GREETING 
TO OUR FRIENDS: PAST, PRESENT AND COMING 
Despite the war, the "dahlia bug" is flourishing-. Of course, this does not 
refer to the insect, but to the human dahlia bug, who has continued to mul- 
tiply notwithstanding world conditions. 
Before the armistice was announced, many a dahlia lover, called to serve 
his country, has told us on giving his order for bulbs: "I do not expect to 
see them bloom, but the women folks must have flowers to cheer them in my 
absence." 
And to you, who have hesitated, let us advise you not to forget to keep 
the liome gardens growing as well as the home lires burning to greet the 
heroes on their return. 
There is no flower like the dahlia. Its season of blooming is longer than 
any of its rivals, and at a time of the year when other garden blooms have 
faded. No other flower has such a wealth of color, such a variety of form; 
nor does any other plant, if given a . little care, reward the gardener with 
such a bountiful harvest of blossoms. 
The best dahlias in the world today are originated in California; none 
eciual them in size or color. Holland must take a back seat, for the Dutch 
stock last year was very inferior to the home products. 
Prizes? Oh, yes; as usual we won more prizes last season than any 
other grower, although we exhibited only in the Palace Hotel show, which 
was given by the Dahlia Society of California. Sixteen awards for seventeen 
entries were our share. Also we received an overwhelming vote of commen- 
dation as growers of the most popular dahlia — the "Osam Shudow." 
The splendid "Jane Selby" again won for us the society's Gold Medal for 
the best fifty blooms, and we had the honor, for the second time, of receiving 
Mrs. Samuel H. Taft's prize. Last year it was a lovely Rookwood vase, 
given for the best six blooms of an unnamed seedling, the winner to be 
named — "Mabel B. Taft." 
Another award was the pretty silver cup offered by William Hill for the 
best twelve decorative blooms. Also there were medals awarded to us for 
other "firsts." 
Our chief joy was in the tremendous vote given for our dahlia the Osam 
Shudow. It evinced the public's appreciation of a dahlia student who gave 
freely of his wide knowledge of the flower to all dahlia growers, both ama- 
teur and professional. Mr. Shudow was connected with this farm from its 
inception until his untimely death last June, and we take this opportunity 
to pay tribute to his genius, which did much to make a little beginning 
develop into a successful dahlia business. 
EHZADKni W. LYMBERY, 
Formerly Bessie BoiiilMn. 
OKDEH EAUIiY — Early orders are solicited to prevent disapiiointment in 
case the variety desired should be sold out. 
EORWARIJliXC; — We begin to ship our tubers from February 1st unless 
otherwise oi'dered. We prertay all retail orders when accompanied by' cash.' 
GUARAJVTEE — We guarantee that all dahlia tubers or plants sent are 
true to name. 
SUBSTITUTION — We do not substitute unless expressly noted, or by per- 
missicm; but it is well to mention a few varieties tliat "you are willing to 
have substituted should some of those selected by you be .sold out. 
PRICES — The following prices are for field grown divided tubers. 
CUI/TURE — Dahlias can be planted from March until July. In every box 
we sliip, we enclose full directions for growing. " ' ' 
VISITORS — Are always welcome at our farm, especially in blossom time. 
liOCATlOiX — The farm is located on the State Highway, near Tilton ave- 
nue, San Mateo. Take car at Fifth and Market streets, San Francisco- get otT 
at Tiilon avenue; walk two blocks west. 
