The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1890-03-12

houses which Supply New York with
Flowers and PIants-The Problems of
Forcing and HybridizatiOn.
To one in search of poesy or anything
above the dull level of the commonplace,
probably the last spot which would sug-
gest itself as likely to yield it would be
the typical, prosaic Long Island town.
Yet one of these, and one of the most
prosaic at that, is-paradoxical as it may
appear veritable land of flowers. AS
toria teens with lovely, though hidden
blooms.
If the flowers which the florists jealous
care covers from the inclement weather
were left exposed, they would spread
over thousands of acres, and make of the
little town garden of loveliness.
For eight months in the year the daily
supply of flowers to this city amounts to
SO, 900 worth, while on special occasions,
such as Easter and other holidays, the
amount Is nearly doubled, and the greater
part of this supply comes from Long
Island.
The largest of the Astoria nurseries
stands just within the limits of the viii
lage. The wide expanse of turf around
it is dotted with no less than .thirty-one
greenhouses, whose glistening roofs COM
prise some 75,0 900 square feet of glass.
The hybridization of plants to form
new specimens is in no small measure
dependent on chance. The method en-
ployed is in itself simple, and consists OF
busting the pollen from the bloom of one
plant upon the stigma of the other, the
result being a Aower partaking of the
characters of both. The incidental cir
cumstances, however, are almost impos-
sible to regulate, save by scientific APP
plication and the minutest care. The
selection of two plants which are liable
to join, is, in itself a test Of the foricult-
wrists skill, and this being achieved, the
temperature must be regulated to the
convenience of the plants, and the dry
ness or moisture of the atmosphere care
fully watched Yet, in spite of all pre-
cautions, and for no apparent reason, the
attempted hybridization is often fail
ure. Some of the best discoveries ever
made in this branch of horticulture have
been brought about accidentally, the
beautiful chrysanthemum called Mrs.
Alpheus Hardy being the result Of one Of
these fortunate plumbers.
FORCING BLOSSOMS AND FRUIT.
Another problem which has from time
immemorial busted the nurserymen is
the question of producing blooms or fruit
at stated periods by forcing, in defiance
Of natural laws, and although this has
not yet been reduced to certain law,
important improvements have been
made. A skillful gardener can, by the
regulation of heat, moisture and ferti-
lixers, considerably advance or retard
the production of any plant. In Japan,
where Horticulture has attained to scien-
tific heights as yet unknown in America,
the precise day can be fixed for the bios
soming or fruition.
Only vast experience can foretell the
degree of heat necessary to plant, and iii
all nurseries the greatest precautions are
utilized to insure success. In.the nurser-
les referred TO, more than 10000 feet of
pipe are used for heating, while wind
mill pumps 90, 600 gallons of water daily
for use in the hothouses. The regulation
of heat varies with the nature of the
plant. The difference of temperature be-
tween individual lighthouses ismarked;
fof, while in one there will be 100 dogs.
or more of dry, parching heat, the next
will be almost cold, and the air of another
may be heavy with moist heat which
turns it into vapor bath.
The amount of forcing also varies with
different species of plants, some thriving
under it and displaying marvellous beau
ties which they never attain in their
native state, while others, like the slen-
der Dendrobium ThyrsiAorum, refuse to
depart from ordinary laws and die when
artificial means are applied. The plants
are watered every day, and in some cases
twice or three times day. This alone
takes upa considerable amount of the
workmen's time, but it is not the only
attention claimed by them. A daily
round must be made in each greenhouse
and each one of the growths Investigate
ed, certain plants clipped or grated and
weeds and withered leaves removed from
all.
To the horiculturist flowers have no
romance. Their cultivation to him is q
mere matter of commercial value, and
tho sight of florist and his apprentices
seizing delicate plants by the handful
and pulling them hither and thither al
ways fills the layman with alarm.
A MILLION PLANTS UNDER GLASS.
Each of thespacious lighthouses is de-
voted to q single plant and its varieties,
and the whole number aggregates near
ly1 100000 plants. This firm handles
more ferns than any house in the coun-
try. and it sends out over 100000 ferns
annually. All sorts and conditions of
ferns are represented, and from the well
known Adiantium, or maidenhair, to the
Dixona, or tree fern, which frequently
sells for $50.
The other lighthouses contain pris-
matte graduation of colors, from the pale
yellow of jonquils to the burning orange
Of the large amaryllis, and from the daz-
cling white azalea to its richest deep red
shade. OF course, roses are plentifully
represented; the well known La France
iss here; also the majestic American
beauty, and the newer varieties which
have superseded these in popular favor,
as the Bride, Puritan, William Francis
Bennett and Nine. Holstie. The fashion
In roses, like every other, is subject to
fads, and their prices are greatly affected
in consequence. When a rose is ''the
rage the smallest plart, as it sprouts in
the tiny pots known as "thumb pots, " is
worth from 81 to So; while later, when
its popularity is on the wane, the same
plant fetches barely five or ten CENTS
New York Commercial Advertiser.
In Germany the law makes servants
give q months notice before leaving.
The mistress must give similar notice be-
fore discharge.