OUR FLOWER FARMS. 
Long before offering a seed for sale, we had grown, or attempted to grow, and improved, or 
tried to improve, most of our popular floM^ers, and had also tested many kinds, new and rare, 
from all quarters of the world. After resigning the editorial profession, with the exception of 
the preparation of matter for our own little works, and engaging largely in the seed business, we 
felt that our reputation, as M^ell as the interests of our customers, required that all varieties should 
he tested, and as many as possible be grown under our own inspection. With this view we have 
been gradually enlarging our grounds until we now have more than a hundred acres, principally 
devoted to the culture of flowers for seeds and bulbs. At certain seasons of the year the display 
is more grand than any one would be likely to imagine. Half-a-mile of Phloxes, and Pansies, 
and Petunias and Lilies, fields of bloom, acres of beauty, are not to be seen everywhere, nor in 
all countries. Still, it must be remembered, we grow seeds and bulbs as a business, and not for 
effect. Our culture is field culture, wdth plows and horses and cultivators. Those who expect to 
see our flowers in nicely arranged beds, on extensive lawns, will certainly be disappointed. Our 
best show of flowers is from the middle of July until the middle of September, and in these 
months we shall be happy to have our friends see and enjoy our display. In May, June, and part 
of July, we have nothing particularly to interest the public. We know some of our friends have 
felt disappointed when visiting us out of season, and hence this caution. We do sometimes make 
a grand display of Tulips and Hyacinths in May, but not always, for often our customers do not 
leave us a bulb for our own planting. 
The Editor of The Illustrated Christian Weekly being in Rochester, saw a little of 
our flowers, though quite too early to see them at their best, and was so interested that he sent an 
Artist to make sketches for that journal. Mr. Whitney certainly did his work admirably, for 
we had no idea before that ou places possessed so much beauty. Having procured the engravings, 
we take pleasure in presenting the article to our readers. 
[From The Illustrated Christian Weekly.] 
WITH ILLUSTRATIONS BY E. J. WHITNEY. 
Until -within a few years but few flower-seeds were grown in America for the market, and 
these were of the commonest kinds, such as could be produced with little care and skill. Our 
•seedsmen imported their finest sorts mainly from France and Germany, a few from England, while 
Holland supplied not only the bulbs commonly known as Holland bulbs, but most of our lilies. 
Mr. James Vick, of Rochester, N. Y., was the pioneer in the systematic growing of flower-seeds, 
and he is now without doubt the most extensive grower m America. After pursuing this work 
for several years, and meeting with only moderate success, though employing experienced seed- 
growers from Europe, he spent a season among the most noted seedsmen of the Old World 
studying their methods. He particularly noticed the effects of different climates, attributing 
many of his early failures to ignorance on this point. Returning to the work with new energy 
and more knowledge, he has made flower-seed growing a grand success. 
Still, all kinds of seeds cannot be grown with profit in any one country. Some sorts are 
raised best and cheapest in the moist climate of England or Scotland, others are more easily 
perfected in the south of France ; while, on account of some peculiarity of soil or climate, or 
especial skill and experience, others are only to be obtained in perfection from Germany. To 
ascertain what kinds would succeed here, and which of these could be profitably grown, required 
time, travel and money, but Mr. ViCK is now reaping his reward, and raises many varieties 
cheaper than they can be obtained in Europe, and many better, so that seeds of American growth 
are sought by the best European florists. 
Mr. Vick's gigantic flower-gardens in the blooming season, July and August, make a grand 
display of floral beauty. Here will be found in the season several acres of Verbenas, the same 
of Petunias, Pansies, Cockscombs, Zinnias, etc., while Lilies and Gladioli occupy much more 
space. A score of other things are grown in smaller quantities. 
