Agel 19 PRAD Ss oe leNeG YEAR 
This first page, I like to reserve for a more or less per- 
sonal talk, so we can tell you some of the things we are trying to 
do. First in importance I think, comes 
SORTING OUT THE HARDY AZALEAS. 
We now have over 550 varieties of Azaleas in 10 
groups, and the confusion can well be imagined. We are working to 
try to evaluate and bring to the top the "cream" of them all. Our 
evaluation is based on:-- 
1, HARDINESS, 
This is of paramount importance. We feel that both 
the Gable and Kaempferi hybrids can be grown over a wider area, for 
both have successfully overwintered at temperatures of 28° F, below 
zerc, To simplify things we are altering our method of recording 
hardiness to that used by the American Rhododendron Society. The 
ratings are based upon minimum temperatures which varieties may be 
expected to stand with no appreciable damage to leaf, stem or bud. 
They are as follows: 
H-1..(Hardy to 25° F. below zero) H-3.. (Hardy to 5° F, below zero) 
H-2..(Hardy to 15° F, below zero) H-l.. (Hardy to 5° F, above zero) 
These ratings refer to established mature plants. Young stock should 
be rated one lower than is shown for their first yeer. 
2. CULOR AND FORM, 
Here is where the main confusion lies, for in each 
group there is duplication upon duplication until the average grower 
can, with reason, give up and just stick to Hinodegiri. We think 
the BEST from all groups should be known and grown. We hope to tell 
you what we think are best but_it's going to take a lot of work and 
time. Recorded on the Horticulture] Color Chart. (See ECC numbers), 
3, HORTICULTURAL MERIT. X Low. XXXX High. 
This rather loose term covers a multitude of sins-- 
habit and speed of growth, size, color and quantity of bloom, ease 
of propagation, and general all-round reliability. In fact, horti- 
cultural merit covers all the characteristics which make up the 
plant in question. If a pliant does not measure up on any of these 
points, then it is discarded in favor of one that does. 
This same process of selection is also being applied 
to Rhododendrons but here, of necessity, results will be even slower. 
CONTROLLED HUMIDIFICATION, 
You may have read reference to our experiments with 
this in the American Nurseryman. We have been so completely sold 
on the idea that 5 of our houses are now fitted with overhead fog 
lines. We believe that quantity and quality of our propagation will 
be substantially increased. Our aim in this, and in all that we do, 
is to produce better plants of the right kind, AND AT AN ECONOMICAL 
FIGURE, 
We think we have some fairly nice stock to offer this season 
and we would welcome an opportunity to show it to you. An open in- 
vitation is extended to come see us. If you cannot come, then write 
for information which will be gladly given either by letter or call 
om our salesman, 
a (1) JAMES S. WELLS. 
