38 



HOETICULTUEE 



July 10, 1915 



$25.00 PRIZE 



We will pay Twenty-five Dollars for the best photograph of 

 Lilium myriophyllum in an attractive environment, showing its 

 use as a landscape plant. Second Prize Ten Dollars. The prize 

 photL graphs to be our property. Open until the end of July. 



R. <a J. FARQUHAR ®, CO. 



BOSTON, MASS. 



fare of an organ that is working tor 

 their good. Let me pause here long 

 enough to say — that this organization, 

 nor any of its members (except Mr. 

 Tackett), is not financially interested 

 in this paper. It is only our moral 

 support that we pledge. 



The Florist Business on a Higher 

 Plane. 



The florist business as a general 

 rule is considered about a third-class 

 business, and about three cases out 

 of four it is true. This is our own 

 fault. We fail to conduct our busi- 

 ness in a way that makes an impres- 

 sion on the business world. We are 

 too busy outdoing the work that a 

 $2.00 man can do, instead of work at 

 the desk figuring profits and loss, 

 store management, keeping a large 

 and seasonable stock, discounting our 

 bills, stimulating a demand tor flow- 

 ers, etc. It is my frank opinion that 

 if the florists will use their heads 

 more and muscles less, their green- 

 houses will show a gain instead of a 

 loss. It is high time we are waking 

 up to these things, and I believe this 

 organization will bring about an im- 

 proved condition. 



Our Local Clubs. 



When we first began on organization 

 work, the plan was to organize clubs 

 in each city and centralize these with 

 the state organization as a central 

 body. While the local clubs have not 

 been as active as they should, the re- 

 ports show that we have accomplished 

 a great deal. We should realize the 

 importance of the local clubs and stir 

 up more interest and enthusiasm the 

 coming year. 



Remember the local clubs are no 

 place to get together to discuss prices 

 or control trade; nor is it the place 

 to settle personal grievances. The 

 florists should come together at the 

 local clubs to work along lines to 

 stimulate a greater demand for flow- 

 ers and plants — such as pretty yard 

 contests. co-operative advertising, 

 stirring up Interest in civic beautifi- 

 cation, etc. The clubs that are work- 

 ing along these lines are accomplish- 

 ing results. If your local club is lite- 

 less, diagnose the case and see if the 



above mentioned does not apply. 

 Membership. 

 Every florist in the state of Texas 

 should belong to this state organiza- 

 tion. If you are not a member you are 

 the loser. Cast your lot with the or- 

 ganization that is going to be the 

 making of the florist business of 

 Texas. In one short year we have 

 made wonderful progress, but we need 

 all of you. and you need us. If you 

 have not taken out your membership 

 — do so today before leaving the hall. 



Affiliation with the S. A. F. 



One of the most important matters 

 for this organization to consider at 

 this time is the best means of work- 

 ing with the S. A. F. — the parent body 

 of all floricultural bodies of the United 

 States. We are all vitally interested 

 in the welfare of that organization, 

 and we should take some steps toward 

 stimulating more interest among the 

 florists in the state of Texas. It it 

 is possible, I would like to see our 

 dues raised so as to include the S. A. 

 F. membership. If we have one hun- 

 dred such members, we are entitled 

 to a member on the Board of Direc- 

 tors Let us show the florists of the 

 United States that we mean business; 

 that when we start to do a thing we 

 do it right. If it is not possible lo in- 

 clude S. A. F. membership in our 

 dues, then do the next best thing. 

 Hut we must wake up to the impor- 

 tance of the co-operative organiza- 

 tion. Remember, there is good to be 

 derived for you personally. 



Trade Exhibits. 

 It is certainly gratifying to note the 

 very excellent display we have for our 

 second convention. It shows that the 

 wholesale concerns over the country 

 realize that Texas is a great market; 

 and are interested in us, and are will- 

 ing to contribute toward helping to 

 make this convention a success. I be- 

 lieve every member should show his 

 apiireciation by reciprocating when in 

 need along these lines. Always keep 

 your eyes on the concerns that show a 

 tendency to help our organization — 

 we can help them in return. I ask 

 that a vote of thanks be extended to 



every concern who has contributed to 



this convention in the way of exhibits. 



The Possibilities of an All-Southern 



Organization. 



Before my trip to attend the meet- 

 ing of the Board of Directors of the 

 S. A. F. at Chicago, March 1, past — I 

 made a pretty thorough canvass of the 

 South, to sound out the florists on the 

 advisability of an all-Southern organi- 

 zation. The florists throughout the 

 South are in favor of such an organi- 

 zation as soon as business conditions 

 are improved. I believe that in the 

 course of a few years the time will 

 be ripe. When we strike we want to 

 make sure of success — just as our 

 Texas organization has done. Until 

 that time we await developments. 

 Conclusion. 



However, I am not here to take up 

 too much time. I think, perhaps, I 

 have talked already as long as I 

 should. I am not sure but what I am 

 in the position of the fellow of whom 

 I heard this story: "Bill had been 

 courting Sally for some time. One 

 evening under the influence of the 

 moonlight, during a stroll in the park. 

 Hill proiwsed to Sally, and she ac- 

 cepted him. They walked on for some 

 time, nothing further being said on 

 the part of either one; and Sally be- 

 coming a little alarmed said, 'Bill, why 

 don't you talk some more?' Bill said, 

 'Well, Sally, I've been thinking maybe 

 I talked too much already!'" 



Now, let me thank you as a club, 

 and Individually, for your staunch al- 

 legiance to me as your president. 

 When the great roll call comes and the 

 hearts of all are known, you will find 

 your names standing out as immortals 

 on my heart. No vocabulary at my 

 command can fully express to you my 

 appreciation of your faith in me, and 

 I want you to know that all you may 

 credit me with doing has been done 

 through your understanding and belief 

 in me. No matter what may come be- 

 tween you and me in the future, you 

 must know that your friendship, your 

 organization of this club, and your 

 spontaneous unanimous election of me 

 as your president will be as a beacon 

 light to me through all the years to 

 come. 



