitz, E. A., Annapolis.

Smith, G. v., 1101 E. Baltimore st.,
Baltimore.

Wiedey, John, Mt. Washington.

MASSACHUSETTS.
J. F. Huss, Lenox, and Lawrence Cotter, Dorchester, Vice-Presidents.

Adams, C. Thompson, West Med-

way.
Aitken, M. , Springfield.
Allan, David, Cliftondale.
Anderson, George M., Wayside

Farm, Milton.
Ball, Peter, Maiden.
Barker, J. G., Jamaica Plain.
Becker, Frank, Cambridge.
Berry, R. E., Boston.
Betts, Chas. E., Worcester.
Bock, W. A., North Cambridge.
Bowditch, A. C, 32 Weoster ave.,

Somerville.
Brague, L. B., Hinsdale.
Breed, E. W., Clinton.
Cameron, Robt. , Botanic Garden,

Cambridge.
Clapp, E. B., 175 Boston St., South

Boston.
Comley, James, Lexington.
Cook, H. A., Shrewsbury.
Cotter, Lawrence, Dorchester.
Cox, Thomas A., Olney St., Dor-
chester.
Dawson, Jackson, Jamaica Plain.
Doyle, W. E., 43 Tremont street,

Boston.
Edgar, William, W. Waverly.
Elliott, W. H., Brighton.
Ewell, Warren, 382 Wayland street,

Roxbury.
Farquhar, Robt., 19 South Market

St., Boston.
Fewkes, A. H., Newton Highlands.
Finaghty, Martin, Lenox.
Fisher, Sewall, Framingham.
Forbes, A. B., Byfleld.
Fuller, J., Leominster.
Giflord, Noah, New Bedford.
Ooodell, L. W., D wight.

Gordon, George, Beverly.
Greaves, Thomas, North Easton.
Griftin, Wm., Lenox.
Harris, F. L., Wellesley.
Hews, A. H., North Cambridge.
Huss, J. F., Ventfort Hall, Lenox.
Junkins, Geo. S., Lawrence.
Kingman, M. B., Amherst.
Knapp, W. H., Newtonville.
Lange, H. F. A., Worcester.
Loveless, Alfred J., Lenox, Box 45.
Mann, Mary S., Florence.
Manning, A. C, Reading.
Manning, J. W., Jr., Reading.
Manning, W. H., Brookline.
Mathieson. Fred R., Waltham.
Maynard, Prof. S. T., Amherst.
McCarthy, N. F., 1 Music Hall pi.,

Boston.
McCarthy, T. F., 7 Province court,

Boston.
McCormack, J. J., 203 Adams st.,

Maiden.
Messenger, Geo., East Brookfleld.
Meyer, J. C, 13 Otis st., Boston.
Miller, James L , 882 Western ave.,

Lynn.
MoUoy, William F., Wellesley.
Montgomery, Alexander, Natick.
Montgomery, Alexander W., Jr.,

Natick.
Montgomery, John, Wellesley.
Murdoch, H. L., West Gardiner.
Newman, J. R., Winchester.
Nicholson, William, Framingham.
Norton, M. H., Hotel Berkeley,

Boston.
Norton, P., Dorchester.
Olden, J. B., 13 Green St., Boston.
Oliver, John, Lowell.
Ormsby, E. A., Melrose.

APPENDIX.

XIX

MASSACHUSETTS — Continued.

Parker, Geo. L., Dorchester.
Patten, Marcellus A., Lowell.
Pierce, William, 232 Union street.

New Bedford.
Raddin, E. W., 9 Forest St., No.

Cambridge.
Robinson, Wm. , North Easton.
Rose, Richard R., Jamaica Plain.
Shaw. E. D., Holyoke.
Sheppard, E., Lowell.
Spooner, W. H., Jamaica Plain.
Stewart, William J., 67 Bromfield

St., Boston.
Tailby, Joseph, Wellesley.
Tailby, W., Wellesley.

Tucker, Harry A., Ware.
Walsh, John, Melrose Highlands.
Warburton, C., 81 New Boston

Road, Fall River.
Welch, D., 2 Beacon st., Boston.
Welch, E. J., 2 Beacon St., Boston.
Welch, P., 2 Beacon St., Boston.
Wheeler, L. B., Berlin.
Wheeler, W. L., Berlin.
White, -John, Pittsfield.
Whitney, Chas. A., Upton.
Wood, E. M., Natick.
Woodman, E. E., Danvers.
Zirngiebel, D., Needham.

MICHIGAN.

J. Breitmeyer, Detroit, Vice-President.

Boehme, A., 45 Fountain st., Battle

Creek.
Breitmeyer, J., Detroit.
Hancock, James G., Grand Haven.
Smith, Elmer D., Adrian.

Taepke, G. H., 450 Elmwood ave.,

Detroit.
Taplin, Stephen, 930 Fort street,

Detroit. •

MINNESOTA.

