Historic, Archive Document

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" strawberry

Plants that Grow "

...1900...

Catalogue of^^

Small Fruit Plants

C E Whitten's

...NURSERIES...

Bridgman, Michigan

National Fruit Grower

Is the Largest Horticultural and Fruit Trade Publication West of New York.

PUBLISHED MONTHLY AT ST. JOSEPH, MICHIGAN

SUBSCRIPTION PRICE, 50 CENTS PER YEAR

KEEPS you posted on Horticultnre. Crop Onditions, Prices of Frait Products in the different Markets, Fruit Tra<le Matters. Diseases of "Trees and Plants and Treatment of same. You will like it if you grow a tree or vine, t It deals with erery phase of the fruit industry from the field to the market,

^ including varieties, cultivation, transportation and the final sale in the market. V It tells the growers who they may safely send their goods to in the cities of the / country, guards them from the wiles of ' snide'' commission houses, and gives

<just the information the grower needs, whether he be an amateur or a profession- al. Also publishes Market Eeports from the different cities, giving you a sum- mary of prices that fruit is selling for.

SEND FOR IT TO=DAY, money back if oot satisfied. Address

National Fruit Grower, St. Joseph, Michigan

PLCASe MENTION THIS CATACOCUC

Get your Horticultural Publications

With an order amounting to $2.00 at the catalogue rate, I will include a year's subscription to

The National Fruit Grower frfhlfSSro^?!

With an order amounting to $5.00, ^ M*vt 1 «*rt ci 1

will give five years' subscription to r'cirill «fUUril<ll

iS^Any one wishing to take advantage of either of these offers must mention it when send- ing the order ; also notice that the order must be at catalogue rates.

Sample copies may be had by sending to the publishers, do not send to me for them.

e. E. WHITTBN.

No. 29. BRIDGMAN, MICH., Oct. 4, 1899.

This is to certify that I have examined the Nursery stock and premises of C. E. WRITTEN, and find no indication of the presence of any dangerous insect pest or fundus disease. D. W. TRINE,

State Inspector of Nurseries and Orchards.

njN again greeting my old friends and patrons in this, my Annual Catalogue of Small Fruit Plants, I wish to thank them for past favors and trust that I may merit a continuance of the same. I am also desirous of making many new acquaintances and have faith in my ability to please if they will allow me to supply their needs in this line. As this will reach some who probably never heard of our nursery, will say that I have been engaged in the business of growing fruit for market for more than twenty years, for the past ten years or more I have turned my attention, more particularly, to the propagation and sale of Plants, making the growing of fruits a secondary consideration only as I test the newer sorts. I have endeavored to be progressive along this line, although perhaps rather conservative in boomingf new varieties, for I find there are so many candidates for favor that have no points of excellence over the Standard and well tried sorts that I feel a certain amount of caution is necessary. While this is a fact we have some of the newer sorts which have proved superior, at least in the locality where they originated. These I would advise all to test for themselves. Right here I would like to say that my descriptions of varieties are not all "Original" although truthful so far as my knowledge goes. I will not knowingly recommend a worthless sort.

Our location in Southwestern Michigan, near the lake, in what is known as the "Great Fruit Belt" gives us many advantages in soil and climate, possessed by no other section. This county (Berrien) has a larger area devoted to strawberry growing than any other in the state, thus proving the adaptability we claim for our location.

We must admit however that last spring, the climate or season was against us for during the last days of May and the first week in June we had very heavy and continued rain storms which finally culminated in a flood, washing out the railroad track and highways and doing great damage to growing crops generally and to strawberries especially as they were just beginning to ripen. Large fields were utterly ruined from being under water so long. For this reason too we are unable to make any report upon some of the newer sorts we were testing, as nearly all were served alike \ and were alike failures. It also hurt our propagating beds in many instances washing and gullying the soil, taking out entire rows in some parts of the field and covering up to a depth of several inches in others. This happening so late in the season and the continued wet preventing us from getting on to the ground, we were unable to repair the damages to any great extent, so while the balance of the season has been very favorable for plant-growth we have a decided shortage of some varieties. While the outlook is for a general shortage the country over and consequently an advance in prices has become necessary, but we have made this advance as slight as possible.

Our plant beds from which we propagate are nearly all on new land that has never grown Strawberries, this we find necessary in order to keep our stock healthy and free from insect pests. If we should continue to plow under old fields and reset at once, as some growers are obliged to do, we would soon have a lot of diseased and worthless stock.

2 C. n. Whitten^s '.strawberry Plants that Grow" Nurseries

The soil which we find best adapted to plant growth is a black sand and loam with slight mixture of gravel. The subsoil is generally of quicksand nature and water is not far from the surface though with proper under drainage the soil is never wet, nor is it apt to suffer from drouth where thoroughly cultivated. We claim this soil is especially adapted to the growth of strong and well-rooted Straw- berry plants. Our stock which we have been sending out for the past ten years is submitted as proof of this claim. This also partially explains why we are able to sell at lower rates than some of the plant growers who are not so favorably sit- uated, and who have to manure their worn out soil very heavily, and also resort to irrigation in order to grow a crop. This difference in our favor of soil and lo- cation has aroused the jealousy of some of our competitors, who undertake to injure our trade by claiming in their advertisements and catalogues that ''cheap plants'", those offered at 82.00 per thousand or less, are worthless and dear at any price. While their stock would be cheap at 85.00 per thousand. We think we can prove the fallacy of this claim by actual test and shall be more than pleased to have our plants placed in competition with any one's who claim this great superiority.

In digging Strawberry plants our help work in the field when the weather is fit, lifting the plants with "potato hooks" then taking the plants from the soil, stripping off all surplus leaves and runners and tying in neat bunches of twenty- five (we always aim to put in 26.) After tying, the bunch is carefully heeled in along the row until the required number of that variety is dug, thus the roots are not exposed to the air for any great length of time.

When the weather is unfit for the work to be comfortably done in the field, the plants are picked up in baskets and carried to the packing house or other shelter where they are stripped and bunched as before described. But after the plants have been handled in this way the roots never straighten out so nicely as when bunched at once upon being taken from the soil, hence I think the plan of stripping and tying in the field is preferable, notwithstanding others claim to the contrar)'.

Experienced Strawberry growers know that a slightly wilted plant is much surer to grow than one which has been kept too moist and packed with too wet packing material. There is nothing that will cause strawberry plants to heat in shipping quicker than to have them too wet when packed.

Our Strawberry plants are all fresh dug at time of shipping, as we do not try to winter any in cellar, because in our judgment that is not the proper way to handle Strawberry plants.

In propagating Strawberry plants for sale we always set from oae year old beds which have not fruited. We also set the different varieties in blocks of several rows each, thereby obviating the danger of mixture, liable where different sorts are set in alternate rows. In digging, we usually take up the entire row discard- ing the original plants and such of the tip plants, not well rooted, therefore we have no exhausted stock to send out.

I shall be pleased to answer any questions you may wish to ask as to desira- bility of varieties; mode of culture, etc., and will gladly give you the benefit of my experience if desired.

It will be a great help to me if my friends will speak a good word for my plants if they have an opportunity, and it will be thoroughly appreciated.

If more than one catalogue is received please hand one to some one whom you think will be interested in small fruits.

Brldgftnau	••Strawberry Plants that Grow"	Michigan

Instructions to Purchasers.

MY I/OCATION. I am located in Southwestern Michigan about fifteen miles south of St. Joseph near Lake Michigan, in what is known as the "Great Fruit Belt."

RAII^ROAD C0NN:15CTI0NS are good. Our line of road, the Chicago & W^st Michigan runs mail and express trains direct to Chicago; time about three hours. Within fifty miles the Chicago & West Michigan connects with the great trunk lines, east, west, north and south.

Our Kxpress company is the American which connects with the above lines promptly.

