nig fertilizer at time of planting, make the trench 
deep enough to put one or two inches of dirt on top 
of the fertilizer. If you are using commercial plant 
food, you can cover the bulbs almost to the top of 
trench and then spread at the rate of four or five 
pounds to a 100-foot row. Water or rains will wash 
it down to the roots. 
When spikes are just ready to bloom another ap¬ 
plication spread close to the row will make finer 
blooms. Cultivate often—at least after each rain. 
Do not allow crust to form on top. A garden rake 
used often is the best tool. You may rake through 
the row until the spikes are too high. If you have 
liquid fertilizer, an application just as the spikes are 
showing through the leaves will be very beneficial. 
TO SAVE WEEDING 
When covering bulbs, hill up the dirt over them so 
the gTound is a little higher than between the row. 
When the first weeds appear or when crust forms, 
rake off level. The next time you rake, hill up the 
row again. What small weeds are not killed by rak¬ 
ing will be smothered by the dirt. If raking is done 
with care you will not damage spikes and you will 
save much hand labor. Try this on your other garden 
crops. We rarely have any use for a hoe. 
LETTERS FROM THOSE WHO HAVE GROWN 
OR SEEN OUR FLOWERS AND BULBS 
Silver City, Iowa 
Waterloo Gladiola Farm 
Waterloo Iowa 
Dear Sirs: 
I saw your lovely display of gladiolus at the Iowa State 
Fair and am interested in getting some bulbs. Would like to 
get one of your latest catalogs very soon. Thanking you, I 
remain 
Yours truly, 
Signed — A. S. 
Spencer, N. C. 
Dear Sips: 
As I was visiting the World’s Fair the other week I no¬ 
ticed your beautiful gladiolus in bloom there and I want to 
purchase some of them for next year. Please send me your 
prices and catalogue. 
Yours very truly. 
Signed — Mrs. E. L. B. 
19 