A. S. SwANSON, St. Paul, Vice-President.

Busch, Fred., Richfield.
May, L. L., St. Paul.
Nagel, E., 188 West Lake St., Min-
neapolis.

Swanson, A. S., St. Paul.
Wunder, John, Winona.

MISSOURI.

Emlle Schray, St. Louis, Vice-President
1220 Olive St., St.

Beneke, J. J

Louis.
Beyer, Robt., 3619 So. Grand ave.,

St. Louis.
Bleeckert, C. J., 4426 Labadie ave.,

St. Louis.
Bruenig, F., 1945 Gravois ave., St.

Louis.
Brown, D. S., 2212 Dekalb st., St.

Louis.
Brown, R. S., Box 99, Kansas City.
Chandler, H. W., Jr., 717 Olive St.,

St. Louis.
Connon, Charles, 2742 Olive st.,

St. Louis.
Fillmore, F. J., Nebraska ave.,

South St. Louis.
Frow, Rich'd, 4206 Natural Bridge

road, St. Louis.
Jablonsky, A., Wellston.
Jannopoulo, Demetrius, St. Louis.
Jordan, J. M., 706 Olive St., St.

Louis.

Juengel, Chas. A., 1841 So. Linn

St., St. Louis.
Kefler, C. A., Columbia.
Kellogg, Geo. M., Pleasant Hill.
Klockenkemper, Theo., 2551 Sulli-
van ave., St. Louis.
Koenig, J., 6471 Florissant ave.,

St. Louis.
Kuehn, C. A., 1122 Pine St., St.

Louis.
Michel, E. H., Magnolia and Tower

Grove ave., St. Louis.
Mische, Emil, Mo. Botanic Garden,

St. Louis.
Ostertag, F. W., St. Louis.
Pape, Wm., 3307 Penna. ave.

Louis.
Quinn, Edward, Springfield.
Rau, R. G., St. Joseph.
Sanders, C, 5600 Delmar ave.

Louis.
Schray, Emile, 4101 Penna. ave.,

St. Louis.

St.

St.

XX

APPENDIX.

MISSOURI — Continued.

Schray, Wm., 4101 Penna. ave.,
St. Louis.

Stuppy, L. J., St. Joseph.

Tesson, R. F., West Forest Park,
St. Louis.

Trelease, Prof. "Wm., Missouri
Botanic Garden, St. Louis.

Trillow, Wm., Clayton.

Walclbart, Alexander, 3538 Chest-
nut St., St. Louis.

Weber, F. C, 318-t Olive st., St.

Louis.
Wors, C. W., 313 No. Leffingwell

ave., St. Louis.

Young, Henry, 1406 Olive st., St.

Louis.
Young, John, 1406 Olive st., St.

Louis.

NEBRASKA.

Donaghue, A., 1514 Dodge street,
Omaha.

Hesser, W. J., Plattsraouth.
Parker, T. N., Omaha.

NEW HAMPSHIRE.

Chase, Benj., Jr., Derry.
Hoitt, C. W., Nashua.

Paterson, Robert, care Hon. Frank

Jones, Portsmouth.
Stacy, A. H., Portsmouth.

NEW^ JERSEY.
J. D. EisELE, Riverton, and Herman C. Steinhoff, West Hoboken,

Vice-Presidents.

Asmus, Ernst, West Hoboken.
Asmus, Ernst A., Short Hills.
Asmus, Rudolph, New Durham.
Atkins, F. L., Short Hills.
Boddington, A. T., Short Hills.
Bonn, F., Weehawken.
Bridgeman, Thomas, Ramsey's.
Bunyard, Alfred, Short Hills.
Bunyard, H. A., Short Hills.
Chitty, H. E., Paterson.
Davis, J. A., Jersey City.
Driscol, James, 254 Main ave.,

Passaic.
Du Rie, W. B., Rahway.
Edvpards, Devoux B., 170 South

Carolina ave., Atlantic City.
Edwards, Theo. E.. Brldgeton.
Eisele, J. D., Riverton.
Eisele, W. G., Cedar ave., Long

Branch.
Esler, Andrew, Saddle River.
Esler, John G., Saddle River.
Fischer. Chas. L., Atlantic City.
Goble, F. C, V^erona.
Green, J. S., Morristown, Morris

County.
Holton, Thos. T., Morristown.
Hulsebosch, A., Englewood.
Lager, John E., Short Hills.
Leonard, J. H., lona.

Leuly, E., West Hoboken.
Macbean, C. A., Lakevvood.
Macrorie, D., South Orange.
Manda, Joseph A., Jr., South
Orange.

Manda, W. A., South Orange.

May, J. N., Summit.

McArthur, Robert, 186 Main St.,
Orange.

MacDonald, Peter, Summit.

McMahon, Frank, Sea Bright.

Moore, Frank L., Chatham.

Mott, Walter, Riverton.

Nash, S. C, Clifton, Passaic Co.

O'Mara, P. J., Grand St., Jersey
City.

