Historic, Archive Document

Do not assume content reflects current scientific knowledge, policies, or practices.

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19QO

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Strawberry Plants

GROWN )!Y

M. CRAWFORD COMPANY, CUYAHOGA FALLS,

OHIO.

PLEASE -TAKE NOTICE.

We commence to fill orders for plants as early as possible— generally about the first of April— and continue the work as rapidly as possible. As a rule we fill them in the order in which they are received, except where it is requested that they be sent at a certain date or late in the season. Those who order early are sure to get what they want ; those who send later take chances on certain varieties being sold out. Owing to extreme drouth last summer, our stock of some varieties is small this spring.

Experience has proven that we can send plants safely, either by mail or express, to any part of the country, and we warrant the safe arrival at their destination of all plants shipped before May ist, and stand ready to make gocd the loss, in case any do not do so, if we are informed PROMPTLY- We do not ship strawberry plants by freight.

It is better to order plants early and get them in good season, as they are less valuable to you if received late. If your ground is not ready when they arrive, heel them in ; and they can be planted at your convenience.

We are pleased to have purchasers state the date on which they desire plants shipped. We conform as nearly as possible to their wishes.

Our plants are packed in the best possible manner, with plenty of damp moss. They are care- fully trimmed and tied in bunches of twenty-five and labeled, and moss enough is put between the bunches to keep the plants safely for weeks early in the season. We have heretofore packed ex- press orders mostly in handle baskets and hope to continue to do so, but shall be obliged to adopt other methods if express companies persist in their recent construction of their rules concerning reduced rates on plants crated or boxed. In this matter, it is the welfare of customers and no pre- ferences or convenience of our own that governs us.

When ordering plants late in the season, please state whether we may substitute other varieties for any that are sold out. We can often do this to the advantage of the purchaser where permitted to do so.

Money may be sent at our risk by Postoffice Money Order, Express Money Order, Registered Letter or New York Draft. Less than one dollar may be sent in stamps.

We can ship directly over the lines of the United States, Adams and American Express Com- panies.

Our terms are cash with order or before shipment, except where the pur- chaser is an old customer with whom our'previous dealing-3 have been satisfac- tory to us. Experience has proven to us that this is the way to conduct our business. We have sold on credit and lost our money and lost customers also by trying to collect from them. We have accounts now with men who do many times the business we do and make even more times the ado about it, from whom we cannot collect a cent. We do not want references, but money. But we do not desire those who have previously dealt with us and paid cash or paid their bills promptly to feel that we shall refuse them credit because it is inconvenient to send cash with their orders.

We remember our friends. .

SPECIAL OF^F^ER.

To encourage early cash orders, we will upon receipt of all orders received before April ist, accompanied by cash, send by mail ten small blooming gladiolus bulbs of the .Standard Mixture, for each dollar,

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ft Little Talk with Our Customers.

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T IS more than twenty-five years since M. Crawford, Cuyahoga Falls, began to grow strawbeny plants for the trade. Many changes have taken place in that time. Then the Wilson was the leading market berry and the Jucunda the great fancy variety. A considerable part of the crop furnished to small towns came from farmers and gardeners, who brought in their berries in pans and handle baskets and bartered them for groceries, while the berries were marketed in cities in the old " Cincinnati stands " holding four drawers, each containing six- teen quarts, which by judicious measurement frequently expanded into twenty quarts. Most of the plants for the entire country were dug from bearing plantations in the East and were poorly packed. Berries were then generally small and crops were meagre. The quality was not what it is now as a rule. Now this is all changed. Even the country trade is supplied with good berries in quart baskets. Improved shipping facilities have given to the South the early trade and have made very late varieties fully as much of an acquisition as very early ones. And the size and appearance of the berries marketed show as vast an improvement as is found in almost an}' other class of products in the same time. This has come about through the continued striving for something better, — the only means of improvement known to man, — and the never ending procession of new varieties, each claiming superiority and only a few having it. Any one who will consider the vastness of this country, its variety of climates and soils and the endless variety of methods pursued by growers, can easily see how so many kinds will appear the best in some places or in the hands of some growers and the reason why so many new varieties can be honestly introduced with claims for recognition.

But other changes have come in twenty-five years also. Every locality in the country now has its growers of strawberry plants. Plants are better grown and better packed, and in some sections, where labor is cheap, are sold at prices once unheard of. Every part of the country is now supplied with good berries ; nearly every market is overstocked at times ; and that grower only can hope for large re- turns who can either increase the price received by having extra good berries, well marketed, or by reducing the cost of production by economical methods and big crops.

For several years this house has been slowly drifting away from growing com- mon varieties of plants to be sold in large quantities at low prices, and has been mak- ing a place for itself as a grower of new varieties. This year the old name is changed to M. Crawford Compan}T, the change being rendered desirable by Mr. M. Crawford's having taken his son, Mr. Win. S. Crawford, as a partner. The polic}^ of the house will not be materially changed, but it will cater more and more to that part of the strawberry-growing trade which wants to keep ahead of the procession by having always the best varieties to be had, and to those who grow for home use or for pleasure, either standard varieties or the best new ones offered each year. We believe the busi- ness is large enough to call for this, and we -propose to do as large a share in supplying the want as the buying public may intrust to us.

In one regard, however, our policy will be changed. For man}T years Crawford's Strawberry Catalogue contained more information on the growing of strawberries than any other similar publication in the land. This information was sent broad- cast, and, we believe, was very helpful to man)' people. It had one undesirable result, however; it started up competitors for our customers. We propose to issue more of this class of literature in the future than in the past, but it will go to our customers, and not to the general public. Aside from our bulb business, we devote all our time to growing strawberry plants. We are in correspondence with growers all over the country, not only concerning new varieties, but concerning experiments in cultural methods. The information received in this way, as well as the results of our own experiments and observation, we expect to send from time to time to our customers, and we shall do all in our power to make it fresh and valuable. As in the past, we shall put forth every endeavor to please those who favor us with their orders. Our plants will be well grown, carefully handled, well packed, true to name; our descriptions will be honest and give exact information as far as we have it. We believe we shall be able to serve amateurs, specialists, growers for home use, experi- ment stations, and those who are seeking by experiment to acquire the best to be had, as well as any house in the country, if not better than any other.

To our patrons, many of whose names have appeared on our order books almost every year for a quarter of a century, we desire to express our sincere thanks; and, of those into whose hands this catalogue comes we ask a share of their patronage.

M. CRAWFORD COMPANY.

NEW VARIETIES.

We offer this spring a number of very promising new varieties. Wherever they have fruited on our grounds, we give the results of our own experience with them, as well as the testimony of others. We do not expect that they will all prove success- ful everywhere, but we do believe that they have. sufficient merit to warrant their introduction, and we have no doubt that some among them will make prominent places for themselves. While it may appear to some that we are rather overdoing matters by introducing so many new varieties at once, it is but fair to ourselves to say that these are but a minority of the varieties we have been asked to bring out. In the case of the majority however, we were unable to see how their introduction would be of any advantage to the public and we not only declined to introduce them ourselves but were able to prove to the originators of some that they were not suffi- ciently meritorious to warrant introduction by anybody.

The only way for any grower to learn definitely whether a variety is valuable for him, is to test it. He may do this when the variety is new and high priced ; and, if it is what he wants, he will have several years start on his competitors. Or he may wait till it has become cheap and everybody has it, and take his place well back in the procession of growers. Each must decide for himself. He who would lead must be first.

TO OWNERS OF PROMISING SEEDEINGS .