MAIIy ORD^^RS. I can ship by mail when so desired and on small amounts for long distance this is much the cheaper transportation but is not quite so safe as express, as the mode of packing is of necessity different; not having the chance for ventilation, plants are more liable to heat enroute. However, I have shipped by this method to the coast of Maine, also to Southern California, the plants arriving in good condition.

BY BXPRiESS. This is the safest way to ship live plants, as it makes fast time with least liability of delay. Sometimes when transferred to other com- panies the charges seem rather high, but when the nature of the service is con- siderd it is really the cheapest in the end.

All express companies carry nursery stock at a reduction of 20% from general merchandise rates. I notice that some nurserymen claim this to be a reduction i/iey have succeeded in getting for i/ieir patrons, personally. This is not true as it is a general rule and applies to all nursey stock,

FRKIGHT. Pearly in the season I can ship by freight with comparative safety, but there is a possibilit}^ of delay and consequent loss. Parties ordering stock shipped by freight will have to take the risk as I cannot be responsible for loss, if any, on stock shipped in this manner.

TKRMS. One-fourth cash with order, balance before stock is shipped. Or I will ship C. O. D. if one-half of the amount accompanies the order and pur- chaser will agree to pay return charges on the money.

RBMITTANCIBS may be made either by New York or Chicago draft, postoffice or express order, or where none of these may be had, by registered letter."

RAT!^S- One-half dozen, fifty and five hundred, at dozep, hundred and thousand rates. When an order amounts to ten dollars it may be counted at lowest rates given, regardless of quantity taken. No order booked for less than |i.oo.

NURSERYMEN AND DEAI^ERS. Write for special prices.

AGHNTS. Although I do not employ agents to sell goods for me on com- mission or otherwise, I do furnish them plants at a reduction, allowing them to sell at their own figures. I shall be glad to correspond with anyone wanting stock on these terms.

C. E. Whitten's	"Strawberry Plants that Grow"	Nurseries

CI/UB ORDiERS. If several neighbors wish to purchase plants they can save considerable both in cost of plants and in transportation by clubbing their orders, as I will give a discount on such bills according to the amount taken.

ORDBR BIyANKS. Use the order blank enclosed when ordering, being careful to write your na.m.Q plainly, giving Postoffice, County and State, and do this every time you write. Also keep a copy of your order yourself. Be particular to say how goods are to be sent, whether by mail, express or freight.

MY PRICES are as a general thing very low, but on large lists we are sometimes able to give better rates, and invite all wanting large lots to write for estimates.

I can sell as cheaply as anyone can sell stock of equal merit, and will not be undersold by any Responsible Nurseryman. By this I do not mean to compete with irresponsible parties who offer plants at prices below cost of producing reliable stock. That there are such people in the business we admit.

I do not wish to come in competition with any of this class, and would cite you my references given elsewhere as to my responsibility and business integrity.

WH:EN to 0RD;^R. Early by all means. The rule generally is, "First

come, first served," also, the early orders find full stock, while later some varieties are liable to be exhausted. Orders are filled in rotation as received except sometimes our southern patrons are ready to set in advance of those fur- ther north, these orders we usually crowd first and get them out as soon as frost is out of the ground in spring.

SUBSTITUTION. In ordering please state whether I shall substitute some other variety in case the kind ordered should be exhausted. If not forbidden I claim the right to substitute something of equal value, but always label true to name.

Our customers will please remember that the time for filling orders is short, and it would facilitate our work greatly if orders were sent in before the rush. This is also an advantage to our customers, for they get what they order, no varieties being sold out. To encourage these early orders I will make this offer.

PREMIUM OFFKR. On all orders at catalogue rates received during January and February with cash in full, I will allow a cash discount of 5,^ or for every dollar sent during these months you may order additional stock to the amount of ten cents.

MY PACKING is done in the best possible manner (see testimontial) and under my personal care. I use light crates or baskets, with plenty of moss, for which I make no charge, and can ship safely by express to the Atlantic or Pacific seaboard.

Shipping season begins about April ist, or possibly last week in March and continues until about ist to loth of May.

GUARANTIED. While I take great pains to have stock true to name and hold myself ready upon proper proof, to refund money or replace any that prove untrue, it is mutually agreed that I shall not be liable for a greater sum than the amount paid for such stock.

RKFHR;ENCKS. I refer to the American Express Agent or Postmaster at Bridgman; Union Banking Company, St. Joseph, or Bradstreet's Commercial Reports, as to my standing and reliability. Parties writing anyone of the above please enclose stamp for reply.

Bridgman ^'Strawberry Plants that Grow"! Michigan

How to Set and Grow Strawberries.

mHAVE had numerous applications for instruction along this line, and while I do not feel competent to give instruction that will fit all localities, I will undertake to give a few general directions.

The soil and location best adapted to strawberry culture will vary in different sections. With us the sandy loams seem to give best results. While some claim that a clayey soil, if properly prepared and manured, will grow heavier crops and finer fruit, I believe that almost any soil, if properly prepared, well under-drained, and of ordinary fertility, w ill grow good strawberries.

In locating, care should be taken to avoid known frosty locations, such as very low land near marshes, or valleys where there is no chance for circulation of the air, as these spots are very liable to heavy frosts, when higher land or that more open to circulation would show very little, if any. A hard frost at blooming time frequently spoils the entire crop, hence the desirability of choosing a location as much exempt as possible.

Having selected your site and seen to the proper drainage and fertility of the soil, begin by plowing as late in the fall as possible before the ground freezes. This late plowing is very beneficial as it tends to kill a great many insects that hibernate in the soil and might become very troublesome and injurious, especially the white grub, which is the larvae of the May beetle. This is one of the worst pests the Strawberry grower has to contend with, where it is at all numerous, as it is apt to be on meadow or other land not recently cultivated, hence I would advise selecting land that has had some cultivated crop, as corn or potatoes, grown on it the preceding season.

I like to plow quite deep, from eight to ten inches, unless this brings the sub- soil to the surface, which should never be done for any crop. In the spring as soon as the season has fairly opened, just as early as the soil will work up mellow, we harrow the land with a sprifigtooth harrow (any other implement that will do the work thoroughly would be as well). There is not much danger of getting the land in too fine a state of cultivation, as it is much easier to do this before setting the plants than afterward. We generally harrow with the furrows thoroughly and then diagonally each way. We then immediately follow with a heavy roller, or if you have no roller a plank drag (or "float," as we call it) well weighted, will do as well. This leaves the surface firm for setting.

In marking out for the setting, we generally run the rows the long way of the field, from three to four feet apart, according to manner of cultivation desired, the narrower row for "hill culture," while the wider will be none too wide for "matted row. "

Any device that w ill make a shallow mark true enough to work V)y will do for this. If for a large field a horse implement such as is used for marking for corn would do, making several rows at once, or, as we sometimes do, stakes may be set and a wheelbarrow run over the row, giving mark enough to set by.

C. Whitten's	"Strawberry Plants that Grow"	Nurseries

As to the manner of setting the plants, there are so many ways that,I feel rather backward about giving any method, but will give what I consider is the most simple and which proves to be pretty effective as [practiced in our section every season.

It is simple in that it requires only a common spade in the hands of a man'of ordinary mental caliber, who proceeds along the row making thrusts with the spade about 20 to 24 inches apart if for matted row, closer, say 12 to 16 inches if for hill culture, giving the spade a slight motion back and forth, opening as small a hole as will take in the roots of the plant readily.

A careful hand should follow with the plants set in a shallow basket or other receptacle with the roots moistened — if the roots are very long they should be cut back to about four inches. The plant should be held by the upper part of the crown and placed in the spade opening at about the same depth it grew, which should bring the crown even with the surface, now let the operator press the soil firmly against the plant with a good strong pressure of the foot, first on one side then on the other, being careful to see that the opening is entirely closed that air may not enter and dry out the roots.

