conclusion that here is the florist of the future, who will do things knowingly, intelligently, and effectively. Max is quite enthusiastic about his work, and unlike many a young man of his financial and social position, he has no time nor use for idleness. Early in the morning he is on his job at Lancaster. Of late he has taken up the work of cross-hybridization, and it is not unlikely that Lancaster will be heard from some day, in the way of meritorious novelties.
S. A. Anderson
S. A. Anderson is another notable of Buffalo. Starting in a florist store many years ago in the capacity of errand boy, young Anderson (and he is still a young man) realized the opportunity and possibility of embarking in business on his own account. With the indomitable courage characteristic of the man, he persevered against odds, and came out on top. His store on Main street is a veritable beehive of business activity. Several years ago he acquired the greenhouses on Elmwood avenue, at one time belonging to Joseph Rebstock; and there he grows ferns, Cyclamen, Begonia Lorraine and Cincinnati, and other plants, for his own use as well as for the wholesale market. A branch store in connection with his greenhouses has been recently established; and this, too, has proved a successful venture.
Postmaster William F. Kasting
And there was Postmaster William Kasting. Who has not heard about Postmaster Kasting, a man of will power and ambition, who invariably "got there" when he made up his mind to do so? Years ago, William F. Kasting acquired his experience at various floral establishments in different parts of the country. Then he drifted to Buffalo. Daniel B. Long, at one time one of the leading florists in Buffalo, conceived the idea of launching a wholesale florists' commission business. Young Kasting applied for the position as clerk, and got it. I do not know at what salary he was taken on, but it does not matter here. Kasting, as I said before, was ambitious. He thought he could conduct a business of his own, and Buffalo was the place for the enterprise.
One day he disclosed his plans to Mr. Long himself. The latter thought the matter over, and concluded it would be advisable to transfer his interest to Kasting rather than have a competitor in him.
He prospered from the start. His business soon expanded, and he became well known throughout many sections of the country. But Mr. Kasting's ambition did not stop at that. Politics seemed inviting. There were opportunities in that direction, as well as honors. He had the self-confidence and the determination needed. His attempts to get into one office or another at first met with no success, though in no instance was he ever defeated by big majorities. It was, as they express it in political circles, "always a close vote." But he persevered, and his efforts at last were crowned with success. He was appointed to the post-mastership of Buffalo, and he retained the position to the day of his death. [Mr. Kasting died suddenly on June 15, 1916, at St. Louis.]
"Nuisance" of Flower Bargain Counter Sales
A great deal of discussion has been going on from time to time at various florists' clubs all over the country, regarding the "nuisance" of flower bargain counter sales. The subject indeed is one that engages the attention of every florist throughout the land, both retail man and grower. Is it advisable to offer cut flowers to the people at cut prices? Like any other question of great interest to people directly concerned in it, opinions pro and con are expressed on all sides. On the one hand, it is contended that cut flowers represent a luxury; and the value of a luxury is enhanced by its price. In other words, it is said that if you cheapen an article, it loses its value and attractiveness to the public, and that in order to maintain the interest of the public in the article offered, its price must be kept