We are now testing a number of seedlings and are making arrangements to do far more of this work in the future than in the past. We should be pleased to cor- respond with you with a view to receiving plants of your seedlings to be tested. One of the gravest mistakes made by owners of new varieties is that they do not have them sufficiently tested. They introduce them or have them introduced on the testimony of themselves and a few people, perhaps not strawberry growers at all, the berry has to make its reputation afterwards; and although it may be of the highest merit, the originator does not derive from it the profit he should. If you are con- templating introducing a berry, let us hear from you. We may be of service to you.

DESCRIPTION OF VARIETIES.

SCnfltOr This variety was originated several years ago by Rev. J. R. Reasoner, of _ . Illinois. Its originator is a man of very high standing in Illinois

UlinldD. Per. horticultural circles as a student of fruit culture and one whose opinion on new varieties is sound. This variety was the result not of chance but of twelve years of systematic effort to combine all the good points possible in one strawberry. Mr. Reasoner has fruited it for six years with twenty or more standard varieties, whose superior it has always proven itself to be. Last summer it was named after the Hon. Henry M. Dunlap, President of the Illinois State Horticultural Socie- ty, whose letter appears below. We have fruited it in a small way and have found no weak point in it. Its strongest point is its vigor of growth. It is probably as nearly drouth-proof sis any variety ever offered. During a spell of unusually hot, dry weather last August, it continued, on^the originator's grounds, to grow and make plants, while some varieties succumbed and even trees died. Attached to some plants received by us from Illinois in very trying weather last summer, were a number of runners. We made some cuttings and planted them with as good results as are cus- tomary from runners cut from plants in the field and not allowed to dry for a minute. The fruit is beautiful. The berries are as uniform in shape as if cast in a mould. Mr. Reasoner says he has never seen a cockscombed, double or misshapen berry of this variety. It is large but not the largest. For general market purposes, it will prove all in this direction that is wanted, but it is not a Wm. Belt nor a Nick Ohmer. For a general desciption we would refer to the letters of Professors Burrill and Blair given below. We believe this berry is an acquisition of the most valuable kind, and we congratulate ourselves upon being allowed to introduce it. The testimonials that could be given are numerous, but we present only a few, which we consider suffi- cient, as they are from those who by acquaintance with the variety and by special training are most competent to judge it fairly.

REV. J. R. Rkasoxrr, Urbaxa, Illinois, June 17, I899.

Dear Sir : — I have made, during the last two years, close observations upon the strawberry seedling known to you as No. 1 (Senator Dunlap). Last year I became satisfied that is was worthy of a name and of introduction. - That conclusion has been more than confirmed this year, and I now consider it an exceedingly valuable

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variety, and in all probability destined to become one of the very best for home and market purposes.

The plant is all that can be desired in a stawberry, vigorous, healthy, productive, almost rust-proof and apparently well-nigh drouth-proof. The fruit is of good size, regular and attractive in form, deep red in color without and within, firm in sub- stance, and excellent in quality. The latter is peculiar to itself. There is compara- tively little acidity, and it is possible some people may on this account and upon first test fail to appreciate the superb excellence of the fruit, but feel sure it will be a popular favorite in this respect when it becomes sufficiently tried. The season is among the earliest and it continues productive nearly a month. I congratulate you on producing so promising an addition to the already long list of these attractive fruits.

Very truly yours, T. J. BrRRiEE.

Dr. T. J. Burrill is Professor of Botany and Horticulture in the University of Illi- nois.

Mr. J. R. REASONER, Seymour, Ills. Urbaxa, Ieeixois, July 22, 1899.

My Dear Sir: — I have carefully studied your No. 1 (Senator Dunlap) strawberry during the past three seasons, and have compared it with eighty-two other varieties grown on the Station grounds, and do not hesitate to say that it has greater merit than any other berry with which I am familiar. The plants are ex- ceedingly vigorous, with clean healthy foliage which has no tendency to rust. The berries are very large, roundish conical, regular, with a slight neck. In color they are glossy crimson, with the meat firm and solid, deep crimson throughout, and good in quality. It is a wonderfully productive strawberry.

Altogether your No. 1 is the most attractive strawberry I know of, and I predict a promising future for it. Yours very truly,

J. C. Beair, Asst. Professor of Horticulture.

The following is from the Hon. Henry M. Dunlap, State Senator and President of the Illinois State Horticultural Society:

Savoy, Ieeixois, June 26, 1899.

Mr. J. R. Reasoner, Seymour, 111.,

My Dear Sir: — Your favor of the 23d received, asking my consent to name your No. 1 strawberry the " Dunlap." In reply will say that your berry, in my opinion, will do honor to any name you might give it. It is worthy of a place with the best commercial varieties of the day, in my opinion, and I have observed it carefully the past two or three years. « I appreciate highly the compliment you pay me in naming so valuable a variety after me. Your useful work in the production of new and valuable varieties of strawberries, and 3*our conscientious method of testing a variety for a number of seasons, and under different conditions, entitle you to the confidence of all growers of fruit. And I wish you even* success possible with this venture and with all the other valuable experiments you have in process of development. Very truly yours, H. M. Duxeap.

Beue Mouxd, Ieeixois, June 28, 1899.

Mr. J. R. Reasoxer, Seymour, Ills.

Dear Sir: — Your "Senator Dunlap " is a remarkable berry. The War- field, heretofore, has been our very best berry for market, but "Senator Dunlap" com- bines all the good qualities of the Warfield with the addition of being very much more productive, firmer, better flavored, and more attractive in the boxes; in fact we have never seen it surpassed for elegance and beauty, and we have grown straw- berries for twenty-four years. It is large, conical and perfect in shape and blossom; a bright, glossy, deep red, and red throughout, which makes it one of the best for canning purposes. This season with us was very wet during strawberry time and part of our patch ran four days without being picked. The ' ' Senator Dunlap ' ' came through in good condition, while many of the Warfield were too soft to handle. We have been testing many of the new varieties but have found nothing that will compare with it, we think, as a money maker in the new world ; and we are so well pleased with it that we shall plant it exclusively next year. We predict a great future for the "Senator Dunlap," and think you are deserving of much credit for originating a berry of so much promise. Martin MiEEER & Soxs.

Emperor and Empress were originated in Canada, by the late John Little, who brought them here for trial, six years ago. He devoted the last twenty years of his life to the cultivation of this fruit, raising seedlings and testing nearly all that came into the market. The Woolverton and Saunders, two well-known standard varieties, were originated by him and introduced by us. His opinion of the Emperor and

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Empress was that they were the most valuable of all his seedlings, and that the Emperor was the better of the two. It was but a short time before Mr. Little's death that he expressed a desire to have us introduce these varieties, and it is with great satisfaction that they are now offered. A share of all the proceeds will be sent to Mrs. Little, who is nearly ninety years of age, and who resides on the old farm where she has lived most of her life. For this reason and the fact that the berries have been thoroughly tested and found to be well worth introducing, we hope that all of our customers and many others will give them a trial. Our opinion is that our cus- tomers will be well pleased with these two berries, as they have made a good record wherever tested. Last season a good many of the Kmperor berries were only nub- bins, but tbis was the case with many of the best varieties, on account of so much rain when they were in bloom. Every year that these have fruited here they have attracted great attention on account of tVveir size, productiveness, and fine quality.

Emperor (Per. ) — Plant large and stout, a healthy, vigorous grower, and a very heavy bearer. Season, medium. Fruit very large, with the first specimens some- what seamed or corrugated under high culture. Usually the shape is of regular roundish conical form, and the size is large to the end of the season, with a fair chance. The color is dark, rich red, and extends well towards the center. The flesh is reasonably firm, and the quality good. Its leading characteristics are great productiveness and very large size.

