Page:The Tales of a Traveller.djvu/45

Rh At Knoxville, Tenn., a similar change has taken place. The antiquated little range of houses with which C. L. Baum started out a number of years ago has long since been demolished. Instead an extensive range of glass, modern in every respect, has been erected. I have known C. L. Baum for a number of years, and aside from his many other qualifications he possesses that of perpetual youth. Mr. Baum never seems to change, the years weighing but lightly upon his head. And his youthful spirit keeps pace with his youthful appearance. (Perhaps the first is responsible for the second.) Since enlarging and modernizing his place Mr. Baum has grown very successfully Carnations, Roses, and orchids. He likewise grows quantities of Lilies and all sorts of bulbous stock. His loyalty to the interests of the S. A. F. and O. H. has won the recognition of the society and he is now one of its directors. Not only does he consider it his duty to attend every annual convention himself, but he likewise strives to induce other members of the society to accompany him on those pilgrimages. The organization of the Florists' Club of Knoxville is largely due to his efforts.

Mr. Baum's loyalty and devotion is not limited only to his human friends, but they are carried to the lower animals as well. In his younger days he purchased a young and faithful horse. In consideration of the many services of this animal, or as he himself expressed it, in consideration of the fact that the horse helped him make his living in his less affluent days, he considers it his duty to pension the horse, to feed him on Clover and oats for the rest of his life.

In his greenhouses he has the able assistance of his younger son, a young man of about nineteen, giving much promise as a horticulturist. His magnificent store in town is under the very efficient management of his older son Karl, whose constant alertness to introduce new ideas contributes to the growing success of the concern.

Mr. McNutt has succeeded C. W. Crouch; I made his acquaintance at a much later date. From all appearances Mr. McNutt will prove a very worthy successor to Mr. Crouch, whose success is a matter of general knowledge in that section of the country. Mr. McNutt will continue the business along the same lines as his predecessor, improving upon it as conditions may require.

In Atlanta, Ga., generally conceded to be the New York of the South, great changes have taken place during the same period of time. The C. A. Dahl Co. has expanded in a manner that is simply surprising. Its greenhouse range is a model of modern equipment, and the company's very beautiful store holds its own with any of the finest in the country. Mr. Thompson, the general manager, deserves much credit for the success of this company.

The Wachendorf Brothers, an old established firm, have likewise expanded, and are doing a good business. They have made numerous improvements, and are keeping abreast of the times. I might go on indefinitely, speaking of many other southern cities, and the valued friendships I have formed in my travels through them; but what I have said before will suffice to illustrate in general southern progress.

Founding of the S. A. F. and O. H.

One of the most potent factors in the growth and development of the florist industry in this country was the founding of the Society of American Florists and Ornamental Horticulturists, and the hearty co-operation of all its members to make it a live and flourishing organization. Its influence upon the trade cannot be overestimated. There is after all nothing like an interchange of views and opinions upon matters concerning the interests of the members of an organization. When people are brought closer together, and acquaintanceships are formed, acquaintanceships that often ripen into permanent friendships, good results