gifted, can ever corner quality. All signs indicate that the Lyonde!l Hybrids 
have retained their hold on the gardening public; thus far every year the 
demand for Lyondels has been far greater than the supply; but what is more 
significant is the fact that most of those who buy my seeds are o!d customers 
and experienced, keen delphinarians. The reason why they stay with ‘ne [s 
not because they like the way my hair curls. 
The 1941 crop of Lyondels is going to be far ahead of anythirg that has 
been developed and sent out by me. It it surprising that delphinium «an be 
improved so rapidly that last year’s aristocrats become this year’s discards. 
But such is the case, and this is one reason why the named varieties are already 
senile on the day they are introduced, and seedlings continue to hold the stage. 
SOME LYONDEL FIRSTS 
‘THE Lyondel Gardens were THE FIRST to distribute seeds produced by con- 
trolled pollination. Later the more progressive breeders realized the value of 
this and followed suit with the result that high quality seeds are now avail- 
able to all, and the poor can have as fine delphiniums as the rich. Before the 
practice of cross pollination was introduced, gardeners congratulated them- 
selves if ten percent of their seedlings proved worth saving; now they com- 
plain if ten percent of their seedlings prove to be mediocre things. 
The Lyondel Gardens were THE FIRST to make available the matchless 
self colors that are finding so much favor among the more discriminating gar- 
deners. Shades of lilac, lavender, orchid, purple, reddish violet, and smoky 
colors of undescribable nature, all absolutely self, emanated from the Lyondels 
Gardens to grace gardens in this country and abroad. Similarly, clear colors, 
brilliant, sparkling shades radiating from the Lyondel Hybrids brought a new 
concept of color quality in delphinium. 
Three inch flowers, three and one fourth inch flowers, three and three- 
quarter inch flowers, and ves, four inch flowers that were myths, materialized 
in the gardens of those who made their purchases from the Lyondel Gardens. 
A new vigor, and a greater ruggedness were woven into the constitution of 
Lyondel Hybrids to enable them better to withstand the unfavorable conditions 
of many parts of our country. 
I am not listing the foregoing accomplishments in a boastful spirit; on the 
contrary I stand in all humility before the forces of nature that alone are 
responsible for every quality in all living things. Also I stand in deep appre- 
ciation of other breeders whose accomplishments enabled me to make my 
own little contribution to the cause of better delphiniums. 
SOWING DIRECTIONS* 
Mix and screen equal parts of soil and sand. Place this mixture in pots, 
flats, or frames. Shake a pinch of Semesan (may be purchased from your 
dealer of spray materials) with the seeds and sow in rows right on the sur- 
face of the soil. SOW THICKLY. Press the seeds firmly into the soil by a 
piece of two-by-four and cover not deeper than twice the diameter of the 
seeds; this means very, very shallow covering, and is vital. Pulverized peat 
or sphagnum moss is preferable for covering the seeds. Spread a damp 
cheesecloth on the surface of the soil and water GENTLY BUT THOROUGHLY. 
Cover the whole thing with burlap and keep it shaded and cool. Lath frames 
will. be of great help. USE ONLY RAIN, SPRING, OR WELL WATER as 
many city waters are chlorinated and hard, and consequently toxic. When 
the seedlings begin to come up, remove the cheesecloth but tack the burlap 
to the frame of the flats or seedbed. Where summers are warm, it may be 

* For those who do not care for seed propagation I have field grown, husky 
seedlings. See page 7. 