Empress (Per.) — This is the companion of the Emperor, and rather the better of the two on our soil. The plant is all that could be desired, a healthy luxuriant grower and a great bearer. It commences to ripen soon after the early berries and continues till late. From first to last it yields large, beautiful berries of the finest quality. Under high culture, some of the earliest are slightly ridged, but never misshapen. The color is dark, glossy red, and very rich looking. It is perhaps slightly longer than the Emperor, of the highest quality, and every way desirable.

Mr. Thos. Wilde, a skillful grower, of Michigan, who has given the Emperor and Empress high culture, speaks of them as follows:

' 1 The result was they grew large like tomatoes, and you could not get more of them into a box than you could of large hen's eggs. They are of fine quality and color."

Mr. E. C. Davis, the well-known strawberry specialist of Massachusetts, writes as follows of the Emperor and Empress, under date of August 19, 1899:

" Emperor and Empress are rightly named, I think, as the royal blood of nobil- ity seems to permeate and pervade them both, in every plant, leaf and berry. Vig- orous in growth, entirely free as yet from the slightest taint or disease, wonderfully productive, beautiful in appearance, both in plant and fruit, especially so the latter; and, then, transferring the criticism from sight to taste, there is no disappointment, but rather an affirmation, and emphasizing of all their other good qualities.

" Had I never grown the Margaret, I could easily place either of these varieties at the head of the list, as combining all the good qualities in the strawberry, but that grand, tried and true variety still ' holds the fort ' with me, although during the past fruiting season both the Emperor and Empress have been battering at its walls and demanding entrance not so much, perhaps, for possession, as for admission on equal terms with the present tenant."

In the August issue of Gleanings in Bee Culture, A. I. Root, the editor, has the following to say of the Empress:

" I wish to call attention to the Empress just brought out by Matthew Crawford. I visited his place when most of the strawberries were gone and the dry weather was fast using up the late ones. The Empress, however, had a magnificent growth of foliage, and green berries and ripe ones were both in great abundance. When I suggested it was a late berry, friend Crawford said it commenced ripening quite early on the contrary. I know the plant is a tremendously strong and robust grower, be- cause we have it on our own grounds. Now if it bears everywhere else as it does at Matthew Crawford's place, it is certainly remarkable, because it holds out 'head and shoulders' above anything else."

Bennett ( Imper. ) — This variety was originated near Cincinnati ten years ago, but has not been introduced until now. It has not fruited here but has proven a good grower, and we have great confidence in it. We regret that the plans we had made to see it on the grounds of an extensive grower, at its home, miscarried, and we are obliged to depend entirely upon the word of others. We are fortunate, how- ever, in being able to present an excellent description of it in the form of extracts from a letter from Mr. W.W. McFarland, of Hamilton County, Ohio, in whose opin- ion we place great confidence. This, with the testimonials of others, leads us to be-

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lieve that the Bennett is indeed a most valuable berry and destined to become a leader.

Under date of November 13, 1899, Mr. McFarland, in response to questions from us/ wrote in part as follows:

" The plant is a joy to see, clean, strong, bright, deep rooting, and free from spots.

"As to season of ripening and length of season; I marketed my first Bennetts two days before my first Warfields, Ma}- 21, '99, and clear on through till the Gandys were done, June 15th. The very last berries we picked were Bennetts. Nothing came earlier than the Bennetts, except the Michels, (about seven days), and the Crescents, (four days), and none lasted as long. In other years we have picked goodjnarketable Bennetts for five weeks.

"The general shape is a perfect top, never blunt or rounded, like Clyde and Brandywine often are here, nor long, pointed like the Haverland class. The first largest berries are sometimes squared fiat across the point, like a big Marshall, but never rough nor seamed. The size is very regular, at first running as large as the largest; in mid-season, that large medium that I think the perfect size; and from then to the last about one-half as large, or about like the Warfield and Crescent in their mid-season ; but big or little all run about the same shape and smooth. The berry never 'buttons' or 'nubbins', if it has been properly fertilized. No berry I have ever known shows up so even and uniform in crate, throughout the season, in size and shape.

"Color — The first berries were ready to pick for shipping Ma)- 21, and were then a deep scarlet. I left that row entirely alone for just one week. In the middle of the week those first berries were a glossy red, and at the end a deep crimson. At that time — May 28th — we picked them and marketed them with the rest, dead ripe and sound. That row of Bennetts with one whole week's ripening was the prettiest berry sight I ever saw.

"The quality is simply fine. To my taste a good ripe Marshall is the tip-top of, excellence for eating, but I stand alone in my family in making it rank the Bennett. Indeed it is just about as good, and like Marshall is red all through. Of course, I am not comparing the berry with the Marshall in a general way. With me the Marshall is a fancy berry, pure and simple, and as such fills the bill, but it don't make one-fourth of the Bennett crop.

"Like the rest of the public, I am sick and disgusted with the fulsome and ex- travagant praises with which new introductions are boosted on us. Out of over a hundred varieties I have tried in the last ten years, not half a dozen have bettered the old kinds with me. Yet in reviewing this letter I find I am treading in the old trail — it is all good — well, I can't help that, I have described the berry exactly ac- cording to my experience with it. In other climates, or on other soils, it may prove a flat failure.

"If I wanted the very first early only, or the last late, I would not take the Bennett, although it is not far behind the first, and runs its smaller berries (and plenty of them) clear through to the last; but for an all-around, general purpose berry, its color, shape, productiveness, long season, firmness and quality put it in a class by itself with me.

" This is my experience after seven years' trial, here. I verily believe that, had it had the advantages of some other berries, and been introduced three or four years ago, it would now be the leading all-purpose berry.

' ' The best fertilizer for the Bennett is the staminate that blooms the longest. With me it is the Enhance (itself a poor thing here). The Michel misses its later bloom and the Gandy its earlier. ' '

On- January 10th, this year, Mr. McFarland supplemented his former letter as follows:

' ' In addition to the explicit answers recently given your list of questions con- cerning the Bennett berry, I desire to emphasize the fact that we consider it not only better than any of the new (and many of them good) varieties exploited in recent years, but very much better. Indeed I cannot recall any desirable quality in any or all of them, that the Bennett does not full 3- equal or surpass."

Mr. Jacob Bonner, a man of high standing in Hamilton County, and a very suc- cessful berry grower, says of the Bennett:

" The Bennett strawberry outclasses everything in this section. It seems to be the one berry that has no faults. Color, shape, productiveness, firmness and quality all combine to make it nearly as perfect as a berry well can be. It should have a trial from every grower in the country. It stands at the top of the long list I have raised."

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Mr. W. R. Johnson, one of the oldest strawberry growers and enthusiasts of Hamilton County, writes as follows:

"I can say after raising berries forty years that the Bennett has given me the best satisfaction of any as an all-around berry, that is, I think it has more good qualities than any one else. In the first place it is a vigorous plant, not subject to rust, does not throw out many small side runners, is the best to cultivate and keep standing for years of any I ever saw. I have had them do well for five years on same ground and but little cultivation. They are as good a shipper as we ever had in these parts. While they have not yielded as much fruit as a few other kinds, it has been fine and firm from beginning to end."

W. G. Williams, an old cultivator of strawberries, at the Bennett's home, says:

" I have been working among the big strawberry growers for twenty years, and have studied nearly all the leading varieties in that time, and I say plainly that the Bennett is, in my opinion, the best all-purpose berry ever produced. If it has a fault, I have never yet seen it."

