Historic, archived document Do not assume content reflects Current scientific knowledge, policies, or practices. a pd 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. y + ) \= } iy : 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. the | | |