This question many florists ask themselves, and with but few exceptions, I dare say, all imagine that, in order to be successful they must locate as closely to a metropolis as possible, regardless of the fact that already too many are huddled there, battling with the law that allows only the fittest to exist. On my arrival to this city, Elmira, New York, I wondered how it had escaped the eye of so many practical florists, who have settled in localities where they eke out a miserable existence. I know of no place where more money is so liberally expended for plants, and especially cut flowers as is here. For funeral purposes it is scarcely equaled in a city double its size. Not alone is Elmira to be considered, but also the lively little villages that surround it. A practical florist would find no opposition, from the fact that no flowers worth speaking of are raised here. I know florists in the eastern part of this state who are tasty in making up flowers, but are wholly dependent upon shipping to New York City, that would find it more profitable to open a neat store here. I am a practical florist myself and therefore know what I am saying.

I have no mercenary motives for this communication, and if the Gardeners' Monthly does not consider it out of order, I would willingly give further information through its columns or by letter.

415 Walnut St., Elmira, N. Y. [The Editor has to distinguish between that which is wholly personal, and that which is of interest to a very large circle of readers, - the latter only being the guide as to what should have a place in the magazine. In the present case Mr. Poppey has no personal interest in this matter, and is actuated solely by a desire to benefit somebody. Still, it is a matter of individual interest that perhaps ought to come under the head of "declined;" but in view of the fact that the note calls attention to a point of very general interest, and a correct point as we believe, - that there is a vast field in growing towns for people to build up business instead of crowding into the already overdone cities, we cheerfully give place to the communication. - Ed. G. M].