THE GLADIOLUS. 



A search, be it ever so painstaking and complete, of the 

 floral kingdom, will discover no flower of such easy culture, 

 embracing the great range of color with endless combinations 

 and variety, to equal the Gladiolus. Although called the 

 people's flower, it to-day is practically unknown to both the 

 amateur and average grower, and I claim for the newer hy- 

 brids greater beauty and more exquisite coloring than 

 in any other garden ornament. Even the orchids fail to equal 

 it, excepting in durability as a cut flower, and here the Gladi- 

 olus excels all others. 



For the best results, cut the spike when the first flower opens 

 and bloom in the house. This treatment is also beneficial to the 

 bulb. 



Varieties of the Gladiolus are now numbered by thousands, 

 but comparatively few possess sufficient vitality to reproduce 

 characteristic flowers; the same may be said of self-fertilized 

 seedlings. This makes my selected collections of special value 

 and advantage to the buyer, and not afforded by any other 

 grower. The process of selection also assures the best possible 

 results in the hybridized seedlings listed herein. 



In this catalogue is presented to the progressive amateur, as 

 well as the scientist, the most valuable varieties, collections and 

 mixtures offered in the world. They are selected with the view 

 of giving the critical grower unequalled value and satisfaction. 



The only bulbs, blooming size, sent out are first quality old, 

 and strong bulblet grown. The latter are the best value and 

 produce the finest flowers this season and next. These and 

 smaller sizes are kept for my own growing, in preference to the 

 largest matured corms. No second size or cull old bulbs are sent 

 out at any price — they never give satisfaction. 



The brief cultural instructions condensed herein are sufficient 

 for general use. Special conditions of soil and climate should 

 be made the subject of correspondence. 



