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FRANK FINCH’S
PGC Ate Db BESCRIPTIVE
-SCATALOGUE AND PRIGE LIST.<&
CHOICEST VARIETIES CARDEN, FIELD AND FLOWER SEEDS.
CLYDE, WAYNE: COUNTY, N. YW.
OMMENCING in a small way twelve years ago, by working on a farm during the day and spending
my evenings at home, putting up my own seeds and filling the orders myself, working until near
midnight, carrying my mail in a market basket to the post-office, five miles away over muddy, rough
roads, without either help or encouragement of any kind from anyone (but always plenty of discour-
agement), ignorant of the details or the seed business, never having been in a seed house to get a single
idea or insight as to the pprOner way of conducting the business; yet, by keeping *‘everlastingly at it,” I
have at last built up one of the most extensive mail enterprises of the kind in this country; and it gives
me pleasure to announce that I now have
OVER ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND CUSTOMERS IN THE UNITED STATES,
besides a large number in Canada, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Mexico, England, New Zealand, Tasmania
and Australia. My manner of filling orders (although different from other dealers) is acknowledged to be
the most rapid and perfect in existence, and I think I can say without contradiction that no dealer in the
United States, or the world, gives more or better seeds for the money, or is more careful to have them
properly done up so as to reach customers in good condition. Ido not publish a costly catalogue, printed
e my customers for it, but send a plainly printed, inexpensive one free of churge. Ido
e just right for me to charge my customers for the privilege of sending me an order,
and then take the amount and give to some lithographer to pay for getting up the catalogue
TL have to donate, I prefer to give directly to my customers in valuable premiums and extra seeds. rather
Now, kind reader, if you think favorable of my manner of doing
ge, [should be pleased to receive your orders, which I assure you
Very respectfully, t
in colors, and char.
not think it would
than to some wealthy lithographer,
business, and think I deserve your patrona;
will receive careful and immediate attention.
Whatever
FRANK FINCH.
I give below the intro-
ducer’s description:
“The form, accurately
represented Bere is ee (p=
viously new, having the Z
stem at the swelled end. tj
The seed alone, being of |, | jf
very peculiar shape and | Uy z
eolor, brands the squash
as entirely original and
distinct. The flesh is
a
[BLEY. Qua,
solid, thick, a vivid or-
ange in color, and is pos-
sessed of rare edible
qualities, being dry, and
really wonderful for fine-
ness of grainand the rich
and delicate flavor pecu-
liarly its own. The
weight ranges from eight
to eleven pounds, though
the eight-pound speci-
mens are comparatively
few in number. In point
of prolificacy, the New
Sibley Squash has decidedly the advantage of either
the Hubbard or Marblehead. It, moreover, ripens
its fruit so evenly that nearly the whole crop may
I now offer for the first time this new and valua-
ble Yellow fomato. After a thorougn testo: all the
yellow varieties, I can truly say that thisis really
the best of them all; it Is very solid and very
smooth, free from ridges, large in size; ripens up
_ evenly and is very handsome, in fact it is one of the
most beautiful Tomatoes ever sent out, and of ex-
celient quality ; they mature early and are very
productive. Itis one of the very best for preserv-
ing or slicing, the handsome golden yellow slices
making a beautiful contrast in a dish with Red
Tomatoes. They areso very handsome and attrac-
tive, and of such excellent quality that they win
(so Sree of al lovers of good tomatoes.
Ewe Goins seule include at least ae
1e Golden Beauty,” price per packe
ackets for 2 BP per p
kk 25 cents.
Improved Chartier or Shepherd Radish. :
4 a Although this Rad-
DNR 7 ish has been grown
% for some years by
7 market gardeners in
Western Pennsyl-
vania as the Chartier,
and in Indiana as the
Shepherd Radish, it
was only brought
prominently to the
notice of the general
public 3 years ago.
The roots grow toa
large size, about two-
thirds of the length
being of a crimson-
rose color, shading
off lighter until, at
a
UBLANG.
cidedry the finest grained
be gathered at one pick-
ing. One customer
writes, that ‘two seeds
produced eleven fine
squashes—all dry, re-
markably sweet, and
with a peculiarly luscious
flavor.’ As a keeper, it
excels all, remaining ina
good, dry cellar, perfect-
ly sound until the last of
March — constantly im-
proving in flavor and
quality to the very last.
