1891 - The Other Isaac Newton and What He Started - Govt. Seed and Plant Distribution

AN ACCOUNT OF THE NATIONAL SEED DISTRIBUTION,
BY THE EX-CHIEF OF THE SEED DIVISION.

he world's prosperity is an abundant crop. A prime basis for a good crop is good seed. Good seed means vital seed, fixity of type, fecundity of product, and adaptiveness to locality. 

The reliable seedsman should furnish the first three, and the grower must determine the most suitable locality by experience. Pure seeds are cheap at current prices, but imperfect ones are dear at any price. The primary object of the distribution of seeds by the Department of Agriculture to those engaged in agricultural pursuits, is to give increased value to production by the introduction and distribution of improved varieties that will increase the annual average yield of the staple crops of grain and vegetables, and more rapidly and more generally introduce the very best varieties of seeds into new states and territories, as well as into the older ones, where the annual average crop is being diminished by seeding with unselected and inferior seed. 

The practice of securing selected seeds from foreign countries, and from localities in our own where, by careful selection, breeding and hybridization they attain their greatest perfection, and sending them to be used in less favored localities, is in full accord with the best attainable light on the subject. In the effort to improve a variety of wheat, for instance, the interests of  the  farmer,  the  miller,  the baker and consumer are all to be considered. 

The field for extensive inquiry is an ever enlarging one. To aid in this important work, the system of general distribution by the government was established, that the merits of well bred, fully ripened, perfect seed could be tested in different localities and soils, so that both the quality and quantity would be improved and increased.

 The results attained justify the statement that in no department of  the  general  government  has the expenditure of so small an amount been productive of as much good as that expended in the introduction and dissemination of valuable seeds and plants. The constantly increasing number of requests for Department seeds is the best evidence that they are of value, and are needed. 

When the people cease to be dependent for their existence upon the products of the soil, it will then be time to relax every effort which tends to increase those products. When the Department of Agriculture ceases its efforts in this direction, which the masses of the people have so unqualifiedly approved, and which have been so beneficial in promoting the public interests and the health and happiness of the American people, it will then be ample time to undo the beneficent action of the framers of the organic law creating the Department of Agriculture.

THE SEED AND PLANT DISTRIBUTION

During the administration of President John Quincy Adams, the consuls of the United States were instructed to procure and forward to the State Department such plants and seeds as they deemed most desirable for trial in this country. The first distribution of rare seeds and plants was made by Hon. Henry L. Ellsworth, the first Commissioner of Patents, after the re-organization of that office after I836, before any action had been taken by Congress. Many members, however, came to the aid of the Commissioner, and cheerfully tendered to him the use of the franking or free postage privileges accorded to them. Improved varieties of wheat, corn, etc., were sent out, and the benefits to agriculture were fully attested by numerous testimonials from all parts of the country. 

In 1839 Congress appropriated 81,000, to be,taken from the Patent Office fund, “ for the purpose of collecting and distributing seeds, prosecuting agricultural investigations and procuring agricultural statistics." 

In 1840  30,000 packages of seeds were distributed and statistics were compiled from the returns of the 6th census and other reliable sources. The annual appropriations from 1842 to 1854 barely exceeded $5,500. In 1848 the quantity of seeds distributed amounted to 75,000 packages. In 1854 the annual appropriation for the distribution of seeds and cuttings was increased to $35,000 and the amount has since been increased from time to time, until it is now $100,000, which is an amount by no means proportionate to the increase in the number of people now engaged in agricultural pursuits.

On the 15th of May, 1862, the act establishing the Department of Agriculture became a law, and President Lincoln appointed Hon. Isaac Newton as the first Commissioner. 

In 1863 the number of packages of seeds distributed was 1,200,000, and of bulbs, vines and cuttings 25,750. It is a noticeable fact that the administration of the first Commissioner has been the only one during which a distribution of plants, shrubs, vines and cuttings was systematically carried on, the average distribution amounting in the three years following to 37,000 packages annually. 

During the commissionership of Hon. Horace Capron, a special distribution of seeds to “meteorlogical observers" was made, instead of the distribution of plants, and the same was continued during the administration of Hon. Frederick Watts. In 1877, when Hon. William G. LeDuc was appointed Commissioner, the distribution to the “meteorological observers" was discontinued and one to “ Grangers and special farmers" was instituted in its stead. 

Upon the accession of Commissioner Loring to the office, the distribution to the “ Grangers and special farmers" was cut off, and that to Senators, Representatives and delegates in Congress proportionately increased. 

When Hon. Norman J. Colman was appointed Commissioner, the quantity to members of Congress was continued and slightly increased, as was the miscellaneous distribution ,and a special distribution was made by him to “ Experiment Stations and Agricultural Colleges" and to “Agricultural Societies." 

The following tabular statement shows the kinds and quantities of seed issued from the seed division of the Department of Agriculture, under the general appropriation act of Congress, from July 1, 1888, to June 30, 1889.  (Link to the document.)

The average weight of the seeds distributed through the mail by the Department of Agriculture each year, for the last five years, ending with June 30th 1888, was 400,000 lbs., or 200 tons. The official, clerical and working force required to carry on this work aggregates about one hundred persons, of whom about ninety per cent are laborers employed by the day.

VALUE OF THE SEED AND PLANT DISTRIBUTION TO THE COUNTRY

The following, taken from the annual reports of the Commissioners to the President, indicates the value of the distribution. 

The first Commissioner (Newton, 1863) says: “ The dissemination of sorghum and imphee seed has been worth millions of dollars to the country." 

The second Commissioner (Capron, 1868) says:  “The result of a single importation of wheat has alone been worth more than an annual appropriation for the whole Department. If but a tenth of the seed distributed is judiciously used, the advantage to the country may be tenfold greater than the annual appropriation for Agriculture." 

In 1870, J. R. Dodge, Statistician and Editor of the Department reports at that time, says : “While the cost of the seed distribution in 1869 was but half a dollar for each thousand of the people, there is reliable evidence that a single specimen of grain in one of the thirty-seven states has realized in enhanced production ten times the amount expended for all seeds sent to all the states that year." 

