SOCIETY OF AMEEIOAIST FLOKISTS. 



SECOND ANNUAL CONVENTION AT PHILADELPHIA, PA., AUGUST 18, 



19, 20, 1886. 



OFFICERS. 



President — Robert Craig, Philadelphia. 



Vice President — J. C. Vaughan, Chicago. 



Secretary — Edwin Lonsdale, Philadelphia. 



Treasurer — Myron A. Hunt, Chicago. 



Executive Committee — John Thorpe, N. Y., E. G. Hill, Ind., Robert J. Hal- 

 lid ay, Md., John K May, 1ST. J., J. M. Jordan, Mo., H. A. Siebrecht, N. Y., C 

 B. Whitnall, Wis., Alex. Murdock, Pa., W. J. Stewart, Mass. 



The second convention of this society was a remarkable one in the num- 

 bers that were in attendance, the spread of exhibits and the interest and enthu- 

 siasm engendered during the three days' meeting. Delegates were present from 

 a very wide range of territory. 



One large hall was given up to the exhibits which embraced everything 

 required by a florist in the prosecution of his businesss, cut flowers, and designs,, 

 and bulbs. Perhaps the display attracting the most attention was that of E. 

 D. Sturtevant of Bordentown, JS". J. It was a collection of aquatics in tanks 

 which included the wonderful Victoria regia rubra. 



From reports in American Florist and Prairie Farmer, and personal letters, 

 we have gathered the following account of the proceedings of the convention: 



The convention was called to order by the president of the society, John 

 Thorpe of Queens, New York. Robert Craig of Philadelphia, the first vice- 

 president, introduced J. E. Mitchell, president of the Pennsylvania Horticult- 

 ural society. Mr. Mitchell welcomed the florists heartily, and told them that 

 during their stay they would have the freedom of the Union League, public 

 buildings, and other places. Mayor Smith was then introduced. The mayor 

 said by way of introduction that there were a great many pleasant occasions in 

 public life, and that this was one of the pleasantest to him. He welcomed to 

 the city of Philadelphia "gentlemen and ladies who represented a profession so 

 much akin to humanity and civilization." The Mayor informed the florists 

 that Philadelphia was a city of homes, and that the citizens were " particularly 



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