The shell is pale green in
color, very flinty, making
it one of the finest ship-
ers in existence —- the
onger the distance, the
better the edible quali-
ties, as it naturally im-
proves with age.” We
tested the quality of this
squasn on our own table
last fall, and it was de-
and best flavored squash
we ever ate. In packets only, 10 cts. each; 3 pack-
ets, 25 cts.
EARLY SNOW-BALL CAULIFLOWER.
THE EARLIEST AND HANDSOMEST VARIETY IN THE WORLD.
the bottom, they be-
come pure white.
They are of quick
growth, very tender,
and remain of good
This is unquestionably the best type of cauliflower yet produced. It far excels all others in earliness.
Sown year after year about March ist, it has produced fine large heads early in June, every plant forming
a perfect head, a week earlier than any other sort. Owing to the short outer leaves, it can be planted as
close as eighteen inches apart. It is equally as good for late planting. Price of genuine seed; packet, 25
ets.; quarter-ounce, $1.75.
quality, fit for table
use, a very long time.
It is undoubtedly one
of the very best ‘‘ all
seasons ’’ radishes
r x for open garden cul-
ture; itis ready for use or market nearlv as early
as the Long Scarlet, and keeps crisp and tender for
two months, not becoming stringy when large, as do
most other radishes. Our field of these Radishes
growing for seed the past season was much
admired, as even mammoth specimens, upon being
pulled, were found solid and tender. Large packet
10 cents; 3 for 25 cents.
STRASBURG RADISH.
STRASBURG RADISH.
FINCH’S SEMINOLE WATERMELON.
In offering this entirely new and distinct melon to my customers for the first time, 1 ean confidently
This new radish, which we introduced four years
| ago, has proven to be the most valuable summer
radish in cultivation. The engraving shows their
‘shape, which is halflong. Flesh pure snow white,
tender and of a pleasant, Peneent taste, without
_ being strong. It can be used in six weeks from the
time of sowing, when it has reached two-thirds of
its size; it continues to grow without losing its
superior quality, and can be used for a month or
ore afterward, and continues in fine edible condi-
nm at all times afterward, during growth. Large
~cket, 10 cts.; 3 for 25 cts.
VAPLECY yr
y
»
- .
recommend it as one of the most wonderful varieties which it has been my good fortune to introduce. It
possesses four qualities that will make it the most popular melon yet offered to the public. First, it is one
of the very earliest. Second, itis one of the most productive. Third, it grows to a very large size, being
one of the largest melons ever introduced. Fourth, it is without doubt one of the best flavored melons;
all who have tested it prcnounce its quality ‘‘delicious.” It is of two distinct colors, grey and light
green. Melons of both colors are exactly the same in size, shape, color of seed, flavor, ete., and pro-
nounced by competent judges as exactly the same melon in every respect. The grey color predominates,
about one-fourth of the melons being the light green color. Melons of both colors are found on the same
vine. This melon is pronounced by those who have tested it the past season, the very best melon ever
grown, and has succeeded in different sections and under varied circumstances, and well worthy of a
place in the front ranks of our best melons. I hope every one of my customers who love good melons will
try the Seminole. Price, per packet, 15 cts.; 2 for 25 cts.
Address all orders to FRANK FINGH, (lrock Box 2), CLYDE, Wayne Go., N.Y.
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Comprising the following varieties: Aster, Double
Mixed Varieties; Balsam Camelia, Flowered; Can-
dytuft, pew Carmine; Dianthus, Diadem Pink
(Double Dahlia, fine mixed) Godetia, Lady Alber-
marle: Dowole Rose Portulaca; Stock, Dwarf Ger-
man; Verbena, choice mixed colors. The retail
price of this collection is $1.00. This beautiful and
choice Collection will be given Free to any person
who sends me an order for One Dollar’s worth of
Garden Seeds by enclosing 15 cts. extra. My next
premium is called
Frank Finch’s Premium Pansies.
SENSE NSIS
5 VE
LALLA
FD ae TEN
COMPRISING THE FOLLOWING
CHOICE VARIETIES
SDSS:
q KING OF THE BLACKS.
EMPERORWILMAM = QUADRICOLOR.
fy \ DARK PURPLE SNOWY WHITE
i PURE YELLOW STRIPED &MOTLED
Ke Saree a Serene eee
«
>> FRANK FINCH, CLYDE,NY.
