XX 



THE REFRIGERATOR 



THE cold subject of this chapter has not been left 

 until the last with a view to putting a damper on 

 those which have preceded it, but because it cannot 

 be gainsaid, that, whether we like the idea of 

 refrigeration or not, it now plays a very large part in 

 the world's floral-supply, and has created possibilities 

 which are of the greatest importance both from a 

 commercial and artistic point of view, and I am 

 therefore bound to say something about it. 



In olden days forcing was the only method of 

 prolonging the flowering season of bulbs and 

 deciduous trees, and then, every one knew when 

 the early flowers appeared that their natural season 

 was approaching, but now no one knows by the 

 flowers what the season is, and I even find myself 

 often at a loss to tell whether certain flowers 

 appearing out of season are the result of forcing 

 or retardation. 



192 