W. M. Gray & Co., Wholesale Commission Merchants,

Cincinnati, Ohio, Jan. ioth, 1900. We take pleasure in recommending the Bennett strawberry, which we have handled for several years, and found to be one of the best market varieties that has been introduced in this section for many years. We think it unexcelled as a shipper and also has an excellent flavor, running good size the entire season.

We are banking on this particular berry more at present than any other being received in our market, and have no hesitancy in saying, that any one purchasing the plants of this berry will undoubtedly find that after producing it and testing it thoroughly, that it will be, as we have recommended, one of the best known varieties to-day in existence.

We feel that we cannot say too much for this Bennett berry. We have shipped it from 300 to 500 miles in hot express cars and the fruit has invariably gone in excellent condition. W. M. Gray & Co.

W. J. Bryan (Per.) — The W. J. Bryan strawberry originated on my place in Marion County, Illinois, some years since. It was a chance seedling discovered as I was passing across an old abandoned bed of strawberries, when I noticed three or four plants growing, which were loaded down with a great number of berries on all plants, being of uniform size and of a brilliant, dark red color. I gathered part of the ber- ries, brought them to the house for exhibition and upon sampling found they were firm and of excellent flavor. In the course of a day or two I removed them to the garden. They, like all other berries, have improved with good cultivation, and for the last two years have commanded a better price on the Chicago market than any other berry- of the same shipment made by me, and I am raising and shipping more than seventy varieties, all for pleasure but more for profit. The W. J. Bryan, as grown on my grounds, compares favorably with the Clyde for size, more productive, lasting through a longer season and ripening much later than Clyde. It is a perfect flower- ing variety, foliage dark green, one of the healthiest of plants on my grounds, an upright grower, with very strong fruit stems, which are required to hold up its im- mense load of fruit. The berries are even in size up to the last picking and when ripe of a brilliant, dark red color, very attractive when crated and with me one of the most prolific berries I raise. — Letter of the Originator, Mr. John M. Green, Dec. 2j, 1S99.

Schwartz Bros., druggists, and until recently very large berry growers, of Marion County, Ills., report as follows :

"We take pleasure in saying that the W. J. Bryan strawberry, exhibited during the seasons of 1898 and 1899, is one of the most attractive and best market berries we have come in contact with for years ; and, if it does as well other places as at its home, it will truly be an acquisition to all lovers of this most delicious of fruits, viz.: the strawberry."

Dr. Geo. S. Rainey, a large orchardist and in the past a prominent berry grower, writes as follows.:

"The W. J. Bryan strawberry, as grown and exhibited during the years 1898 and 1899, is truly an acquisition. It is an attractive, deep red and very firm berry, will stand shipping a long distance, and is very prolific for a self-fertilizing variety. The W. J. Bryan certainly shows up well with any of the old standards, medium in ripen- ing, and bearing through a long season, making it very profitable."

The W. J. Bryan has not fruited here, but the plants have made a growth better than the average.

Salem | Per. )— Originated with Mr. B. M. vSmith, of Beverley, Mass. Mr. Smith was also the originator of the Beverley, which was introduced a few years ago, and

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is still a favorite with many growers in New England. Mr. Smith is a skillful grower and has a high standard. He captured one of the prizes at the Boston strawberry show in i8q8, with the Salem. Last season the variety was past its prime before the exhibition was held and was not entered. He did, however, take the first prize of six dollars, with two quarts of the Margaret, over the Marshall and other varieties that were entered.

Our own experience with the Salem is not extensive. In the summer of 1898 Mr. Smith sent us eighteen ordinary potted plants which were planted in a row with over a dozen other varieties. Last June these were among the earliest and finest large berries on the place. The color is dark glossy red, and the form roundish conical, always of good shape. The quality is excellent. The growth of the plant is perfectly satisfactory.

The Salem was sent to Mr. Carman, of The Rural New-Yorker, and to Mr. E. C. Davis, of Massachusetts, the most successful amateur grower of New England. The reports from both of these gentlemen for 1899 were unfavorable.

Pennell (Per.) — This variety comes to us from Connecticut bearing excellent credentials. We received our plants a year ago and have not seen the variety in bearing. Its growth on our grounds has been eminently satisfactory. The variety as first known as the Dewey, but as that name had already been given to a Texas berry, the name of this one was changed to that of its originator, Mr. John W. Pennell, from whom the following description was received :

" It originated as a chance seedling. I found it with a dozen other plants where the onion patch had been the year before. This one I selected the following season when they fruited. It has borne fruit four seasons. Two seasons I have put it on the market and sold it to private families, and the verdict everywhere has been that it was the finest fruit they had ever tasted. I have sold them at three to five cents per quart above the other fruit.

" It is a very vigorous grower. I sent a few plants last spring to Professor Waugh for trial at the Agricultural Station of Vermont, and he said, 'they looked like prize- winners under any name.' The plants are entirely free from rust or blight. They throw out numerous strong vigorous runners taking very deep root in the soil. The blossom is perfect, and the fruit is borne on stout erect stems a good deal like the wild berry, which it very much resembles in flavor. The color of the fruit is dark red and the flesh is tinted all the way through. There are no hollow ones and no hard cores. The whole berry will melt in one's mouth. These berries can easily be shipped a long distance as they are perfect in shape and texture and are not easily bruised in picking by good pickers."

This variety is highly recommended for quality and appearance by prominent people at its home, but it has not yet been tested by strawberry men over the country.

Rough Rider (Per. ) — A new berry being introduced this year. It has not fruit- ed here. The following is the introducer's description :

"Originated in Oswego county, New York, by Chas. Learned, a leading grower of that famous strawberry locality. A seedling of Eureka fertilized by Gandy. Pro- lific runners like the Eureka, the individual plants resembling the Gandy in leaf and stalk. Enormously productive, hardy and free from disease. Berries very large ; roundish but elongated, some flattened and pointed. Color, dark red like Gandy. The latest and firmest strawberry- in existence; was shipped to New York and Boston in 1899 and sold for nearly double most varieties. Of seventeen crates sold in Boston July 1st, three brought twenty cents per quart and the balance sixteen to eighteen cents wholesale. Although the past season was earlier than usual, good pickings were made till near August 1st. It was shipped without ice July 12th, 350 miles in an ordinary express car and sold for twelve cents per quart. Its blossom is perfect. "

Downing's Bride (Imper. ) — Sent out by us several years ago as a premium as No. 1000. Since then it was named by Mr. Wm. F. Wise, of Virginia, who grows it in great perfection and considers it as superior in every way even to the Wm. Belt, except for a slight disposition to rust. The berry is large roundish conical, always of good form, bright red, glossy and of good quality. The plant is with us a good grower and very productive.

August Luther (Per.) — This was originated by the man whose name it bears, one of our customers near Kansas City. Its value consists in its being very early, and ripening a large amount of fruit in a short time. The following is from a dis- interested grower of ample experience with this variety in western Ohio. Our report of it is substantially the same.

"The August Luther strawberry was a surprise. It began ripening May 15th, and bulk of fruit was ripe by the 20th. Color, shape, quality and growth much like

8

Haverland. I believe it -will produce nearly as many quarts per acre as that variety, and in size will average about the sa'nie, and ripens about a w eek or ten days earlier. "

Mr. Luther grew this variety extensively for years, refusing to part with any plants, lest he might enable other growers to compete with him in producing early berries. This variety has been a favorite early sort at the Ohio Experiment Station since 1894, when it was first reported upon. The Station's report lor [897 is as fol- lows:

"Plants vigorous and prolific; berries medium to large, conical, usually with long slender point, light scarlet, flesh light red, of good quality ; valuable because of earliness ; far more prolific than Michel's Early; and far larger. Karlier, larger and more prolific than Rio. It is regarded as the best early variety tested at the Station."

