With interest I read various postings seemingly chastising All Dutch bulb growers for not breeding hardiness into Gladiolus. Just who heard this statement and from which bulb grower was not mentioned, at least to my knowledge. Over the years, thanks to the experiments and research made at such places as Wageningen, our knowledge and understanding has benefited. Has such been forgotten as adverse comments are posted? To tar the Netherlands Bulb Industry based on a remark apparently heard, with the same brush, I think is unjustified. Those in business must protect their business, or else they would soon be out of business. Firms such as Dix, Hoog, to mention just two, make available to lovers of bulbs, species, varieties and selections which contribute to many collections. I do not imply all Dutch Growers are saints, and certainly it is easy to find fault, but are American Growers without fault? I think not. I feel castigating the Dutch Bulb industry, as has apparently is/has taken place, ignores the many contributions made, and knowledge distributed. Thanks to them, thousands of gardeners grow bulbs, and if they do, many will seek out species other than the "ordinary". Above all lets be fair and give credit where due. Cheers, John E. Bryan