STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 169 



Floriculture, it appeared an easy task, as well as a pleasureable 

 one. But now, as the time draws near, I feel as if I could not 

 give you anything that would be new or of interest to you. In 

 looking over the Horticultural transactions of previous meetings, 

 and being a constant attendant at this one, I find the ladies 

 have so ably discussed the flower question, that I am almost 

 afraid that what I may say will prove to be a repetition; if so, I 

 beg pardon. Flowers are the tie that binds or unites the Hor- 

 ticultural and Floral Societies, for first we have the flowers and 

 then the fruit. If we could have a theory that the perfume of 

 the flowers was condensed into the flavor of the fruit, and could 

 substantiate it, what a beautiful theory it would be, but it would 

 soon be shattered by comparison, for if we compare the delicate 

 blossom of the crab-apple, and the bitter-apple, or the delicious 

 plum and its ill-scented blossom, we will find that changing the 

 form materially alters the value; but this is a digression. Flor- 

 ists should class the season just passed, as being one of flowers, 

 both of natural and artificial. The early spring favored the 

 planting of seeds, slips and bedding plants, and with the warm sun- 

 shine all kinds of flowers begin to materialize on the ladies' hats 

 and bonnets, and the frequent showers during the heated term 

 caused all vegetation to make rapid growth. It was particularly 

 noticeable in the Geraniums. Ihe foliage was rank, the trusses 

 being unusually long, and the flowers abundant, large and full. 

 It has been my experience in the cultivation of flowers, that there 

 is no plant more remunerative for blooms, or more easily tended 

 than the Geranium commonly known as the Fish. Of these 

 there is an endless variety of colors and shades, and, by proper 

 management, they will bloom all year round. Then there is the 

 Lantanna of different colors, always ready with a bloom, Sum- 

 mer or Winter. All that is required is a position where the sun- 

 light will fall directly upon them, and sufficient moisture to 

 keep the leaves from withering. For a delicate and fragrant 

 button-hole boquet, I would like to suggest the light shaded 

 Lantanna, with the dark and light, purple Heliotrope, with one 

 or two Rose Geranium leaves. Try it and see if the effect is not 

 beautiful. Appearance is one of the most essential consider- 

 ations in regard to the desirableness of plants, and is a matter 

 which we should not forget in our arrangement and care of 

 window plants. Dust being one of these first and greatest ene- 

 mies during the winter months, they should either be protected 

 or given an occasional washing with milk-warm water. Also 

 water the plants freely ; do not allow the soil to become dry and 

 hard, stir it up every now and then, so it will not become baked, 

 as it will from repeated waterings. To have many flowers you 

 must have many shoots to your plants, and by priming often, 

 always from the top, you increase the lower growth and have a 

 well rounded bush, more flowers, and the blooms will be larger 