As soon after setting as practicable the surface soil should be stirred very shallow, being careful not to disturb the roots of the plants, also not to cover the crowns or heart of the plant, the latter will cause the plants to die, especiallj' in damp weather, by rotting the crown. This early cultivation is essential for sev- eral reasons, first to be sure that all openings near the plant are filled, also to pre- serve moisture if weather is dry by arresting evaporation through capillary attrac- tion. This shallow cultivation should be kept up through the season never allow- ing the surface to crust. There are a great many different makes of cultivators which will do this work all right but for the first working we use a one horse steel frame with 12 or 14 straight teeth. This simply pulverizes the surface and one can work very close to the plants, but it is necessary to do some hand work with hoes in order to loosen all the surface and keep down weeds. The latter is very important as one can not successfully grow two crops on the ground at the same time.

The blossoms should be pinched out of all spring set plants as it is not advis- able to allow them to ripen fruit the first season, as it weakens the growth of the plants and is liable to kill them outright.

All runners should be cut off until about the first of July when if matted or hedge row is wanted, the runners may be allowed to root until the desired row is obtained, after which all runners should be kept trimmed off. As soon as ground is frozen hard, generally about Christmas in this latitude, the entire surface should be lightly covfered with straw, wild hay or other litter, being particular to have it free from grass and weed seeds as possible.

As soon as growth commences in spring this covering should be taken nearly or entirely off the plants, but may be left between the rows as a mulch to preserve moisture, also to keep fruit clean at picking time.

CARE OF STOCK WH:^N R:EC:I^IVBD. If stock should be frozen when received, bury the package unopened, in well drained ground or place in cool cellar, so that it will thaw out gradually without being exposed to the air. If not ready to set strawberries on arrival, do not potir water on them in the package or in the bunch, as they will surely heat and spoil. They may be spread out thinly, in shallow trenches, with their crowns even with the surface and their roots covered firmly with soil. If ground is dry they must be watered and shaded for a few days.

Bridgman

"Strawberry Plants that Grow"

Michigan

Strawberries.

T' |hE growing of Strawberry Plants for sale is my specialty, growing annually several million plants, which I ship to all parts of the United States.

The blossoms of all varieties are bisexual or perfect except those marked (P) which are destitute of stamens and termed pistillates or imperfect, as shown by the accompanying figures. Imperfect va- rieties must have a row of perfect flower- ed sorts planted every third or fourth row at least, to pollenize their blossoms. When the imperfect bloomers are proper- ly fertilized they are the most prolific and there is no reason for any prejudice against them. Success depends in a great measure in getting fine, healthy plants, STRICTI^Y PURK and true to name. This we know our plants to be.

If bytnail add 25 cents per 100 for postage, thousond rates by express or freight.

Perfect Blossom.

Imperfect Blossom.

At dozen rates post free. At

:^XC:^IySIOR. This

variety originated with J. C. Bauer, of Judsonia, Ark., who gives this description of it: "A seedling of Wilson pollenized by Hoffman, which plant and fruit will show, it is larger and finer than Wilson and earlier than Hoffman."

Mr. Bauer claims that in 1898 it ripened earlier than Michel's Early and is in fact the earliest strawberry known.

From what I have seen of the Excelsior I think I am safe in recommending it as an early market sort. In quality it is greatly super- ior to Michel's Early, being a deep, red color to the cen- ter, which is always a mark of high quality. It also shows its parentage in its firmness, making it a good shipper. It is a very thrifty grower and needs to have the runners cut or it will set too many plants to do its best.

JOHNSON'S BARI/Y. The originator says of its origin: '*In the fruit- ing season of 1893, my patch having been set with Hoffman and Crescent plants, three rows each, alternating, I noticed a distinctly marked Hoffman berry ripened upon a Crescent plant. From the seed of this berry I have progagated a new variety, Johnson's Early, the fruit of which I marketed in New York city this year for the first time. This berry is much larger than Hofifman.decp red in color, glossy, firm, sweet and of excellent flavor. The plant resembles Hoffman. It makes runners freely; in this respect I have never seen anything to compare with it."

C. Whitten's

{"Strawberry Plants that Grow'

Nurseries

"It ripens with Michel's Early, is as large as Lady Thompson, as firm as Hoff- man, and as prolific as Crescent. It ripens all over at once and holds to a good size. The plant is perfectly beautiful and is believed to be absolutely rust proof. Plants looked so green after the crop had been gathered they did not appear to have been picked. Results have been equally good in light loam and also in stiff clay soil."

I can not say anything for this sort from my own experience other than to say it seems to fill the claims made for it as to plant growth as it is a great ninner. I have quite a stock of the plants which I will ofier low.

NIC OHM^R Originated by Mr. John F. Beaver, who is considered to be the most successful amateur fruit grower in Ohio. Named after INIr. N. Ohmer, ex-president of the Ohio State Horticultural Society. The introducer says: "After watching the Nic Ohmer three years, and hearing how it has behaved wherever I sent it for trial, never having received one unfavor- able report on it, I am confident that it is one of the most desirable, if not the very best ever sent out. There is no other in the market, or in sight, that I would plant with as much confi- dence. If restricted to a single va- riety it would be my first choice without a moment's hesitation. The plant is very large and stocky, sending out plenty of very strong runners. It is probably not sur- passed in healthy vigorous growth and great productiveness by any variety. It has a perfect blossom. ' The fruit is of the very largest size, a giant among strawberries. It is never mishappen. Its only de- parture from the regular, roundish conical form is when, under high culture, it is somewhat triangular. It is dark glossy red, firm and of excellent flavor." — M. Crawford.

I feel that too much has been claimed for this variety as it seems to be nearly a failure in this locality, but perhaps it does much better where it originated. I •

POCOMOKK. "Originated near Pocomoke river, Md., from which it gets its name. It is supposed to be a seedling of the old Wilson crossed by the Sharp- less. The berry is round conical and resembles the old Wilson, but is much larger.

The Pocomoke is one of the best varieties in existence, not only for its enor- mous productiveness, but on account of its beauty; adaptability to all soils; its foliage enduring the dry, hot weather, which quality is rare with some varieties; its large size; its color, deep red; its firmness, being one of the firmest berries ever seen here; its flavor is of the best. It matures all of its berries. Its berries con- tinue nice to the end, both in size and quality. The plant is a strong, robust grower, wdth deep roots and lots of them, perfect blossoms and an enormous yield- er of large red berries. It ripens evenly and is one of the best shippers yet in- troduced, The plants are free to make runners the first season on good ground. The strong, robust leaves protect the blossoms from injury by late frosts They seem to be as hardy as the thistle. They yield more quarts per acre than any other variety I have ever grown. They ripen with the Clyde and Crescent, and continue to bear about four weeks. I have tested the Pocomoke on high ground, low ground, good ground and very poor sand3' ground, by the side of other varie- ties, and found it did better than any other variety in all of the places. It did a great deal better than I expected on poor sandy ground. I have never seen rust or any disease among the plants."

This variety originated with E. H. Hamblin of Wicomico Co., Md., and the above is his description. I have not seen it in fruit, but saw the plants growing the past season and they certainly surpassed all others growing in the same field, for thriftiness and size, I would recommend a trial of this variety.

Nic Ohmer.

Bridgman	•'Strawberry Plants that Grow"	Michigau

I/UTH;ER. a seedling strawberry originated by A. Luther, of Missouri, about fifteen years ago, and grown by him for a number of years as a market berry but not offered for sale until last spring, although tested by different Exper- imental Stations. Here is what the Ohio Station Bulletins say of it:

Bulletin 54, October, 1894: A. Luther, Leeds, Mo., Strawberry, un-named variety, perfect blossom, berries medium throughout, holding up well to the last, conical, dark red; plants vigorous and prolific. Promising as an early market variety.

