FLORICULTURE AT LICHFIELD.

Waikato Times, Volume XXIII, Issue 1936, 2 December 1884, Page 2

FLORICULTURE A T LICHFIELD.

Much has been said by thoughtless and mal-observant visitors to what is generally termed the sterile regions of Patetere about the infertility of the soil, and the general barrenness of the country, and it will have been noticed that that class of mortals who have generally the most to say in the way of disparagement are invariably the readiest with their illformed opinions— opinions which arc ! never sought, and, though voluntarily offered, are seldom or never appreciated. Patetere has been a grand field for the speculations of these pseudo authorities on the resources of nature under adverse circumstances, and though their disparaging expressions have been pretty widely made, still, with every confidence in the judgment of an intelligent public, we are loath to believe that they have been attended with any serious effect. We have been shown a very practical proof of the advancement of the art of floriculture in Patetere since the inauguration of settlement there, This consisted of a very handsome vase of beautiful flowers from the garden of Mrs Halcombe, Lichfield, and which are now on view at Mr Houghton's store, Cambridge. The flowers, which are nicely arranged, are very varied, and consist of roses, ixias, pansies, verbenas, double stocks, poppies, snapdragon?, larkspur, forget-me-nots, double anemones, and iris. It is evident from this collection that the art of gardening has become very highly developed in Patetere, and that the physiology of plant life is not unknown to the settlera of the great Selwyn Mock. As florists, notwithstanding tfop comparative newness of the soil en which their operations have been confined, the people of Lichfield are already beginning to excel. If the settlera of this district succeed as well in agricultural and pastoral pursuits as they have in the floncultural, Patetere will be more famously known as a successful settlement before many years are allowed to pass.

Yes ! It is certainly true. Ask any of your friends \rho have purchased there. jGarlick and Cranwell have numerous unasked for ; and very favourable commendations from country cust mers on their excellent packing of Furni-"i ture, Crockery, and Glass, tt,c. , Ladies . and' gentlemen about to furnish should remembgr fbat Garlick and C ran well's is thb Cheap 'Wiirfifthmg Warehouse of 1 Auckland. Furniture to Stiit all,' classes ; also Carpeti, Floor Cloths and aJJ House INece*saries. If your new house i* ' nearly m»*hoi,i Of, > you are going to get married,' visit Gmrljck^ ag4 Cranwell, Queen-street and JLorne-street, Jtßoljc-' land. Intending purchascri Vap hate a ratal* ju«.