The third Commissioner (Watts, 1871) says : “ The increased production of wheat, oats and grasses by reason of the distribution of new and improved seeds, pays more than ten times the whole amount expended by the Government in this Department, and such is the appreciation of this by the farmers of the country that the demands upon us are increasing to a degree beyond our ability to supply." 

The fourth Commissioner (Le Duc, 1878) says: “ The increased production per acre by the Excelsior White Schonen oats some years since was 2.5 bushels per acre, and a like increase is reported from a distribution of the Board of Trade oats in the northern and the Rust Proof in the southern part of the country during the past two years. But the average increased yield fairly attributable in like period to improved varieties of seed would amount to forty million bushels, now worth 5151000000. Taking the last three years as compared with the three previous years the increase was two bushels per acre. This in forty millions acreage yearly would be eighty millions of bushels increase, or a gain to the country (at present prices) of about $80,000,000 per annum."

A prominent agricultural writer in speaking of the benefit of the “seed distribution" says: “ A great deal of good has been done by the Department of Agriculture. The introduction of the sorghum plant is a noticeable example, for the value of the crop, according to the census of 1880 was $1 r,000,000. Scores of varieties of most excellent seeds have been put within the reach of the masses of the people." 

Maj. R. L. Ragland, of Virginia, says : " The beneficial results arising from the introduction of the Fultz wheat, sent out by the Department has, every year since its dissemination, more than paid the whole cost of the Department. A crop of Fultz grown by me the third year from seed originally received from the Department gave twenty per cent. in yield over the old varieties, and sold for a profit of $561 over what could have been realized from the old kinds.”

Maj. Henry E. Alvord, then Director of the Houghton Farm Experiment Station, in a report to the Department dated May 4th 1886, says ; “The seeds received this season, as a whole, for the first time in my experience with the Department, answers the definition of new and useful." 

Professor E. H. Jenkins, Vice Director of the Connecticut Experiment Station says; “The seeds have been of good quality, not more failures than we expect from those of our seedsmen." 

Dr. C. A. Goessmann, Director of the Massachusetts Experiment Station at Amherst says: “The seeds have been of good quality, and in several instances of particular interest to our locality."

The following extracts from letters received at the Department in 1887 from the few of the many recipients of seeds, are but a fair sample from the hundreds received each year :

" When I compare the vegetables that are now in our market with the market of forty years ago, there is a marked difference, and I believe the distribution of seeds by the Government has been a potent factor in making the change." “We have found all seeds sent to us from your Department exceptionally clean and of good germinating qualities."  "All seeds received from the Department have germinated well, and proved true to description. I consider the distribution of great value to this country, as it places new and desirable varieties in the hands of people in different localities." "The garden seeds received from you compare favorably with those received from our best seedsmen, and possess the advantage of being more certain to germinate." “I am confident that the system of distribution by the Department of Agriculture has not only introduced many new and valuable varieties, but has been the means of improving standard seeds." “After thirty five years experience as gardener in Louisiana, these seeds are the best that I have ever planted, and give the most satisfactory results."

A great number of valuable economic plants and varieties of fruits have also been distributed, and successfully grown in localities to which they were adapted. The most notable instance, perhaps, is that of the introduction of the Bahia, or, as it is now generally known, Washington Navel orange, into This is now conceded to be the best variety produced in the United States. Its introduction is said to have been worth, to California alone, more than all the Department of Agriculture has ever cost the country California.

METHOD OF PURCHASING SEEDS.

Prior to March 7th, 1889, when Hon. J. M. Rusk, Secretary of Agriculture, assumed the duties of that office, the method of purchasing seeds was that of receiving bids from responsible seed growers and seed firms, who were required to give a guarantee that the seeds furnished would not only be true to name and of good germinating quality, but also cleaned with extra care so as to be free from weed seeds or eggs or larvae of injurious insects. 

Since September, 1885, all seeds received by the  Department, are tested not only in a seed tester, but in the plant propagating houses, and when necessary, by either the entomologist or botanist. If the guarantee is not verified they are promptly rejected. 

The average germination of allseeds accepted has been 93 per cent. When, however, the percentage in those varieties which are somewhat difficult approximates 75 to 85 per cent., the seed is regarded as being of sufficient value to warrant its purchase and distribution. In the test of flower seeds, the percentage usually ranges somewhat lower.

The present method of purchasing seeds which is undoubtedly an improvement over the former method, is that of employing a special purchasing agent, whose duty it is to visit personally different sections of country, and inspect, as far as possible, the product of which seeds are offered to theDepartment, and to look up such as seem to possess specially desirable characteristics.

The seed-testing apparatus now in use, which is often called the “Geneva tester,” consists of two heavy block-tin pans, 17 inches in length by 12 in width and 2  3/4" in depth. These pans are painted inside and out. Two and one-eighth inches from the bottoms of the pans, a ledge half an inch in width is soldered to the sides. It is upon these that the ends of the brass rods rest which support the V-shaped pockets which reach nearly to the bottoms of the pans. 

The brass wires, No. 9 size, are each 11 3/4 inches in length. To make the pockets, take two strips of unbleached thin muslin, each 10 1/2  by 2 1/4 inches, and turn a hem 7/16 of an inch on each ; then stitch the two pieces together 11/4 inches from the unhemmed edge. The supporting rods are passed through the hems and project half an inch beyond the ends of the pockets. The bottoms of the pans are covered to the depth of half an inch or more with water, so that the lower edges of the pockets come in contact with it and the seed is kept moist by means of capillary attraction. 

The seeds to be tested, numbering 25, 50 or 100, are placed within the muslin trough and moistened, and each pan is then placed near the window and each is covered with a heavy pane of glass.  The date the test is begun and closed is carefully noted, as well as the per cent. of the seeds that have germinated. 

For use on the farm, for determining the vitality of corn, grass, clover and other seeds, any comparatively shallow pan will answer the purpose, provided the depth of the pockets is diminished, as the ends of the rods can rest on the sides of the pan, and an ordinary pane of glass can be used as a cover to retain the proper degree of heat and moisture. 

