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Annals of Horticulture. 



Thorpe,* are as follows: i. The supervision and discrimi- 

 nation to be given to seedlings before they are distributed. 

 2. The consideration and selection to be given to collections 

 for all purposes. 3. The best method for producing the best 

 specimens of all kinds and for all purposes. 4. The super- 

 vision, as far as possible, over those distributing chrysanthe- 

 mums, so as to insure their being true to name. 5. The for- 

 mation and establishing of societies in all cities, towns, and 

 villages where one does not already exist. "The society 

 should also publish a catalogue of all worthy existing varie- 

 ties, properly classed and accurately described, and give the 

 raiser's name and year of introduction where known. This 

 should appear annually in future." f 



The Florists' Protective Association was also organized. 

 "Its object shall be the protection of its members from the 

 designs of dishonest persons." 



A prominent discussion before the Society, and one which 

 has been prolific of comment in the press, is the matter of 

 technical education for florists. There is thought to be no 

 place in America where florists can acquire at the same time 

 an education and a trade. The discussions abound in crudi- 

 ties, but they may eventually crystallize into some definite and 

 practicable venture. One of the cardinal mistakes in this 

 connection is the supposition that the first requisite to a 

 superintendent or director of a florists' school is a technical 

 and comprehensive knowledge of floriculture. If education 

 is desired, the first requisite is ability to teach. Very few of 

 the florists connected with our technical schools possess in a 

 high or even adequate degree this prime requirement. The 

 ideal teacher is, of course, the one who combines ability to 

 teach with skillful handicraft, but the former is the more import- 

 ant. The best teachers are those who fire the ambitions of 

 their pupils, and it often happens that the pupil outstrips the 

 master. To possess knowledge is one thing; to be able to 

 impart it attractively is quite another. 



Many important discussions upon matters connected with 

 the trade were conducted, and several attractive papers were 

 read. A list of the papers follows : 



Roses — W. C. Barry, followed by much discussion. 

 The Elevation of Our Business — Robert Craig. 



*Am. Florist, IV, 255. 



f Am Florist, V, 68. 



