SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST 
Hoodacres Delphiniums and Climate 
The Oregon climate seems to have been made for plant 
breeding. Not only is it favorable for the development of new 
forms and colors, but it also imparts to them a ruggedness that 
stands the strain of much more rigorous sections, as in the 
following representative case: 
A man who undoubtedly is the largest amateur Delphinium 
grower in the world contends with one of the harshest climates 
—northeastern Maine. Dr. Sinkhovitch of Columbia University 
has obtained Delphiniums from all the prominent strains of 
both Europe and America. The winter of 1934-5 was unusually 
severe, plants buried in ice for a long period, killing off entire 
perennial gardens; his own plantings also greatly suffered. 
Reporting the "tragedies" and referring to his extensive col¬ 
lection he states: "Many of them are planted in the same fields 
under the same conditions, and which do you think suffered 
relatively the least? They are the Hoodacres of Charles F. 
Barber. I came here early, the first of May, and could tell off¬ 
hand, without looking at labels, which were Hoodacres." 
DELPHINIUMS IN A NOTED GARDEN 
Western Springs, Ill.: "On Monday of this week I had the opportunity 
to visit Mr. lames Simpson's garden, Sheridan Road, Glencoe, Ill. It was 
just about the grandest place I was ever in. The Delphiniums were the 
most beautiful ones I have seen in the Chicago area. He had so many 
real blues and the flowers were like dollars. Well I know from your 
pictures these are like you see every day and I imagine yours are much 
more beautiful. Mr. Mellenthin, the gardener, told us he bought his seed 
from you and said even your dollar package was very good. Of course, 
as he said, money doesn't count so much with him, he has to produce 
the finest that is possible to raise.'' 
FROM LONG DISTANCE YET FRESH AS WHEN PACKED 
Patton, Pa.: "Have received the Delphinium plants and they were in 
wonderful condition. I planted them the evening they came and I think 
they are all growing. Thank you kindly for the care with which the order 
was filled. Although they came such a long distance they were just as 
fresh-looking as they must have been when they were first packed. 
Never have I received plants from anyone in such excellent condition. 
Will send you my order for Seedlings and Oriental Poppies later.'' 
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