By this method, the proper degree of ventilation will be given, and the side ledges two and one eighth inches from the bottom of the pan can be dispensed with. If the pan is supplied with water, the plants will continue to grow, and the pockets, through which the roots will have penetrated, can, after the wires are withdrawn, be subdivided with a pair of scissors, and the plants be transplanted with the pieces of cloth, and their growth will thereafter be rapid and continuous it the season and the necessary conditions are at all favorable.

 By this method, not only can the purchase of worthless seeds be obviated, but if already purchased, the proper amount of grass and other seeds to sow to the acre may be definitely determined, even though one quarter or third of the seed possesses no vitality whatever.

METHODS OF DISTRIBUTION.

The present method of distributing the seeds is clearly indicated in the tabulated statement of the 1888~9 distribution. The question as to the best method has been a vexed one with each successive Commissioner of Agriculture since the Department was established. Commissioner Newton, in his fifth annual report, of 1866, suggested that if members of congress would set apart a considerable portion of their quota now distributed to individuals, to be divided among the state, county and local agricultural and horticultural societies, they would reach those who would more fully appreciate the seed, and make it to the interest of the farmers to connect themselves with such organizations.

In line with the previous suggestion, I find on page 213 of the Department report for I873, the following: “ A plan adopted by an agricultural society in Tennessee is a very good one and worthy of imitation by communities as well as by other societies of a similar character; that is, of requiring every member who receives seeds for experimental purposes from the Department, to return to the society at least as much as the quantity received if experiments turn out favorably. In addition to having the seeds of valuable varieties on hand for seasonable distribution, the advantages of gradual adaptation are gained."

Another plan suggested is that of having each congressman who resides in an agricultural district select six or twelve intelligent farmers, and divide his quota of field seeds equally between them, with the agreement on their part, that after the second year‘s crop is harvested, one-half of it shall be sold, at the prevailing market price of such product, to farmers and planters who reside within the counties composing the congressional district, and that a record of such sales, giving the name and post office address of the buyer, shall be sent to the Secretary of Agriculture, that it may be entered upon the records of the Department.

The method that has been suggested of making each experiment station a seed distributing centre for the state does not seem to be a feasible one, as it  would necessarily interfere too much with their special lines of work, as well as be a more expensive method than the present one.

The Seed Division, as now conducted, is not a mere seed warehouse. It is something more. The annual reports which have emanated from it since I884 indicate this. They teem with interesting facts that are of practical value. They show what new varieties of seeds have been distributed and the results effected. The question as to what seeds are best adapted to different localities, even in the same latitude, but affected by various altitudes, winds and ocean currents, is becoming one of no small importance, and points to the practical benefit of judicious care in the selection of seeds to be planted, and great watchfulness as to results.

We are distinctively and pre-eminently a nation of farmers, inasmuch as not less than 44per cent. of the entire population is engaged in rural pursuits. 

General Washington and the presidents who immediately succeeded him in the early history of our Country urged upon both houses of congress the importance of placing agriculture as well as commerce immediately under the fostering care of the government. 

Will not the people‘s representatives recognize the fact that our welfare as a nation depends largely upon the better development of American agriculture? In the solution of the agricultural problems which are of so much importance in a country extending through so wide a range of latitude, a climate so diversified, and with agricultural interests the greatest in the world, the Department of Agriculture must ever be an important factor. 

WM. M. KING.

1821 - A Nice Book with Hand Colored Plates - A Flora of North America

I found this book when looking around for interesting facts about Golden Hedge-Hyssop.  It is a good book and I don't want to forget it so I decided to post it!

There is a letter attached inside the front cover giving the provenance of this set of books that is very interesting!  The plates are hand colored.

1897 - "The Free Seed Swindle"

Yesterday's post, Free Seeds Anyone?, didn't give the grassroots view of the government seed program.  

Here are three articles from about 20 and then 30 years previous to yesterday's overview of the program and its politics.  

First, the rant of a very mad homeowner/farmer. (The Rural New-Yorker, Volume 54)1895:

Poor Luck with Government Seeds

H. C., McKEAN, Pa.—Last spring, I got some government seeds, with the request to report, etc., which I will do. 

 The first was spinach. This is a plant which, I understand, is for greens. It was little stuff, went to seed before it was six inches high, and would have required a half acre to produce a mess for a good sized family. 

The next were peas, White Sugar, edible pods. These did well, are an excellent variety, and were truly commendable. 

The third was a tomato, Livingston's Early. We had all the tomato seed we wanted, but sowed some of this, and set out some of the plants. I think we had kinds that were preferable. 

The parsnip seed failed to germinate, with the exception of a few plants; the consequence is that we are without parsnips this winter. 

Lastly, turnips—Flat Whites. These were the worst stuff of the whole lot. I sowed a few in the garden; the rest I mixed with a couple of papers that I bought at a country store from a reliable seed house. The few that grew in the garden were the worst things I ever saw. From the two papers, costing eight cents, and the paper of government seed, I got 31 bushels. I could tell them apart, and I don’t think one-half bushel was from the government seed. I was mad to think I had mixed the government seed with the other. I would rather have the eight cents’ worth that I got at the country store, than all the turnip seed the government sent into this Congressional district.

This article from Ranche and Range begins to do introduce the general feelings of western ranchers.  
(The article starts a few inches down...I liked the Arbor Day article so I didn't cut it :-)

In 1885 our seedsmen were wondering what the program was for and distressed at the quality of some of the seed the government was buying for inflated prices.     This article was in Vick's Magazine and the men commenting were successful American seedsmen.

GOVERNMENT SEEDS.

The distribution of seeds by the Department of Agriculture was one of the subjects discussed at the third annual meeting of the American Seed Trade Association, held in this city, in June last. 

The following extract from the minutes, furnished us by the Assistant Secretary, C. L. Allen, will be read with interest:

This subject being under consideration, the President called upon James Vick, Esq., for his views, who replied as follows: "I know very little about it; I have with me a little package that I received last winter by mail. It is a collection of seeds from the Department. I do not really know enough about the Department to know what their object is in distributing seeds, whether they only intend to send out new things, or what the aim of the institution is. But the stuff that I received is a package of Peas, Beans, etc., of the most ordinary character. 

