an almost sure winner. The superb spikes I have 
grown and seen at the shows indicate it should go 
farther than winning a blue ribbon. Blue Devil, in 
the 478 class, is spectacular and will take its place as 
a top show winner when stock is more plentiful. It 
is very vigorous and makes robust growth from bulb- 
lets. Its coloring certainly commands attention. 
Persian Rug and Stormy Weather are tops in the 
smoky class. Both are capable of fine spikes. Persian 
Rug’s unusual colors makes it very popular with show 
visitors. Stormy Weather is tall and vigorous; the 
name justly describes it. Embers and Gay Nineties, 
both in the AOC class, can produce fine spikes. Em- 
bers is very brilliant and Gay Nineties most unusual. 
The above comments are based upon the 1952 
growing season and observations made at the shows. 
Since it is impossible for any one person to grow 
and bloom all the new glads the failure to mention a 
new variety, which may be your favorite, should not 
be construed as an indication that I do not think 
highly of it. In all probability I have not had the 
opportunity of seeing it. 
I often receive letters asking me to suggest varieties 
for the early cutflower market. This past summer the 
earliest glads to bloom were Friendship, My Dear, 
Cynthia, Rose Charm, Mellow Moon, Wedgwood, 
June Bells, Glow, Annamae, Red Cherry, Ravel, Sky- 
way, June Rose, October Sunshine, Beauty’s Blush. 
These are all fine cutters and most always bring good 
prices. 
The best show spikes in our garden in 1952 (Ex- 
cluding 1953 introductions) were: Black Cherry, 
Blue Devil, Boise Belle, C. D. Fortnam, Fire Gleam, 
Gorgeous Deb, Dark David, La Valle, King David, 
Mother Fischer, Noweta Rose, Patrol, Poinsettia, Red 
Cherry, Red Wing, Shallimar, Spic & Span, Stormy 
Weather, Tasco, Tomahawk, Tyrone, White Chal- 
lenge, White Goddess, White Symphony, Yankee 
Clipper. 
In conclusion I would like to point out that many 
varieties of Glads are variable in performance but 
practically all will respond with beautiful spikes when 
given a sufficient amount of water. It is generally 
agreed that from the time of the 4th leaf at least 11/ 
to 2 inches of water per week, either as natural rain- 
fall or in the form of irrigation, is needed to produce 
show spikes and No. 1 cutflowers. 
Geo. W. Lasch 
ELMER’S ROSE 
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