Again, after three years longer test and some dry seasons comes the following report: Bulletin 85, page 14, 1897: A. Luther, perfect un-named seedling, plants vigorous and prolific, berries medium to large, conical, usually with long slender point, bright scarlet, flesh light red, of good quality, valuable because of earliness^ is far more prolific than Michael's Early, and far larger. Earlier, larger and more prolific than Rio. It is regarded as the best early variety tested at the United! States Agricultural Station.

I have not seen this in fruit but a neighboring fruitgrower, G. W. Howard,, who by the way is a strawberry specialist, has fruited it for two seasons and gives- this description of it: "Very early, finest quality, productive, and matures the crop very quickly, giving about three heavy pickings. Plant of Crescent type but a better and much earlier berry," I feel safe in offering it upon the commenda- tion of Mr. Howard.

RUBY. "It is believed to be a seedling of the Crescent, fertilized by Sharp- less. Plant large and robust, like Sharpless and Bubach, makes a moderate num- ber of runners, more than Bubach, but nothing like Crescent or Warfield. The blossom is large like Sharpless and strongly staminate. The fruit is large and regular except the first blossoms which are apt to be somewhat irregular. The fruit is a dark red clear through, retaining its fine color when canned. In quality it is unexcelled, having more of the Pine or Wood strawberry flavor than any other that I know of in general cultivation. It is abundantly productive, and the plant healthy. All plants, no matter how late they take root in the Fall, fruit the follow- ing Spring."

Si^AFORD. (P) A new variety from Delaware exhibiting such fine quali- ties that it is bound to become popular. It excells the Bubach, which it equals in size and quality; is far more productive, and sufficiently firm for market. It is a deep, glossy crimson ; quality good. The plant is exceptionally vigorous, with foliage that endures the hot sun with wonderful endurance. It ripens about sec- ond early, and will be found admirable to succeed early varieties and usher in those ripening in midseason

Last season I erroniously gave this as a perfect flowered sort. I made this error by copying the description from another catalogue. It is an imperfect variety and promises to be quite an acquisition to the list.

CI/YDB- This Berry which originated in Kansas, has proven to be one of the most, if not the most, valuable sort ever introduced. It still bears out all the

claims made for it by its most enthusiastic friends. Some of its points of excellence are: Wonderfully vigorous growth, and cleanest and most healthy foliage, never has shown the least sign of rust with me. It roots extra deep and is enabled to with- stand drouth much better on this account. It is a perfect bloomer and most productive staminate sort that I am acquainted with- Berries are of very uniform size and shape, holding their size well to the last pickings. In season it is medium early, and should be an excellent pollenizer for early pistillates. Its color is bright scarlet. Last year I stated that if I was limited to one variety I would choose the Clyde and I have not seen any- thing to cause me to change my mind. Although last season's flood just at picking time ruined the crop as it did of all others Clyde. on low or level land.

C. E. WMtten's

SAMPIyB. The originator describes it as follows: "The Sample Straw- y berry is admired by every one who has seen it, and it only awaits to be known to be universally appreciated. No one who has seen it has been able to criticise it. We have now watched it with th^ greatest interest for three years, and are not able to say that it has a single weak point. Believing that in introducing it we are advancing the interest of fruit growers and the general public, we have no hesitation in asking a consideration of its claims."

The introducer says : "I^arge size and fine quality; quite firm; continues a long time in fruit. The berries are large to the last. For the market men it is the best strawberry ever grown. I have nothing in my grounds that will begin to fruit like it. It will yield as many berries as the Haverland and will average as large as Bubach. Colors all over at once. A berry that will do that is the best one fo-ind yet. There is not a weak spot in it. Foliage perfect, fruit perfect. Needs no petting "

RIDGi^WAY. This variety was produced at Rocky Glen fruit farm, near Wabash City, Ind., from "Jersey Queen" crossed with "Parker Earle," and has now been fruiting for five years. Each year during this time it has produced the largest and handsomest berries on the farm, has never shown any sign of disease, and is the finest growing variety on the farm. With the exception of being larger and heavier, the foliage is nearly identical with Jersey Queen's. It shows but little of its Parker Earle parentage, except in the great quantity of fruit that it sets, but it has the advantage of Parker Earle in being able to ripen perfectly all its fruit; and while the berries at the last of the season are not so large as the first, they are all perfect in form, color and quality.

"Berry large to very large, the typical form nearly round, largest specimens broadly ovate, but always smooth; color bright, glossy crimson, firm for so large a berry, and will stand shipping to distant markets, except in a very wet time. Quality as good as the best; an almost ideal berry, and one that will command fancy prices on any market. The blossom is perfect and a good pollenizer, as it remains in bloom a long time." — Condensed from originator's descriptioa.

I ought to have been able to test this sort last season, but in our propagating rows we let it make too many plants; this with the wet weather destroyed what promised to be a fine showing for fruit. This variety is such a prolific plant maker on strong soil that the runners should be kept trimmed.

GI/BN MARY. The Glen Mary originated with Mr. James Ingram, of East Bradford Township, Chester Co., Pa. In productiveness it surpasses the Crescent, not in number of berries, but in number of quarts. Mr. Ingram had one quart of select berries photographed, which contained only twelve Glen Mary.

This is what the introducer, W. F, Allen, Jr., has to say of this variety: "This giant among strawberries was first offered to the public by me in in the spring of 1896, and being the introducer I was very much interested as to the success of my first introduction. I have watched every word that has been written or said con- cerning this variety. I am now satisfied that all things considered it is without an equal. It being large to very large in size, one of the most productive ever grown; of strong, sturdy and healthy growth, highly colored, firm for a large berry and ranks with the best in flavor."

This variety is giving general satisfaction wherever grown and I would recom- mend a trial to any one wanting a large berry of fine quality.

McKINI/]BY. Introduced by Ellwanger & Barry. It is claimed to be equal if not superior, to any that has ever fruited on the grounds of the introducers. Charles A. Green says, after fruiting it: "The plant is exceedingly vigorous and healthy, producing heavy crops of large, dark red, firm berries, of good form; season medium. This is the finest berry that I know of for a large berry."

I fruited this the past season and was well pleased with its appearance and can conscientiously recommend a trial of this variety.

WII/I/IAM BBI/T. Heavy, stocky plant, surpassing Sharpless. Perfect bloom, very strong stamens. Medium to very productive of large to very large, bright, deep scarlet berries with yellow seeds. Largest berries flattened and cox- combed, the medium large ones flat-conical. Flesh deep pink, very firm, rich, sweet and highly flavored; a superb berry for the family or fancy market. One of the few great strawberries that thrives on any but light, thin soil.

"Strawberry Plants that Grow"| Nurseries

Bi-ldgrmau	'Strawberry Plants that Grow"	Michigan

SATISFACTION. A seedling of Wilson, resembling that variety in its fruit, but having an ironclad leaf that effectually resists the leaf-rust to which

Wilson is so subject. While the berries are not of the largest size, they are above the average, being much larger than Wilson, are uniform in size and shape, holding out well to close of season. Berries are bright red. Owing to its fine appearance, uniform size and good shipping tjualities, it sold for better prices this season than most varieties. It has a perfect blossom, a good plant maker, of thrifty growth, long deep roots. Season medium to late.

MANWBI/I/. "A cross between the Crescent and Sharpless, and combines all the good qualities of both parents. We have fruited this berry five seasons, and it retains the vigor of the original plant. It ripens all over at once without any green tips. It has a perfect blos- som and bears its fruit on large fruit stems, which often bring to perfection as many as 20 berries on a single stem. It is not immensely large, but its great beauty, firmness, earliness, good flavor, productiveness and vigor, com- bined with good size, make it exceedingly popular. Ripens with Crescent."