I know of a firm that sold a quantity of Beans to a dealer that he sold to the government at about six dollars per bushel, the same stock the firm were about throwing away, as they were considered worthless. And I have heard of the European houses laughing many times of the sales they have made to our government. "Now to look backwards, while you were talking about duties, some of you were paying twenty per cent., and I know some of you would be willing to pay one hundred per cent. duty on your seeds. I have no doubt that we would make some money if the duty was one hundred per cent. Ours is the only line of trade where the government is in competition with its citizens. I think what I have said here is, possibly, enough to show the absurdity of the Department. I consider it an absurd institution that wastes a great amount of money."

Mr. Wood, of Richmond, Va.,said: "I think that what we have to contend with is the Congressmen. This Department is, in reality, for their benefit, because they go through the country soliciting votes, and they request of the Department seeds for distribution. Consequently it is really a bribe to gain a vote. And I do not see how to expose the business, except through the newspapers. I know that last year there was a large quantity of White Beet seed in my neighborhood, worth about seventy-five cents per bushel, which was sold to the Department for $2.00 per bushel."

Mr. Vick stated that there was a notice in one of the papers that the government had contracted with a large canning establishment for its Tomato seed, an article which no seedsman would think of using. Mr. Wood said that he did not think the government was the first to distribute any new variety of value, but took up anything that favored seedsmen had to offer.

Mr. Burpee, of Philadelphia, thought the government ought to distribute its patronage among the different States, if it was to do a seed business; that his house had only received an order for twenty bushels of Sunflower seed, which was not introducing a very valuable production.

The President said he would like to know if there was any one present that could offer a suggestion whereby this branch of the government could be stopped from sending out free seeds; if not, there was not much use in discussing the subject. It is a great absurdity, and comes in competition with every seedsman in the country, and is a great injury to the trade in general. 

Mr. Mccullough, of Cincinnati, said: "That the height of good statesmanship was compromise. I think that in an agricultural country like this the government ought to do something for agriculture. I think it a waste of money to send out such things as we are familiar with. But I do think the government should annually spend some money on rare and unusual things, coming from a distance, where, perhaps you cannot go for them. For the reason that in a country that depends so largely upon agriculture for its prosperity, there ought to be money supplied for the introduction and distribution of any seed or plant that can be successfully cultivated in this country.

"Now, if we go to the government and report to them that their method is wrong, but that their principle is right, and suggest to them a better way, perhaps we might accomplish something that would mutually benefit the trade and the country."

Free Seeds Anyone?!

In 1922, the Nebraska newspaper, the Red Cloud Chief, ran this article.   The writer has done an excellent job of untangling this story of free seeds; how it went from a distribution to further economic growth through the introduction of new species to United States agriculture to political  pandering.   The brief glimpses of the people who made this possible, the girls who sealed envelopes of seeds striving to seal more than 20,000 a day because over that they got piecework rates, to the harassed Department of Agriculture men, make this a good read.

 

...to be continued...

"To Do For Myself" - 1886 - The Delightful Mrs. Campbell Builds a Greenhouse

"When President Garfield's body was brought to Cleveland for burial, the streets of the city were to be beautifully decorated with arches" of flowers.  Mrs. Ella Grant Campbell got the commission to design and do the work with the help of her staff.  In 1881 she was a successful woman entrepreneur. 

Starting her future business by building a greenhouse from scraps, Ms. Ella caught my attention when I was looking around the web for ideas for making a greenhouse dug into a bank.I got side tracked and now know a lot about her and nothing about bermed greenhouses! 

ELLA GRANT CAMPBELL.

'Here stands beside me as I write, a bouquet of exquisite flowers;  pink and yellow roses, lilies-of-the-valley, red and white carnation pinks, and, loveliest of all, daisies. I have just brought them from a large and well-kept greenhouse, on Jennings Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio, owned and managed by a young woman whose taste and ability make it well worthy of a visit.

The daily press calls this greenhouse "the finest, the best-equipped and the best-managed floral establishment in the city". The business office as you enter, is dainty with pictures and flowers; tall pampas grass stands in this great bay window, and in the reception room or studio, where the designs are made, palms and plants in flower, grow in bowery profusion. There is a womanly home-making touch here, for the business woman has hung among the blossoms a large picture of her daughter, named "Pansy",  a pretty little creature with blue eyes and golden hair, who holds in her arms a pussy-cat nearly as large as herself.

The greenhouses of this establishment are always an interesting study. Plants just set out from clippings which the deft fingers of Mrs. Campbell pull up for us to see if they are rooted, and then set down again in the warm earth, seem not to mind the uplifting. Here are carnations in bud; great beds of lilies-of-the-valley; trees covered with lemons, masses of rich-colored foliage — plants ready for the summer beds in the parks.

And I can but wonder as I look upon this beautiful and successful business, and see how refined and how sunny and happy is the young woman who manages it, whom I have known for years— I can but wonder, I say, that more women do not take up the business of floriculture. There is hard work in it, as in every other calling — patience, care, perhaps even the creation and training of a good market-demand for plants and flowers —but tending upon flowers and developing them, is really work so dainty and pleasurable that it seems especially fitted to the hands of those women who shall be willing to study of the nature and habits of the flowering and decorative plants.

Mrs. Campbell can best tell her own story of effort and well-deserved success:

"When I was thirteen or fourteen years of age my father met with reverses which rendered him penniless. I was obliged to do something to help the family exchequer.

"After trying crochet work, delivering butter to father's customers in his new business, I began to feel discouraged and long for talents and a vocation. One thing I heartily loved to do, and that was to care for my flowers. At this time I read of a young girl who was enabled, through her own exertions, to build a greenhouse. The tale fascinated me. Why could not I be a florist? I would! My vocation was found! Every fibre of my being vibrated in harmony with the thought.

"Fate was kind, and threw just the opportunity desired into my pathway. Passing out Euclid Avenue one bright afternoon (eleven years ago last fall), I noticed that Mr. Jaynes had just built an expensive office. He would want a girl to take care of it!  I entered, found Mr. Jaynes, asked him breathlessly, 'If he didn't want a girl to take care of the office, learn to make up flowers, and do anything that she could to make herself useful?'

