The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1890-02-21
ACRES OF GLASS HOUSES
Supply Fresh Flowers to the Great
Metropolis.
my. Commercial Advertiser

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-a 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 a garden of loneliness.
For eight months in the year the daily
supply of flowers to this city amounts to
SIS, 900 worth, while on special occasions,
such as Easter and other holidays, the
amounts 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 vii
lage. The wide expanse Of turf around
it is dotted with no less than thirty-one
greenhouses, whose glistening roofs COM
prise some $4,000 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 flower partaking Of the
characters of both. The incidental cir
cumstances, however, are almost impos-
sible to regulate, save by scientific ap-
plication and the minutest care. The
selection of two plants which are liable
to join, is, in itself, test of the fioricult-
urist's 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 blunders.
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 slsillful gardener can, by the
regulation of heat, moisture and ferti-
lizers, considerably advance or retard
the production of any plant. In Japan,
where Horticulture has attained to scien-
tiic 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 in
all nurseries the greatest precautions are
utilized to insure success. In the nurser-
les referred 70, more than 10000 feet of
pipe are used for heating, while wind
mill pumps 10000 gallons of water daily
for use in the lighthouses. The regulation
Of heat varies with the nature of the
plant. The difference of temperature be-
tween individual lighthouses is marked;
for, while in one there will be 100 degs.
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 Thyrsiforum, 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 up 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 investigat-
ed, certain plants clipped or grated and
weeds and withered leaves removed from
all.
To the floriculturist flowers have no
romance. Their cultivation to him is a
mere matter of commercial value, and
the 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 the spacious lighthouses is de-
voted to single plant and its varieties,
and the whole number aggregates near
ly 100000 plants. This firm handles
more ferns than any house in the coun-
try. and it sends out over 10000 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 a 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
is 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 rose is "the
rage" the smallest plart, as it sprouts in
the tiny pots known as "thumb pots" is
worth from 81 TO Sc; while later, when
its popularity is on the wane, the same
plant fetches barely five or ten cents.