KH
SA BEISS4
LS ASAIN AAS AUS AOU ASUS TESA
This collection comprises Seven Varieties of Pan-
sies, in seven separate Packets: Snowy White,
King of the Blacks, Dark Purple, Emperor William,
Pure Yellow, Striped or Rainbow, and Quadricolor
—the retail price of this collection is 80 cts. — given
as a premium to any person sending mean order
for $1.00 worth of seeds, by enclosing 10 ects. extra.
Ialso have secured a valuable and interesting
book called ‘‘Brush Studies,’’ which will be sure to
please my lady customers. It is one of Lida Clark-
son’s productions, This information alone is a cer-
tain guarantee that the book isa good one, I will
name the contents
BRUSH STUDIES.
Contents.—The Amateur’s Outfit — Harmony
and Combination of Color; A Panel of Field Dais-
ies—Some General Hints: Fabrie Painting—Prac-
tice on Academy Board and Sketching Canvas: A
Study of Wild Roses—A Study of Pansies—How to
Paint Photographs in Oil or Water Colors—Hat
Marks and Linings : Appropriate Designs, Initials,
ete.—Plaques : How to Paint and Frame Them—
How to Plant Trailing Arbutus, Feathery Clematis,
Dogwood and Tulips.—Panel and Screen Decora-
tions: The Purple Clematis, Fleur de Lis, Water
Lily, ete.—Dye Painting: Lustra, Iridescent and
Kensington. — Lambrequins and Other Artistic
Home Furnishings : Clock Searf, Banners and Ban-
nerettes —Christmas, New Years, Easter and Birth-
day Cards: How to Paint Them.—Suggestions for
Holiday and Birthday Gifts: Pretty Trifles for
Home Decoration.—Paintmg Backgrounds.—Mod-
eling in Relief, — Puzzling Queries Answered.—
Some Useful Hints in Conciusion. It is beautifully
illustrated from original designs by the author. I
willsend this book asa premium, to any person
who sends me an order for seeds to amount of $1.00
by thefr enclosing 10 cts. extra.
Particular Notice.—I wish all my customers
to remember first, that in order to get any one of
the above-named premiunis, they must send an or-
der for Seeds to amount of $1.00 or over; second,
that in order to receive the Premium, they must en-
close the amount named extra, and at the time they
send the oraer, not afterwards; third, only one pre-
mium will be sent ona $1.000rder If yousend an
order for $2.00 worth of Seeds, you are entitled to
select any two premiums by enclosing the neces-
| Sary ambunt extra. Last season I received several
letters from persons who claimed the premium be-
cause they sént .ora Dollar’s worth of Seeds, but
they did not enclose the amount named. Now, I
want it understood by allof my customers that, if
they expect to receive the Premium Seeds, they
must comply with my terms, or they will get left.
RELIABLE SEEDS for the Vegetable
Garden.
Comprising some of the choicest Standard Varie-
ties, such as have been thoroughly tested and given
good satisfaction. Remember I do not send out
seeds to be sold on commission, and have none re-
turned to be solu next year, but have New Fresh
Seeds formy customers every year.
ASPARAGUS.
Conover’s Colossal, Pkt. 5 cts.; oz. 10 ets.
BRUSSELS SPROUTS.
Per pkt. 5 cts.; oz. 15 ets.
BEEG.
Long Blood Winter.—An old and well tried
sort. Pkt.5 cts.; oz. 10 cts.
Egyptian Blood Turnip.—Highly prized by
market gardeners everywhere; skin dark red; flesh
fine, compact. Pkt. 5cts.; oz. 10 cts.
Champion Yellow Globe Mangel.--Will pro-
duce large crops, is a splendid keeper and is pre-
ferred by many for feeding stock. Pkt. 5c.; oz. 10c.
GOLDEN WAX BEANS.
One of the most valuable acquisitions made in
late years to our list of Bush Beans. The pods are
large, long and brittle, and entirely stringless. As
a Snap Bean it excels allothers in richness and ten-
derness of flavor, and has the further merit of
being one of the best Shell Beans grown for winter
use. Pkt. 10 cts.; pint, 35 cts.
CAULIFLOWER.
New Imperial.—A new French variety, large
very early, and in every way superior. Pkt. 20 cts.
CARROT.
Improved Long Orange.—The best late, deep
orange-colored variety. Pkt.5 cts.; oz. 10 ets.
