STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETr. 97 



being mere weeds. One, so called, geranium, is Pelargonium 

 Zonale and the Martha \yashingtoas are Pelargonium Grandijlora. 

 The PLnglish, cr French names of these are simply the different 

 varieties produced at different times. I have been asked the good 

 of learning and trying to retain these Latin names, they are all in 

 Latin, and Latin is yet the universallanguage, so that if in Grerman3', 

 Italy, France, Austria or England you call for Yiola tricolor 3^ou 

 would invariably get the pans}', while, perhaps, you could neither 

 speak the country's language or the gardener a word of yours. 



Even in our own country it facilitates matters when sending away 

 for plants. If 30U want a palm, there is no need of going into 

 explicit descriptions, but ask for Areca lutesceus, if that is the 

 variety, and you won't get Lalania boibonica or Cocos Wt^ddeliaus. 

 Consequent!}- it is well to know a little Latin, so that the learning 

 of these names will be easier. Then again, usually the name is 

 descriptive of some part, so some idea of the plant can be gotten 

 from the Latin name. For instance, if odorata is connected with 

 the name, we know it is fragrant ; crassilfolia means thick-leaved, 

 and so on. 



If there is one place where florists need better education, it is in 

 floral arrangements. There is much ignorance displayed here by 

 people supposed to know something about it, and it is wonderful 

 that the public tolerate such work as is in many cases put out. We 

 are all at fault here, and because the general public, who see com- 

 paratively little of greenhouse flowers, pronounce anything beautiful 

 that contains them, seems to be license enough to very often mangle the 

 whole arrangement. There are scores of emblems that would never 

 be recognized but for the frame on which ihey are made. The wire 

 workers are sometimes at fault, but uniformity of surface without 

 crowding, or bunching, with due regard to outline, are attainments 

 all of us may acquire. The artist should be particular to follow 

 all outlines and if the wire worker has failed to do his part, he 

 should be familiar enough with the form he is filling, to make up 

 the deficiencies of the mechanic. 



The growth of floriculture in this country' during the past few 

 3'ears has been perfectly marvelous. About fifteen 3-ears ago, I 

 stood face to face with a structure that was to serve as m3' school- 

 house where I should learn about plant culture. That building was 

 16x24 feet on the ground, two-thirds span roof, covered in by 

 450 feet glass and we were unable to dispose of the plants in that 