Ouwerkerk, P., 206 Cambridge ave.,
Jersey City.

Roehrs, Julius, Carlton Hill.

Saling, William, Rahway.

Steinhoff, Herman C, West Ho-
boken.

Strohlein, George A., Riverton.

Towell, Joseph H.. Paterson.

Tricker, William, Clifton.

Troy, J. H., Short Hills.

Turner, Wm., 137 Berkeley ave.,
Orange.

Turnley, C. William, Haddonfleld.

Wight, W. P., Madison.

APPENDIX.

XXI

M. Barker, Ithaca, and W

Allen, C. H., Floral Park.

Allen, R. W., Hudson.

Armitage, Chas., 233 Mercer St.,

New York.
Asmus, Geo., 479 Main St., Buffalo.
Bailey, L. H., Ithaca.
Barker, M., Cornell University,

Ithaca.
Barry, William C, Rochester.
Bennett, Geoi-ge E., Flatbush.
Bergmaun, G. , Lincoln road. Flat-
bush.
Boettger, R. E., Eggertsville.
Bonfield, Waller, Little Falls.
Burns, Alexander S., 49 W. 28 St.,

New York.
Bussai'U, Henri, 248 New Main St.,

Yonkers.
Butler, Chris., Bayside.
Carman. R. W., Flushing.
Childs, J. Lewis, Floral Park.
Clark, J. T., 61 Ann st.. New York.
Cottam, George T. N., 44 Pine St.,

New York.
Cowell, J. F., Botanic Garden, Buf-
falo.
Creighton, George, Hooker ave.,

Poughlveepsie.
Dailledouze, Eugene, Flatbush.
Dailledouze, Henry, Flatbush.
Dailledouze, PaulF., Flatbush.
Dean, James, Bay Ridge.
De La Mare, A. T., 170 Fulton st.,

New York.
Devoy, Peter T., Poughkeepsie.
Dihni, William, 64 W. 125th St.,

New York.
Dingwall, John, Troy road, Albany.
Don, A. L., 114 Chambers st., New

York.
Donaldson, John, Newtown, Long

Island.
Drawiel, C. F., 433 oth ave.. South

Brooklyn.
Dreyer, Herman, Woodside, Long

Island.
Dudley, Miss H. E., Bath.
Eger, William C., 825 Union st.,

Schenectady.
Elliott, William, 54 Dey St., New

York.
Falconer, William, Glen Cove.
Florey, James, Medina.
Foley, J. J., 226 Bowery, New York.
Forsterman, I., Newtown, Long

Island.
Fotheringham, John R., Irvington-

ou-Hudson.

NE-W YORK.
. F. Sheridan, New York, Vice-Presidents.

Friday, Louis, Schenectady.
Gibbons, H. W., 233 Mercer st.,

New York.
Gindra, David, Poughkeepsie.
Goldring, Frederick, Albany.
Goldring, Samuel, 11 N. Pearl st.,

Albany.
Griffin, Thos., Westbury Sta., L. I.
Grupe, J. W. H., 128 Wall st.,

Schenectady.
Haines, E. C, Bedford station.
Hammond, Benjamin. Fishkill.
Henderson, Alfred, 35-37 Cortlandt

St., New York.
Henderson, Charles, 35-37 Cort-
landt St., New York.
Hendrick, James, Albany.
Heushaw, Samuel, W. New Brigh-
ton, S. Island.
Herendeen, F. A., Geneva.
Hew son, C. J., 1673 Abbott road,

Buffalo.
Herrmann, A., 404-412 E. 34th St.,

New York.
Hillman, G. W., Jr., Flushing.
Hodura, John, 29 Olive St., Brooklyn.
Hoffman, E. M., Elmira.
Holley, E., Hudson.
Horan, E. C, 34 West 29th st.,

New York.
Ingram, David, 96 Spring st., As-
toria.
Jansen, Ed., 124 West 19th st..

New York.
Johnson, Mrs. Fred. H., 45 Whitney

ave., Clean.
Joosten, C. H., 3 Coenties Slip,

New York.
Katoll, Fred., 121 Linwood ave.,

Buffalo.
Keller, Fred., Bay Ridge.
Keller, J. M., Bay Ridge.
Keller, John B., Rochester.
Keppler, M., E. Williamsburg, L. I.
Koffmau, E., Walden, Orange Co.
Krick, W. C, 1287 Broadway,

Brooklyn.
Krombach, Charles, 181 25th st.,

Brooklyn.
Kromlick, S. J., 479 Main st., Buf-
falo.
Langjahr, A. H., 19 Boerum pi.,

Brooklyn.
Loeben, Richard, Dobbs Ferry,

Box 88.
Long, D. B., 495 Washington St.,

Buffalo.
Luther, John F., Westchester.

XXll

APPENDIX.

NEW YORK — Continued.

