CFOREWORD .... 
In these troubled and uncertain days, no one is sufficiently clairvoyant to predict 
with any degree of accuracy what the future holds in store for us. We may enjoy 
a long period of good business as a result of the defense boom. On the other 
hand, heavier taxation, increasing living costs or a let-down in defense work 
might have an opposite effect. 
In either case, the carnation grower must be alert and prepared to meet. stiff 
competition. As long as business remains good, competition will be plentiful and 
keen. If conditions become unfavorable, there will be a real struggle for every 
market, and florists throughout the country will be fighting for their very ex- 
istence. 
It is becoming increasingly important that every grower keep abreast of the 
times and employ proper business management. One vital phase of this business 
management is the growing of those varieties which because of their vigor, 
productiveness, quality and appeal will cause growing costs to decrease, will 
provide a larger income per square foot, and will enjoy public favor so that they 
will dominate any market. The grower with obsolete or worn-out varieties can- 
not hope to hold his own in the face of serious competition and increased busi 
ness pressure. 
Every carnation grower should make a careful inventory of the varieties he 
grows to determine wherein he can improve his stock and his chances of success. 
He should also study his costs in order to discover if it might not be cheaper 
for him to purchase clean, vigorous, well-rooted cuttings from a large, well-known 
and reputable firm specializing in this field rather than to attempt to propagate 
his own stock. The purchase of good carnation stock at this time should be 
regarded as an investment, not an expense. It is a necessity, not a luxury. It 
is insurance against failure. 
To aid you in selecting good carnations, we have listed herein thirty-six com- 
mercial varieties which have been thoroughly tested by hundreds of growers, 
and which have proved to be the leaders in their respective color classes. Every 
variety will not do equally well with any one grower, but each of these thirty-six 
carnations has been grown successfully by enough growers to justify our recom- 
mending it to you. Our facilities are extensive. Our experience extends over 
three decades. Our desire to serve you honestly and efficiently is sincere. 
