778 ANNUAL. REPORT OF THE Off. Doc. 



The question of temperature in the growing of roses is one of the 

 most important, and nearly all the sections mentioned need a few 

 degrees difference at night if we would achieve the greatest suc- 

 cess. For instance we have found the Meteor must have five de- 

 grees higher at night, namely, 65 to 08 degrees, than American 

 Beauty, Queen of Edgely and American Belle require, which to do 

 their very best should have from 60 to 62 degrees; kept as nearly 

 the first named number of degrees as possible is the better. Jiride 

 and Bridesmaid, 56 to 58 degrees, and Bon Silene, Safrano, Isabella 

 Sprunt and Papa Gontier, 54 to 56 degrees, and Golden Gate, 58 to 

 60 degrees. Perle, Sunset and Sunrise, from 00 to 62 degrees. 



A similar state of affairs exists with Carnations, though not 

 quite to the same extent. Twenty-five years ago, from 40 to 45 de- 

 grees was considered about right for these popular flowers, but it 

 is found now that for best results with the greatly improved varie- 

 ties now being grown, a temperature about the same as that recom- 

 mended and in use for roses in those days is now in use for Carna- 

 tions, namely, about 55 degrees. 



New varieties of Caraations are so readily produced, and are being 

 raised in all parts of the country, that it is quite difficult to keep 

 track of them all. One. named ''Prosperity," should be mentioned, 

 however, because it is such a decided step forward that it seems to- 

 day that it will be some time before it is distanced. This was sent 

 out last year. It produces the largest flower of any variety in com- 

 merce, with stiff, erect and long stems, and is white, marbled with 

 pink, in color. 



A scarlet variety, named "Adonis," should be mentioned also, as it 

 is one of those superior varieties that looms up head and shoulders 

 above all the rest and looks as though it had come to stay for 

 awhile. It is brilliant scarlet in color, of large size, and has the 

 necessary stout and erect stem. The raiser of this novelty lives 

 in Ohio, and has sold same to two firms jointly, one living in In- 

 diana and the other in Philadelphia. The purchase price for con- 

 trol of the stock is said to have been |5,000. It will not be put 

 into commerce until the spring of 1903. 



The price just named does not begin to compare with the price 

 which is said to have been paid by Thomas W. Lawson, of Massachu- 

 setts, for the variety which was named ''Mrs. Thomas W. Lawson," 

 after the Copper King's wife. Said price was |30.000, but so well 

 was the variety advertised and so many plants had been sold that 

 the purchase money was reported to have been realized by the end 

 of the month of February, when there were still remaining three 

 good months in which to sell this sterling novelty. It has proven 

 to be a grand variety, giving excellent results generally, which is 



