2 *TSE 'Pm^CIPLES OF FLORICULTURE 



can flower-lovers. The conservatory is designed more 

 especially as a thing of beauty, to be kept filled with gor- 

 geous blooms. The growing of plants for conservatories 

 is largely done in houses of a different type, and many of 

 the plants are changed frequently. A knowledge of the 

 species of plants suitable for this purpose, their method 

 of propagation, and also of their temperature and moisture 

 requirements is essential for success in this branch of 

 floriculture. This subject has a close connection with 

 work on private estates, in parks and cemeteries. 



3. Commercial floriculture. Commercial floriculture 

 deals especially with the culture and sale of plants and 

 flowers for financial remuneration. Every year witnesses 

 a greater demand for flowers by the buying public, and 

 every year the number of men engaging in the business 

 increases. This has resulted in keen competition and this 

 competition has made it necessary for the flower-producer 

 to utilize his greatest skill in the practice of the art, and 

 to use also every scientific principle which will make his 

 work more effective and his financial returns larger. 



4. Methods of study of floriculture. Constant asso- 

 ciation with plants gives the grower an intimate knowl- 

 edge of their habits and requirements. Individual plants 

 vary much as to their cultural demands, just as different 

 crops vary in their temperature requirements. To give 

 complete directions for the culture of plants grown by the 

 amateur, for conservatory purposes or for commercial sale, 

 is impossible. For general study, therefore, we consider 

 only general principles. These principles may apply to 

 the culture of plants or to the sale of florists' products. 



5. Related sciences. The art and business of growing 

 plants successfully for commercial purposes is dependent 

 upon several sciences. The business is rapidly becoming 