Early Scarlet Horn.—One of the most popular
varieties grown; color deep orange. Pkt. 5c.; oz. 10e
CABBAGE.
_Early Winningstadt.—A well-known and
very popular early variety, heads solid and hard,
eveninsummer. Per pkt. 5 cts.; oz. 25 cts.
Fottler’s Improved Early Brunswick.—A
splendid second cay, late sort; short-stem, large,
solid heads; sure to head. Pkt. 10 cts.; oz. 30 cts
Early Cannon Ball.— Forms round, solid
heads, very hard and heavy, about ten days later
than the Harly York. Per pkt. 5 cts. (et
Marblehead Mammoth Drumhead. — The >
largest variety grown. Sometimes weighing fifty
pounds and over. Pkt. 10 cts.; oz. 30 cts. — : ae
i na color creamy-
ek POTAT,
ais FATO white, lightly
» striped with
a EBUMPKIN) green, flesh
Of medium size
este a a
ittle ribbed,
thick, creamy
white, remark-
ably finée-grain-
ed, dry, brittle,
and of most ex-
cellent flavor.
Hardy. very
productive, and
keeps perfectly
sound until late
inthe spring. It
speedily be-
comes @ gener-
al favorite
wherever it has
= been introduc-
ed. Unsurpass-
ed for making
pees aud Cus.
tards. When
cooked it has somewhat the appearance of sweet
potatoes, but of more delicious taste. It is very
distinct, and a valuable acq isition. Our stock of
seed is grown with special care. Do not confound
the Tennessee Sweet Potato Pumpkin with any other
so-called Sweet Potato Pumpkin, as a common field
pumpkin is sold under the same ora similar name.
Ss 10 cts.
We don’t pretend to
say that this corn has
no cob atall; but we
do say, and are ready
to prove, that it has
the smallest cob and
the largest grain of
any field corn in the
world.
In introducing The
Hickory King Corn to
the public, we- claim
| that we have some-
thing not only new,
but the most product-
ive and valuable white
corn in cultivation. Tt
is a regular field vari-
ety, medium early,
ripening with the Far-
mer’s Favorite and
other dent sorts, and
we can truthfully say
it will yield more good
solid corn on thin soils
will shell more to a
given measure of ears,
make more earsto the
stalk, than any other
| kind of white field corn in the world.
ir The Hickory
King growsto a medium height—7 to 8 feet—
takes a strong hold in the ground, nearly always
having two, and sometimes three, good ears to a
HICKORY KING, THE NEW WHITE FIELD CORN.
stalk. The ears
which are from § to
10 inches in length,
contain 8 to 10 rows of
grains, well filled out
at both ends (as will
be seen by the ac-
companying illustra-
ted ear, which is an
exact photograph, re-
duced in length and
breadth, but showing
the exact thickness of
the cob.) On good
soil, this corn will
yield from 80 to 110
to the acre. But one
of its greatest advan-
tages is that, 70 mat-
ter how thin the soit.all
the corn you get wil be
hard, solid corn. No
matter how short the
ear, there is no
unripe or soft corn
all ripening up evenly
and hard, so that the
shortest nubbin will
be just as good*for milling or feeding purposes
as the finest ears. Price, 10 cts. per packet ;
30 cts. per pint; 50 cts. per quart; by mail
post paid.
bushels shelled corn ~
THE MAMMOTH PIE PLANT
| Is what its name indicates. A single stalk will make three to five large pies, while the ordinary pie plant |
requires three or four stalks for one pie. Asingle stalk that is well grown will weigh, when trimmed, one
to two pounds, and the outer circumference of a large leaf is frequently over 10 feet. Three or four roots
of the Mammoth will give an abundant supply for any family. They are very hardy, and wll do well and
grow thrifty in anyrich soil. Seeds 15 cents per packet; 2 packets 25 cents.
UR.
S
KING OF THE MAMMOTHS PUMPKIN.
'| made froma photograph ofa single fruit.
$10 CASH 2a ABO Ey on IN 1989.
This is without doubt the largest variety of pumpkins ever introduced in this country, indeed no other
pumpkin has ever attained such enormous weights and been awarded as many prizes. The heaviest spec-
imen grown in 1885 was 245 Ibs., in 1886 218 Ibs.. in 1887 17814 Ibs. These Pumpkins have been grown in
France to weigh over 300 lbs., and as many.of my customers have as good, rich soil as there is in France
or anywhere else on the face of the earth. Isee no reason why they cannot be grown here just as large
Tn order to stimulate our enterprising pumpkin growers to give this variety special culture, I will give $10
cash to the person who will in 1889 grow the heaviest specimen,provided that it shall beat the record of 1885.
