o8 Second Annual IIeport 



Physiological diseases are caused by disturbing functions 

 of the plants from any cause. If the vitality of the plant is 

 impaired in any way — its growth checked by unfavorable con- 

 ditions of the soil ; its constitution weakened by close and ex- 

 cessive heat or extreme cold; we at once see the effect in the 

 bursting of the calyx, weak stems or sleepy flowers. 



The causes of these troubles rest, to a certain extent, in the 

 nature of the variety, but principally to conditions which we can 

 control. In other words,, keep the plants in a healthy growing 

 condition, and we will have little cause to complain of this 

 disease. 



Fungous diseases are caused by distinct parasitic organisms. 

 Stem rot — This fungus is found in nearly all soil, and its 

 growth on the plants causes a rotting of the stem at the surface 

 of the soil and ultimately results in the death of the plant. This 

 is a very troublesome disease, for which we have no remedy. 

 Some varieties seem to be badly affected, while others remain 

 perfectly healthy. 



The rose of course is a universal favorite, and while in its 

 perfection is peerless among flowers, it quickly fades and its 

 cultivation is much more difficult. It requires a house by itself, 

 with a higher temperature than is congenial to most other plants, 

 and the amateur soon learns that eternal vigilance is the price 

 of roses. Disease and insect enemies beset their pathway from 

 the cradle to the grave. Let him whO' is unprepared to spend 

 sleepless nights and watchful days,, beware of the lovely rose. 

 The successful growing of roses is a trade that is mastered only 

 after years of careful study and practice. 



With bulbs it is very different. They offer the quickest 

 and easiest means of securing an abundance of flowers and can 

 be crowded in anywhere. I have forced twenty-five thousand 

 bulbs in a single winter, growing most of them in boxes under 

 the benches. 



The bulbs are useless after they are through flowering, 

 and are immediately taken up and thrown away, so that almost 

 an unlimited quantity can be grown in a small house. 



There is always a great demand for hyacinths, lilies, daf- 

 fodils and tulips at Easter time, and the only great trouble is to 

 get these in bloom just the right day. Nothing is more humilat- 

 ing than to have a fine lot of bulbous stock coming in flower 

 just after Easter. Be sure to have the bulbs planted in season; 

 then their growth is regulated by the temperature to the hour. 



Violets are not grown to any great extent by the average 

 florist in small cities. That work is usually left to those who 

 make a specialty of growing violets and nothing else. 