Gibson (Per.) — A chance seedling discovered at Marlboro, N. Y., in 1895. Per- haps its most marked characteristics are its productiveness and shipping and keeping qualities.- It is large, round, uniform in shape, never misshapen, of fine flavor and bright crimson color. In 1899, on 2,000 feet of row, 1792 quarts were picked, a rate of over 300 bushels to the acre. In the same year the average price of the Gibson was thirteen cents a quart, an average greater than the highest price for any other variety. In 1899, owing to the extreme drouth the average price was but ten and a half cents, but other berries sold at but three to ten cents. As a market variety, where shipping qualities are required, this promises to be one of the greatest ever introduced. Growers around Marlboro purchased for their own planting 75,000 plants last spring, an eloquent testimonial to its popularity at home. The Gibson has not fruited here but has made a splendid growth.

A prominent grower of Middle Hope, N.Y., says: "The Gibson is the most pro- ductive large strawberry w7ith a perfect blossom I have seen; of an even dark color, and firm."

L. J. Farmer says of the Gibson: "The berries are good shape, very firm, and of rich, attractive color. I think it will have a future."

E. V. Covert, salesman for J. H. Jamison, a prominent New York commission man, says: "The Gibson is the best all-round berry on the market today. In ship- ping qualities it equals if not excels the Gandy, and for color beats them all. On arrival and opening of crates of the Gibson berries at our store, they are hard and fine, and have a shining brilliant appearance, as if varnished."

The following is from the Nezv Yark Farmer of Jan. 23, 1898:

"Of all the berries new and old, seen on the trip, the Gibson was the most attrac- tive. Seen on the vines it was a beautiful sight. Kvery berry was like its neighbor, a bright crimson in color, symmetrical and uniform in shape, a short conical pointed form. It seems to have all the strawberry virtues, and it is a beautiful picture, the vines heavily, very heavily loaded with the beautiful fruit. It seemed enormously productive. It is a perfect blossomed variety, and we believe it is destined to become a success at an early date."

Parsons' Beauty (Per. ) — A Maryland berry discovered about nine years ago. It was tested on various soils and made a great record locally, and was introduced last spring. On our grounds it is a beautiful grower, but we have not fruited it yet. The introducer describes it thus:

" It resembles the old Wilson in color and firmness, and the Sharpless in other respects, except that it is enormously productive. I grew, last year, one acre and picked 8,000 quarts before the prices got too low to justify shipping, and left fully 2,000 quarts in the patch. The berry is very symmetrical and handsome in appear- ance, dark red, and, as we have said, like the old Wilson, and colors up admirably well all over — there are no white tips. The foliage is very rank and entirely clean so far, no appearance of any kind of disease upon it. It is an excellent plant maker the first year. I would class it a medium early."

Portage (Per.) — Originated in Ponage county, Ohio, the county adjoining the one in which we live. We have not fruited it, but know it to be very popular around its home. The originator describes it as a "fancy market berry." Plants strong and vigorous, perfect bloom, productive, late; fruit large, of brilliant color and fine flavor, remarkably firm; one of the best for shipping and commands the highest price. The Ohio Experiment Station reports on it as follows in Bulletin 85:

4t This variety was referred to in a former report as similar to Sharpless in foliage and fruit with less tendency to green tips. It lias been on trial several seasons and it may be said further that it is superior to Sharpless both in color and perhaps in pro- ductiveness, also, like Slnrpless is tender in blossom. On the whole it is a promis- ing late variety and is worthy of trial both for home use and for market."

9

Stone's No. 130 — A seedling of Greenville fertilized by Jessie. Strong healthy plant, color dark green, fruit large and plentiful, color dark red, flavor good. Com- bines the good points of both parents. — Originator.

Brandywlne (Per.) — Introduced by us and now well and favorably known all over the country. It is one of the most reliable everywhere, and may be planted with confidence. It is a luxuriant grower, very productive, and bears till quite late. The fruit is very large, heart-shaped, firm, of good color and excellent flavor. It is a good variety for any purpose.

Brownie (Per.) — Originated by a Mr. Brown, of Ohio. It has been on trial at the Ohio Experiment Station for some years. About two years ago, the Horticul- turist of the Station, Prof. W. J. Green, when asked concerning the most promising new strawberries named the Brownie first of all. The Michigan Experiment Station reported in 1899 as follows: " Plants strong growing and healthy in foliage. Ber- ries medium to large in size, usually round conical, sometimes broad conical, in form; bright, light scarlet color, flesh juicy and aromatic in flavor. Holding out well in season, but the fruits are not large enough to make the variety one of special merit." It is said to be unequaled for canning. Not fruited here.

Clyde (Per.) — A healthy vigorous grower, very productive, of large size and fine appearance. It is a little too light in color, and inclined to rot in over-wet seasons. Altogether, a great favorite.

Gandy (Per.) — Too well-known to need any description. It is still considered by many as the most desirable late variety. It is a good grower, moderate^ pro- ductive, large, beautiful in form and color, and of excellent quality. It is remark- able for bearing a good crop on beds two or three years old.

Glen Mary (Per.) — Originated in eastern Pennsylvania, and has been tested in all parts of the country. It has made a good record. The only fault we have no- ticed is its liability to produce rather uneven berries under high culture. Mr. Hay- wood, near Philadelphia, exhibited a four-ounce berry of this variety last season. He had four specimens that filled a quart box, beating all records. It is vigorous and productive, giving satisfaction in nearly ever case.

Haverland (Imper. ) — Originated and introduced by a Mr. Haverland, near Cincinnati. This variety has made a wonderful record, being almost perfect in every respect except that it is not very firm, and only moderately good. We have had it bear over one hundred bushels to the acre at a single picking. It is not surpassed for reliability.

Hunn ( Per. ) — From New York state. Its strong point is its extreme lateness. It makes a large fine plant, which ripens its first fruit at about the close of the sea- son for most varieties. The fruit is dark red, regular in shape, uniformly large and beautiful. As to its productiveness, we are not fully satisfied. One New York state grower reports that it blighted badly last year. A Delaware grower says, ' 'As a late berry on low ground, the Hunn was three times as productive and averaged larger than Gandy. ' ' The Michigan Experiment Station reports serious blighting late in the season.

Johnson's Early — A Mars-land berry, grown from seed of Crescent fertilized by Hoffman. The berry is described as deep red, glossy, firm, excellent in flavor, ripen- ing with Michel's Early, as firm as Hoffman, large as Lady Thompson and prolific as Crescent. The plant is a splendid grower, makes runners freely and is thought to be absolutely rust-proof. Results were the same on light sand and stiff clay. The fruit shipped from Maryland in 1898 brought in New York from five to ten cents a quart more than Michel's Early and Hoffman. Maryland growers last year en- gaged 300,000 plants for their own planting. It has never fruited here except on some plants shipped here and heeled in last spring. The berries under those con- ditions were bright, attractive and good, but, of course, not large. It is probably the most desirable vers* early berry now on the market.

