£6 NEBRASKA STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY 



with good stems, non-bursting calyx. Tlie Hearld lias stem rotted 

 very bad with us, but the plants that are in good condition are producing 

 the best red carnation I have had the pleasure to grow. 1 will give 

 it another trial this coming season. 



In roses, we planted a few of the double Killarneys and find that 

 the flower is better as a keeper than the older variety, but not the 

 producer. 



I see by reports in the trade papers that witl: all the draw backs 

 the country has had, the florist business the country over, reports 

 increased trade. I can .say for myself that last year was the best one 

 we have ever had. And in the past year we did the largest buslnesa, 

 since I have been located at Grand Island, although the increase was 

 smaller in proportion than that of other years. This is quite gratify- 

 ing in the face of the reports from the Merchantile Companys of the gen- 

 eral depression in other lines. But to accomplish this, means hard 

 and consistent work. Ycu have to keep everlastingly at it, by letting 

 people know what you have to offer them, and in holding your cus- 

 tomers. To do that you have to give them the best you have. I also 

 wish to say, after the cyclone which took place in Omaha at Easter 

 time last year, that I went over the stricken district along with our 

 secretary, Mr. Henderson. We came to Mr. Jensen's place for place it 

 v/as, all that was left was the real estate. Aft^^-r inquiring into his con- 

 dition, Mr. Henderson and myself, deeming it advisable, took the 

 liberty to send an appeal to the florists of the state, under the order 

 of this society. This was responded to very freely. 



Mr. Henderson can tell you the amount of the subscription. I 

 have forgotten the figures bi:t the amount was enough to give him 

 a good boost towards getting on his feet again, and those of us that 

 did send a check, have not missed it. 



I have one more thing to mention, and one that touches all of us. 

 That is uniformity of commission. I wish it was so that every florist in 

 the state would agree on what in their opinion is the proper discount. 

 In my estimation we are a little too generous along that line. We are 

 cutting out the 2.^ per cent as fast as we can, and allowing 20 per cent 

 which is a great plenty. I would favor that tiiis society take up this 

 question and work to the end, that we all allow the same discount. 

 Other industries fix a penalty on their members when they overstep 

 the bounds of propriety, why not us? 



Raise the dues to $1.00, which will give us more money to use 

 in our work. Also appoint a committee to meet with the officers of 

 the Horticultural Society, and if necessary go higher up, to get our 

 Premium money raised, so that we can at least get expenses for exhibit- 

 ing at the State Fair. 



My suggestion is that we raise those dues so that the secretary 

 can have more money to get out circulars during the year. I think 