All reports must be sent to me by or before September 10th, 1889, with one of these pumpkins. You would
also be sure of a prize at your county fair. As it will cost but 15 cts., for a packet of seed, the risk is not
great. The flesh and skin of this monstrous pumpkin is of a brig=t golden color, very finqgrained, of ex-
cellent quality, and notwithstanding its enormous size, it is one of the very best pie or tu. » \ 4mpkins ever
grown and is a splendid keeper. : "s ga. 3
Prices FOR 1889.—Seed saved from extra large specimens, 15 cts. per packet or two pacKe+s for 25 cts.
ACME OR BALTIMORE CANTALOUPE.
VALCO TT
Tm
PIN
==
This melonis the most popular of allin Baltimore markets, and throughout Maryland, where it is
known as ** Baltimore Citron.”” It is also becoming prominent in Philadelphia and New York markets as
‘Acme Cantaloupe,’’ and in itsseason is now much sought after by the best hotels and. restaurants,
owing to its handsome appearance and excellent quality. It is quite early, very Jarge and showy, pointed
at the ends, strongly netted, thick, rich green flesh. It is unquestionably the best and most profitable var-
| iety for shipping, its carrying qualities being unequalled by any other variety Packet, 5 cts; ounce, 15 cts.
Mammoth Golden
Largest, Handsomestand Most Productive of all
=
New Pepper,
“
We feel fully warranted in making the above
strong claims for this handsome new pepper: origi-
| nated on our own grounds, growing to twice the size
of Golden Dawn, and averaging a third larger than
Ruby King, of the most perfect shape and uniform
large size The above illustration we have» had
They
grow from fifteen to twenty perfect fruits from
| eightto ten inches long, and four to five inches
through, on a Single plant. In color they are
bright, waxy, golden yellow, and so mild in flayor
they can be eaten like tomatoes, with pepper and
vinegar. Several of our best market gardeners
who havetried them, pronounee them the greatest
novelty of the age, and say they sell in market at
double the prices of any other sorts and are exceed-
ingly valuable for stuffing as mangoes. If you
want to be astonished, try the- Mammoth Golden
Queen. Pkt. 15c.; 2 pkts. 25e.
WHITE PINEAPPLE SQUASH.
This new variety
originatedin
Southern .New
Jersey, and has
attracted much
attention, Owing
to its peculiar
shape, which is
well depicted: in
our illustration.
What few Have
been put gn the
market herey
hare, brought
Vers wiiek price?
The skin an
flesh are of
pure, creamy,
white color, flesh =
very fine grained NEW PINEAPPLE SQUASH.
and of excellent quality and flavor, resemblin;
cocoanut when made into pies or custards.
hey
can be used at any time during growth, and after |
maturing make an excellent autumn and winter
sort. We have kept them for over a year in good
condition. They are remarkably strong growers,
each vine producing generally from ten to fifteen
perfect fruits. Pkt. 10 cts.
OAK-LEAVED LETTUCE.
The distinguishing feature of this new variety of
lettuce isin its oak-shaped leaves, the broader part
set to the stem and pointed to the tip, thus giving
ita very unique and attractive appearance. The
leaves are of a light green color, slightly crimpled
orcurled. It is free from coarse stems, quite ten-
der, but of slightly bitter taste. Itis very slowin
running to seed, and will remain in head for a
month beforeits shoots appear. Per pkt. 10 cts
LONG GRECIAN CUCUMBER,
(Lone SmMoorH GREEN, FROM ATHENS.)
IN
AY
o
LONG GRECIAN CUCUMBER.
This splendid new sort grows to a great length—
fully equal to the English frame varieties. It grows
very straight, smooth and uniform, of perfect
shape, and has very few seeds, as shown in the il-
lustration ; quality excellent. It is very pro-
lifie and does well in the open ground. Amateurs
desiring extra fine specimens for exhibition or table
use will find this variety unsurpassed. Pkt. 10 cts.
Address all orders to FRANK FINGH, (Lock Box: 2), GLYDE, Wayne Gounty, N. Y.
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