2 8 The Canadian Horticulturist. 



Though we often hear arguments to the contrary, we have in the ranks of women 

 a large percentage as agile, clear-headed and determined, and who might just 

 as confidently expect success, as the men who are in business. This being the 

 case, why may they not engage in a business so eminently suited to their refine- 

 ment, taste and powers as the cultivation and commerce of plants, flowers and 

 seeds ? 



An absolute necessity to success in the culture and disposal of plants — 

 and without success there cannot even be pleasure — is a complete mastery of 

 details, and this we assert, woman has pre-eminently — as is proven by her able 

 management of the multitudinous duties which crowd each other in the daily 

 routine of household work. Then to study the nature, habit, and all the condi- 

 tions and requirements of the many genera of the flower world is a delightful 

 exercise of the mind, and woman can delve into the minutiae of the business 

 with a zest that few men show. 



A high standard of excellence is imperatively demanded by women, and 

 where does the critic find a broader field for indulgence of discernment, com- 

 parison and taste ? To be a florist should not be thought to be one whit less 

 in importance than to be a dry-goods (or any other goods) merchant. The very 

 nature of his calling should make him better, as intimate association with plants 

 and flowers is in itself elevating. Many people associate with " florist " the idea 

 of " gardener," a word which to them has meant a kind of " Jack of all trades," 

 who looked after the cow, drove his master down town and back every day, 

 attended the house furnace and took care of the greenhouse, kitchen and flower 

 gardens in his spare moments, and was supposed to have vegetables and flowers 

 ready for all occasions. Occasionally one would see this advertisement in the 

 country papers : "Wanted — a gardener to look after the cow and horses, and 

 make himself generally useful." But these are getting rare— like the Dodo bird, 

 almost extinct. 



A woman, to be a successful florist, must be on the alert for all the new 

 and rare things in her line, and make specialties of plants which, after a fair test, 

 she finds to be quick sellers and to give customers the best satisfaction. Again, 

 patrons are of the most refined class of society, hence, in business associations, 

 a florist mingles with people of taste and culture, which is one of the strongest 

 proofs of the occupation being a suitable one for woman. In summing up 

 briefly we find that women who wish to earn a livelihood may be successful 

 florists. I St. Because the business, from its nature and surroundings, is a suit- 

 able and elevating one for them 2nd. Because they are naturally endowed 

 with a plant-loving faculty, and to be successful one must have a congenial 

 occupation. 3rd. Because they have the command over details necessary to 

 the wants of so many and varied tender charges. 4th. Because when she has 

 ventured into the, for so long to her, foreign realm of mercantile life, she has 

 been found to be the peer of man, who so long has held the territory. 