"' Yes,' he needed such a girl, and I was 'just the one he wanted. The active way I jumped in and out of the wagon pleased him.' I was engaged to keep books, wait on customers, take care of the office, and make myself 'generally useful.' I had been in my position three or four months, when father met with an accident and I was obliged to go home and help take care of him. Mr. Jaynes told me on leaving that 'in everything I was satisfactory except making up.' That 'my work was too loose and scraggy,' and that 'he did not think I would amount to much as a florist.'

"I went home very much discouraged. But I loved flowers, and plants and flowers I must have. A gentleman (a true lover of all plant forms), Mr. Taintor, deputy post-master of Cleveland for twenty-five years, presented me with some small plants and choice cuttings from his private greenhouse.And at different times mother would invest from ten to twenty-five cents in market plants for me, until by the next fall I had quite a nice collection of choice plants. I secured twenty-six native varieties of hardy ferns from the woods, which I planted on an old table, and in a hanging basket of old hoop-skirt dipped in sealing-wax.

"This fern basket and table were my especial pride that winter, and more than one came to see my collection. Besides, I had one hundred and seventy-five plants in pots and in boxes, old butter crocks, and anything that could be utilized.

"Mother allowed me to have our front room, which has two east windows and one north window, for my plants. I had only a poor apology of a soft coal stove for heating. On cold nights I used to move all the plants into the middle of the room, and wrap them up in newspapers to keep them from freezing or getting chilled. We had an unusually cold, severe winter. I would sleep on the lounge in the room and get up sometimes three or four times a night to replenish the fire, but I succeeded in bringing my plants safely through, while most all of my friends had theirs destroyed. One day as I was looking through Mr. Taintor's garden, I came across a pile of sash and other materials pertaining to a greenhouse structure. I asked him what it was and he told me it was an old greenhouse he had taken down and brought in from his farm. Turning to me, he said: 'I'll sell it to you cheap and you can take your own time in paying for it.' I asked him ' How much?' more for conversation than with any idea of buying it. 'Well,' said he, ' I'll sell it to you for ten dollars and you can pay me when you are able, and there is a quantity of bricks and old lumber out on the farm now which you are welcome to.'

"At the supper table that evening I repeated what Mr. Taintor had said, whereupon my younger brother Bert remarked, 1I tell you what, Ella, you take it, and I will put it up for you, if you will only get those plants out of the house.' (Bert used to be called on to help me move the plants.)

"The next day we went to the farm and inspected the debris there, came home, and concluded to try it. I never could endure anything ugly, and though Bert did a large share of the carpenter work, and I set over half the glass myself, I found it had cost for lumber, glass, nails and putty a trifle over one hundred dollars. This included the labor of a carpenter for three or four days to help Bert. My total cash assets to start with were fifteen cents. The lumber, glass and putty I obtained on credit. I told the parties from whom I got the goods that I could give them no security but 'my word.' But they were very kind, and offered to give me what credit I needed.

"Well, I was one hundred dollars in debt, and no heating apparatus in either. I rigged up, with the help of my brother, an old stove that had been stored in the barn, in one corner of the greenhouse, moved my plants in from the house, went to Mr. Jaynes, told him what I had done, and got credit for plants.

"It was then the last of April or the first of May. I went among my acquaintances, told them I had plants for sale, and solicited orders for hanging baskets, plants, or cut flowers. Every day father was not using his horses I would take one and deliver orders, also take out plants and sell them. To be brief, I cleared my greenhouse of debt by my spring work. I did all the work myself with occasional assistance from my brother. That fall we put in a flue and furnace. My first greenhouse was eleven by eighteen feet, with glass on sides and roof, and adjoining the house. I had tried to do all the work well, that was given me to do, but I was a struggling girl, and I had a hard time of it. When I first thought of gaining my living as a florist, I received a great deal of discouragement from father, he prophesying that 'I would not make a two-cent hat or six-cent calico dress.' He has since changed his opinion.

"The next spring my greenhouses were full of fair market plants. I strove to grow only choice varieties, or something that was not grown in profusion by the other florists; I bought plants in quantity from Mr. Jaynes and others, restocking my houses several times. From the first I have always believed in pushing business, and I went after my orders, instead of waiting for them to come to me; though I always endeavored to keep within the limits of good taste in this direction. That fall I determined to make a bold stroke. I would build a greenhouse large enough to grow my own cut flowers. My brother, who had been away, came home at this time, and we built a greenhouse twenty-two by fifty-five, with a shed twelve by twenty-two at the end, where our furnace was located. This cost about three hundred and fifty dollars. It took two years to pay for it. We also purchased a horse. It was during these two years that I commenced to push 'my floral design' work.

"I was craving for a recognition from the other florists, and I could not see any better way than to meet them on their own ground, on their own level. I have always been most anxious that my work should be judged with man's work, or in other words, on its own merits. My first exhibition was at the State Fair at Columbus.

"I arrived before any of my competitors, and found the flowers pretty badly shaken up. My largest piece, a combination of a heart, anchor and Bible, came to hand turned over on its side.

"Bouquets and baskets were in various stages of perfection and imperfection and decay. I looked at my carefully prepared work and felt blue. But I picked up my spirits and went to work. I had taken the precaution of bringing loose flowers with me, and these I soon utilized, repairing what damage had been done as far as was possible. I received many courtesies from the officials and was placed on the awarding committee for amateurs.

"When I viewed the designs brought in by my competitors I began to be sure I had no chance against fresh flowers, and such excellent work. I was agreeably surprised when I received first premium on hand bouquets, and second on display. The first premium was also given to a woman, Miss Maggie Evans of Columbus, Ohio, who has a great native talent in floral arrangement, and I am glad to say she has been a warm personal friend from the day we were active competitors at the State Fair at Columbus.

"I now made up my mind that if I was to succeed professionally, I must get thoroughly well known and identified with my business. Three or four large wedding orders that were placed in my hands at this time, and in which I was allowed to use my judgment, were more favorably spoken of, and our local press gave me many compliments.

