420 
THE NATIONAL NURSERYMAN 
masses of Kentia and Phoenix, both in large variety, demon¬ 
strate in an effective manner, the more or less, well known 
feasibility of successful home production of this class of 
ornamentals. 
One of the finest houses of camellias we have seen any¬ 
where in the country was closely filled with these beautiful 
plants, then carrying a great crop of fast swelling flower 
buds. Something over one hundred varieties of these are 
ordinarily carried by this firm. They are often sold in 
specially grouped collections which include a succession 
covering the entire flowering season and a full series cover¬ 
ing the whole range of colors. 
houses from whence the plant materials are taken for pack¬ 
ing and shipment. These store houses are frequently used 
for the holding of bays, azaleas and other broad leaved 
evergreens pending the busy shipping period in autumn. 
A fine range of propagating houses comprising an area of 
eight to ten thousand square feet of glass has been con¬ 
structed the past season and is now being rapidly prepared 
for use and occupancy. A striking feature of the construc¬ 
tion part of these houses was the substantial reinforced con¬ 
crete walls and the excellent arrangement of benches within. 
FIELDS OF HIGH GRADE ORNAMENTALS 
DWARF ORANGES 
A tiny orange tree, a little more than a foot high, bearing 
real oranges, is an object having unique ornamental value, 
The propagating houses are supplemented by extensive 
ranges of propagating frames used primarily for the multi¬ 
plication of deciduous and coniferous plants. This nursery is 
particularly well stocked with ornamental conifers and the 
Showing concrete frames adjoining the glass houses. Bobbink & Atkins. 
one that will appeal to the person who can afford plant 
luxuries. For table and drawing room decoration few 
plants are more attractive. A full house of these cutting 
propagated plants only three years of age but bearing a fine 
crop of ripening oranges is one of the attractive features of 
the range during November and December. Skill and first 
hand experience is an essential in bringing to successful 
fruitage a crop of this Otaheite orange. 
There are a few plants specially featured in the large 
group in a condition of perennial display in the houses close 
to the office. The handsome catalogue issued by the firm 
describes in detail the complete list. We should not, 
however, overlook the packing houses, skillfully arranged 
from the standpoint of convenience and saving of labor so 
that they connect directly with the principal growing 
firm is actively engaged in propagating these on a large scale. 
Thuya, Retinospora, Taxus, and handsome varieties of 
Picea are propagated both by cuttings and by grafting. 
The ability to propagate these with profit implies experience 
and skill. The firm of Bobbink and Atkins believes that 
these plants need not, indeed should not, be imported but 
ought to be grown in the United States under native environ¬ 
ment. To that end skilled labor is employed and an excel¬ 
lent start has been made in developing a large line of this 
interesting and attractive class of ornamentals. The same 
principle is true of roses. The new tariff gives such protec¬ 
tion to American rose growers that home production will be 
greatly stimulated. Not all nurserymen are successful rose 
growers for the reason that either conditions, or skill, or both 
are wanting. 