Lynch, M. J., Poujjhkeepsie.
Macka3% Andrew, Monroe.
Marc, C. J., Woodside.
Mathews, Wm., Utica.
McBride, Alex., Alplaus.
McMillan, William, Buffalo.
Meissner, P. Bruno, Flatbush.
Mellis, D. Y., Flatbush, N. Y.
Mepsiead, E., Buffalo.
Millang, Frank, 408 East Sith st.,

New York.
Millcot, Mrs. F., Yonkers.
Miller, A. L.. Sta. E., Brooklyn.
Nevvbrand, E. W., Tarrytown.
Newbrand, H. C, Tarrytown.
Nillson, William, Woodlawji, New

York.
Palmer, W. J., 306 Main st., Buffalo.
Palmer, W. J., Jr., 306 Main st.,

Buffalo.
Penman, J. Arnot, 7 Warren St.,

New York.
Pierson, F. R., Tarrytown.
Pierson, Paul M., Scarborough.
Powell, I. L., Millbrook.
Quinlan, P. R., Syracuse.
Rath, H. C, Flushing.
Rawson, G. P., Elmira.
Roberts, D. H., 159 and 161 So. 5th

ave.. New York.
Roehrs, Theo., Ill W. 30th st.,

New York.
Rolker, Jos. E., 136-138 W. 24th

St., New York.
Rolker, Winfried, 136-138 W. 24th

St., New York.
Rose, Adolph, Niagara Falls.
Schaefer, Louis H^, 404 E. 34th St.,

New York.
Schlegel, F. R , Rochester.
Schmutz, L., Flatbush.
Schwake, Chas., 404 E. 34th St.,

New York.
Schweinfurth, F., Bronxville.
Scott, Phillip, 479 Mainst., Buffalo.
Scott, William, 479 Main St., Buf-
falo.
Sexton, S. B., Hyde Park.

Shanley, James, 216 25th street,

Brooklyn.
Shaw, J. Austin, 926 Fulton St.,

Brooklj^n.
Sheridan. W. F., 32 W. 30th st.,

New York.
Shuphelt, R. E., Chatham.
Siebrecht, H. A., New Rochelle.
Siebrecht, Louis, East Hinsdale.
Siebrecht, W. 11., Astoria.
Sill, B. F., 116 Main st., Astoria.
Smith, John, Bayside.
Steffens, N., 335 East 21st St., New

York.
Stiles, W. A., Tribune Building,

New York.
Storm, F. A., Bayside.
Taylor, J. H., Bayside.
Thorne, Samuel, 71 Wall St., New

York.
Thrall, A. L., Jamestown.
Wadley, A., 409 5th ave.. New York.
Wallace, Alex., 170 Fulton bt.,New

York.
Ward, C. W., Queens.
Weathered, C. B., 244 Canal st..

New York.
Weeber, C. G., 114 Chambers st.,

New York.
Weimar, E. W., Mt. Vernon.
Weir, Fred., Bay Ridge, L. I.
Weir, John R., 324 Fulton street,

Brooklyn.
Wincott, Wm., Effingham pk., Baby-
lon.
Wippermann, H. W., 1389 Atlantic

ave., Brooklyn.
Withers, J. W., 170 Fulton st.. New

York.
Wollmers, A., 215 and 217 25th st.,

Brooklyn.
Wood, Joseph, Spring Valley.
Wood, L. E., Fishkill.
Young, Thomas, Jr., 43 West 30th

St., New York.
Zeller, Alfred, Flatbush, L. I.
Zeller, Charles, Flatbush.
Zeller, Emil, Flatbush.

NORTH CAROLINA.

J. W. C. Deacke, Asheville, Vice-President.

Bush, Ernest J., Morganton.
Deacke, Mrs. J. B., 324 Charlotte
St., Asheville.

Deacke, J. W. C, Asheville.
Lamb, James M., Fayetteville.
Rehder, Wm., Wilmington.

APPENDIX.

XXUl

OHIO.

H. A. Hart, Cleveland, and Herman

Altlck, H. M., 1123 No. Main St.,

Dayton.
Ahern, J. W., Lake Home, Mount

Vernon.
Bauer, P. J., Ansel ave., Cleveland.
Bissell, Edvv. C, Dayton.
Bolanz, E. Julius, 206 Wooster ave.,

Akron.
Congdon, A. R., Oberlin.
Corbett. George, College Hill.
Cushman, E. H., Euclid.
Erhardt, Charles, 358 Erie avenue,

Cleveland.
Gasser, J. M., 101 Euclid avenue,

Cleveland.
George, Robert, Painesville.
Giesy, E. H., Lockland.
Graham, Adam, East End P. O.,

Cleveland.
Hart, H. A., 1262-1272 Detroit St.,

Cleveland.
Heinl, George A., 337 Summit St.,

Toledo."
Herb, Peter, Mt. Healthy.
Heiss, J. B., Dayton.
Hippard, E., Youiigstown.
Huntsman, Frank, 37-39 W. 4th St.,

Cincinnati.
Imlay, John D., Zanesville.

