The gardener is ever an optimist. - To be anything else at plant¬ 
ing-time is to deny the purpose of our gardening, for why should 
we make the effort, if we do not assume complete success? 
In every bulb that is put into the ground at Mayfair I see the 
flower that May. will bring forth and know well that it will be as 
perfect a thing as I can desire. That is the essence of optimism. 
To garden doubtfully is never the part of anyone who puts a seed 
or plant or bulb in the garden. That is why I like to think each 
season as I prepare the new Bulb Book that those who choose from 
it are going to share my own faith in what another year will mean 
to many gardens. 
So the new book goes to you filled with possibilities of beauty 
which one more May will afford you. That Daffodils can once 
more come to us from anywhere is enough good news for one 
season and yet I know that within a short time I shall be just as 
excited over seeing the old favorites again and in discovering the 
beauty of the many new things my garden holds. 
The Bulb Book in modernistic dress! The Bulb Book remains 
loyal to older days, nevertheless, in its recommendation of only the 
best and its optimistic desire to help make your gardening dreams 