Klondike (Per.) — We offer this with great confidence, having heard most ex- cellent reports of it, and finding when it fruited here that it was all that had ever been claimed for it. It orj^irxated in Massachusetts^ and has made a great record in the Lawrence market wnere" it sola at wholesale for seventeen and eighteen cents per quart when other varieties brought only ten to twelve cents. It commences to ripen quije^late. and, under favorable conditions, will bear for a month. The qual- ity is excellent. Indeed the following description by the originator is just about right: ~

" The plant is a vigorous grower, with thick, dark green foliage, free runner, and a great bearer. Late in blooming, and seldom injured by late frosts. Berry is

10

dark red when ripe, red clear through, very large and beautiful, almost always of uniform size, and has a distinct flavor of its own. Its large size and beautiful ap- pearance sell it as soon as put on the market. ' '

Lloyd (Imper.) — Sometimes called Seaford. Originated in Delaware. The berry fruited here last year, and we believe the following description given by Mr. W. S. Todd was not overdrawn as the variety might appear on his land:

•'The Lloyd is the largest, finest, most perfect and productive berry yet intro- duced. Plant extra large, light green, and has a strong pistillate blossom. It puts up from one to three and four blossom stems, which makes its fruiting season so long; ripening earlier than Bubach and continues to bear lots of good berries until Gaudy is about gone. In color it is a deep, bright glossy red, ripens to the center and is very solid. The quality is the very best. The berries are perfectly solid and will bear shipping to distant markets. The Lloyd began to ripen several days earlier than Bubach and was much better in every way. By actual count it produced four times as many quarts as Bubach."

McKinley (Per.) — We have no hesitation in offering this as one of the good, reliable varieties. It has developed no weakness on our place. Last season it pro- duced fine fruit and plenty of it, although it was on poor soil. The plant is healthy and vigorous. The fruit is large, of good form and color, firm and high flavored.

Magoon (Per.) — Originated in Oregon, where it is probably the most popular variety. It is very late, and is received in Chicago in car lots, from Oregon, at the close of the season when it always brings a good price. It is thought to be the best shipper in cultivation. "Perfect in color, size, shape and flavor. Superior to any for canning. Plants continue in field bearing five years. Third picking on June 30th, averaged a box of berries to the plant." It is known as the Payette in Idaho, and conceded to be the best variety. The Michigan Experiment Station reported very favorably on it last year. Not fruited here.

Margaret ( Per. ) — Originated seven years ago by Mr. John F. Beaver, of Dayton, O., from seed of the Crawford. It has made a most remarkable record, having pro- duced berries of perfect form three inches in length — as large as a good sized lemon. It is a good, healthy grower and a great bearer. Its season is medium to very late, and its vigor is such that the last berries are usually brought to perfection, and plenty of strong runners produced at the same time. The fruit is usually conical, sometimes rather long, but not misshapen; color, dark glossy red, not inclined to have white tips; flesh firm and of excellent flavor. The Margaret took the first prize at the Boston Strawberry show. Mr. E. C. Davis, of Massachusetts, considers it the finest variety in the world. It is especially adapted to high culture, but has not generally proven of wonderful merit under ordinary culture.

Marshall | Per. )— This is one of the very best varieties ever put on the market. It combines very large size, beauty of form and color, and excellent quality in a re- markable degree. It has taken most of the first prizes at the great Boston shows for a number of years. The plant is large and stocky, fairly productive, and will re- spond wonderfully to extra culture. It is the earliest very large berry, and always brings a good price. The Marshall is a great favorite with those who give it high culture, but when grown in matted rows and with only ordinary culture, it is not generally a success.

Hichigan ( Per. ) — Sent out from Michigan a few years ago as the most desirable late berry. It is not a success here, being neither as large nor as late as the Hiuin.' The Empress was immensely ahead of it as a late berry here last year. We consider the Michigan so much inferior to the Hunn, Klondike and Empress, that we do not intend to plant it again. It is but fair to say, however, that the demand for plants for several years has been such that we have been unable to fill all our orders, and the variety must do better elsewhere than here.

Nick Ohmer Per. ) — We have said many good things about this variety, and have nothing to take back. It is one of the very best ever introduced. It is good for any purpose — for home use, for market, or exhibition. It is gaining friends, and will undoubtedly become a leading variety when well known. Mr. Beaver, the originator, who has grown a very large number of well known varieties says this leads them all. There is no weakness about the plant, nor any tendency to rust. It makes a sufficient number of runners, and is a good bearer. The fruit is very large, perhaps unsurpassed in size; under high culture some of the largest specimens are seamed, but never ill-looking. It is usually uniform in shape and size. It is dark red, firm and of good quality.

1 1

Sample ( Imper. ) — From Massachusetts. This is positively one of the greatest berries ever introduced. It is exceedingly productive, the crop in 1899 on the or- iginator's grounds being estimated at 500 bushels to the acre. Old beds were bear- ing nearly as well. It is a vigorous grower, showing no signs of rust or disease of any kind. It is very large, roundish conical with a slight inclination to have a neck, uniform in shape, of very fine quality, quite firm, dark colored, color extending to the center, colors all over at once, bears a long time, does well in thick matted rows and without petting. Fine for home use, market or canning.

Stark, Ixuxors, May 28, 1899.

I never had anything in the strawberry line that would beat the Sample. It is the finest bearer I ever saw It is a third larger in fruit than any other of twenty kinds in the same patch. I just counted twenty nice berries on one stem, and there were three stems on one plant. Downing's Bride is next to Sample on my grounds.

Wm. J. Detmon.

Up=to=Date (Per.) — This variety has not fruited on our grounds, and we have only the introducer's description of it. It has made a good growth with us. It was discovered in 1893 in Illinois and is described by the introducer as follows:

" Fruit of largest size and very regular in shape, being long, conical and slightly necked; dark red to center, retaining its fine color and size better than any other berry when canned, making it the most desirable variety for canning purposes; fruit of a most delightful flavor, being a very mild sub-acid; very desirable for eating from the hand, pleasing the most fastidious. It is very firm and is inclined to dry up instead of rotting, making one of the best varieties to ship. Will remain perfectly solid on the vines several days after ripening and does not get soft and rot in wet seasons like most varieties. Large staminate blossoms containing a very large amount of pollen; commences to bloom early and continues very late, making it one of the best fertilizers for medium early to very late pistillate varieties. The plant is a strong, healthy grower; makes plants freely, but does not mat in the row like the Crescent and Warfield. It is frost and drouth-proof. ' '

Wm. Belt (Per.) — An Ohio berry, introduced by us. We made great claims for it and we have never had to take back anything we said of it. One of the largest ever produced, handsome, of good quality, productive, a fine grower and in every way first class. It is winning its way everywhere and is now one of the most popu- berries in the country-. The only fault ever found with it is any inclination to rust in some localities, and every variety shows that somewhere. We have grown berries three inches in diameter on spring set plants of the Wm. Belt.

Woolverton (Per.) — A Canadian berry introduced by us, which has made a splendid record in this country, scarcely ever failing any where. It blooms for a long time and is one of the best for fertilizing pistillate varieties. Tne plant is vig- orous; and the fruit large, of very fine quality, red to the center and of good form. One of the best varieties for home or market.

TESTIMONIALS.

Agawam, Mass., May 27, 1S99. While I do not believe in praising a man for doing just as he advertises (3-et they ought to be in these days of so many frauds). I do believe in giving a man credit for doing more than he promi- ses. In the eight or ten vears I have dealt with you. you have done this and more. I wish to thank vou for the uniformlv good stock sent, very liberal count and the good condition received, and especially for being true" to name. E. M. Hitchcock.

Santa Barbara, Cal,, May 18, 1899. The strawberry plants arrived todav. Thev were in fine fix, fresh and nice. Please accept thanks. " K. E. Conover.

Greexsbtjrg, Pa., April 23, 1899. Received my strawberry plants. They were the finest and freshest plants I ever received from any nursery, and I have been bu3^ing plants in a small way for ten years. I want to thank you for your liberal count and extras. ^ • S. Ray.

