HOWARD E. GATES 
FAMOUS CACTUS GARDENS 
119 S. ILLINOIS STREET 
ANAHEIM. CALIFORNIA 
May 5, 1836. 
Dear Friends: 
We must apologize to many, as you asked for 
our catalogue long ago. We expected to have it 
mailed out by March 15, but owing to difficulties 
with a dilatory printer, which resulted in our 
giving the work to another, were not able to get 
it completed until the present time. 
Unfortunate as this was, it has worked out 
to an advantage, as in the meantime the federal 
government has released for sale hundreds of 
plants that we imported last year. We are offer¬ 
ing many things we believe have never been listed 
in an American catalogue. 
Also the catalogue will arrive at the most 
opportune time of the year. Cactus plants may be 
started at any time, provided the proper heat, 
light and moisture are supplied. However, at this 
season, Mother Nature gives us the biggest boost 
and the plants strike root very quickly, with all 
summer to develop in. 
If you are one of those who have never ex¬ 
perienced the pleasures of cactus culture, we 
recommend the purchase of one of our collection 
offers. Just say that you are a beginner and we 
will see that all are easily grown. 
Very truly yours, 
HOWARD E. GATES. 
P. S. Don’t forget the Eighth Annual Shoiv of the Cactus 8? Succu¬ 
lent Society of America, at Paul J. Howard’s Floiverland, Third and La Brea, 
Los Angeles, May 14 to 17. It’s the best ever. 
