278 Cornell Extension Bulletin ii 



King. The name Grenadier had been used previously by both Viknorin 

 and Lemoine. The next oldest name is thus Velvet King. Mr. Crawford, 

 who originated the variety William Mason some twenty years ago, does 

 not believe this is the same variety as the above-mentioned. However, 

 on the trial groimds, the variety William Mason from Crawford, from 

 Mallory & Brown, and from Teas was identical with Grenadier from 

 Huntington and Velvet King from Vaughan. It is interesting to note 

 that several other names have been applied to this variety, namely, Emma 

 (by Coblentz), Richmond Red (by Teas), and Sidney Grant (by Ruff). 



Under such circtmistances, no matter how the question of a variety 

 name is settled, some one feels that an injustice has been done. 

 Nevertheless some authority must be vested in the Nomenclature 

 Committee, else its existence is useless. It is now determined wise to 

 submit, through the leading florists' pubHcations, the names and descrip- 

 tions of varieties before they are finally named. In this way any ques- 

 tion of priority of name and individuality of variety can be openly 

 discussed previous to final judgment. 



METHODS USED IN TESTING AND DESCRIBING VARIETIES 



When a variety is received for trial purposes, the name is copied on 

 a fihng card, together with the name of the donor, the date received, 

 and if possible a short description of the variety as given by the firm from 

 which the stock has been received. In the latitude of Ithaca planting 

 can hardly be done before April 30, and often not until early May. Each 

 year a new piece of ground is chosen for the planting in order to escape 

 the possibility of disease due to a previous crop. The rows are plowed 

 out about seven to eight inches deep and three and one-half feet apart. 

 As the soil is a rather heavy clay loam, it is thought best not to plant 

 deeper. With a shovel the furrows are made a little more level, and the 

 loose limips are removed. The varieties are placed one to each numbered 

 stake, the corms standing approximately seven inches apart. 



About a week after planting, according to weather conditions, the 

 crust is broken over the rows in order that the young shoots may easily 

 reach the surface of the soil. A coarse-toothed surfacer has been found 

 to be about the best tool for this purpose. The particular tool used on 

 the trial grounds resembles a rake except that it has only three long 

 teeth. Up to the time of blooming, cultivation is continued both by 

 horse and with the hoe. 



Each day as the varieties come into bloom they are noted on the 

 description blanks. Since the first bloom is often hardly characteristic 

 in color and markings, the flower characters are noted several days after 

 the first one opens. 



