Title: Florists' review (microform)
Identifier: 5205536_16_1 (find matches)
Year: [1] (s)
Authors:
Subjects: Floriculture
Publisher: Chicago : Florists' Pub. Co
Contributing Library: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Digitizing Sponsor: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

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'W- ',llfJllltt'«lf._*))J?v AuauST 17, 1905. The Weekly Florists^ Review^ 683 ofllcialB, state vice-presidents or mem- bers of our board of directors, would result in great good and enthusiasm to the societies themselves. The secretary could suggest the best method of cluV work, could explain the forward movement of the S. A. F., on new or old lines, and could keep in close touch with the needs and opinions of the trade. On such occasions our membership could and would be in- creased. It being conceded that the greatest possibilities for increase in members and in interest in our society lie in the florists' clubs, I suggest for your con- sideration that members of these clubs in good standing be admitted to mem- bership in the S. A. F. at a reduced rate, the dues for such local clubs to be remitted by the secretary of these clubs not later than July 1 of each year. Your committee on closer relations at Pittsburg in 1895, Messrs. Esler, Hill and Beatty, recommended that the offi- cials of our society endeavor to arrange for the admission of florists' clubs and members of the Florists' Hail Associa- tion to the Society of American Florists by the payment of a certain gross sum which should entitle each member of these clubs and associations to a yearly membership in the society, said sum to be fixed annually. This is in line with my suggestions. It is worthy of your consideration that our society also ad- mit all members in good standing of the carnation, rose, chrysanthemum and other like societies at a reduced rate. As I believe the leading ofiScials of these kindred societies are present to- day, our committee to consider these matters might be made large enough to include one of their representatives. Hear what President "Wood said in 1900: Our members should be constantly thoughtful and active for the society In obtaining new members, soliciting every one who trades with them to become a member of the society, fol- lowing the example set by that distinguished horticulturist, C. M. Hovey, of Boston, when be was trying to extend the Massachusetts Hor- ticultural Society. He and his superintendent and clerks solicited every person who came to his nurseries or greenhouses to become a mem- ber of that society. In this manner I became a member at the age of 24. Practical Edtscation. This subject has been referred to a number of times in the history of our society and I can only repeat the con- clusion that our work should be done through some of the universities al- ready established. . The states of New York, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mis- souri, Indiana, Illinois and probably others, contain universities which afford fairly good opportunities for horticul- tural education. If the treasury of this society con- lained a somewhat larger permanent fund, or if some of its well-to-do mem- bers would combine and contribute to such a fund, the society might well en- dow a chair of practical floriculture in some of the already established col- leges or universities, or it might pro- vide for practical lectures to be given at certain times during the year at one or all of the above named universities. I would suggest that should you at this time see fit to appoint a committee to consider the subject of promoting the adoption of a text book on plant life in our primary schools, that this last ques- tion can well be left with the same com- mittee. Somethiog Besides Book Learning. John N. May said in 1899: It Is a deplorable fact that many graduates from agricultural and horticultural institutions, although well versed In the theory, are lamenta- bly deficient in practical experience. A vice-president of our society in a great horticultural center, himself a leader, says: "Our business is just at the dawn. Why, we haven't started." He said further: "I am sure you can do nothing better at Washington than try to inspire our young men. Say to them, foundation of success is honor, next patience, do your work well, do it a little better than the other fellow. Know that you can do some one thing, if only one. That is the first requisite. Let the young man be able to say defin- itely, I can do this." Of five agricultural college graduates tried by him, all failed. They were bred and trained away from the actual doing of the work. They were trying to di- rect working men to do that which they themselves could not do welL Build on Right Lines. The awakened interest in floriculture means that many customers, and the best ones, are seeking information, the names of flowers and plants, how they grow, their care. You are looked upon as trained horticulturists. Your ability and willingness to supply information heljJ to lay a broad foundation for your business. There are, as you know, some shops bearing florists' signs whose owners handle our produce simply as merchandise, without technical knowl- edge. They not only cannot tell the customer what he may wish to know, but they purposely mislead or exagger- ate. While such misinformation reacts mainly on themselves, the effect is bad for the trade generally. Chemically colored or distorted flowers are also to be avoided. You ' * magnify your office' * by freely yet carefully dispensing this knowledge. You acquire a reputation among business men in your community by your ability to supply this informa- tion. Books of reference in horticulture at hand which the customer may look over at a convenient desk are a benefit; books on gardening may be given out. The telling of how to do these things passes on to others and to your credit. A Field for Women. President Norton said at Toronto: We should not forget the ladies! I would recommend they be given an opportunity to enter the business. Their correct taste and their aptitude for recognizing the beautiful in form and color make their services desirable as artists and designers, where harmony of color is so essential. There are many women today throughout the country who are doing a profita- ble business on their own account, and there Is room for many more in an occupation which Is so appropriate and pleasant, and for which they are so admirably fitted in refinement and taste. While quite a percentage of our retail flower stores for many years have been owned or have been actively cared for by women, more recently they have taken up the work of house decoration. This is particularly the case in the Pacific
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G>neresstonal Library, Washington, Where One of the Gmvention Receptions was Held.

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