H. RiTTER, Dayton, Vice-Presidents.

Joseph, Miss Rosa, Pataskala.
Kramer, L. R., "Wooster.
McCuUough, Albert, 134 Walnut

St., Cincinnati.
McCullogh, J. Chas.,2d and Walnut

sts., Cincinnati.
Mull, John, Davton.
Murphy, R. J,, Box 361, Station F,

Price Hill, Cincinnati.
Murphy, Wm., Station F,, Cincin-
nati.
North, F. W., 712 No. Main St.,

Fostoria.
Bitter, F. W., Sr., Dayton.
Ritter, Herman H., Dayton.
Rogers, Mrs. E. E., Lima.
Schmitt, A., Glenville.
Schramm, B., 1315 Cherry street,

Toledo.
Stearns, A. M., Lockland.
Suder, Mrs. E., 304 Summit street,

Toledo.
Sunderbruch, H. L., 200^ 4th st.,

Cincinnati.
Thirkildson, P. H., Ironton.
Wagoner. A. J., Van AVert.
Wilson, John, College Hill.
Witterstaetter, Richard, Sedams-

ville.

PENNSYLVANIA.

A. W. Bennett, Pittsburgh, and Albert M. Herr, Lancaster, Vice-Presidents.

Becker, Jacob, 52d and Market sts.,

Philadelphia.
Beckert, Theodore F., Glenfield.

Albrecht, John, West Laurel Hill,

Pen coy d P. 0.
Anderson, George, 5230 Woodland

ave., Philadelphia.
Bader, John, Allegheny.
Baker, Alfred E., Westchester.
Baker, Phebe A , Media.
Baker, W. J , 1430 So. Penn. sq.,

Philadelphia.
Ball, Charles D., Holmesburg.
Ball, Lemuel, Wissinoming, Phila-
delphia.
Barclay, John, Care John Gardiner

& Co., Philadelphia.
Barr, B. F., Lancaster.
Battles, H. H., 108 So. 12th street,

Philadelphia.
Bayersdorfer, Harry, 56 North 4th

St., Philadelphia.
Beatty, H. B., Oil City,
Beam, David, Bala P. O., near

Philadelphia.
Becker, H. H., Oak Lane, Station

A, Philadelphia.

Bennett, A. W., Supt. of Parks,
Pittsburgh.

Berkowitz, Paul, 56 North 4th st.,
Philadelphia.

Bieler, C. W., Allegheny.

Blanc, A., 314 North Uth st., Phil-
adelphia.

Boas, W. J., 16 N. 5th st., Phila-
delphia.

BonnaffoD, A. L., 1405 Filbert st.,
Philadelphia.

Bryfogle, W. C, Bloomsburg.

Burke, Geo. W., Dept. of Parks,
Pittsburgh.

Burki, Fred., Bellevue Post Office,
Allegheny County.

Burpee, W. Atlee, 5th and Willow
sts., Philadelphia.

Burton, John, Chestnut Hill, Phila-
delphia.

Butz, William T.. New Castle.

XXIV

APPENDIX.

PENNSYLVANIA — Continued.

Blitz, Geo. estate Coll., Centre Co.
Campbell, Edw., Ardmore.
Carr, Geo. W., Kinsston.
Cartledge, Thomas, 1514 Chestnut

St., Philadelphia.
Clark, G. E., 14G Washington ave..

Scran ton.
Cliffe, Walter K., 61st and Market

sts., Philadelphia.
Connelly. J. J., Brj-n Maur.
Connor, D. T.. Lansdowne.
Craig. Geo., 211 South 11th st.,

Philadelphia.
Craig, Robert, 49th and Market sts.,

Philadelphia.
Craig, W. P., 49th and Market sts.,

Philadelphia.
Crall, Chas. S., Monongahela.
Curvven, John, Jr., Villa Nova,

Philadelphia.
Dillon, J. L., Bloomsburg.
Dorrance, B. F., Dorrauceton.
Downs, Alex.,Wissahickon Heights

Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia.
Dreer, William F., 714 Chestnut

St., Philadelphia.
Ebner, Frank, Pittsburgh.
Ehret, Fred., 1403 Fairmount ave.,

Philadelphia.
Eisele, C, 11th and Jeflerson sts.,

Philadelphia.
Eisele, John G., 1322 N. 12th St.,

Philadelphia.
Ekekrautz, T.. Falls of Schuylkill,

Philadelphia.
Eldridge, W. M., Wilkesbarre.
Elverson, W. H., New Brighton.
Ely, Z. DeForest, 1024 Market St.,

Philadelphia.
Evenden, Geo. W., 408 East 3d St.,

Williamsport.
Fahrenwald, Adolph, Wyncote P.

