New York's Cut-Flower Trade.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 26 June 1914, Page 8

New York's Cut-Flower Trade.

An Englishman who made a change, some years ago, from the wholesale cut-flower trade in London to the same in New York declares that the amount of the business in New York far exceeds that done fa London. Yet it is still within the memory of Americans when the rose and the lily and the violet were luxuries indulged in only by the most extravagant. Only those put money into flowers who had it "to burn." Those who had exceptional wealth began to . set the fashion in a limited manner by making floral displays at, weddings. Next, balls were 'included ; then afternoon receptions. But there the large orders remained. Those with only middle-class incomes confined their extravagances in flowers to funerals. As soon as one ambitious hostess discovered come effort in the way of floral decorations by a rival, the day of prosperity dawned for the florist with any good taste in embellishment. Then, good luck still hovering- in his realm of commerce, it soon became the custom to present costly flowers to those sailing away in the ships that cross the sea. The florists' gardens and hothouses of New Jersey and Long Island are the sources whence almost the entire supply is yielded to New York, although there is a limited shipment from GermantowH, Pa., and from as far away as Toronto. To preserve the freshness of the flowers, of course, it is necessary for these receiving depots to have numerous refrigerators j^where the dew can be manufactured to order. At these places, in the early hours of the morning, the retail dealers assemble in crowds from all parts of the city for the filling of their order*.