SPRINGTIME IN HOLLAND 
A PERSONAL LETTER — TO YOU — 
Dear Floral Friends, 
During the war, when Europe was enveloped in an impenetrable cloud 
of mystery, doubt and fear, one of our deepest concerns was for Holland. Would the 
people and their fields of bulbs survive? It is said that Mohammed called Hyacinths 
“food for the soul.” We believe that all flowers are food for the soul equally with 
music, painting and other arts. 
Flowers are one of Holland’s outstanding contributions to society. They are no 
less important than literature or art and Holland has excelled also in these. We hoped 
that Holland’s flowers would survive just as we hoped that old cathedrals and other 
examples of ancient, medieval and modern architecture in Rome, Paris, London and 
elsewhere would be preserved. 
We know now that in those dark days, the Dutch did not lose courage. Hungry, 
cold and emaciated men toiled a few hours each day. Often they had only Tulips and 
Spinach to eat. There was never even one-half enough. But there continued to be the 
springtime blossoming of Hyacinths, Amaryllis, Tulips and their many other bulbs. 
I am sure this gave them courage and strength of soul and added to their spiritual faith. 
These were needed to sustain their waning physical strength. 
With the return of peace, Dutch soldiers again tilling the soil; food, clothing, gas 
and electricity again available, their bulbs are now in an excellent state of culture. 
Springtime in Holland is no longer tempered by war and famine. The perfume 
of flowers fills the air. Their beauty meets the eye in every direction. Fields of 
Hyacinths, Tulips and Daffodils are like giant striped rugs spread upon the ground. 
During recent weeks and months many air mail letters passed between us and 
the best Holland growers. As a result, we are able to offer you opportunity in this 
catalog to have a small replica of Springtime in Holland in your own garden and even 
in your kitchen and living room windows or in your small greenhouse you may enjoy 
the beauty and fragrance of their spring flowering bulbs. 
From Holland we will receive the newest and best Hyacinths. Some of them I 
have never seen because they are very new and I too will have them in my greenhouse 
and garden for the first time. There is a “human interest” story in connection with 
the Hyacinths on p. 25 which I hope you will read. 
Dutch Amaryllis belong to the Aristocracy among bulbs. They were my largest 
importation, in cost. Considering their high quality they are most reasonably priced, 
lower in fact than befure the war. Every Amaryllis lover should own one or an entire 
set of six varieties, which I offer in a collection. These are listed on p. 12. Since the 
color tones vary, one would get few duplicates in the purchase of several collections. 
Other imported bulbs -are offered together with American grown Freesias, 
Ranunculus, Daffodils, Gladiolus, etc. Many are grown on our Rancho de las Flores. 
All thru the following pages, I have listed the highest quality of bulbs and the 
best sorts I can grow and buy because I want for myself and for my customers the 
very best. I have told you in many special articles how to handle your soils and how 
to grow all the bulbs listed. I am listing several new books and offering products for 
pest control. 
Even as I want it for myself, I want you to have a replica of “Springtime in 
Holland.” 
Sincerely, 
Cecil Houdyshel 
