more about thrips. In cutting- tops be careful 
not to let the tops be above the bulbs, as 
thrips may rattle down to the bulbs and win¬ 
ter there. 
When plants are about 6 inches high begin 
spraying, and spray every ten days. Paris 
green and brown sugar are used. Use a 
rounding teaspoon of Paris green to 2 gallons 
of water. 
I believe my own bulbs to be free of thrips. 
I have not been able to find any, nor has the 
plant inspector. 
Size of Bulbs 
The large size (L), diameter 1V4 inches and 
more, is the size most in demand. This size 
makes the largest flowers and the tallest 
spikes. The medium size (M), diameter around 
1 inch, makes good flowers, and is lower in 
price than the large size. Uarge-medium is 
a name I have given to the smallest of the 
large bulbs, and the largest of the medium 
size. Most of this size will actually measure 
1*A inches. Small (S) is the size smaller than 
medium, but does not include the smallest 
bulbs. I plant those myself. 
Some Favorite Flowers 
Every one who loves flowers has his fa¬ 
vorites. Here are some of mine: 
Blue Salvia; Cosmos, Orange Flare; Bed 
California Poppy; Iceland Poppy; Hollyhock, 
Colorado Sunset; Heavenly Blue Morning 
Glory; Annual Phlox; and the Maroon Sun¬ 
flower. See description in Flower List. 
Extracts From Letters 
I am not needing many seeds this spring, 
but I do not want you to think I have for¬ 
gotten you. Please fill my small order as I 
wish to remain on your mailing list.—F. W. 
S., Cleveland, Ohio. 
Your work goes beyond the mere selling of 
seeds. May I tell you that the lovely and un¬ 
usual Calendulas we got from you furnished 
the only bright spot in our winter garden 
during as difficult a time as I would ever 
care to live thru? There is something so 
heartening in their courageous golden heads 
blossoming in spite of poor conditions that 
we can well take heart. And sure enough, 
conditions in general are so much better 
with all of us—so please accept the enclosed 
order.—D. V. M., Calif. 
My mother received her bulbs from you a 
few days ago, and I sure thought they were 
nice, clean bulbs, so I decided to borrow her 
price list and order some myself. Some seed 
and nursery companies don’t send such nice 
healthy looking bulbs. I know for I received 
some from a seed company today.—R. L. K., 
Illinois. 
Part of this order is for a friend who has 
a beautiful new home, and wants to start 
Glads in her new garden. She asked my ad¬ 
vice and I told her all the way ’round I could 
recommend the corms from your gardens 
more highly than any others, and I have pur¬ 
chased from several “big” places.—Mrs. H. L. 
H., Alabama. 
The bulbs you sent me last year bloomed 
gloriously as always, and were a joy to be¬ 
Remember 
When ordering seeds 5c packets of 
same or different varieties will be 
6 for 25c, and 10c packets 3 for 25c. 
hold. And I want to make especial mention 
of the wonderful Parrot Tulips that bloomed 
from the bulbs you sent me in the autumn 
of ’35. Never before have I seen such im¬ 
mense rich beauties. Had lovely annuals from 
your seeds too.—Mrs. H. K., New Jersey. 
Mr. Skiff. I wish to thank you for all the 
joy your lovely flowers have brought me, and 
if all is well, next spring you will be hearing 
from me again.—F. R., Florida. 
Christmas Cove 
The first time I heard the name it was 
from some friends who had been there while 
making a tour. I thought it was a very unique 
name. The next time, Mr. E. P. Brewer ans¬ 
wered an ad of mine. What I sent him must 
have grown, for in August, 1936, I received 
the following letter from a gentleman in 
Mass.: 
“While on my annual visit to Christmas 
Cove, Maine, in July I became much interest¬ 
ed in flowers in the garden of Mr. Elliot P. 
Brewer, some of which, he informed me, had 
come from seeds from your concern. Would 
you be kind enough to send me your most 
recent catalogue, and also put me on your 
mailing list for any future issues?”—C. R. 
C., Mass. 
Then, to make Christmas Cove still more 
interesting along came another letter from a 
gentleman who had seen Mr. Brewer’s garden 
and wanted to be placed on my mailing list. 
Incidentally, I infer Mr. Brewer is some gar¬ 
dener. 
Making Seeds Grow 
Some have difficulty in making flower 
seeds grow. Seeds are good and will grow 
under favorable conditions. Without giving 
full directions for planting, will make two 
suggestions: Plant fine seeds shallow, and 
keep moist continually until they are well 
rooted. By shallow I mean a depth about 
twice the thickness of the seeds. Poppy, Snap¬ 
dragon, and Petunia seeds are very fine, and 
it is easy to get them too deep. One can 
hold moisture at the surface of the soil by 
covering with burlap, excelsior, or lawn grass 
clippings. Excelsior is best. A little crumbled 
peat moss in the surface soil will help. 
Business Terms 
Cash with order, please. We growers are 
at expense from spring to winter, and appre¬ 
ciate the cash by the time orders begin to 
come in. P. O. money orders are preferred. 
Checks are accepted, but there is a charge 
at the banks for cashing them. Will accept 
stamps for small orders less than $1.00. Cur¬ 
rency usually comes through all right, but I 
do not recommend that method, and sender 
must take the risk. 
I fill southern orders as soon as received, 
protecting bulbs from frost. To the colder 
states, I begin shipping Gladiolus bulbs about 
March 1, if the weather is not too cold. Five 
bulbs are sold at the rate of ten, and six at 
the 12 rate. I pay transportation cost, and 
in filling orders always put in extra seeds 
or bulbs. To induce early ordering I am of¬ 
fering more liberal extras for early orders. 
Favor Wanted 
Should be grateful for names of 
people who have gardens—not long 
lists. Thank you. 
