REPORTS OF DISTRICT AND LOCAL SOCIETIES. 537 



glory. It is strange that we do not value flowers more than we do, because they are 

 capable of adding so much to the beauty and attractiveness of our rooms. We fruit- 

 growers, who do not have as much money to spend for fine furniture and the elegancies 

 of life as we'd like, ought to be the first to utilize our flowers. 



Do not say that you have no time to care for flowers. It is surprising how easily the 

 time is found, when once you are interested in your flowers; and more surprising to 

 find how much more easily you can do the regular house work after spending a half 

 an hour digging in the flower beds or watering and caring for the house plants. 



The first requisite for success in floriculture is a love for the work; the second is 

 common sense, and the third is untiring watchfulness. One of the greatest obstacles to suc- 

 cess with house plants is the dry, overheated atmosphere of our living rooms, which is 

 harmful alike to plants and to man. It would certainly be a benefit if the temperature 

 of our rooms could be regulated so that plants could thrive therein. 



Do not try to cultivate too many flowers. Select a few varieties to begin with. I 

 should prefer begonias, geraniums and primroses for the house; and pansies, sweet peas, 

 alyssum, and ageratum, with your roses, lilies, and other bulbs, are quite satisfactory 

 for the garden. There is no need of spending any money, if that be an objection. 

 You will find plenty of friends who will supply you with slips or plants, and tell you 

 all they know of their habits and needs. Neither is it necessary to keep fires during 

 the night for a few plants. Get a box, paper inside and out, hang the cover with small 

 hinges and when a cold night comes stow your plants in this and they will be safe. 



Enlist the children's interest. The influence of flowers as an educating force in 

 home life is not always thought of. The plants, indoors and out, need regular, system- 

 atic attention; here is a chance for your first lesson — care. Neatness in arranging the 

 flower-bed, in placing the window plants so that they may be kept clean easily, incul- 

 cates order. Study harmony of color and general effect in grouping different varieties, 

 so as to give the most pleasing result, thus cultivating a taste, so much needed in 

 choosing articles of dress or furnishings for our homes. Our powers of observation 

 are quickened, and by learning to notice the beauties of nature, we increase our capac- 

 ity for a life-long enjoyment. 



U. B. Webster: I appreciate beautiful flowers but have no time to 

 devote to them. 



Mrs. Withe Y: Do not think that plants in a living room are 

 unhealthful. You can have roses from June till November. The hydran- 

 gea is hardy and beautiful. 



W. A. Brown: I am glad of the suggestion of a box for plants on cold 

 nights. There are many beautiful wild flowers. I think roses and other 

 plants need renewing. 



A. Brunson spoke of a town where he had been which had the name of 

 the place in foliage plants, which was beautiful. 



Mr. Pixley: The best roses for out doors are the best hardy hybrid 

 perpetuals. 



Mr. Withey; Roses are great feeders, and must be trimmed out and 

 some cut off entirely. George the Fourth is fine for fall blooming. 



Mr. Crooks: To raise flowers successfully requires much work. 



Mr. Withey : Rose bugs do not trouble my grapes, preferring the rose 

 bushes. 



Mrs. Brown: The bugs eat all of my roses and are then in time for 

 the grapes. 



Mr. Judson : The flowering currant and the lilac are beautiful and are 

 no trouble. 



Mrs. Judson asked about having blooming lilacs in the house. 



Mr. Pixley : Put your lilac in the cellar, and when ready put it into a 

 pail of water, and in two weeks time it will be in bloom. 



Mr. Morrill: If you want to, sell a place, two or three hundred dollars 

 invested in ornamentation will pay well. 



Mr. Pixley spoke of a place which could not be sold because there 

 were no shade trees around it. 



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