MARSHAI/I/. The following is what the originator says: "Three Thousand baskets of berries picked on one-third of an acre last year. The ber- ries are ver}' large size, fourteen filled a basket: Color, very dark crimson through- out; fine flavor and fine grain, and good keeper, which commends it for garden or market purposes, blossoms perfect." The plant is a vigorous healthy grower. I consider it the best in quality of any of the large varieties, and can heartily recommend it to anyone wanting a large showy berry of fine quality for either market or home use. While we have a fair supply of this sort we anticipate such a demand for them that our stock will likely be exhausted early.

G^I^RTRUD;^. "The Gertrude strawberry was a chance seedling found growing among some grape vines on my place in 1887 by my daughter Gertrude, from whom it derives its name. Among known varieties this is the earliest to mature. It ripens with the Bederwood and other early sorts, being larger than any other early variety, and ranks in size with Sharpless, Bubacli, and Gandy. It holds well to the last picking. It is of a pleasing bright scarlet color, very attrac- tive. Its flesh is firm and of good quality. It has no sign of rust or other defects about it and is exceedingly productive. The blossoms are large and perfect and well supplied with the much desired pollen, making it a grand pollenizer for other large pistillate sorts " — Introducer.

ARROW. (P) Originated by E. W. Cone, of Wisconsin, who gives the following description: "It is a 'daughter of Haverland,' and is hardly less pro- ductive. The fruit ripens with Haverland, and resembles it closely in form. It is not quite so large, but is much brighter in color, firmer texture, more regular and uniform in shape and size, and of higher flavor. A strong vein of its Crescent blood is shown in the plant, which is of very vigorous habit, with bright and healthy foliage, absolutely free from rust in all seasons. I have fruited it mostly, on sandy soil, for five years, three of them extremely unfavorable, and have found few varieties with the same ability to endure our cold winters and hot, dry summers, as a market berry it is decidedly preferable to Haverland.

BRUNBTTB. Remarkable for its fine quality. It has fruited for several seasons at its home in Delaware County, Indiana, where it is exceedingly popular. The berries are from medium to large, round and almost perfect in form, very uni- form, dark, reddish crimson, firm, and of exceedingly rich, luscious quality. It is also very handsome and attractive, commanding the highest price in market. The plant is a strong grower and entirely free from rust. We commend it for trial to those seeking a table berry of superior quality and make up. Early.

12-

C. B. Whitten's

'Strawherrv Plants that Grow'

Nttrseries

,y BISBI/. (P) This is another ^ seedling of Wilson, originated with D. Bisel, of Illinois, 1887. Plant healthy vigorous grower, its heavy foliage pro- tecting the blossom from frost. Makes plants abundanth', having long, fine matted roots, enabling it to withstand severe droughts without injury. The fruit is ver}' large and firm. Color a i deep, glossy red, with a double calyx, very productive and is destined to be a .. valuable market berry, judging from its behavior on aur ground the last two seasons. Being one of the best it is very popular where it is known. Doz. 25c, hundred 50c, thousand 82.50.

BRANDYWINB. This has proved so very satisfactory^ with all who have grown it that it is conse- quently in large demand. It is com- Bisel. paratively new and of great value by

reason of its productiveness, large size, beauty and good quality, which render it especially desirable for the home garden. The berries are large, roundish conical, regular and uniform, bright glossy crim- son, very handsome, firm and solid, excellent in quality with fine aromatic flavor. The berries color all over evenly and retain a good size to the last, ripening in succession and every berry maturing fully. Plant is remarkabh' vigorous, hardy and exceedingly productive, and its foliage is large, clean and healthy. The amateur will delight in such a superb variety, which with his good soil and careful culture, will give him magnificent returns. Midseason to late.

BUBACH. (P) Fruit large and handsome, roundish conical, bright scar- let, moderately firm, of fair quality. Plant a strong grower, with large healthy foliage and very productive. Succeeds on light or heavy soil. Desirable for home use and near market. One ot the best of the later introductions. Season early to medium.

BISMARCK. ' ' This new and vigorous seedling of Bubach, in plant growth has certain leaf characteristics that plainly show its parentage. The leaf, however, is larger and darker green in color ; fruit and leaf stalks are larger and general tone of plant far more healthy and vigorous ; in every way an improvement over its parent. It has perfect blossoms, is exceedingly productive, of very large, regular obtuse conical berries, bright glossy scarlet in color ; firm and solid, and of excellent quality; it always colors all over at one time — no green tips and never any dullness or paling out in color, as with the Bubach. "

BARTON'S :ECI/IPSB. (P) A variety from Kentucky. Has done re- markably well with us. One of the finest kinds we have. Luxuriant grower, with dark green, perfectly healthy foliage, strong roots, standing drouth or wet, one of the most productive, berries very large, bright scarlet, uniform size, excellent quali- ty, firm and carries to market well and brings the highest market price. Well worthy of trial everywhere either for home use or market,

B!EDHR WOOD. This is generally conceded to be one of the very best early varieties for home use or near market. It is a splendid grower, making a large number of strong runners. It has a perfect blossom and is immensely pro- ductive. Fruit of good size, light red, medium firmness and good quality. One of the best to plant with early blooming pistillate varieties.

COI<UMBIAN. Claimed by many to be the best early variety. The plant is large, healthy, good plant maker, productive. Berries large and of good flavor.

CR:ESC;ENT. (P) This is a very prolific berry, bearing profusely even under neglect. In growth it is very \dgorous and hardy, and produces better if the vines are not allowed to mat. They should be thinned, even if the hoe has to be used. Fruit colors on all sides at once. A great cropper ; early.

Bridgman	"Strawberry Plants that Grow"	Michigan

D^NHANC^E. Where it succeeds this will prove a valuable market berry, for shipment. Plant is vigorous, a good grower and productive. Fruit large, rather irregular, dark crimson color, firm, quality good, slightly acid. It is said to be a cross between Sharpless and Windsor Chief, but resembles neither of them. It possesses the necessary qualifications for a profitable market berry. Midseason to late.

Gx'^.NDY. A cross between Jersey Queen and Glendale, possessing some of the good qualities of each, making a valuable late variety. Berries bright crimson, uniform size and shape, large, firm and ripen late ; plant healthy. One of the best late sorts,

HAV^j^RI/AND. (P) This is one of the best early market sorts and seems to do well in all sections. It makes a very thrifty plant growth. Berries are large and of a peculiar longish shape, though very regular and even, holding out well to the end of the season. The color is rather light red which might be considered a fault by some, but they make such a handsome appearance in box or basket that they nearly all sell for top price in market. About the only weak point I have discovered in the Haverland is that the fruit stems are tall and unable to stand up under the weight of fruit as it ripens, consequently they should be mulched with straw to keep them from the dirt; this peculiarity of growth makes fine picking as the berries lay out in sight requiring no movement of the vines to find them. Another good point in their favor is their ability to withstand frost at blooming time, often bearing a full crop of perfect fruit when other sorts are badly damaged. There is such a demand for plants of this variety that the ^supply nearly always fails.

JKSSIK. A great favorite with many good growers while a comparative failure with others. Its fruit is of the best quality and carries well. Its blossom is fully charged with pollen and therefore it ranks with the best as a poll^nizer for imperfect sorts.

I/OV!ETT. No person need hesitate to plant this variety for either home use or market, as it succeeds generally in any soil or locality. It is one of the tough, hardy varieties that never disappoints the grower. It has a perfect blos- som and bears heavily. The fruit is from medium to large size, conical, firm, and of good color and quality. One of the best to use as a poUenizer for pistillate sorts.

MICHBly'S :EARI/Y. One of the earliest varieties. Resembles Crescent, but ripens several days earlier and is much firmer. Planted largely and gives the best of satisfaction as a Market berry South. Not prolific enough for a standard market variety in the north. Good as a poUenizer.

