198 MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



Strike out for themselves in order that they may devote all their 

 time and their best energies to tliose questions which most concern 

 their own welfare. They do not by this action sever the tics that 

 bind them to this paternal home. They will be seen and heard 

 here, and you will find them all the better sons for having got 

 away from their leading strings and proved their own strength. 



The}' are now taking a lesson in self-reliance and independence 

 — not as individuals, but as a bod}-. The influence which can 

 be exerted b}' such a union of interests, and the pressure which 

 can be brought to bear wherever and whenever it is necessary, were 

 shown in Congress last winter, when an oppressive bill to double 

 the postage on seeds was withdrawn, chicfl}' through the efTorts of 

 the Society of American Florists. There is plenty of work for 

 them that has not yet been touched. The disgraceful practice of 

 sending out goods under false names, which has flourished in so 

 many quarters, must be attacked with vigor and fought relent- 

 lessly until this stigma is removed from the reputation of Ameri- 

 can dealers ; and the travelling impostors who have been going 

 over the country unmolested for years, with their gaudy pictures of 

 flowers the like of which never grew, will soon find the place too 

 hot for them. 



The florists are at last beginning to think and act for them- 

 selves, and substantial benefits cannot fail to follow for them and 

 for the public. It has been a long struggle for them. Hard work 

 all day and often all night, without a holiday and with scarce!}' a 

 Sabbath that they can call their own — this has always been, and 

 to a certain extent always must be their lot. These men who have 

 reversed the seasons and have turned dreary winter into a long 

 summer day, whose vocation is to make the home brighter, to add 

 to the beauty and joy of the bridal festival, to cheer up the sick 

 room, and to lessen the loneliness and desolation of the funeral, 

 have come up from very humble beginnings. "What they now 

 have has been well earned ; and the business of which they are 

 today proud lias come not by chance or good fortune but is the 

 result of application, perseverance, and patient toil. 



Discussion. 



Edward L. Beard said that he was very glad that Mr. Stewart 

 had so well set off the florists' view of floriculture, and he deemed 

 many of the suggestions made worthy of consideration. He felt 