0., Mont. Co.
Fancourt, George E., Wilkesbarre.
Farson, D. D. L., Horticultural

Hall, Philadelphia.
Foulds, Thos., Hoyt.
Fox, Chas., Broadst., Philadelphia.
Fries, J. A., Bethlehem.
Gardner, J. G. , West Consho-

hocken.
Gass, Harry C, McClure ave.,

Allegheny.
Giles, John H., 37 North 10th st.,

Reading.
Hageman, Wm., Arch and Water

sts., Philadelphia.
Hahman, F., Harrowgate Lane,
Frankford, Philadelphia.

Harper, Wm. Warner, Chestnut

Hill, Philadelphia.
Harris, W. K., Jr., 55th st. and

Sprinsfield ave., Philadelphia.
Harris, W. K., Sr., 55th st. and

Springfield ave., Philadelphia.
Harry, Winfleld S., Conshohocken.
Heacock, Joseph, Wyncote.
Herr, Albert M., P. O. Box 338,

Lancaster.
Hoskin, George H., 37 No. 10th St.,

Reading.
Hostetter, E. P., Manheim.
Hostetter. J. M., Millersville.
Hutton, James, Lower Roxborough,

Philadelphia.
Jones, Richard, Whitford.
Joyce, J. D., Philadelphia.
Kahlert, C. W., 1514 Chestnut st.,

Philadelphia.
Kaufmann, Ernest, 113 No. 4th St.,

Philadelphia.
Keller, Edward, Norristown,
Kift, Joseph, Westchester.
Kift, Robert, 1721 Chestnut St.,

Philadelphia.
Kirchner, Conrad, Philadelphia.
Kletzly, J., Verona.
Krebs, F. S., 543 Belgrade St.,

Philadelphia.
Krueger, Augustus, Meadville.
Lancer, Arthur H., Wayne, Del.

Co.
Landis, L. H., Box 344, Lancaster.
Larkin, I., Toughkenamon.
LaRoche, M. F., 13th and Chestnut

sts., Philadelphia.
Lauch, Wm. F., Carrick P. O.,

Allegheny Lo.
Loew, Wm., 84 East St., Allegheny.
Lonsdaie, Edwin, Chestnut Hill,

Philadelphia.
Ludwig. E. C., Allegheny.
Lutz, Aug , 309 N."32d St., Phila-
delphia.
Machlin, A. B., 32 South 3d St.,

Harrisburg.
Maule, William H., 1711 Filbert st.,

Philadelphia.
Mayberry, Thomas, 218 39th st.,

Pittsburgh.
McFarland, J. Horace, Harrisburg.
McLean, Geo., 4217Haverford ave.,

Philadelphia.
Metcalf, E., Norristown.
Meyer, Jacob M., Lancaster.
Michell, H. F., 1018 Market st.,

Philadelphia.
Miller, Wm. H., Narbeth.

APPENDIX.

XXV

PENNSYLVANIA — Continued.

Moon, S. C, Morrisville.

Moon, W. H., Morrisville.

Murdoch, A. M., 510 Smithfleld St.,
Pittsburgh.

Murdoch, John R., Jr., Pittsburgh.

Nelson, Alexander, Allegheny Cem-
etery, Pittsburgh.

Oesterlel! George, 4200 Forbes St.,
Pittsburgh

Otter, Harold, Doylestown.

Paget. John, Lochiel Part, Harris-
burg.

Park, Geo. W., Libonia, Franklin
Co.

Patterson, N., 511 Market St., Pitts-
burgh.

Pennock, C. J., Kennett sq.

Peunock, S. S., 42 S. 16th St., Phil-
adelphia.

Randolph, P. S., Pittsburgh.

Reineman, E. C, 305 Lowry St.,
Allegheny.

Reukauf, Martin, 56 No. 4th St.,
Philadelphia

Rice, M., 25 N. 4th St., Philadelphia.

Rockwell, W. C. Bradford.

Rohrer, A. D., Lancaster.

Rohrer, A. K., Lancaster.

Rohrer, H. D., Lancaster.

Rohrer, Willis, Lancaster.

Rupp, JolinF., Shiremanstown.

Rupp, D. C, Shiremanstown.

Rust, David, 71 i Chestnut street,
Philadelphia.

Schraeiske, W. F., Libonia, Frank-
lin Co.

Schroyer, George W., Lancaster.

Scott, A. B., 10th and Catharine
sts., Philadelphia.

Seidel, D. B.. Pottsville.

Shelmire, W. R., Avondale.

Siebert, Charles T., Stanton ave.,
Station B., Pittsburgh.

Sim, Chas., Rosemont.

Skidelsky, S., 1201 N. 25th St., Phil-
adelphia,

Smith. A. W., Boggs ave., Pitts-
burgh.

Stewart, Robt. A , 135 South 13th
St., Philadelphia.

Stewart, T. C, Easton.

Strong, 0. H., Oil City.

Styer, J. .T., Concordville.

Swayne, Edw. , Kennett sq.

Swayne, William, Kennett sq.

Taplin, W- H., Holmesburg.

Thilow, J. Otto, 714 Chestnut St.,
Philadelphia.

Van Fleet, W., West Grove.