PARK:^R i^ARI/^E is one of the leading strawberries. It has been tested over a wide range of country. Probably no other berry has received so many favorable and so few adverse reports. Flowers perfect, always setting perfect fruit. Its one failing is over production. It sets more fruit than it can possibly ripen under ordinary treatment. It needs rich soil and high culture, when it will give satisfaction.

ARNOUT'S IMPROVED PARKER EARI^B. I can see no difference in^this from the old Parker PZarle, but can furnish plants at same rate.

SAUNDERS. A Canadian berry of great value for the market grower. The plant is large and vigorous, free from rust, and is as healthy and hardy as any ever sent out. It makes many runners, has a perfect blossom and is enor- mously productive. The fruit is very large, conical, slightly flattened, and often has a depression on one or both sides. It is of a deep red and remarkably glossy The flesh is of the same color, with a sprightly agreeable flavor.

SHARPI<ESS. Known everywhere, large size and good quality, a favorite home berry with many.

C. B. Whitten's	"Strawberry Plants that Grow"	Nurseries

SPI/KNDID. Originated at Sterling, 111. Plant is a vigorous grower, / equal to Warfield in this respect. Blossoms perfect. Berries are borne on tall fruit stalks and are large, firm and a fine color. Ripens evenly all over, globular, very productive. Few if any blanks. No mistake can be made in using this variety to pollenize Warfield, Crescent and Greenville. Early to midseason.

Mr. Crawford says: "I have no scruples in recommending this as one of the reliable varieties. It produces a large crop of fine fruit and is as well able to mature its own berries as any we have. It is probably the deepest rooted plant I have. Blossoms perfect.

T:^NN:ESS:EB PROI/IFIC. The plants show as fine as one could ask / for. We saw it in fruiting this season. It is large, good color, productive, of good shape, free from rust, and will surely rank among the best in the strawberry list. This is a berry that everybody wants. It is a seedling of Sharpless and Crescent, showing the parentage of both. The fruit is large, handsome, and as productive as Haverland.

UP-TO-DATK. "In size, productiveness, quality, beauty, flavor, keep- •/ ing and shipping qualities, health and vigor of plant, and as a pollenizer, Up-to- Date has no equal." — Introducer.

VAN DKMAN. This extra early and superior strawberry is a great success. It is perfect flowering and very early in fruiting. Berries large and lots of them. The quality is rich and its earliness and productiveness will go a great way in making it one of the leading varieties to plant for market.

WARFI^I/D. (P) It is not immensely large, but its great beauty, firm- ness, earliness, good flavor, productiveness and vigor, combined with good size, make it exceedingly popular. Ripens with Crescent and is superseding that variety for a reliable market berry.

Dewberries.

EvANT in rows six feet apart with plants three feet distant in the rows. Keep the soil mellow and clean.

I/UCR]^TIA. The best variety. Large, jet black, melting, delicious. Ear- lier than Early Harvest blackberry and larger than Erie. Dozen 35c, hundred 85c, thousand'ly.oo.

Bridgman

"Strawberry Plants that Grow"

Michigan

15

Raspberries.

ULTURE. Any soil that will produce good field crops is suitable for rasp- I berries. Pulverize the ground thoroughly and manure liberally. The red, or sucker variety should be planted in rows, six feet apart with the plants four feet apart in the rows, requiring 2,400 plants per acre. The cap varieties, for field culture, should be planted in rows seven feet apart, with the plants three feet and six inches apart in the rows; requiring 1,725 plants per acre. In garden culture, plant four feet apart each way.

Our customers will find our plants well rooted and first class in every partic- ular.

If to be sent by mail add 10 cents per doz; 40 cents per hundred; at thousand rates by express or freight only.

I^OUDON. Thisorig.

inated in "Wisconsin and is a cross between Cuthbert and Turner, Its canes are strong and hardy and it is wonderfully productive. In addition to this it is of large size, good color, and excellent quality, is well spoken of in all the

Per dozen

reports where fully tested. Its wonderful vigor and hardiness, together with productiveness and fine quality, make it very desir- able for either home use or a mar- 35c, hundred I1.25, thousand |io.

MII^I^ER R:1^D RASPB:^RRY. The bush is a stout, healthy, vigorous grower, not quite so tall as the Cuthbert, rather more stocky and dwarfish. It is well calculated to hold up the immense crops of fruit with which it loads itself. The introducer claims: Extreme hardiness; as productive as any; one of the earliest to ripen; an excellent shipper; of good quality and attractive color. Dozen 30c, hundred 60c, thousand |!5.oo.

CUTHBBRT OR QUl^BN OF THE MARK:eT. A remarkably strong, hardy variety. Stands the northern winds and southern summers equal to any. Berry very large, sometimes measuring three inches around; conical, rich crimson, very handsome, and so firm they can be shipped hundreds of miles by rail in good condition. Flavor is sweet, rich and luscious. The leading market variety for main crop. Dozen 25c, hundred 50c, thousand $3.75.

BRANDYWIN:E. a bright, scarlet berry, firm, large and beautiful. Bush heavy and productive. A good jmarket variety. ^Do^en 25c, hundred 50c. thou- sand ^3.75.

HANS!EI/I^. One of the'earliest red raspberries. Profitable on account of extreme earliness, bright, attractive_color and firmness. Dozen 25c, hundred 50c, thousand I3.75.

THOMPSON'S EARI^Y PROI^IFIC. A seedling red raspberry crig- inated by M. T. Thompson who claims it to be one of the best early sorts. Dozen 25c, hundred 50c, thousand I3.50.

SCHAFF:ER'S COI/OSSAI/. Fruit large, purple, soft, with a sprightly sub-acid flavor. Plant very vigorous, hardy and productive. Much esteemed in some localities. Season medium to late. Dozen 35c, hundred $1.00

COI/UMBIAN. The Columbian is a new variety of the ShafiFer type, of remarkable vigor and productiveness. It is very hardy and propagates from tips. Fruit very large, often an inch in diameter, shape somewhat conical; color dark red bordering on purple; adheres firmly to the stem, and will dry on the bush if not picked; seeds small and deeply imbedded in a rich, juicy pulp with a distinct flavor of its own. making it a most delicious table berry.

I consider it much better than ShafTer on account of its hardiness and vigor of cane. Dozen 35c, hundred $1.00.

CTJMBBRI/AND. (New) Description by the introducers: "This new raspberry is placed upon the market after having been carefully tested for a long period of years, and is now offered with the full assurance that it is the most profi- table and desirable market variety yet known, because of the immense size, firm- ness and great productiveness, well entitling it to the designation of "the Business Black cap." In hardiness and productiveness it is unexcelled by any other variety. In size the fruit is simply enormous, far surpassing any other sort. The berries run seven-eights and fifteen sixteenths of an inch in diameter, and are of such handsome appearance that their fruit sold for loc per quart when other varieties were selling for 5c to 7c per quart. The quality is very similar and fully equal to Gregg, which has always been considered the finest of the Blackcaps in this respect. In spite of its unusually large size, the fruit is possessed of great firmness and is thus well adapted for standing long shipments. The season of ripening varies, of course, in different latitudes, and can best be designated by comparison with other varieties. It follows Palmer and Souhegan and preceeds Gregg a short time, making what we call a mid-season variety. The bush is exceedingly healthy and vigorous, throwing up stout, stocky canes, well adapted for supporting their loads of large fruit. It has also shown itself remarkably free from that scourge of its family, anthracnose, it having been entirely unaffected by this disease even when other varieties near by were suffering from it very badly." Dozen 6oc, hun- dred ^3.00

KANSAS. For a good second early^blackcap there is nothing better than this. It possesses all the valuable attributes of a profitable market sort, and its large size and attractive appearance insures for it always a ready sale and good prices. The fruit is as large as the Gregg, and with much less bloom handsome, firm and of fine quality. Its canes are of strong growth, entirely hardy and pro- lific; with tough, healthy, clean foliage. Its season is about second early — later than Souhegan but much earlier than Gregg. By reason of its greater hardiness, less bloom and ripening earlier, it is a great improvement upon Gregg. Dozen 35c, hundred 75c, thousand $6.00.

