12 STUDIES OF OCCUPATIONS IN AGRICULTURE 



4. Disadvantages : The need of special knowledge of many kinds 

 of flowers; the seasonal nature of the occupation, since it is 

 hard to grow and distribute flowers in cold weather; the losses 

 resulting from unsold stock; the high cost of building, equip- 

 ping, and maintaining greenhouses, since only limited production 

 is possible without their use; the need of maintaining a florist's 

 shop in many cases to secure all possible profit, thus combining 

 an industry and a business under one ownership or manage- 

 ment. 



5. Preparation : High school training and study in an agricultural 

 school or college are desirable for the florist. Attendance upon 

 agricultural lecture courses and extension classes would be of 

 value, for a general knowledge of soils, plants, and fertilizers. 

 The florist needs a knowledge of botany, and zoology, of me- 

 chanics for the making and repair of equipment, of heat and 

 heating systems for the maintenance of the greenhouse, and 

 some familiarity with electricity for electric wiring and illumi- 

 nation of the greenhouse. 



6. Other requirements: An appreciation of flowers; patience to 

 grow them, and carefulness in handling them; taste for mak- 

 ing up floral designs, courtesy and consideration for customers, 

 especially in time of illness or bereavement; ability to manage 

 the industry and handle its business side. 



7. Income: A worker in a flower garden or greenhouse would 

 earn about the same wages as in other special branches of agri- 

 culture; the owner in the industry would have profits depen- 

 dent upon his skill in growing flowers, the extent of his market, 

 and his business ability. 



8. Effect on the worker: Continued health, good manners, and 

 refinement; opportunity for recreation; an interest in com- 

 munity conditions; the satisfaction of community service. The 

 proprietor or worker in a small establishment, however, may 

 become narrowed to his environment. 



9. References: 



Hoerle, H. C., and Saltzberg, F. B. The Girl and the Job, 76-79. 

 Jones, Guy M., Co. Trade Foundations, 41, floriculturist. 

 Kober, G. M., and Hanson, W. C. Diseases of Occupation and 

 Vocational Hygiene, 367-369, skin affections of florists. 



