VALUE OF IMPROVED METHODS. 51 



As a proof of the value of such improvements which have led to 

 simplifying our operations, I will state the fact that though my area 

 of greenhouse surface is now more than double that which it was in 

 1870, and the land used in our florist's business is one-third more, 

 the number of hands employed is less now than in 1870, and yet, at 

 the same tune, the quality of our stock is infinitely better now than 

 then. 



Whether it is the higher price of labor in this country, that forces 

 us into labor-saving expedients, or the interchange of opinions from 

 the greater number of nationalities centering here, that gives us 

 broader views of culture, I am not prepared to state; but that America 

 is now selling nearly all the products of the greenhouse, garden, nursery 

 and farm lower than is done in Europe, admits of no question; 

 and if my homely suggestions in this matter of firming the soil around 

 newly planted seeds or plants will in any degree assist us in still 

 holding to the front, I shall be gratified. 



0" THE 



UNIVERSITY; 



