116 PLANNING AND PLANTING 



he has chosen a unique way in which to observe 

 this occasion. 



The first of these three years he distributed a 

 wealth of gorgeous bloom to all the stations along 

 the C., N. S. & M. Railway, from Chicago to Mil- 

 waukee, that the traveling public might enjoy 

 them with him. 



Last year he distributed the blooms amongst the 

 hospitals of Wisconsin, that they might bring 

 cheer to the sick and the shut-in. 



And this year, having obtained a list of mili- 

 tary hospitals from the President himself, he cele- 

 brated his birthday by sending the flowers to all 

 the wounded soldiers in hospitals throughout the 

 United States. 



There are over 18,000 such soldiers at this writ- 

 ing, and probably about 200,000 Peonies were re- 

 quired for this act of kindness. 



President Coolidge himself expressed his thanks 

 to Mr. Cooper, and General Pershing, Secretary 

 of the Navy Wilbur, and Secretary of War Weeks 

 were others who commended Mr. Cooper. 



Figured at their retail value as cut flowers there 

 would be a value of at least $25,000, and added to 

 this, Mr. Cooper had the expense of transporta- 

 tion to pay, as well as the labor of cutting, pack- 

 ing and shipping. 



It is only natural that an enthusiasm such as 

 this should do much to promote the general appre- 