!EUR;EKA. Ripens a few days later than Souhegan, and earlier than Ohio coming midway between the two. Fruit, large and firm, almost equalling Gregg in size. Quality is of the best. Berry free from bloom and very attractive in the measure, making it a splendid seller. The canes make a strong, upright growth, with a bright, healthy color, resembling the Ohio and quite as hardy.

This variety seems to lack vigor in this locality and is quite subject to anthrac- nose. Dozen 40c, hundred ^r.oo.

CONRATH. Resembles Gregg in many ways, but is much earlier and is firm, sweet and good — maintaining its large size to the last picking. The canes are of ironclad hardiness, very prolific and make a strong, healthy growth. It ripens early. Dozen 35c, hundred 75c, thousand $6.co.

GRBGG. The leading late blackcap and a popular market sort. Dozen 30c, hundred 60c, thousand I5.50.

PAI/M;^R. Perhaps the best of the older varieties of early kinds. Fruit large and good quality. Bush a vigorous grower and very productive. Dozen 30c, hundred 6oc, thousand $5.50.

Bridgftnan

'Strawberry Plants that Grow'

Michig^an

17

Blackberries.

IHOULD be planted iu rows six or seven feet apart, three, to five feet in the rows. Keep the ground light and rich. Pinch the canes back when

' they have reached the height of from 2 to 3 feet. If to be sent by mail,

add 15 cents per dozen or 50 cents per hundred for postage. My blackberry plants are ''sucker" plants except where noted; the"sucker" plant, if properly dug, with cross roots, is not the worthless thing some growers would like to make you think. I am located in a section where there are hun- dreds of acres of Blackberries grown for market and successfully too. While I doubt if one in ten use root cutting plants; nearly every field having been set with suckers dug from near by fields, and it would be impossible to produce larger crops or finer fruit than can be found in this section.

:EI/D0RAD0. (NEW) Especially valuable for its hardiness, fine qual- ity and large size. The berries are large jet black, sweet, melting, rich and pleasant. Canes strong, hardy and productive. Well worthy of general plant- ing. Medium early. I fruited this the past season and can recommend it as being especially adapted to the home garden as it is large and juicy, of good flavor and without the hard core of some varieties. In my description one year ago I stated that this variety was too soft for shipment, but my past season's experience has caused me to change my mind as we only picked them twice a week and still they sold in market for the top price. Sucker plants, dozen 25c; hundred, ^£.00; thousand, ^8.00; root cutting plants, dozen 35c, hundred I1.25, thousand ^10.00.

KRI!^. A chance seedling but recently brought to the notice of the pub- lic, and considered a valuable acquisition, being perfectly hardy and very pro- ductive; fruit of first quality, large size, and ripens early. A good many spuri- ous or worthless sorts have been sent out for Erie but the genuine is a desirable variety and in addition to the points already mentioned is that of ripening its crop very evenly, the ripe berries actually hanging in clusters in its season, which is quite early. Dozen 30c, hundred 85c, thousand $7.50, root cutting plants dozen 35c, hundred |i.oo, thousand $8.50.

SNYDBR. Very popular for the north and northwest, on account of the extreme hardiness; wonderfully productive, size medium, fruit juicy and sweet, without the hard core of many sorts, canes remarkably strong and thrifty, more largely planted than any other of the ironclad varieties. Season early. Dozen 25c, hundred 75c, thousand S5.50.

WII/SON'S BARI^Y. Of good size, very early, beautiful dark color, of sweet excellent flavor and very productive. Ripens the whole crop nearly to- gether. Dozen 25c, hundred 50c, thousand 14.00.

]^ARI<Y HARVEST. Is one of the earliest in cultivation; fruit medium size and fine quality; an enormous bearer. It is of a very notable value to a large portion of our country. Not perfectly hardy here, in this latitude, and needs protection during the winter. But the past seasons have proven it to be the hardiest in the bud of any variety of blackberry we grow, for while Kitta- tinny. Lawton and others were badly hurt by spring frosts, the Early Harvest has produced full crops showing no injury whatever. Dozen 25c, hundred 50c, thousand 84.00.

KITTATINNY. Commences to ripen after the Wilson's Early and con- tinues longer in bearing; is ripe as soon as black; and much earlier, sweeter and better in every respect than the Lawton, which it resembles in plant and fruit. Dozen 25c, hundred 6oc. thousand 85. 00

I/AWTON (NEW ROCHBI/I/B.) An old favorite. Dozen 25c, hun- dred 60C, thousand $5.50.

jg C. E. Whitten's^^ pi^^jj jl^^j firow"! Nurseries

Currants

SCOOL moist location is best for this fruit, and for this reason succeeds admirably when planted by a stone wall or fence; being benefited by partial shade. Plant in rows four feet apart, and the plants three feet apart in the rows. Keep the ground mellow and free from weeds and grass, using fertilizers copiously. Mulching is necessary for the best returns. As soon as the leaves turn yellow and begin to fall, with a pruning knife remove all the old wood and cut back the young shoots a third of their length, cutting to the ground enough of these to admit air and light into the bush freely. When the currant worm appears, dust the bushes with powdered white helle- bore or tobacco dust; it can be exterminated also by dissolving the powdered white hellebore (to be had at any drug store) in the proportion of an ounce to a pail of water and applied with a syringe upon the leaves.

\ I/ONDON MARKiET. Of English origin. As compared with Victoria

it is larger, more productive, much stronger grower, less infested with borers and retains its foliage until frost comes. It has produced twice the amount of fruit the Victoria did under same conditions; a very strong and upright g.ower. One year, dozen 50c, hundred $2. 50.

VICTORIA. Large, bright red; bunches extremely long, berries medium size, of excellent quality. Good erect grower. Very productive. Ripens late, making it one of the most valuable sorts. Two years. Dozen 60c, hundred 52.50,

CHBRRY. (VERSAILLES) Well known and until lately the most popular market sort; uniformly the largest of all red currants except Fay's Prolific. Bunches large, berries very large, bright, sparkling crimson, beauti- ful, very acid. Two years. Dozen 75c. hundred S3-Oo.

Grapes

CONCORD. The most popular market variety. Good, strong one year plants, doz. 60c, hundred, ^2.75.

WORDBN. A splendid, large grape, of the Concord type, but earlier, larger in bunch and berry, and of a decidedly better quality; vine hardier than that old stand-by and every wav as healthy. A very popular sort, planted largely for market; next to Concord in number used. Fine one year plants, doz. 60C, hundred, 53.00.

NIAGARA. Vine hardy, an unusually strong grower; bunches very large and compact, sometimes shouldered; berries large or larger than the Concord; mostly round, light greenish white; semi-transparent, slightly ambered in the sun, skin thick, but tough and does not crack; quality good; very little pulp, melting and sweet to the center. First class one year plants, doz. 75c, hun- dred S3 50.

BRIGHTON. (Red) Perhaps the best red grape in cultivation. Bunch large and compact; a strong grower and very productive; quality good. First class one year plants, doz. 75c, hundred 53.50.

Brldgman	"Strawberry Plants that Grow"	Michigfan

Testimonials.

Holt Co., Nebr., April 29, '99. C. E. Whitten, Bridgman, Mich.

Dear .SV; .— Plants came through fine and on good time. They got here Saturday, 22ud, and I had them all di.stributed Mouday. They were for five of the neighbors and they were much pleased. It is a pleasure to recommend vour plants. The plants we got last Spring done fine, they look all right this Spring. We are trying the raspberries and dewberries this Spring. Thank you for the extra plants. Yours resp'y.

