Another feature that points towards exceptional vigor is the freedom 

 with which the plants produce their cormels; with no other varieties, as 

 grown here, can there be so rapid an increase from parent stock. 



It has been remarked that the Gladiolus is most useful as a cut flower, 

 and that is, or should be, its proper sphere. That the demand for it as 

 a cut flower is increasing each year is a fact, though city florists have 

 ideas to the contrary. It must be remembered that while city florists are 

 enjoying their dull season, the Summer resorts are in full swing and the 

 Gladiolus is in the height of its beauty. It is from the latter places that 

 the chief demand comes, and tmtil there is some flower grown that can be 

 had cheaper and will last longer the Gladiolus will reign supreme and the 

 demand for it will increase year by year. 



To accommodate the immense number of corms through the Winter 

 season large storehouses are necessary. Mr. Cowee has two of these 

 houses on the farm, each 96 x 27 feet, and two stories high, piped for 

 heating, and lighted with electricity. 



Besides lighting the establishment with electricity, Mr. Cowee has his 

 residence fully lighted (some 27 lamps are in use) by this illuminant. 



There is also a saw-mill where the boards for all his crates are sawn 

 from logs. 



His brother, W. J. Cowee, has here several machines making wired 

 tooth-picks, and the power is derived from a small stream of water which 

 flows from the reservoir built for irrigation purposes. Incidentally, there 

 has been no need for irrigating the Gladiolus fields this year. 



Before concluding, we must remark that Meadowvale Farm is an ideal 

 place to spend a Summer's day. The beauty of the Gladiolus fields, and 

 the genial hospitality of Mr. and Mrs. Cowee make the visit one to be 

 long remembered. 



***** 



In the opinion of experts on the matter of hybridizing the Gladiolus, 

 Mr. GrofT, of Simcoe, Canada, stands foremost in the world at this work." 



WAIKATO ARGUS, New Zealand. 

 ***** 



I wish to tell you that it has never been my privilege to see Gladioli in ' 

 all my experience like those grown from bulbs you sent me last spring. 

 They were extremely large and handsome in form and color. 



Massachusetts, Nov. 23d, 1903. REV. J. A. L . 



***** 



T have just finished taking up my bulbs and wish to say that the 

 Groff's Hybrid Seedlings gave entire satisfaction and made a fine display, 

 please send me your catalogue as soon as published. 



Illinois, Nov. 7th, 1903. H. H. G . 



14 