Fort Collins, Colo., April 29, 1899. The plants arrived the 26th inst. in the most splendid condition, all alive but one Xick Ohmer. Am ever so much pleased with all and especiallv those Teos. which are growing very nicely.

F W. C. Evans.

Owen Sound, Ont., May 9, 1899.

Plants arrived promptlv in good shape— fine stock, perfectly packed. Accept my thanks for uniform care vou take" in selecting and packing, and also for the liberal count and valuable ras ' T. C Robinson.

Grtswoldville, Ga., April 18, 1899. The plants were received last Saturday in fine condition, and are the finest I have ever bought auks for the extra count and the extra varietv. A. F. Rice.

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HOW TO GROW FOUR-OUNCE BERRIES.

The largest berries are usually grown by amateurs on fall-set plants. They generally cost more of care and skill than they are worth in the market, but the finest berries are never sent to market. Who ever saw a two-ounce berry in the market? And yet it would require nine such to make a quart. At our strawberry meeting last June, Mr. Shcrbondy exhibited the Win. Belt and Belle three and one- half inches in diameter, but they were cockscombed, and would hardly weigh over two ounces. Mr. Davis, of Massachusetts, has grown the Margaret of good form, and over three inches in diameter. All records were broken last season, by A. T. Goldsborough, who exhibited a four-ounce berry at the Agricultural Depart- ment in Washington. Six berries carried in on June 5th weighed, respectively, 4 ounces, 3.2 ounces, 3.2 ounces, 2.88 ounces, 2.56 ounces, 2.56 ounces. Average weight of each berry 3.06 ounces. The six berries filled a quart box and weighed a total of 18.4 ounces. Circumference of largest berry io.5 inches. Diameter 3^ inches. Mr. Goldsborough makes a specialty of foreign varieties, and these six mammoth specimens were grown from plants of an English variely, whose name he declined to give.

The soil that produced these mammoth berries had been used as a cow-yard for twenty years, and was as hard as an asphalt pavement, besides being very rich. It was not stirred or broken up in any way, but was covered to the depth of five inches with woods earth (sandy), and the plants wrere set about Sept. 10, 1898. The whole surface was covered with lawn clippings, but, of course, the leaves were left exposed. Being sheltered on the north and west with a fence and building, the plants continued to grow until very late. Liquid manure was applied several times during the fall. After growth was stopped in the winter, the crowns were thinned to three to each plant. Early in April the mulch was pulled back from each plant, and a handful of rich soil was worked into the surface to the depth of half an inch. After blooming, liquid manure was applied twice. The leaves were arranged to shield the fruit from the direct rays of the sun; and when the hot days of May came, cotton cloth was put over the bed to protect it from the noon sun. It was held in place by bent wires which kept it fourteen inches from the ground. As soon as the fruit was set, five or six specimens were selected on each plant, and all the rest removed.

Each grower has his own methods, and some of Mr. Goldsborough's will be considered strange. The hard soil, late planting, thinning the crowns and shading the plants with cloth will be new to many. Much might be said in favor of firm soil, but this is not the place. There is far more in it than appears at first thought. Late planting insures unchecked growth during the growing season, and this is ex- ceedingly important. Mr. Beaver who is probably the most successful grower in Ohio, favors rather late planting so as to avoid any check to the growth which is so apt to come in August to early set plants. Thinning the crowns is exactly the same as cutting off surperfluous wood from a grapevine. The same method may be adopted with great advantage with peony plants and pieplant. Shading the grow- ing fruit lengthens its season of growth. If one could keep a berry growing all summer before it commenced to ripen, it is plain that it would grow very large.

Since writing the above we have heard of another successful grower who has raised a four-ounce berry, and a good man}' that weighed over three ounces each. He carried to the office of the Farm Journal a quart box that was filled to the top with four berries. The variety was the Glen Mary. The name of the grower is Joseph Haywood, and he lives near Philadelphia. The soil is rich, clay loam. Here is his method:

Plants were set in May, in rows six feet apart, and three feet from each other in the row. Soil enriched with stable and hen manure. Beds elevated to afford good drainage, by earth taken from the paths. Runners were allowed to root fifteen in- ches apart until they occupied a strip three and a half feet wide. All others were cut off as they appeared. Beds received the most careful culture all summer and fall, not a weed being allowed to start ; as soon as the ground froze, full three inches of half-rotted stable manure was spread over the beds, and the paths left open to let surplus water pass off readily In early spring the paths were filled with straw to keep the ground moist, and prevent weed growth. A few of the plants needed help in getting up through the covering, but the most of them made their own way. This deep covering retards the blooming until the danger from late frosts is past. If very large specimens are desired, the fruit must be thinned.

At a strawberry show in Kentucky the Clyde was shown so large that five made a quart. Such success can only come when every precaution is taken to supply the wants of the plant. Any injury to roots or leaves, any check for want of food or water, or any exhaustion from producing runners will prevent the best results.

13

PRICE LIST.

\ AKlii 1 Y.	12 by Mail postp'd	ioo by Mail postp Jd	VARIETY.	12 by Mail postp' d	100 by Mail postp d
August Duther (p)	■3°			. 20	jpi . 00
Bennett (i) _	i.oo	5-00	Margaret ( p ) -	. 20	1 .00
Brandy wine (p) -	.20	I .OO	ivJLd.rslld.ll ^ Jr j	. 20	1.00
Brownie (p) - _ _ _	. 20	I .OO		. 20	1.00
Clvde -----	.20	I . OO	1MCK Uflllla (P) - - -	. 20	1.00
rinwrntior'Q T^n r\ p> (t\	•5°	2.50	Parsons' Beauty (p)	•3°	1.50
Emperor (p)	I oo	c nn	T->pnnF>11 ,t>) _ _ _ _ _	1.00
Empress (p) -	I .oo	5.OO	Pr»rf"C3 rr^ /x>/	•3°	1.50
O-andv (v) - - - -	. 20	1.00	jtxougn rvicier [rj	2.00	1 2.00
Gibson (p)	•3°	I.50		1.00	5.00
Glen Marv (p) - - -	. 20	I . OO	Odlll^JlC 1,1) - _ - -	. 20	1 .00
Haverland (i) - - - -	.20	1.00	Senator Duulap (p) - -	1.00	5.00
Hunn (p) -----	.20	1.00	Stone's No. 130 - - -	•30	1.50
Johnson's Early (p) - -	.20	I. GO	Up-to-Date (p) - - - -	.20	1.00
Klondike (p) - - - -	.20	1.00	Wm. Belt (p) - - - -	.20	1.00
Lloyd (i) ----- -	.20	I. CO	W. J. Bryan (p) - - - -	1.00	5.00
McKinley (p) - - - -	.20	1.00	Woolverton (p) - - -	.20	1.00

When ordering dozens or hundreds by express, not prepaid, 5 cents per dozen or 25 cents per 100 may be deducted from these prices.

Six and fifty plants of one variety \ at dozen and hundred rates respectively. Twen- ty-five of one variety at one and one-half times the dozen rate.

Varieties with imperfect blossoms (1) must be planted near some kind having perfect blossoms (p).

SPECIAL OFFERS.

For the convenience of those little acquainted with varieties, we make the follow- ing special offers. In ordering please order as "Special Offer No. 1" or "No. 2" and not by varieties.

Special Offer No. 1. — For persons desiring to set a small bed for family use and give only ordinary culture, this collection can probably not be excelled. For One Dollar, we will mail postpaid 25 Johnson's Earl}- for early, 25 BrandywTine for late, 25 Sample, especially fine for canning, and 25 McKinley.