"The next year I exhibited at the Northern Ohio Fair. Here I knew I must meet with the sharpest competition with our old, established florists. It proved to be a hot, dry, sultry day, with just wind enough to keep the dust in motion. The flowers and designs had to be transported over seven miles of dry, dusty roadway before reaching their destination in Floral Hall. On arriving at the grounds the Superintendent of Cut Flower Hall met me and said: ' It's no use, your bringing your flowers here. You can't compete with the designs in there,' indicating with his hand the building occupied by the cut flower department.

"My flowers at that moment arrived, and the florists crowded round to see what I had brought. I could hardly suppress my emotions when I found that, owing to the rough pavements, there were places where the flowers were shaken out almost as large as a man's hat. The other florists had their exhibits entirely in place. And I felt indeed as though ' I could not compete with the designs in there.' It was then five o'clock, and I worked until dark, when my brother and the Superintendent took turns holding lighted matches for me to see by. The premiums were to be awarded the next morning; but so discouraged did I feel that I could not be induced to visit the grounds. (I must confess to a good, hard cry.) But mother and brother went out, and I stayed at home and worked, and worked, and chided myself for my presumption in thinking I could compete with those who had so much better facilities in skilled labor and choice flowers. By the time they had returned at night, I had worked myself into a proper submissive mood to receive the news I expected them to bring. Mother came in, and sitting down, said, 'Well,' in answer to my inquiring look, and drew forth from her pocket a yellow piece of card-board and handed it to me. I thought she was teasing me, and said . 'Mother, how can you!' I still thought she had palmed off a bit of useless card-board on me. 'Read it,' said she, and through my tears I managed to read — '1st premium.' Even then I could scarcely believe the good news.  'Mother,' said I, 'you are unkind.' 'Why, it's yours, child. 'Twas on the table design when we got there.'

"Can you imagine my feelings? From one extreme I rushed to the other. I was wild with joy. I hugged mother. I waltzed around the room like a crazy girl. I had been weighed and not been found wanting! I had ideas! I had come out victorious in a fair and square test with those who had every facility at their command. I have passed through other such scenes since, but the most exciting test of abilities would not raise me to such a fever of delirium as that first public acknowledgment of my success in competing with our old and well-established florists.

"Not the least pleasant feature of the exhibition was, that on the following day some of the competing florists came to me and said, 'You have won it fairly! It belongs to you rightfully.'

"All our papers spoke in praise of my efforts, and it was the means of giving me a general introduction to the public as a commercial florist.

"Soon after this I received an invitation from Col. Fogg, editor of the Herald, to go to Cincinnati as a special correspondent to write up the floral features of the Exposition there. Here I was in my element, though in a new field. A floral reporter! It opened up new means for self improvement which I endeavored to improve to the uttermost. I believe there is no better means of self-education than to write on live issues and new ideas; to catch events before they become old. It was a red letter day when I saw my first letter in print, and by carefully noting what errors had been committed, and avoiding them afterward, I found by the fourth or fifth letter that they were printed verbatim.

"Two years afterward my brother went into business with me, and we erected a larger ' forcing house.' This was built running east and west with a long slope facing the south. Peter Henderson's Practical Floriculture, presented by Mr. Taintor, was our text book. At this time we had the pleasure of an acquaintance with Mr. John Thorpe, now so well known as the president of our Society of American Florists. Mr. Thorpe is a friend to struggling young florists: such we found him, always willing to give information, and a walking encyclopaedia of useful information pertaining to floral subjects. Our new house was located on a strip of land we bought next to father's, and is the property we-are now occupying.

"The house was planted to Roses, and Bert had unusual success with them, considering that the heating was done by flues. In fact this house at the present writing is in full leaf and blossom, with not an insect or a speck of mildew to be found. In 1881 my brother left me to enter business in Chicago, and from that time to the present I have given my personal care to all departments of the business. In 1884 I built a long-wished for addition, our new office and greenhouse. This last was built for tropical and decorative plants.

"For some years I have done all the watering of my greenhouses, believing that by so doing I could keep track of all the little things that go to make up the sum total of success. I find, also, that watering is one of the most important operations connected with the practical running of a greenhouse. To give or withhold water from different plants at different times of the year requires experience and the nicest judgment, not only for different plants, but also for the different stages of the same plant.

"In regard to the future of woman in horticulture, I regard it as bright. Any woman can do what I have done, and better if she has capital and experience. For I have worked at a disadvantage in regard to both. Last Christmas I employed eight or ten girls and two young men.

"I must not forget to mention in conclusion the very material aid and help I have received from a lady who has been my true friend. When financial skies looked dark or some very much-needed improvement needed to be made, she has given me help in the shape of loans, at six per cent interest, with the privilege of paying it back in easy payments. And more than this, she has placed liberal orders with me, and so gave me real help — the privilege of earning the money she so kindly loaned me. Would that more would loan from their plenty, not give, to struggling beginners who are straining every nerve to make a success of life."

But Mrs. Campbell has not referred to some of her signal successes. So let me mention one or two. For instance: When President Garfield's body was brought to Cleveland for burial, the streets of the city were, of course, to be beautifully decorated with arches, and all that money and taste could do to make the city worthy to honor its great statesman, was to be thoroughly done. Mrs. Campbell received notice on Thursday noon, that she had been designated to superintend much of the floral work. She began at eight in the evening, with a force of picked men and girls, upon whom she could rely, and slept but two hours each night until the streets were made ready for the passing of the solemn procession. Her designs were original and elaborate, yet with beautiful breadth of effect. Each arch was impressive, all the commemorative lettering distinct and symmetrical. The verdict of the press was: "Every piece is a work of art, and will bear the closest inspection."

Quite recently she has bestowed a pleasure upon the public, in the form of a " chrysanthemum show," having over two hundred varieties upon exhibition. A similar exhibition of choice roses was given last year, some of them so rare and so beautiful as to bring five dollars for a single blossom. At the National gathering of the American Horticulturists, in 1886, Mrs. Campbell carried off many of the honors; she received the first premium for best floral designs, as also the first premium for the best collection of cut flowers; the second prize for the best collection of gladioli, the second for dahlias, the second for geraniums, and the second for begonias in pots. One of her floral designs, much admired there, was a dainty white parasol of carnations with a lining of bright scarlet Lady Emma's. The exterior was decorated with a drapery of Le France roses, and lilies with delicate ferns, the whole supported by a standard of tropical ferns.

