108 OX FtORlSTs' COXVfcRSAZIOKES. 



ARTICLE VI. 



ON, FLORISTS' CON VERSA ZIONES. 



BY Vlt, JOHN SLATEK, ALBION PLACE, LOWER BROIJGHTON, near MANCHESTER. 



The science of Floriculture has for some years been rapidly pro- 

 gressing through the instrumentality of Floral and Horticultural 

 Exhibitions, but something more is requisite, and I would recom- 

 mend the formation of district Floral Conversaziones. The 

 artists have their Conversazione, and why not the florists ? Much 

 good would arise from these social meetings, and that selfishness 

 inherent in man woidd be in some measure banished from his 

 bosom. The florists have long felt the want of meetings, where 

 matters relating to Floriculture might be pioperly discussed, the 

 bustle of an exhibition day affords but little time for such a pur- 

 pose, as all are actively engaged on such an occasion. I have 

 directed the attention of a few individuals to this subject, and a 

 society of this description is now forming in this district. A 

 number of respectable names ought to be obtained in the first 

 instance as subscribers, that an opportunity might be afforded to 

 reject all such as have not acted honorably in their transactions. 

 This would have a great tendency to prevent those complaints 

 which have been too often made by parties of having been duped 

 and cheated with wrong plants and bulbs. 



A library consisting of works upon Floriculture and Horticul- 

 ture ought also to be attached, to afford the members the fullest 

 information upon these subjects. Donations of books and money 

 Mould be necessary to carry out this plan, and no doubt the 

 wealthier florists would come forward handsomely to assist in 

 providing them. The subscription must be in proportion to the 

 number of subscribers, taking into account the general circum- 

 stances of the parties. This fund should be applied to the pur- 

 chasing of all magazines and works, connected with the objects 

 of the society. The members should be allowed to take home to 

 read any volume or number of a periodical for a certain number 

 of days. The meeting to take place once a month, when a given 

 subject shall be discussed, and the President to name the subject 

 proposed to be discussed the following monthly meeting. No 

 doubt advantage would be taken oi (he season, to bring under 

 notice those flowers, kc. then in perfection, and by this means 

 much valuable information might be obtained. Having thus given 



