MARKETING. 147 



material soon learn where they can get it and will 

 pay for it accordingly. Furthermore, the grower 

 in such cases can manage his business so as to pick 

 his flowers at regular times and all of the work 

 about the place can therefore be put on a more 

 systematic basis. Where a grower is so situated 

 that he can reach several good markets within one 

 to eight hours it would be best to combine the two 

 plans, as may frequently be done. The nearest 

 market, which he could reach daily perhaps in 

 person, might be given up to dealing with the re- 

 tailer, while the commission merchant could be 

 used in the more distant market. It is seldom de- 

 sirable to sell to more than one retailer in a city, 

 for if you have good stock and your merchant is 

 doing the proper amount of business he can 

 handle without difficulty all you can supply. He 

 will furthermore do it better and more to your 

 advantage than if you attempt to divide up your 

 stock among several retailers. All these matters 

 and many others will have to be studied by each 

 individual, and if done intelligently the best and 

 most profitable methods will soon be learned. 



Coming now more particularly to the details of 

 handling the crop, it must be understood that in 

 addition to being put up in an attractive manner 

 the violet to sell at the best price must have other 

 qualities. The stems must be long, and the 

 flowers of a good color, large, and, most im- 

 portant of all, they must be sweet. A violet 