Mrs. Campbell is celebrated for her decorations for fine weddings; she is not only an artistic originator, but is also a constant student, experimenting and combining, and also has developed the business tact and talent to "win trade" which she holds by her genuine courtesy and candor, and her painstaking to give satisfaction. No order however small misses of her personal attention.

These are the business-rules framed and hung in her office:

Advertise thoroughly.

    Carry the best stock.

Sell at small profits.

    Improve every opportunity to increase trade.

Her books are kept with system. She is quick to act, and accommodates herself to the taste and wishes and need of her smallest customer.

Mrs. Campbell has made a specialty of carpet beds in lawns, and many beautiful grounds in Cleveland and other cities are indebted to her originality in designs for their attractions.

And yet this successful florist, this thorough business-woman, is scarcely yet out of her girlhood, a slight, fragile creature. Other women, too, are succeeding as florists.

Mrs. Harris Jaynes, the widow of the florist who first employed Mrs. Campbell, has, since her husband's death, managed the business with the aid of her two sons. She has seven greenhouses, with fifty thousand feet of glass, cultivates nine acres of grasses and flowers, and employs nearly a dozen persons. Miss Bristol of Topeka, Kans., Mrs. Packard of Quincy, Mass., Mrs. Shuster of Brooklyn, N. Y., and many others are known as prosperous florists. Miss Merriman of Beacon street, Boston, has for seven years been a successful flower-grower and flower-trader, the first woman to engage in this business in that city, I believe. The oldest florists in Boston said, "We will give her six months to go under;" but their predictions have failed. She admits that the working hours are long, the cares of the business many, but she has no thought of abandoning it.

Why is not this an ideal industry for women? The more flower-growing the better, the more lovely our homes, the more refined our nation.

The following book is a masterpiece of advertising for the three contributors!  The engraver was A. Blanc (more about A.B. 1, 2), who specialized in horticultural engravings (and whose work I admire), the editor owned a print shop that specialized in printing horticultural works, and Mrs. Campbell was promoting her business. The examples by her are funeral arrangements. 

Floral Designs: a Hand-book for Cut-flower Workers and Florists; compiled by J. Horace McFarland, Including Practical Hints on Floral Work by Mrs. Ella Grant Campbell    1888

Notice Albert Blanc's thorough attribution at the lower right.

The link above goes to the great full color high quality scan.  However, the poorer scan at Google Books was inscribed by Ella herself!!!!   I love finding inscriptions of interest!! I wonder if this "friend and patron" is the lady mentioned in Ms. Ella's article.

Here are a few bits more from Floral Design, the ads at that back.  There were ads from other people, too.

Jennings Avenue changed name to 14th St. in 1910 I found out,

 so I haven't a clue what has become of her company address.

I found a lovely book by  Ella Grant Wilson, whose passion was knowing everything about her neighborhood, which she considered to be Euclid Avenue, Cleveland.  It turned out this was Ella in her second marriage. I am reading her book and find it very interesting. It is chatty, not civic, in style...much more a gossip over tea than a paean to the Cleveland well-to-do.  The woman had a mind that wove together the lives of all the people she knew into a perfect sample of Cleveland life around the turn of the century.

Here are the facts of  her life that turned up after I knew her name as Wilson.

WILSON, ELLA GRANT - The Encyclopedia of Cleveland History

WILSON, ELLA GRANT (7 Sept. 1854-16 Dec. 1939), florist and author who wrote about EUCLID AVE.'s "Millionaires' Row," was born Ella Lawton Grant in Jersey City, N.J., to Gilbert W. and Susan Lawton and came to Cleveland when she was 6. With $10 savings and $100 borrowed, she started a business of floral decorations. Wilson arranged over 300 weddings and 1,000 funerals, including JAS. A. GARFIELD†'s funeral in Cleveland. Her position as a florist gained her entry into the homes of Cleveland's wealthiest and most prominent citizens. Wilson designed floral arrangements for 18 years for the Chamber of Commerce and HOLLENDEN HOTEL. When a cyclone destroyed her greenhouse on 22 Apr. 1909 and nearly buried her son, she got out of the business. She went to work again in 1918, as garden editor for the PLAIN DEALER, remaining in that position 6 years. In 1929, Wilson began a new career. She had collected and maintained a huge series of scrapbooks of the history of Cleveland, and with them began a series of articles in Sunday magazine of the Plain Dealerdealing with Cleveland and Euclid Ave. The articles became the basis of the first of 2 volumes on Millionaires' Row entitled Famous Old Euclid Avenue. The first volume contained anecdotes, history, biographies, and geography of Euclid Ave. from E. 30th to E. 79th streets. Her second volume, published in 1937, continued the story to E. 105th St. Wilson married twice. Her first marriage was on 25 Dec. 1880 to Jas. A. Campbell; they divorced in 1888. Her second marriage was to Chas. H. Wilson on 29 July 1891. Wilson had 5 children from her second marriage: Pansy, Helen, Carl, Fern, and Earnest.

  

And here is her book, Vol.2:

RECOLLECTIONS BY ELLA GRANT WILSON - FAMOUS OLD EUCLID AVENUE OF CLEVELAND - AT ONE TIME CALLED THE MOST BEAUTIFUL STREET IN THE WORLD 

  

She wrote about everyone on it!  Relying on her 600 scrapbooks of information she wrote this book in 1935.

The Ella Campbell name surfaced once in her writing in the following - 

"Next we come to the elaborate mansion built by Stewart H. Chisholm, originally numbered 957 Euclid, later changed to 1006 and now bearing No. 3730 Euclid Avenue, and occupied by Banks-Baldwin Law Publishing Company, which has cleaned the building outside and left the arrangement of the rooms identically as they were. Let us go back to the days when this home was designated as 957 Euclid and quote a newspaper description of a brilliant affair held there: 

"The elegant residence of Stewart H. Chisholm on Euclid Avenue was thrown open last evening to Cleveland society en masse. Nearly six hundred guests had responded to the invitations of Mr. and Mrs. Chisholm, ..."

