tration of the hydrogen ions. The scale runs 1 to 14. pH 7 is neutral. Below 
that the acidity increases as the pH decreases. Above pH 7 the scale indicates 
increasing alkalinity. 
Most semi-aquatic plants and shade loving plants do best in a mildly acid 
soil. This will include most plants that grow in woods or bogs. 
Among bulbs the following do much better in mildly acid soils, around 
pH 6 and some possibly like more acidity. Gladiolus, Vallota, Callas, Caladiums, 
Arums, Lilies, Haemanthus, Nerines, etc. Those requiring neutral to mildly 
alkaline soils are Iris, Hippeastrums, Narcissus, Daffodils, etc. 
The acidity of a soil may be increased by the incorporation of any form 
of vegetable matter. The most acid is imported peat, leaf mould and tan bark. 
In fertilizers Superphosphate, Aluminum sulphate and sulphur are acid. 
Lime, gypsum, ground shell, manure with ammonia odor and commercial 
nitrogenous fertilizers are alkaline. 
It is often important to know the pH of your soil. Any one can determine 
it and no knowledge of chemistry is necessary. For $1.00 we will mail you a 
Soiltex outfit with’ materials needed and complete, simple directions. 
Vitamin B1 has been proven a useful stimulant for bulbs. In transplanting, 
soak the roots of bulbs or any plants in a solution and the plant does not even 
wilt. We have done this with Hippeastrums in bloom and the flower was un- 
injured, lasted for days and ripened seed. Use it on growing plants for better 
plants and bloom. Our prices reduced, 200 Tablets for $1.00. 100 for 60c. 50 
for 35c. 25 for 20c. 
Directions for use on plants in garden or in pots. For the first application 
dissolve one tablet in 2 gal. water. For succeeding waterings use one tablet in 
4 gal. water, once a week. One can use these tablets as strong as one tablet to 
a gallon for infrequent applications. When transplanting shrubs, bulbs or any 
plants, dissolve 5 tablets or even more in 1 gal. water and soak roots 15 to 30 
min. Pour solution around the plant when set. Warning: Do not soak dormant 
bulbs with vit. B1 solution. It rots them. It should not be applied to bulbs when 
planted until abundant roots are formed. These directions apply only to the 
tablets we send out. They may be quite wrong for any other kind. 
Bulbs for Southern Gardens. Our bulbs are all grown in the field or in lath 
houses in the semi-tropical climate of Southern California. Hence they are all 
ideal for outdoor planting in the south where temperatures are equally mild. 
Very many are hardy in the north. In our culture directions we state how far 
north a variety may be expected to be hardy. 
BULBS FOR POTTING 
Certain bulbs are ideal for growing in pots for window gardens in the 
north. Pre-eminent among these are the following. The time when they may be 
expected to flower if planted early is stated for several. Amaryllis Family. Aga- 
panthus, spring. Clivias, Feb. All Hippeastrums (Amaryllis), Jan.-Apr. Hymeno- 
callis, late winter. Narcissus, Jan.-Feb. Iris Family. Baby Glads, early spring. 
Freesias, Feb. Sparaxis, Feb. Ixia, Feb. Tritonia, Feb. Babiana, Feb. Iris reti- 
culata, Jan. Moraea, Dec. to Mar. Marica, early spring. Lily Family. Roman 
Hyacinths. All Scillas. Ornithogalum, Lachenalia, Dec. 15 to Feb. Tulips, Vel- 
theimia, Dec. to Mar. One of the best pot plants. Blooms long time. Arum 
Family. Try Black, Yellow, Pink and White Callas. Bloom Jan.-Mar. These are 
our choice. But many others grow and bloom well in pots. 
ARRANGEMENT OF THIS CATALOG 
Please note that we group our bulbs into the Families to which they be- 
long rather than arranging them alphabetically. Knowing the relationship of 
a bulb is an advantage that all will approve, but it adds a little difficulty in 
finding a bulb if you do not know its plant family. This catalog is worth study 
for information it contains. 
AMARYLLIS FAMILY. AMARYLLIDACEAE 
All the following bulbs from Agapanthus to the Iris Family belong to the 
Amaryllis Family. The best known of all are the Amaryllis (Hippeastrum), 
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