best because of its great attractiveness, easy culture and rapid increase. It is 
not uncommon to see hundreds in one garden in the south. 
But the hybrids that have been produced in the last 40 years far surpass 
the earlier ones. The introduction of new species and their use in breeding have 
resulted in the production of many new color tones and a vast improvement in 
the form and texture of the flower. The petals are broader and more rounded. 
The better ones show little or no green in the throat and many are pure 
self colors. 
Some breeders have somewhat overlooked quality in an effort to produce 
huge flowers. We have seen flowers 12” in diameter and some have claimed 
16” flowers. But in all our observations these huge flowers have floppy, twisted 
petals that are narrow and pointed. Our own preference is for types having 
more perfect form, smooth texture, rounded petals and little or no green in the 
throat. These are usually about 6” to 8” diameter. 
Our ‘‘Select’”’ strain includes the best of Howard and Smith, our own and 
any others we consider top quality. 
Most of the so-called white Amaryllis have a little color. It is better that © 
they should, if one wants a hardy, easily grown Amaryllis as the pure white, 
altho very lovely, are difficult to grow and increase. They are only good for pot 
culture and we have lost every one planted in the field. Hence we offer only 
‘“‘Near White.”’ 
No Amaryllis are truly everblooming. The Diener Everblooming Strain 
probably shows more out of season flowers but they require a massed planting 
to show flowers all the time. But massed plantings of other strains often do that. 
Hippeastrum Hybrids. Assorted colors. These are selected from a variety 
of sources. No poor flowers. 50c ea. $5.00 per doz. Extra large bulbs, 75c ea. 
. We recommend the Select Strain as superior. 
H. Near White Hybrids. Some have very light pink markings, others 
heavier but none heavily marked. They give the general effect of a white flower. 
This is a very vigorous strain unlike the pure white. Rich spicy fragrance. 
Rather later in blooming. 75c ea. $7.50 per doz. 
H. Hybrids, Select Strain. This lot is composed of the best of the Howard 
and Smith and other American and European breeders. We consider this the 
best commercial strain now available. The petals are nicely rounded, in a 
perfectly moulded flower. The colors are refined and in countless tones from 
white backgrounds with light markings to various tones of pink, rose, red and 
scarlet. The flowers are large, sometimes 8” or more in diameter. We offer these 
in the following color classes. Assorted Colors; White backgrounds, from nearly 
white to medium markings; Red Shades, many are pure self colors; Scarlet, in 
many variations and tones. Be sure to order as H. hybrid, Select Strain. As- 
sorted colors, White Background, Red or Scarlet. Price, all colors, 75c ea. 
3 for $2.00. (N. B. If you prefer, you may have only Howard and Smith strain.) 
H. Diener’s Hybrids. These are Diener’s latest improved hybrids, posthu- 
mous, grown from seed of his own crossing and selection. Diener worked for 
largest flowers and the everblooming habit. He claimed some as large as 16” 
diameter. They are the largest and the most profuse bloomers, tho we personal- 
ly consider them too large. The stock of these posthumous bulbs is very small. 
No color selections possible. Large bulbs, price $1.50 ea. 
H. ambiguum. Has a tall scape with an umbel of 5 to 7 flowers, pure white 
with lines of pink. Very sweet fragrance. Rare. These Costa Rican natives were 
brought to California before 1875. $3.50 ea. 
H. equestre. A vigorous species producing lovely salmon pink flowers. 
Should be grown in thin sandy soil as it never has bloomed for us in our rich, 
heavy soil. Not having seen a flower on this in the many years we have grown 
it, we give no guarantee except for vigorous bulbs. 25c ea. 
H. Java. A new hybrid by W. E. Rice. Originator’s description. Purple 
(between magenta and fuchsia purple), with a white throat. $6.00 ea. 
H. johnsonii. This old hybrid is the one most often seen in southern 
gardens and is a favorite for potting. The rich deep red flowers, with broad 
contrasting white band thru the center of each petal, stand out in the garden. | 
14 