..."This room (which refers to the library) also holds a small but very truthful picture of the 'Stable' by W. J. Vorgaard. A very large and very lovely painting hangs in the parlor, 'Sappho' by Favfanie, and in the library is a realistic design in oil of 'The Mountaineer,' by Edward Young. The ballroom is a handsomely appointed hall, and was, late in the evening, a brilliant scene of beauty. The toilettes worn by the lady guests were exceedingly elegant, and the floral decorations of the room added their charm to the scene. Music was furnished by Germania Orchestra, the floral decorations were the work of Mrs. Ella Grant Campbell, and in the dining room, refreshments were served by Weisgerber."...

To view more photos of her floral work and the people that ordered them go to the Cleveland Plain Dealer slideshow.

I also was interested to read of Garfield's funeral (Euclid Avenue features here as well), and, perhaps, you will be also...the sentence that caught my attention was, "There was no a street or an alley without mourning emblems, and the streets would have been deserted but for the sightseers from the country, who came to see the funeral decorations."

THE FUNERAL OF PRESIDENT GARFIELD.

The funeral of President Garfield took place on Monday, at Cleveland, Ohio. The body remained in the Rotunda at the Capitol, at Washington, till_ the 23rd inst., and was visited by enormous numbers of people, as many, it is estimated, as 200,000 having passed through the room. Among the floral offerings, which were very numerous and beautiful, was a wreath sent from the British Embassy in the name of Queen Victoria, at her Majesty’s request. ‘It was composed of white roses, smilax, and stephanotis, and bore a card With the inscription, “ Queen Victoria to the memory of the late President Garfield, an expression of her sorrow and her sympathy with Mrs. Garfield and the American nation.” At noon on the 23rd, the Rotunda was closed to the public while Mrs. Garfield and her family took their farewell look at the coffin. A funeral service was then celebrated in presence of President Arthur, General Grant, members of the Cabinet, the diplomatic bodies, and senators and members of the House of Representatives. The coffin was then removed to a hearse and conveyed to the railway station, the roads being thronged by large masses of people, who all stood with uncovered heads. The funeral train consisted of four carriages, one for the body, open at the sides and exposing the with to view; the others were occupied by Mrs. Garfield, her family, and the friends of the President, the Cabinet, the cit-Presidents, and physicians of President Garfield. President Arthur did not leave \Vashington. Great crowds were in waiting at all the towns and cities through which the train passed. At some places the line was strewn with flowers. In the larger cities thousands assembled. The stations were draped in black, bells were tolled, and salutes fired. In the open Country the spectators assembled on the sides of the railway with uncnvered heads, some even kneeling. The fact that the journey was for the most part performed by night did not tend to make the demonstrations any less marked and general. Thousands of people remained sleepless, or left their beds, to pay honour to the remains of the President. All the floral decorations were taken off the coffin before its removal with the exception of the wreath ordered to be made by Queen Victoria, which lay on the head of the coffin during the whole journey, and was only removed at the grave. The train reached Cleveland about one o’clock on Saturday morning. On its arrival a. procession was formed, and marched to the square, where the coflin was placed under a magnificent pavilion erected for the purpose. General Garfield’s portrait was placed above the coffin, it being decided that the remains should not be exposed to view. The entire square was illuminated by electric lights. Throughout Sunday and far into the night a constant stream of spectators passed through the pavilion in which the body was placed. Many were in tears, and many women Sobbed. By midnight it was estimated that 100,000 persons had passed. The train conveying the representatives of the press from Washington to Cleveland ran into a car, and six persons were killed by the accident.

The funeral services began at ten o’clock on Monday morning. They were very simpie, consisting of the singing of hymns by the vocal societies, the reading of Scripture, prayer, and an address by the Rev. Isaac Everitt, an old friend of President Garfield. The procession was very long and impressive, and was marshalled in nine divisions of military and civic societies, comprising nearly ten thousand men. 

A notable feature was President Garfield’s old regiment, the 42nd Ohio Volunteers. Among the distinguished persons in the procession were ex-President Hayes, the Chief Justice and Associate Justices of the Supreme Court, Generals Sherman and Sheridan, the governors of nearly all the States, many United States Senators and Congressmen, the members of President Garfield’s Cabinet, ex-Secretary Evarts, and many army and navy officers. The pall-bearers were chosen from among the intimate and personal friends of the deceased. The funeral car was of elaborate construction, being a platform 8ft. by 16 ft., with heavy black draping expending to the ground, bordered with silver fringe, relieved by folds of white silk. The casket rested on an ample dais, with the Queen’s wreath surmounting the coffin. 

The car was drawn by twelve black horses, and a way had to be cleared for it through the stately trees which line the Euclid Avenue. Minute guns were fired during the march to the cemetery, which is five miles from the city. Nearly the entire distance there were solid masses of people on both sides of the road, who stood with uncovered heads and tearful eyes while the solemn procession passed. At the grave, Chaplain H. Jones, of the 42nd Ohio Regiment, officiated. He offered up a brief but earnest prayer, and after that there was some singing of sacred music by the German singing societies, and the Benediction was pronounced by President Hinsdale, of Hiram College. 

Mr. Garfield’s wife and mother and children attended the funeral ceremonies at the pavilion. They drove to the grave behind the funeral car. The estimates of the numbers who witnessed the procession extend to 250,000. Many in the procession, which was two hours in passing a given point, were totally exhausted by the heat and fatigue. The day was observed as a day of mourning throughout the Union, and services were held in all the churches. New York was as quiet as on a Sunday, business of every kind being suspended. There was no a street or an alley without mourning emblems, and the streets would have been deserted but for the sightseers from the country, who came to see the funeral decorations.

No one (the New York correspondent of the Standard says) seems to know how long the period of mourning will or ought to be extended. This may lead to very awkward consequences. On Tuesday night a theatre opened its doors, the justification being that the funeral services were over, and that therefore it was not indecorous to proceed with the performance. The result was that in an incredibly short time a furious mob assembled in front of the building and threatened to burn it to the ground. It was with the utmost difficulty that their indignation was assuaged or that the police persuaded them to disperse...