The meeting of Florists to be held in Philadelphia this summer, will, I believe, be an event long remembered by the commercial plant growers of the country. The occasion being the second annual convention of the Society of American Florists, commencing Aug. 18th, and continuing to the end of the week.

That these meetings are going to be of immense benefit to the trade and horticulture in general, there can be no doubt. There will be essays by some of the most able men in the business on a variety of subjects, followed by discussions that cannot fail to be of interest to all lovers of plants. But the time when the most free opinions will be given, and perhaps most valuable information received, will be when small groups of men are collected together in the morning or between sessions, each giving his experience in some particular branch, and all hearing something new and of interest to them. And this is a part that will not be printed in the Secretary's report of the meeting, making it all the more important that all who can, should attend the convention. For, while the annual report of the Society alone is well worth the membership fee, some of the most beneficial and pleasing events cannot of necessity appear in it.

It is often said, if two florists meet they immediately commence a discussion as to the merits of one plant, or the correct treatment for another; and when they part each has learned something. What then must be the result of this meeting where there will be hundreds of such gatherings, made up of representatives from all parts of the country; and from the great interest shown in the different sections there is every reason to believe each State will be represented, and some by very large delegations, making this, without question, the largest gathering of florists ever held in America.

The local committee of Philadelphia are making strenuous efforts to give the delegates a reception worthy of the city, and will, without doubt, succeed, as they are receiving the assistance of every florist in town. Perhaps one of the pleasantest features between business hours, will be a visit to Wootton, the country seat of Mr. G. W. Childs, who has kindly invited the delegates in a body to visit and take lunch with him.

Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia, June 9th, 1886.

The approaching meeting promises to be a grand occasion. The brethren of Philadelphia are sparing no expense to make it memorable. The committees feel almost sure of an attendance of 700, with a possible 1000. The motto of the city "Philadelphia maneto," will not be disgraced, for no effort is being left untried to make the brethren feel at home when they come here.

And outside of the physical comforts that they may expect, the intellectual will not be overlooked. The programme includes the opening address of President Thorpe, and Mr. Peter Henderson will tell of the progress of fioristry during the past forty years. Mr. Antonie Wintzel, who probably knows more about rose varieties than any one in America, will treat of Tea roses during summer; Mr. John Henderson, on summer Hybrid Perpetuals; and Mr. Robert Craig, how to prepare pot roses for market. Mr. Sackersdorff will explain the fungous diseases of roses, and Mr. May, the best way to build greenhouses.

Those who advocate hot-water for heating will be heard through Mr. Carmody, while Mr. Taylor will contend that steam has greater advantages; those who do not care for either can get comfort from Mr. Hamilton's advocacy of flues. The treatment of carnations will be diagnosed by Mr. Tailby; while our old friend, Taplin, who used to tell the readers of the Gardeners' Monthly so much about orchids, will now discourse on decorative foliage plants. This bill of fare ought to be enough to attract a large and appreciative gathering, but it will not be near all. Mr. Le Moult will explain the whole art and mystery of making up floral work, and will suit the action to the word. He will make up his pieces of work as well as speak his piece, and many think that this instructive essay will alone be worth coming to Philadelphia to see.