New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1892-03-27
FLOWERS AT THE WHITE HOUSE.

Washington letter in The Minneapolis Tribune.
Mrs. Harrison. the accomplished mistress OF the WhiA
House Is passonatey fOld II orchids. she not only
has them IN prOiusOn about the rooms Of the EN-
ecutve Mansion. but studies, cultivates and pants
The White House conservatory contains over ia
varieties Of the orchid numbering n all perhap, 500
plants These have the special care Of superintendent
Pfster who IS one OF the most experienced florists
in the country. The superintendent T. greatly slim,
ulatcd IN the development OF this beautiful iowen
by Mrs. larrIsoa's appreciation and intelligent suet
geStions Superintendent Pser states that when he tooa
charge Of the White House conservatory. sixteen yeara
ago the orchid little known outside Of botanical
clubs and the home, OF the wealthy There were then
only half a dozen specimens the ground Of the Ext
ecuiive Mansion. and one seemed % realize tha
81 in the East where more ha' been
spent The orchid han al the White House but no,
where has it been cultivated with more skill patience
it has been one OF Mrs. Harrtsons ambitions g
reproduce with her brush the manifold beauties "
this flower and her painting master has spent great
deal Of time in the conservatory making special studies
in M, line IS very successful, She has delighted
her friends with her faithful Imitation Of nature
Mr.. Harrison, taste in the matter OF floral dec
Grafton for he white House IS somewhat dlherShI
color, on the table. sho does not want the roses
mixed II they are white hey are " he a ws
shown in solid pieces whether in baskets or bouquets
c,abl sbmcnt ~ any nneNiblc rule on this point but
The supcii tendent makes It his business to understand
the taste, OF the Presidents family, and naturally IL
Mr, Cleveland, favon,e Hover was the pansy:
BABY Clevciand. first garments were embroidered
with pan,ics. After President Cleveland's marriage
Housc' Who're its delicate aroma was always distin.
uishable 1t is sin cultivated In prohlsi9n but
By no means 50 eXtc syely ~ from looo TO loso.
The old employees Of the White House and the
superintendent 81 the conservatory recall with interest
No occupant II Ia" Executive Mansion Ia, shown
greater knowledge or more refined taste on the subject
arrange their aoral decorations lie was always
4, ize he
lie wanted mt G%s IN e Sns So sn aS howey
showing Of good taste IN their arrangement on the
S %S 81 III tme in the coHservaory lie delighted in
showing his friends over the place and pointing Qua
the rare and beautiful specimens.
suPt: pfster ha, photograph OF Mrs. Iiayes ard
her children which Was taken in
very few Of them in existence. i is a beautiful
Ss the %a mSSh o 3
them. She had no special favorltes.
acre OF ground There are eight greenhouses devoted
10 the growDs Of plants The conservatory proper
The system Of heating, lighting and ycntiIating is
rs near perfect could be devised. All OF the build
rs si r and n a5o Paints Of very e
tropical plants are to be seen. as well as all tho
this time the Faster lily Is Nceving special attention
aud the specimens of this plant are both numerous
State in those grounds on an averasc 100 rose;
u day are placed in the Whlto House The President
Occasionally the supply runs short and something
else Is substituted.
averages about 50 900 per annum. With this
the salaries of three men have Ia BE- paid. the house
kept n repair and soil and plants purchased How
80 much can be accomplished with small IN amount
OF money is hard To understand The conservatory,
like the White House itself, Is open 10 visitors. All
the children I'm the District Of Columbia have the
privilege of going there once year. owing 10 the
limited space persons who wish u inspect IL must
receive permission 20 do and they accompanied
by the superintendent a guide. II Is one of tn,
attractions Of Washington. Students OF botany and
Horticulture who come 10 the city do not feel that
their visit IS complete unless they are able to spend
hour two there.