John B. Stevens.

Jasper Co., Iowa, April 24, '99. C. E). Whitten, Bridgman, Mich^

Dear 5/r/Received strawberry plants all in splendid shape. They are very fine plants and am very well pleased. I have them about all set and they look line. If you have not already, you may send the raspberries at once. Hope they will be as fine as the .straw- berry plants. Thanking you for such nice plants, I am

Very resp'y.

John W. Watson.

Grundy Co., Iowa, May 12, '99. Mr. C. E. Whitten.

Dear 5zV.— Please find enclosed draft for $16.00, balance due on order for plants. Plants were received in fine condition and were extra. I handle a good many plants each spring making, deliveries of nursery stock, but have never saw any better and very few as good. Thanking you for good count and care in packing I remain, Truly yours,

W. H. Minton.

Way ME Co., Mich., May 11, '99. Dear Sir:— I received ray plants in good shape and was well pleased with your way of packing plants. I set them out and they look well. Yours truly,

Fred Kramer.

Sangamon Co., 111., April 20, '99, Mr. C. E. Whitten, Bridgman, Mich.

Dear Sir: — The plants I ordered from you some time since arrived at my place yester- day, and I immediately "heeled" them in. Today we commenced setting in the ground. I found the plants all in good order, full of life and vigor, alwaj'S over-riinning in num- ber, and 200 or 250 Cobden Queens and 50 Ridgewaj'S which I had not ordered. I sel- dom meet with such elegant treatment in ordering nurserj- stock, and I heartily thank you for such magnanimous conduct. We had a nice shower of rain early this morning and we are now rapidly transferring your plants to their abiding homes in the moi.st mellow earth. I do not think any of them will fail to grow. I am much pleased with the stock, and in another year you shall probably hear from me again.

Respectfully yours, J. M. Hovv'ard.

Oketo, Kansas, May, 22, 99. Dear Sir: The plants I received from you were very fine. They came in in good shape and are all doing fine. Many thanks for lib- eral count.

Respectfully,

M. Z. Chambers.

Oberlin, Apr. 25, '99.

Mr. C. E. Whitten.

Dear Sir: — Your plants came this afternoon in good shape. They were a nice lot of plants, for which accept thanks.

Resp. yours,

F. N. Rhodes.

Columbia Co., Wis., Apr. i, '99. Mr. C. E. Whitten.

Dear Sir:— The strawberry plants which I puichased of you a year ago were the finest I ever saw. They arrived in splendid shape and nearly everyone lived.

Yours resp'y,

James H. Hoyt,

Duncan, May 8, '99.

Mr. C. E. Whitten.

Dear Sir:— I received the plants in good shape. They are doing nicely. I do not think I will lose any of them.

Resp.,

S. Duncan.

Fleming, Apr. 25, '99. C. E. Whitten, Bridgman, Mich.

Dear Sir: — The plants received in first class condition. Accept thanks for your prompt attention to my order.

Your very resp.,

Chas. Collins.

Jackson Co., Apr. 26, '99. Dear Sir: — Plants arrived in due time and in best of condition. Am well pleased. Many thanks for extra plants.

H. W. Kisinger.

May 5, '99.

C. E. Whitten, Bridgman, Mich.

Dear 5/>.-— Plants received all O. K. in good .shape. Thank you for sending such fine plants and bushes, also thanks for those extras. Strawberry plants were in fine shape. Did not expect such fine small fruit plants. Have them all set out and doing well. Yours,

S. R. Bear.

Sterling, May 6, '99. Dear Sir: — We received plants this morn- ing in nice, fresh condition. They were packed in superior manner, light" crate, venti'ated and so marked as to keep varie- ties unmixed, which has not always been our luck, Hud is a great improvement on the methods sometimes used. Thanks for promptness, too.

Re.sp.,

C. H. Sumner.

jACKSo>f, Co.. Iowa, May 23, 1S99. Mr. C. E. Whitten,

Dear Sir: Enclosed, $1.75. 100 Concord Grape Vines. You are the most prompt people I ever had any dealings with; hope you will continue to do business in the same prompt manner. I think I can trade more with j-ou next year.

Yours Respectfully,

I.. B. McDonnell.

20-

C. B. Whitten's

I "Strawberry Plants that Grow'

Nurseries

ORDER SHEET.

e. E. WHITTEN'S NURSERIES, Bridgman, Mich.

1900

Please send plants named below to

Name

Post Ofnce__.. Express Office.

County

State

Ship to

Ship by.

AMOUNT ENCLOSED

P. 0. Order $

Express Order $

Draft $

Cash $

Total $.

No. of Plants	Name of Plants Ordered	1 Price
		1
		1
		1
		1 1
	i 1 . - _ .J
	i 1

Send us the address of several of your friends who you may think would be interested in fruit growing, and we will include extra plants for vour trouble. J^TesLT oS Order Sheet on dotted line.

PRieE LIST ©F STRAWBERRIES

FOR 1900.

12 100 1000

Arrow (P) $ .25 $ .50 $ 3.00

Amout Imp. Parker Earl e .25 .60 ^.00

Barton's Eclipvse (P) .25 .40 2.25

Beder Wood . .25 .40 2.00

Bismark . 25 .50 250

Bisel (P) .25 .50 2.50

Brandy wine .25 .50 2.50

Brunette .25 .50 2.75

Bubach (P) .25 .50 2.75

Clyde -* .25 .50 2.75

Columbian J . .25 .40 2.25

Crescent (P) .25 .40 1.75

Enhance .25 ,50 2.50

Excelsior .30 .60 3.00

Gandy .25 .40 2.00

Gertrude .25 .50 2.50

Glen Mary .25 .50 2.50

Haverland (P) .25 .50 2.50

Jessie .25 .50 2.50

Johnson's Early . .30 .75 4.00

Lovett . .25 .40 1.85

Luther— .35 i.oo 8.00

Marshall .25 .60 3.00

Manwell . .25 .60 2.75

Margaret .25 .60 3.00

McKinley . ._ .25 .60 3.00

Michel's Early. .... . .25 .35 1.50

Nick Ohmer .30 ,75 4.00

Pocomoke .35 i.oo 6.00

Parker Earle .... . .25 .60 300

Ruby... _ .25 .60 300

Ridgeway.... . ._ ... .25 .60 3.00

Sample , . .30 .75 6.00

Satisfaction .25 .50 2.50

Splendid 1.... .25 .40 2.25

Seaford, (P) .25 .60 350

Sharpless 25 .50 2.75

Tennesee Prolific 25 .40 2.25

Up to-Date. .25 .50

Van Deman .25 .50 2.75

Warfield .25 .40 1.85

Wm. Belt .25 .50 2.50

. Richardson, Co., Nebr., May i, '99.

C. E. Whitten, Bridgeman, Mich.

Dear Sir: At my father's request I write to state that his order No. 2013, reached him in good

condition and he thanks you many times for Cobden Queen plants. Every plant stands up in the rows and looks like they have always been used to the black soil of Nebraska.

I send you a stamped envelope, and will you please write me this: Will it injure the plants

too much to let them fruit this year; -and also will four runners be too much to leave on each

plant? The four thousand we bought of you last year we did not let fruit but expect a good crop

this year. Truly yours,

Joie Roy.

Order your FRUIT PACKAGES from

Wells-Higman Co.

ST. JOSEPH, MIGtllG^N

Berry Crates, Melon Crates, Melon Baskets,

Bushel Baskets, Climax Grape Baskets, Climax Peach Baskets and all kinds of Fruit Pack- ages,

Berry Boxes Crates

IN the: fl-ATS

A SPECIALTY

Bay boxes now and make up during the winter months.