The OLD MAESTRO himself, holding a 12-inch bloom of 
the beautiful Dahlia KATHLEEN NORRIS. 
The photographer’ said, “Give us a smile, John.” Well, 
I done the best I could. It’s a wonder there was any camera 
left after that smile. Maybe after you’ve fought all kinds 
of bugs and insects for 20 years or more, you’ll have a 
few wrinkles also. 
On account of the price of printer’s ink, I have tried to 
economize in the length of the various descriptions and 
have passed the saving on to you in the way of a bettei 
price for the varieties offered for your consideration. Some 
of the later varieties are priced low because I have a sur¬ 
plus of those varieties. 
I take great pleasure in presenting you with my 1938 
DAHLIA CATALOG. The best of the new and some of 
the old varieties that are still worth while growing. All new 
introductions are grown from introducer s stock. This stock 
consists of the highest quality field grown roots. They are 
fully guaranteed true to name and to arrive in good grow¬ 
ing condition. As a rule Roots and Green plants will give 
equally good results, if plants are given immediate care 
on arrival. The plants are all hardened off before being 
shipped, and packed so that they will arrive in good 
condition. 
Our advice with plants on arrival is, to pot them in 
about 4-inch pots for a short while to give them a chance 
to rest up after the trip. A week or two should be suffi¬ 
cient to get the plant in shape to plant out. Be governed 
by the ground conditions, also the weather, when you do 
plant out. Try this method if you have never tried it 
before. You won’t be sorry for the extra trouble. It really 
means the difference between success and failure. The 
above also applies to rooted cuttings. Now when potting 
rooted cuttings, don’t put the roots clear to the bottom of 
the pot. Hold the plant between your thumb and first 
finger and let some dirt sift through to the bottom of the 
pot—about one-half full. Then set the plant and, still hold¬ 
ing it, fill the pot with dirt. After filling the pot shake 
it down to settle the dirt firmly about the roots. Last, press 
that dirt in the pot with both thumbs to be sure the plant 
sets in the pot properly. 
If you wish special delivery on roots, or plants, please 
enclose 25c with your remittance. We recommend plants be 
shipped special delivery as that insures prompt and careful 
handling. 
Terms, Strictly CASH. Remittance with order or in ad¬ 
vance of shipment. 25 per cent will hold order until ready 
for same. 
As orders are receiving stock will be reserved and shipped 
at the proper time. 
Notice to Ohio Customers. 
A sales tax of 3 per cent must be collected on all pur¬ 
chases as follows: 9c to 40c—lc tax; 41c to 70c—2c tax; 
71c to $1.08—3c tax; 3c tax on each additional $1.00 must 
be enclosed with your remittance. 
Wholesalers (Ohio) please send your Vendor’s license 
number. Send remittance by money order, express, or reg¬ 
istered mail. Money order preferred. I’ll see that you get 
extras enough to more than repay you for your trouble. 
For you newcomers in the Dahlia game, there is nothing 
really difficult or mysterious about growing Dahlias. The 
main things to provide for are: Good drainage, constant 
cultivation, and a little use of the gray matter you possess 
commonly called brains. Don’t expect to grow them as well 
as some of your friends and neighbors who have been 
growing them for years. Keep at it. You’ll get there. 
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. You indoor workers get 
outside after the evening meal, and get your feet in the 
ground, and potter around among the flowers, and you will 
experience that something that changes your whole make¬ 
up. (Ladies please don’t misinterpret what I mean.) Try 
it. Drop me a line occasionally and let me know how you 
are making out in your new pastime. 
Always pleased to talk or write about Dahlias. 
For you newcomers especially. If undecided as to which 
varieties you would like to buy, let me suggest the follow¬ 
ing: 
Make up your mind just what amount of money you want 
to spend for Dahlias, the color and types you like, and 
send me the amount and I’ll guarantee to send you roots 
that will be satisfactory and that would cost at catalog 
prices, at least, twice the amount. 