Special Offer No. 2. — For persons desiring by extra culture to secure the finest fruit possible. For One Dollar we will mail postpaid 25 Marshall for early, 25 Klon- dike for late, 25 Margaret and 25 Nick Ohmer.

THE i~i MAKER RASPBERRY.

We have no plants of it for sale, but we take this opportunity of calling the atten- tion of our patrons and others to a good thing. We have been watching it for a number of years, have grown it here and seen it elsew'here, and we know whereof we speak. It is undoubtedly the finest purple raspberry ever introduced. The following is the originator's description:

"The Haymaker is a purple cap, not so dark as the Columbian or Shaffer, and much larger and firmer than either of those varieties, never crumbles and stands up well in snipping. Sample crates have been shipped to distant points with entire satisfaction. It is a berry to grow for either home use or market. The originator has found it the most profitable berry ever raised for market and has never yet been able to supply the local demand. I w ish to emphasize here its popularity as a canning berry. Many orders for berries for this purpose are placed a year in advance. The Haymaker has demonstrated its great merit in time of drouth. The season just past was exceptionally dry in this locality. The Haymaker bore an immense crop of fine quality, while other varieties here furnished but half a crop, orwyere an entire failure. The Haymaker certainly has four points of superiority, viz: Vigorous, growth, hardiness, productiveness and quality."

The Ohio Experiment Station reported in 1899: "It appears to be as much superior to the Columbian as the Columbian is to the Shaffer. The plants are ex- tremely vigorous and uncommonly productive."

Plants may be had from the originator. Mr. A. O. Haymaker, Earlville, Ohio.

Please address him, not us, concerning the Haymaker.

M. CRAWFORD COMPANY,

14

RETAIL OATALO( J I FE

or

GLADIOLUS BULBS

OROWN" BY

M. CRAWFORD COMPANY,

CUYAHOGA FALLS, O.

TO THOSE WHO BUY BULBS.

During the past fifteen years we have been increasing and improving our stock of gladiolus bulbs until we now have the finest, though not the largest, collection in the United States. Several years ago we entered the retail trade, and since that time have made that an important part of our business. We have at length, how- ever, practically concluded to give up retailing. We are known, and desire to be known, as strawberry men. Most strawberry growers are not at all interested in gladiolus bulbs, and most gladiolus growers do not care much about strawberries. The two are not good to retail together. Our retail gladiolus bulb trade is not such that we care to issue a separate catalogue. So in the future we expect to grow bulbs for the trade only. This will therefore probably be the last opportunity that our patrons will have of buying bulbs of us at retail. We have said in the past that when our Seed Stock became sufficiently numerous, we proposed to put it in with the Standard Mixture. This year we shall make good this promise, and the Stand- ard Mixture will be fully one-half Seed Stock, which we sold last year at about three times the price of Standard Mixture. The bulbs will be mixed in each order separately, so that every purchaser will get his share of Seed Stock.

We have a larger stock than usual this spring, and we propose to close out our large bulbs. To this end we shall sell at wholesale as freely as possible. We desire to say to those who contemplate buying bulbs that it will be necessary to order early to have any assurance of getting their orders filled. We hope to have no large bulbs left by April 1st.

We regret the severance of the pleasant relations that have existed between the retail purchasers of our bulbs and ourselves in years past, but we believe that our best interests demand it. We thank them for their patronage and for the kind words of commendation so frequently received from them. To those in the trade who have been our patrons, we desire to say that we expect them to hear from us more frequently in the future than in the past, for we shall continue to grow more bulbs and better bulbs than ever.

M. CRAWFORD COMPANY.

OUR STOCK.

There are many hybrids in gladioli. The Gandavensis is noted for its tall, straight spikes, with many of the flowers open at a time, and having petals of great substance. Formerly nearly all of the best varieties, of nearly every shade of color, belonged to this class. The Lemoinei varieties are noted for their long slender, woody spikes, often crooked, and usually having only from two to four blooms open at once. The markings are peculiar, and the bulblets often as large as cherries. The next to appear was the Nanceianus, which has a large amount of Saunder- sonii blood in it. The strain lacks vigor, and the spikes are seldom tall, and only few blooms open at a time. The flowers are very large with peculiar markings in the throat. Soon after these came the Childsi, tall, vigorous growers with long spikes, thin petals that were inclined to wilt on a hot or windy day, and the great majority of the varieties red. The Childsi has been greatly improved.

Groff's Hybrids.— Out of the best of all the above, by the most judicious crossing and blending of colors, by a man whose collection is not surpassed in the world, came Groff's Hybrids. Unlike the classes that came before, these have no single characteristic that distinguishes them, unless it be great vigor and health. Every desirable characteristic that ever belonged to any strain may be found in Groff's Hybrids; and no other class furnishes nearly as large a proportion of very choice kinds. Anyone who has raised many seedlings has produced some of great beauty, but the number of choice ones in a hundred of Groff's Hybrids is very large. Some of the leading seedsmen have been selling Groff's hand-fertilized seed

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for a few years, at twenty-five cents a packet of from forty to fifty seeds. None was ever sold by the ounce or pound but one lot of fourteen >unce that we bought in the spring 1895. From it we raised a great number of bulbs, and when they bloomed in '97 the best were saved and the others sold as Standard Mixture. From these selected varieties we now have the largest stock in the country. Last season we purchased 10,000 more from Mr. Groff who thought them superior to those we raised from the fourteen ounces of seed. While this was probably true, they were not superior nor equal to the stock that we grew from the selected varieties. Many grand names have been given to mixed bulbs to make people believe the stock to be superior, but the Groff 's Hybrids we now have were never surpassed by any in the world. Each hundred will probably contain over seventy varieties, but only one of them can be the best of the lot. When over twenty are selected the other fifty seem common in comparison. So, no one can expect that every var- iety, even Graff's Hybrids, will be wonderfully beautiful. It is a fact, however, that some of those rejected by one will be the select of another. The way to do, and the way that many have done, is to buy a good number and select those most desirable. The others can be sold to a neighbor at a lower rate, and a new lot pur- chased. In this way fine collections are buiit up.

Crawford's Standard Hixture, while inferior to Groff's Hybrids, is immensely

superior to the mixed colors usually sold, for this reason: The best have not been sold out of it under name and color. Our aim has been to sell the best mixed stock, but if we should hire a boy to classify our stock when in bloom, and then sell " White and Light," "Yellow," "Pink" and "Variegated," the remainder would be as good as some of the XXXX mixtures sold. We do sometimes have too many of a kind to put into a mixture, and then they are sold under name. This season we have sold a good many May and Mabel as such, lest they would be too numerous in the mixture. Our Standard Mixture contains many rare named kinds and seedlings, but only a few of Groff's Hybrids. The only selecting we ever do is to pick out such as we wish for seed. This is " Seed Stock," and very many thous- ands of these are returned to the Standard Mixture this winter. As long as the bulbs are under the present management, it is not the intention to sell any under name or color. We have but three sizes of Standard Mixture and two of Groff's Hybrids to offer. No. 1 inches and up), No. 2 (1 to 1% inches), and No. 3 (% to 1 inch). All these will bloom.

PRICE LIST OF" BULBS.

	By Express not Prepaid.
Groff's Hybrids:	12	100	1000
No. 1, - -	S -50	$2.50	$20 00
	.10	2.00	15.00
Standard Mixture:
No. 1, ------------	.20	1.00	7.50
No. 2, ----------- -	.15	.75	5.00
No. 3,	.10	.50	3 50

When by mail, add for postage, one cent per bulb for No. 1; one-half cent for No. 2; one-fourth cent for No. 3.

M. CRAWFORD COMPANY,

CUYAHOGA FALLS, OHIO.

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