quantities of humus - which is very difficult to get, since barnyard manure 
is almost impossible to obtain. I am, therefore, compelled to be content with 
the use of commercial fertilizers. A further handicap is the fact that our section 
is one in which lime is so abundant as to be a positive detriment to vegetat- 
tion that prefers a soil whose reaction is toward the acid, rather than alkaline 
side, among which, as is well known, the gladiolus is one. I have only recently 
begun experiments to reduce the extreme alkalinity of my soil through the use 
of sulfur and alum, but those have not been used long enough to warrant any 
conclusions as to their effectiveness. 
The above facts are mentioned solely for the purpose of dispelling any 
idea that my glads are what they are because of exceptionally favorable grow- 
ing conditions, and unusual care: nothing could be farther from the truth. As 
a matter of fact I am forced to contend against many handicaps and to say that 
my results are what they are, not because of favorable growing conditions, but 
rather in spite of the unfavorable conditions with which they are forced to con- 
tend, is but stating the honest truth. Probably without exception, Scheer varieties 
are doing far better for other growers than they have done for me, as the many 
enthusiastic reports about them prove, which is only what might be reasonably 
expected. 
O 
Several years ago some of the gladiolus fans of this section conceived the 
plan of organizing a local chapter of the Wisconsin Gladiolus Society. Pro- 
vision for organizing such local chapters had been made in the State Society 
constitution a number of years back, but the Sheboygan County Chapter was 
the first one to be organized under this provision. We were fortunate in hav- 
ing a goodly number of very enthusiastic glad fans in and around Sheboygan, 
and, what is more, their interest has constantly grown since the founding of 
the chapter, due in no small measure to the successful exhibits staged by our 
society during the past three seasons. 
Our chapter points with considerable pride to the fact that its very first 
exhibit was so outstanding for quality that visiting experts were astounded: 
they pronounced it the quality show of the year of those they had visited. Suc- 
ceeding shows have, if anything, been even better and the scope has grown 
with each one so that now we draw exhibitors, not only from surrounding 
territory and the state, but from nearby states, as well. I believe that it is a 
safe prediction that, before long, the annual show of the Sheboygan County 
Chapter will be rated as one of the most important major glad shows. 
The 1942 exhibit, staged in the large Recreation Hall at Kohler, Wis., was 
probably the best, and certainly the largest, yet staged by our chapter. Leaving 
out of account the several large commercial exhibits always displayed at our 
state shows, it was fully as large as this year’s state show. 
Scheer Glads were represented in the one and three spike sections in both 
seedling and open classes - according to the rules of the Wis. G. S., seedlings 
may compete in the open, as well as seedling classes. Except for a few single 
spikes of very recent novelties, which I entered only because I was quite sure 
that they would not be seen at the show unless I did, all of my entries con- 
sisted exclusively of Scheer originations and seedlings. In this exhibit, where 
competition was keen and competitors many, Scheer Glads came out second 
on points, with four or five division championships to their credit, beside blue 
ribbons in most of the classes in which they were entered. 


SCHEER Glads are Quality Glads 
