POLY ANTHUS 
N OLDEN DAYS, when men actively expressed joy in 
the coming of spring with revels and dancing, a 
mock battle between Winter and Summer was staged 
on May Day and it was thrust and parry with wands 
twined with Cowslips until Winter fell, vanquished. 
By May Day here in America, Polyanthus—the glo- 
rious offspring of the fragrant Cowslip—have been 
filling western and southern gardens with color for 
at least two months with the peak of bloom yet to 
come in the colder eastern regions. 

Who can say that it is this quality or that which spins the 
web of enchantment surrounding the Polyanthus? For many 
it is color, the vibrancy of the flame-reds, orange and cop- 
pers, the resonant crimsons, deep blues, sonorous purples, 
the clear tones of the pinks, rose, apricot and yellows, or the 
odd, seldom-seen shades. For some it is the variety of cen- 
tral designs, petal textures, edgings, fragrances and leaf pat- 
terns. For all it is an easily grown, ‘beautiful flower of early 
spring to which clings the romance and sentiment of tradi- 
tion. 
Barnhaven Polyanthus develop numerous stalks 9 to 12 
inches as the season advances, each stalk topped by a large 
cluster of individual blossoms which are rarely under, and 
more often over, silver dollar size. Plant groups where they 
can be watched from windows, under fruit trees, in secluded 
spots where you come upon them suddenly, or plant them 
boldly in semi-shaded borders and beds, or in north and east 
situations for perennial pleasure. 
All are large plants from hand-pollinated seed. If specific shades 
are ordered, please name several alternates. Plants are 3/$1.30; 
6/$2.50; 12/$4.50, (unless otherwise stated), plus postage, 
page 44. | 
PASTELS—Wild rose, apple blossom, rose, peach, apricot 
and allied shades. 
INDIAN REDS—Vermilion, scarlet, crimson, mahogany and 
tomato shades. 
