56 Second Annual Report 



For shipping, we find that a flat box with a Httle greater 

 depth than the length of the bunch, and holding about three 

 dozen bunches, is the best kind and carries the "grass" without 

 breaking the tips and shows it off to advantage on the market. 

 As far as commission men are concerned I leave others to ex- 

 plain. Our experience is that honest ones are few and far 

 between, and it seems to me a pity that when our members of 

 Parliament have been so far-sighted in enacting a by-law to 

 compel the producer to put as good fruit into the middle of the 

 package as is at the ends, that they could not also enact a 

 by-law which would compel the middleman to be as honest as 

 the fruit he is supposed to handle. 



THE GROWING OF PLANTS AND CUT FLOWERS. 



BY G. E. HUNT, RUTLAND, VT. 



We are all most deeply interested in the work we have 

 chosen as our profession. A sportsman talks of his dogs and 

 guns. A farmer prides himself on the beauty of his stock and 

 the fertility of his soil. Naturally a florist loves the plants which 

 he grows for his pleasure and profit. Nothing is too good for 

 them. He strives to supply their every need, and studies dili- 

 gently that he may be able to guard them against disease. 



There are many secrets to the profession,, and, as a rule, 

 I think florists are jealous of their knowledge; but, after all, 

 the great secret is tO' look after the daily wants of your plants 

 in a careful, business-like manner. 



Many of our choicest flowering plants have been bred to 

 such a state of perfection, along a certain line, that great skill 

 is required to prevent a total collapse. 



Of all flowering plants for the florist, the carnation is pre- 

 eminently the leader. No flower compares with it in varied 

 usefulness. In color, size, form,, perfume, it is complete. 



Its season of bloom is the longest. Shining forth in all its 

 glory during the short days of midwinter. When cut it remains 

 in perfection for days ; even weeks. 



It is appropriate for all occasions, from the bridal to the 

 grave. For design work it is unsurpassed. 



Its propagation and culture is not difficult, and it is tolerant 

 of varying temperature and conditions. 



Of its many varieties the Lawson stands easily first, and 

 the enormous sum paid for the original stock was no act of 

 frenzied finance, but only a shrewd business venture. 



