character and self-reliance. No drummer, no matter how hardened, and much less a young drummer, just out in quest of new business, could possibly swerve Mr. Lange if he said no. He meant just what he said, and there was no appeal from his decree. He was also one of those men who, while giving his close attention to his business, never became engrossed in it to the extent of excluding all other interests in life. He was a sportsman in the fullest sense of the word, taking a keen interest in gentlemen's games of all sorts. He was especially fond of his rifle and at conventions of the S. A. F. and O. H. he was always among the best target shots, bringing down clay pigeons one after another without a hitch.
My efforts to sell to him at first met with no success. But I persisted, not so much for the sake of the possible business, as because I admired the man. Men of real merit, whether we gain favor with them or not, command our respect in spite of ourselves. Ungratified self-interest is not potent to overcome our spontaneous admiration for sterling quality when we meet it. But after a time Mr. Lange relented a little in my favor, and gave me part of his business.
Since the death of Mr. Lange, Albert and Carl have continued the good work, and have continued it well, too. Their business is regarded as one of the largest and most prosperous in the New England States. Albert, the head of the concern, divides his attention between the greenhouses and store, while Carl pays exclusive attention to the store. Following the example of their father, they deem it wise not to enslave themselves entirely to their business. The fishing-rod and the gun give them many an hour of pleasure during the dull business months of the Summer, among the lakes and forests of the State of Maine.
Another old-timer in Worcester, and a man whom I have always regarded as one of my best friends, is H. F. Littlefield. Years back, Mr. Littlefield was a knight of the grip himself, representing growers and other allied concerns in the New England States. Tiring of the road, Mr. Littlefield pitched his business tent in his native city, Worcester, and, as might have been expected from a man of his energy and business ability, he made a success of his venture. He has built up a large business. His greenhouse range and his store in the heart of the city show even to the casual observer that the man at the head of them is wide-awake. Remembering, from his own experience on the road, how a buyer may encourage or dampen the spirits of a traveling man, he has always a kind word for every man in the fraternity that pays him a visit. Nor do I know of any instance where a traveling man would have to leave his place entirely empty-handed. Such men are true exponents of the Golden Rule.
In Framingham, Mass., my old friend Nicholson is still active and alert, taking a deep interest in all things floricultural; and despite his age, he attends almost every convention, where he is fond of meeting his old friends from every section. A few years ago he transferred his greenhouses to his son William, who has enlarged the place, adding an immense greenhouse. William is a successful grower, as well as an enterprising business man. His father can rest secure in the knowledge that the business he built up will continue to grow.
S. J. Goddard, another friend of mine in Framingham, belongs to a later generation of florists. At one time he was in the employ of Mr. Nicholson, but a number of years ago he saw a chance for himself, and started in business on his own account. Mr. Goddard has truly made a success. At first confining himself to the wholesale market in Boston, he gradually drifted into the retail line, until at present he has a fine retail business in Framingham. Mr. Goddard ranks among the best growers in New England.
My acquaintance with Mr. Midgley of the Worcester Conservatories dates back to the time of the introduction of the "Enchantress" Carnation. Mr. Midgley, prior to his connection with the Worcester Conservatories, was an amateur