Walker, John, 49th and Market sts. ,
Philadelphia.

Wallace, David, care John Gardi-
ner & Co., Philadelphia.

Watson, George C-, 1025 Arch St.,
Philadelphia.

Westcott, .John, Ridtre and Lehigh
aves., Philadelphia.

Westcott, William H., Ridge and
Lehigh aves., Philadelphia.

Whilldin, J. G., 713 Wharton st.,
Philadelphia.

Wicker.sham, Edwin, Pottstown.

Williams, E. W., Pittsburgh.

Winters, Thomas J., 1016 Com-
merce St., Harrisburg.

Wintzer, A. , West Grove.

Wohlert, A. E., Altooua.

Woltemate, A., Germantown.

Woodason, Thomas, 2900-2902 D
St., Philadelphia.

Young, John W., Frank St., Ger-
mantown.

Zimmer, Chas., 5001 Westminster
ave., Philadelphia.

RHODE ISLAND.

A. H. Williams, Olneyville, Vice-President.

Johnson, George, 18 Earl street,

Providence.
Jurgeus, Carl, Newport.
Renter, S. J., Westerly.
Williams, A. H., Olneyville.

Appleton, W., Jr., 158 Broadway,

Providence.
Butcher, William, 20 Pitman St.,

Providence.
Gardner, Richard, Newport.

SOUTH CAROLINA.

Connelly, J. M., 146 Calhoun st.,
Charleston.

Shepard, Charles U., 68 Meeting
St.. Charleston.

XXVI

APPENDIX.

Haisch, Albert, Memphis.
Hune, C. H., Memphis.

Kaden, Herman, Gainesville

TENNESSEE.

Johnson, Olof, Memphis.
Williamson, J. T., Memphis.

TEXAS.

I Nickels, Anna B., Laredo.
VERMONT.

John Wilson, Burlington, Vice-President.

Allen, C. E., Brattleboro.
Gibbs, C. F., St. Johnsbury.
Mass, George H., Woodstock.

McGillivray, D., Brattleboro.
Wilson, John, 134 Church street,.

Burlington.

VIRGINIA.

F. A. Whealan, Mt. Vernon, Vice-President.

Daughtrey, Mrs. M. F., 207 High

St., Portsmouth.
Gordon, J. Palmer, Ashland.

Hammond, W. A., Richmond.
Whealan, F. A., Mt. Vernon.
Wilbur, J. Chesley, Norfolk.

WEST VIRGINIA.

Pennock, F. M., Charlestown.

Hess, Max L., Box 1G9, Wheeling.
Heihie, G. Adolph, Parkersburg.

"WISCONSIN.
C. B. Whitnall, Milwaukee, Vice-President.

Brudahl, J. P., 832 Racine street,

Racine.
Freytag, J., Forest Home ave.,

Milwaukee.
Haentze, E., Fond du Lac.

Leslie, Frank, Lake Geneva.
Salzer, John A., LaCrosse.
Turner, Lewis, Kenosha.
Whitnall, C. B., 428 Milwaukee st.,
Milwaukee.

DOMINION OF CANADA.
ONTARIO.

James F. Webster, Hamilton, Vice-President.

Aylett, S., Hamilton.

Cotterill, John, Deer Park.

Craig, S. H., 3G8 Dullerin avenue,

London.
Dunne, Adam, Gait.
Ewing, A. H., Normal School,

Toronto.

Foster, F. G., Hamilton.
Johnson, O. G., Kingston.
Mearns, Robert, Toronto.
Terrill, A. M., Pictou.
Vair, George, Chestnut Park, To-
ronto.
Webster, James F., Hamilton.

QUEBEC.

George Trussell, Montreal, Vice-President.

Bennett, Joseph, 2392 St. Catharine
St., Montreal.

Campbell. C, 48 Beaver Hall Hill,
Montreal.

Doyle, John, 5 Lome Crescent,
Montreal.

Evans, Wm., Jr., McGill st., Mon-
treal.

Girdwood, F. L., Montreal.

McKenna, James, Cote des Neiges,
Montreal.

Trussell, George, Head of Durocher
St., Montreal.

Walsh, John, 106 Redpath st., Mon-
treal.

IRELAND.
Dickson, Hugh, 55 Royal ave., Belfast.

JAPAN.

Unger, Alfred, Yokohama. |

BERMUDA.
Outerbridge, E. W., Sunnyland. I

INDEX.

PAGE.

Portrait — President-elect Edwin Lonsdale frontispiece.

List of Officers 3

FIRST DAY— MORNING SESSION.

