THE PROGRESS OF COMMERCIAL FLORICULTURE. 193 



vvh'ch is generally salable here is the Mario Louise, and this is 

 subject to a disease which has baffled the most experienced violet 

 growers and forced many to give up its culture. The result is that 

 those whose plants have escaped the scourge have reaped a profit- 

 able return during the past two years. It is a singular fact that in 

 Philadelphia single violets are the most popular, while here they 

 cannot be sold. 



After roses, carnations, and violets, the flowers most extensively 

 grown for the market are those produced from bulbs and tubers, 

 such as Lily of the Valley, Roman Hyacinths, Tulips, Daffodils, 

 and Lilies of several kinds. Dutch Hyacinths, which were so 

 much sought after formerly, are now positively unsalable. 



Who would have believed it possible a few years ago that lilies 

 of the valley could be produced the whole year round ? Yet it is 

 true that there is not a day in the year when these flowers cannot 

 be supplied in quantity. 



Other flowei's which may be considered as staple, being regu- 

 larly quoted in the wholesale market, are Narcissi of several kinds, 

 Freesias, Bouvardias, Mignonette, Callas, Camellias, Myosotis, 

 Lilacs, Pansies, Smilax, and Ferns ; also some kinds whose sale 

 is limited to certain seasons, such as Sweet Peas, Asters, Chrysan- 

 themums, Gladioli, etc. 



The difference between the varieties called for here, and in Eng- 

 land, is seen by consulting the prices current as published in the 

 English periodicals. There we see quoted Tea Colored, Red 

 French, and Safrano Roses, with Tropseolums, Primulas, Poinset- 

 tias, Jasmine, Gardenias, Abutilons, Corn-F"lowers, Pyrethrums, 

 Pelargoniums, etc. So much for fashion. A wholesale dealer 

 who should oflfer thnt list as his stock in trade would starve here. 



The extent of the cut flower and kindred industries is much 

 greater than is generally imagined. I have corresponded with 

 such gentlemen as Peter Henderson, John N. May, August 

 Rolker & Sons, W. S. Allen, and J. C. Vaughan, with a view of 

 compiling some estimates which would be approximately reliable ; 

 but the figures received vary so much that it is difficult to arrive 

 at a satisfactory conclusion. The importation of Lily of the 

 Valley roots amounts to several millions annually ; the growing of 

 these roots for this market being quite an industry abroad. The 

 consumption of cut Tulips alone certainly amounts to many thou- 

 sauds daily during the winter season, and the number of Roman 

 13 



