Barbour County index. [volume] (Medicine Lodge, Kan.) 1880-current, 1882-07-07
Horticulture.

When Judiciously and lntelligently
conducted no class of industry pays
better than horticulture. In this elm
ate lighthouse with thorough heat
ing apparatus is obligatory, though
once the first outlay is made. the re-
sources of such building are almost
unlimited. Under the influence of a
genial heat the winter months are as
favorable for forcing the growth and
Towering of plants almost as the nat
ural warmth Of the summer, and it is
here where the profits of the cultiva.
tor are made. Winter is the season
for balls, parties, festivals. and all
kinds of reunions, and nothing sup.
plants flowers for decoration purposes,
and the wealthy will pay any price to
have them. Nashville having grown
into city, and many of her citizens
become rich, any customs popular in
larger places are soon adopted here,
and among them none more readily
than the utilization of flowers. To
the grower, the trade in cut flowers is
far more profitable than that of the
plants, though when well supplied with
suitable appliances for their cultiva-
ton, the combined business Is most
profitable. Many men have made large
fortunes at the trade. Others more
scientifically inclined cultivate for new
varieties of flowers; when they succeed
in establishing popularity in a plant,
causing it to produce flower of an un-
known kind, bearing a different per-
fume and odor, then in proportion to
the excellency of the newly developed
species, does the florist derive reputa.
ton and derive profit.
Horticulture is study which should
be encouraged in young people, for
nothing tends more to refine the man.
ners and sentiments than the literature
pertaining 70 the science and varied
beauties of the flowers themselves.
At one time the rage for the tulips
was so great in Europe that the prices
paid for bulbs of favorite and rare
varieties were fabulous. Holland was
the center of the highest culture of
these lovely plants, and to the gardens
of that wonderful country amateurs
and scientific growers fiocked like the
III.
Two and three hundred dollars per
bulb was common price, and some
sold for a much higher consideration.
Floral shows have grown into popu-
lar favor, and stimulated the energies
of gardeners to such feats of culture
that one of these exhibitions defies
criptiOn-thousands of varieties of
roses and other Towering plants, bear
ing their variegated tints and per-
fumes are there seen and enjoyed;
nature is made to almost contra.
dict herself by producing monstrosities,
which result only from experimental
breeding. as it were, until the original
stock upon which the crosses were
made lose their identity entirely, by re-
solving themselves into being h;ther-
to unknown. Single flowers become
double, solid colors mixed, perfumes
changed, and even the nature of the
plants wants succumb to the skillful
manipulation of the scientific gardeners
will. Then when perfection has been
reached, and flowers bud out at every
branch, commences the intricate and
infinite good taste displayed in boquet
making, and in which are displayed
artistic ability surprising to behold.
Flowers are mute, yet they boast of
their own language, in which once
versed endless conversation can be car
ried on in it.
BY all means cultivate flowers. Moth
ing in art equals their beauty, and moth
ing in life so elevates the soul as an in
innate and constant communion with
them.