Address of Welcome by Mayor Stoy 5

Response by Wm. Scott 6

President Anthony's Address 7

Progress in ornamental horticulture 8

National charter; Secretary's duties; Relation with auxiliary

societies ; Examining Board for employees 9

Certificates for employees 10

Secretary Stewart's Report 10

Attendance at St. Louis ; Dues collected ; List of deaths during

the preceding year 11

Executive Committee meeting 12

Treasurer's Report 12

Report of Nomenclature Committee 14

Carnations ; Chrysanthemums 15

Roses ; Geraniums ; Cannas ; Violets l&

Report of Committee on Statistics of Foreign Trade 17

Report of Committee on Standard List of Decorative Plants ... 18

Discussion of President's Address 19

Relations with auxiliary Societies 19

Certificates to employees 20

Precautions in giving recommendations 25

Additional views of the President 27

FIRST DAY — AFTERNOON SESSION.

Essay — The Elevation of Our Business 28

Magnitude of the business ; Need of system 2&

Advice to retail florists 30

Discussion of Essay 31

Encouraging the boys 32

Certificates to employees 33

Experience with boys 34

Essay — Comparative Colors and Their Relation to Flowers 34

The florist's high calling ; The artist's limitations 35

Purity of color in flowers ; 36

Nomenclature of colors ; Compai'ative tests 37

The uses of magenta 38

Broken tones in flowers 40

Discussion of Essay 41

The Question Box.

The one judge and three judge systems at exhibitions 43

Useful commercial cut flowers 45

Swainsona 46

Forcing vegetables and fruits in plant houses 47

Resolutions on the Death of the late Treasurer, Myron A. Hunt . . 48

XXVlll X APPENDIX.

SECOND DAY — MORNING SESSION.

Selection of Place of Meeting for 1895 50

Nomination of Officers 51

Com-mittee on Relations with Auxiliary Societies 53

Essay — The Best Method of Growing Roses 54

Old methods approved 54

Selection of stock for propagating ; Fall treatment 55

Beds or benches ; Carrying roses over two or more years 56

Number of roses cut ; List of popular varieties 57

Discussion of Essay 58

Two year old stock 69

Eel- worms 60

Methods of propagation ; Temperature of soil Gl

Solid beds 62

Essay — Orchids as Commercial Flowers 63

Their value ; Ease of culture 64

Pecuniary results ; Established plants preferable ; Results of

neglect 65

Discussion of Essay 65

Cost of orchids as compared with roses; Insufficient profits 67

Orchid flowers from a retailer's view 68

SECOND DAY — AFTERNOON SESSION.

Objections to Award on Boilers 70

Essay — Cannas 71

Propagation 72

Raising from seed ; Insects 73

Qualifications ; The best twelve varieties 74

Duplication of names 76

Essay — The Evolution of the Chrysanthemum 77

Its good points 78

Recent Improvements 79

Planting; Feeding 81

Sports ; Recent introductions 82

Varieties recommended 84

Progress in thirty years ; Future improvements 89

Anecdotes 90

Essay — Aquatics = 91

Their history 92

Introduction of the Victoria 93

Progress in subsequent years 94

Hybrids 95

List of hardy vai'ieties 96

Discussion of Essay 96

Essay — Successful Violet Culture 97

Planting and lifting ."97

Treatment under glass 98

The Question Box

Sub-irrigation in plant growing 98

Profitable winter blooming plants 99

Experiment Station at Cornell University 101

THIRD DAY — MORNING SESSION.

Election of Officers 102

President 102

Vice-President ...103

Secretary and Treasurer 104

APPENDIX. Xxix

Essay — Fertilizers and Their Application. 104

Consideration of soil ; Value of animal manures 105

Chemical requirements of plants 106

Food elements in various substances 107

Supplying nitrogen 108

Commercial fertilizers 109

Applying liquid manure 110

Discussion of Essay Ill

Artificial manures Ill

Danger of over- feeding 112

Injury from nitrate of soda 113

Essay — The Classification and Inspection of Commercial Plants. . .113
Plan of grading as to quality advocated 114

The Question Box.

Value of auction sales 114

How to destroy red spider 114

Carnations under glass all summer 115

The Advisability of flower markets 116

THIRD DAY— AFTERNOON SESSION.

Amendments to By-laws 117

Duties of Secretary and Treasurer 118

Fire Insurance for Greenhouses IID

Report of committee 120

Classification recommended 121

Risks of heating by flues 122

How the Society can help 124

Adoption of Resolutions 127

Election of Treasurer for the Balance of year, 1894 127

Report of Committee on Final Resolutions 128

The National Charter 129

Entertainments on the Fourth Day 129

APPENDIX.

The Value and Importance of Statistics, Foreign and Domestic. i

Reports of Exhibition Committees.

Florists' Supplies ii

Plants iii

Bulbs and Seeds iii

Cut Flowers iv

Greenhouse Appliances and Flower Pots iv

Boilers and Heating apparatus v

Miscellaneous v

Florists' Hail Association vi

Amendments to By-laws vi

Secretary's Report vii

Treasurer's Report viii

Chrysanthemum Society of America xl

Plans for examining Seedlings xi

New Chrysanthemums disseminated and registered in 1894 xil

Florists' International Telegraph Delivery Association xiii

Florists' Protective Association xiv

List of Members xv

;f/'ii

,v^r • .

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