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 ts 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 until 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 heat- 
ing, 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. 
4^ ^( 4^ 
The GroflF's Hybrids I had of you last spring gave the best results of 
any bulbs I have yet used. The flowers were beautiful ; the finest Gladioli 
I have ever seen. I will want some more next spring. Send me a cat- 
alogue. 
New York. FRANK C. HERRICK. 
^ ^ 4* ^ ^ 
I wish to tell you that it has never been my privilege to see Gladioli in 
all my experience like those grown from bulbs yon sent me last spring. 
They were extremely large and handsome in form and color. 
Massachusetts, Nov. 23d, 1903. REV. J. A. L . 
I have just finished taking up my bulbs and wish to say that the 
GroflF's Hybrid Seedlings gave entire satisfaction and made a fine display, 
please send me yom catalogue as soon as published. 
Illinois, Nov. 7th, 1903. H. H. G . 
14 
