To Al Whe Loue 
Glewers 
This is my first list featuring the 49 Frontiersmen 
of the Gladiolus World. I hope it will meet with your 
approval and be both entertaining and helpful to you 
in the selection of varieties so that you may come to 
look forward to succeeding years’ versions of the Forty- 
niners, the which will be made possible through your 
merited and continued support. 
The selection of any definite number of so-called 
“best” varieties is not an easy matter (and therefore 
rarely attempted) for the reason that varieties can per- 
form quite differently in various sections of the coun- 
try due to varying conditions of soil and climate. Other 
factors as culture, etc., must also be considered in judg- 
ing varieties. Even should such a list claim distinction 
for a limited region, certain reservations would yet 
have to be made, for no variety is altogether perfect 
even under conditions most favorable for that variety. 
Therefore, when a grower proposes a list of univer- 
sally “best” varieties, as I have tried to do, it is to be 
expected that he reasonably justify his selections. This 
I believe I am able to do. For, in addition to my own 
observations as a grower, I carefully check popularity 
“‘mposiums, records of show winnings and catalogings 
all varieties in commerce, and welcome the confiden- 
comments and suggestions given me by leading 
__,»’wers over the country. Selections are made without 
prejudice, for I have no financial interest in new in- 
troductions and I carry small stocks so I can read ly 
discard one variety for another if necessary. Naturally, 
the Frontiersmen have their faults, the most outstand- 
ing of which I have called attention to in the brief des- 
criptions. Despite these reservations, I feel my selec- 
tions constitute as fine an array of gladiolus personali- 
ties as can be found. 
My stocks of many varieties are very lim‘ted this 
year and so I advise early orders to avoid disappoint- 
ment. The collection offers are recommended as giving 
the most variety and bloom at minimum cost, especially 
in the medium sizes. I am proud to be able to offer the 
new patented varieties of Carl Salbach of Berkley, 
California. Together w:th a few other growers and seed 
firms, I am permitted by Mr. Salbach to sell these out- 
standing varieties in the United States this year. Re- 
strictions as to their sale will be found under terms of 
sale elsewhere in this list. 
At a time when the world is rife with dissension and 
strife and wanton destruction, the growing of flowers 
may seem very worthless and out of place; yet few things 
could offer a better respite from the tension due to 
world conditions. To all of you, whether you are for- 
tunate enough to have a garden of your own or not, 
a cordial invitation is extended to visit my gardens in 
blooming season. 
FREDERICK WOLHOWLE 
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