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f HAT more can we say in praise of Flowers than others have already done ? Lit- 
tle more, we fear, than to recommend their culture to every person, to the full 
extent of the time and space they can devote to them. Their brilliant and varied 
colors eloquently plead their own cause. Their presence gives cheerfulness to 
home surroundings and renders Parks and Public Grounds more attractive. It is not 
necessary to grow them largely to derive the greatest pleasure; it is the quantity well 
cared for that gives this result. It is often a matter of surprise to note the success 
attained in their culture by those who have but little time to spare from their other 
duties. A little time daily works wonders, and it is often noticed that there is more 
real beauty and attractiveness in a few well-appointed beds near the. house where con- 
stantly seen, than where more is attempted at a greater distance, and not under such 
constant supervision. We again advise all who can, to cultivate Flowers, and whether 
on a large scale requiring professional assistance, or on the cottage system in beds 
near the house, to avoid planting more than can receive proper care, and that care 
just at the time when it is needed. It is not to be expected that within the prescribed 
limits of a Price-List full directions for the successful culture of Flowers can be 
given, but a few brief suggestions may be of benefit to beginners and others but par- 
tially familiar with the subject, and we therefore offer the following 
SUGGESTIONS TO BE REMEMBERED. 
Successful culture depends much on various circumstances. While in some loca- 
tions their culture, owing to the peculiar adaptedness of the soil, climate, and other 
favorable conditions, is of the simplest character, in others it is quite the reverse, 
and success is attained only by care, skill, and close observation on the part of the 
cultivator ; but in this close watching day by day, the true lover of Flowers finds the 
greatest pleasure, constantly gaining information, and storing up knowledge which, 
in succeeding years, will render success almost a certainty. 
The supposition should not be entertained for a moment that the purchase of a 
few seeds and the placing of them in the ground, without regard to season, or charac- 
ter of the soil, is all that is necessary to insure an abundance of Flowers. 
Those who are not experienced should, as a general rule, confine their selections of 
varieties to the free growing Annuals, such as Asters, Balsams, Stocks, Petunias, 
Candytuft, Phlox, Zinnia, etc., and venture but cautiously with varieties requiring 
delicate culture, until the habits and requirements of such are fully understood. 
In the selection of seeds for planting, as it takes as much time and attention to 
grow Flowers that are poor as those that are good, it is true economy to select the 
best ; for, the finer and more beautiful the varieties chosen, the greater the pleasure 
derived in the season of bloom. 
A good mellow loam, slightly sandy, is the best for most varieties of Flowers. 
Soils so sandy that moisture is retained with difficulty, or one that will bake easily 
soon after being wet, or that is retentive of moisture so as to become sodden, are 
