



Including the best of American- 
grown and Dutch-grown hybrids, and 
the newest Dutch originations for 1950 
The selecting of fine Gladiolus varieties for our friends is not an easy task, as there 
are literally hundreds of beautiful varieties on the market today. In addition to 
choosing the most outstanding creations, we must give much thought to a complete 
range of all harmonious colors and shades, and must be sure each variety is a good 
dependable type that can be relied upon to produce beautiful results under varying 
conditions in all parts of the U. S. 
We devote an unlimited amount of time to the study and evaluation of varieties, 
and have assembled a vast file of reports and comments from our customers which 
has proven invaluable in making final decisions. To warrant a place of honor in our 
catalog year after year, a variety has to be rated as a popular “backyard favorite”’ 
by our customers, even though classed as top exhibition quality by leading experts. 
There are more than 30 different characteristics to consider when selecting worth- 
while varieties, but all are quite valueless if color is not good. Of what value is size, 
vigor, substance, proportion, etc., if colors are faded or dull, unharmonious, or 
lacking in clarity? Realizing this, we devote much attention to color quality, and 
you will find each of our varieties unsurpassed in this respect. 
Make your selection with full confidence . . . even if you have never grown Glads 
before, or are unfamiliar with these varieties .. . knowing that any variety chosen 
will be dependable and beautiful. This is the trust you place in us, and we accept 
it as one of our most important responsibilities. 
Why offer both American and 
Dutch-Grown Bulbs? 
To provide the very finest selection possible we feel it is 
necessary to offer both American and Dutch-grown bulbs. 
In doing so, we have been particularly careful to select 
individual varieties with distinct personality differences, 
even though listed in comparable color groups. So you 
may select both American and Dutch varieties from the 
same color group with full confidence. 
Size and Quality of our Bulbs 
Commercially, Gladiolus bulbs are graded into 6 sizes, 
but we offer only top grades of No. 1 and No. 2. The size 
most generally planted by specialists and fanciers is No. 1 
- . . ranging between 114 to 2’’ in diameter. These are the 
high crowned, plump, vigorous bulbs that produce the 
finest exhibition spikes. 
For general garden planting when economy is necessary, 
No. 2 size (14% to 1144” diameter) is quite satisfactory. 
Floral spikes will be better than medium size, and during 
the growing season the No. 2 bulb will increase to No. 1 
size. 
THE BARNES, IMPORTERS Page 15 EAST AURORA, N. Y. 

