The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-08-30
BY ANNIE KENpRIck WALKER.

"A ciety of American Florists and Or namental Horticuturists held in Milwaukee Alabama was represented by Miss Amy Huffman of Birmingham.
 Miss Huffman manages one of the largest flower establishments in the city. She not only receives orders and attends to every detail in having them filled promptly; but she Is intrusted with all the buying and has practically the en- tire responsibility of the business. In addition to these duties, she makes every floral design that leaves this establish ment and as she possesses the artistic l1nstinct to anN unusual degree, here de- signs are very distinctive.
 Miss Huffman fairly revels in flowers. It Is not given to every woman who loves them. such opportunities as Miss Huffman enjoys every day. Think of receiving hundreds of roses daily, thous- sands of carnations during a season. The flower trade of Birmingham Is enormous. It was given some time ago in round figures that staggered even the Birming ham belles who think nothing of dozens Eof American Beauties whitening in an fhour any more than they consider the nlarassing conditions under which the kdealers sometimes labor in getting flow bers.
 The flower industry was greatly injured kthe past year by the extortionate prices lexacted for greenhouse glass, the coal Ifamine and the advance In express tar Edff on flowers. The advance rates on the lshipment of cut flowers brought forth vigorous protests from the Society of IA ,1,, ,,rrI,,, 1.-the country, and the reports at the re- kcent convention showed that the energet- f1c efforts of the florists had been re- awarded.
 Among the interesting reports was that k1nade by the peony committee, which twas appointed a year ago by the pres- fdent of the society, who recognized that interest in this flower was on the in- crease. The committee at once establish led correspondence with foreign peony lgrowers as well as those interested in fthe peony in this country. and q com mencement has been made with a collec- lton of fifty-four varieties in Fairmont fPark. Philadelphia.
 Birmingham women who love old-fash- lfoned gardens will now be cultivating peonies, and, as a further suggestion, she president of the American society suggested the wisdom of appointing sim liar committees for the iris and the phlox He believes that there Is a great future Nor these flowers Blooming In close proximity to the peony will soon be the dignihed phlox and the beautiful iris. EAfter this must come a reaction In favor pf thyme lavender and rosemary.
 When Miss Huffman was asked about the work of the Society of American EFlorists, she gave most interesting ac- lcount of the convention proceedings She Twas kept very busy, as she assisted the lsecretary in a great deal of his work, land when the officers of the society were receiving on the platform in the conven- tion hall, she was invited to receive with xhem.
 The exhibition" said Miss Luffman Yin Convention Hall one of the most elaborate ever seen in the history of the society, the building being in every way desirable. On the balcony, running en- tirely around where the presidents ception was held in the evening, the de- corations were palms and Alabama smi- lax.
 President Benton was assisted in re- ceiving. by Secretary Stewart, who pre- scented the visitors. The guests formed in line and each in turn, upon making the acquaintance of the host. and his gen sal associates, were cordially greeted. The remainder of the evening was spent tn renewing old friendships and forming new ones. Later refreshments served. and those devoted to music were given a rare treat, both instrumental and vocal, the work of the Milwaukee Glee club being loudly applauded
 "Wednesday, the voting for a next meeting place was held, St. Louis win ming by a large majority An interest ing paper entitled a System of Accounts flor Greenhouses,' with necessary discus sions and a very able paper on Latest Advances in Greenhouse Construction, consumed the the entire session. In the afternoon, the ladies were entertained lby drive through the city, and the gen. temen enjoyed the bowling tournament. Philadelphia being the successful con- testant.
 At 8 p. m., a good-sized audience en- ijoyed Mir Whitnalrs lecture on Decora- tive Planting of Home Grounds made doubly interesting by stereoptican views. Thursday morning. the polls opened at 10 o'clock for the election of officers for 1904. and several papers of interest were tread on Floral Decoration. Violet Gull lture, and Cooling processes for Keeping lCut Flowers The afternoon was spent sby large party viewing the city and Hhe shooting tournament greatly interest ed a number. At D. m, the Humorous ISide of the Florists Business was well handled by an Indiana representative,
 
 retiring president was presented with handsome gold watch, the gift of the so- ciety. Thus ended the business side of the Society of American Florists and Or namental Horticulturists in convention assembled.
 Friday morning found nearly one thousand of the followers of Flora's art at the dock ready to board the steamship Virginia as guests of the Milwaukee Florists club. To the strains of Hiawa- tha from a splendid band we slowly moved down the river, while hundreds of citizens waived adieus to which we responded, and with regret left Milwau- kee. the Cream City. in the distance. In n few moments we were on the waters of beautiful Lake Michigan. with expect ant faces turned toward Chicago The five hours journey down the lake is in describable-the green waters the con genial crowd. the soft strains from the band making the journey one to be long cherished by memory. Just as we neared Chicago, a friend of mine told me he had made a request for Alabama's represent atve and I was to listen attentively. In few moments. the strains of Dixie floated over the breeze, and l knew what he meant. It is needless 10 say that Ala bama's representative thanked the friend and felt proud when the air was heartily