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REMARKS TO MY CUSTOMERS.

I commence to fill orders just as soon as we can dig plants in the spring—usually about the first of April—and all possible haste is made in getting them off. My customers are never more anxious to get their plants than I am to send them, but I never have plants taken up in the fall and kept over to fill early orders. They are taken up when wanted, and not before. Nor are we hindered in filliug orders by handling other nursery stock. The strawberry is the one thing claiming our attention in the spring. Wehave every facility for doing this work well, but we must have a little time. We send plants with perfect safety to any post office or express office in the U.S. or Canada. Purchasers pay all express charges: I pay all postage on plants.

We very seldom make mistakes, but if any do occur, they are cheerfully corrected without loss to customers, if we are notified Promptly.

Money may be sent at my risk by P O. Money Order, Express Money Order, Registered Letter, or Draft on New York. Less than one dollar may be sent in stamps. Currency and Postal Notes are unsafe. Individual checks on obscure local banks cost twenty- five cents for collection.

All who favor me with orders this spring may expect ny July Report next summer, It will contain an account of many new var- ities—some not yet introduced.—and give information that you «re not likely to get elsewhere for a year or more.

Plants are packed in the best possible manner, in handle baskets lived with waxed paper and damp moss, with the leaves exposed to the light and air. hey are trimmed, tied i. bunches and Inbel- ed, with moss enough between the bunches to keep them in good condition for weeks, early in the season. By this method the pack- age is light (1000 weigh about 30 ths.: 300, 10 ths ), it is always right side up, and the plants are never blanched nor heated.

When ordering, please state whether others may be substituted in case any ot those ordered are sold out. I can often do this to advantage, but never take the liberty without permission.

No plants are sent by freight except at buyer's risk; nor do I warrant plants after May 15th.

_, in offering six plants at doxen rates.and fifty at kundred rates it is not intended that the six and the fifty should be made up of several varieties.

SPECIAL OFFER.—To encourage early, cash orders before the rush of the packing season comes | make this offer: To every person who sends me a cash order before April Ist, |’ will mail six gladiolus bulbs, blooming size, for each dollar sent.

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Muskingam.—l! have had this berry on my place since the spring of 1889, and am satisfied that it is a variety well worth introducing. I am pleased to offer it to my customers. It originated with Mr. Grant Kearns, of Mus- kingum County, O. and he has grown it extensively for mar- ket for a number of years.

At the summer meeting of the State Horticultural Society, held in Columbus on June 11th, 1890, the Muskingum was on exhibition, and received the first prize as the best new seedling. It has succeeded at the State Experiment Station, and is highly spoken of by Prot. Green, who is never ex- travagant in his praise of a new fruit. The Muskingum is a safe variety to plant for mayket,-as it is one of the hardy, reliable kinds that do well anywhere and need no petting. The plant is a model of healthy, vigorous growth, showing no weakness of any kind. It makes plenty of runners, and coniinues green and luxuriant throughout the season. Its blossom is perfect, and ech one produces a berry. The originator Juforms me thet it is more prolific than the Cres- cent, and more profitable, and my own experience agrees with this statement. The fruit is lirge, obtusely conical in forni, nearly round towards the énd of the season, regular in outline, and fine looking. Its color is dark, glossy red, with red flesh, and it is firm enongh to carry well to a distant market. Its quality is good for a market berry.

Leader.—Originated in Mass. by the same persons who produced the Standard. It is now offered for the first time. It was awarded three prizes by the Mass. Horticul-

2 CRAWFORD’S CATALOGUE,

tural Society last June. Several of my correspondents in New England have written me about this berry, speaking of it in the highest terms. I have arranged with one of the most skillful packers in the east to fill my orders at the grounds of the originator, so that my customers need not expect to get repacked and reshipped plants. ‘This man will do this by special arrangement with the introducers, who de business in Boston. As far as I know, he is the only man who will send plants direct to customers from the ground on which they grew. Many testimonials might be printed, but I will give only the language of my friend, who is a well-posted strawberry man, and lives within a mile of the place where the Leader originated, and where the stock now is:

“It is signally the stra wherry novelty of the season, and is now offered for the first time. Itisa strong staminate variety ; the plant is absolutely perfect in vigor and habit; the fruit is produced in great abundance, on tall, stout fruit stems. It is of large size, firm, beautiful in form, and colors all over at once, (no green noses). It originated within a mile of my home. I consider it, by all odds, the most promising berry

ever sent out. It was a week ahead of any variety on my grounds in ripening.”

Beverly.—I am very glad to be able to offer this noted berry to my customers, as it hasa record seldom if ever equal- ed. It was produced by Mr. Benjamin F. Smith, an amateur strawberry grower near Boston. Here is his account of it:

“In July, 1887, I sowed seed from Miner’s Prolific. Next June (1888) it gave me good specimens of fruit. Starting from one plant in 1888, in 1890 I picked eight and three-fourths bushels of berries. On June 24th, 1890, [ was awarded by the Massachusetts Horticultural Society its silver medal (1st prize) for the best seedling strawberry. During the next twelve months I received three more prizes from the same society for this berry, making four in thirteen months,”

Probably no society in the country has a higher standard

CRAWFORD’S CATALOGUE. 3

than this, and its prizes are never awarded for ordinary pro- ductions.

From what I have seen and heard, the plant of the Beverly is all that could be desired —large, and perfectly healthy, send- ing out great numbers of runners, and astonishingly productive, surpassing in this respect, the Bidwell, Jewell, Crescent and other noted varieties grown in the same garden with an equal chance. The blossom is perfect, and not liable to be killed by frost. Its season is from medium to late, and it bears a long time. It maintains its size so well that the last pickings sold for 25 cents a quart, and the supply was never equal to the demand. It is of regular conical form, resembling in this res- pect, its parent. It is a bright, glossy crimson, and colors al over. It is easily picked, and one of the best to retain its color. Its flesh is firm, and very superior in flavor, resembling the wild berry. A friend of mine who saw this on exhibition, and afterwards on the grounds of the originator, gave a very favorable account of it, and this induced me to get a lot of potted plants last season as soon as it could be obtained. I am well pleased with their growth, and have every reason to sup- pose that it is a great acquisition. Mr. Smith is a skillful grower, and knows how to pack plants. Plants receyied from him last fall came in splendid condition. I have arranged with him to send them direct to my customers, and they may expect to be well served. If any are received in poor condi- tion, I should be notified at once so that the order may be re- filled in good season. The supply of plants is small, and those who want this berry must order early.

\ Gillespie and Auburn.— Early last spring I ob- tained from the introducer these two varieties. They were set temporarily, until the ground was made ready for them. As often happens in the spring, the rush of filling orders pre- yented me from doing any work of my own until my custom-

4 CRAWFORD’S CATALOGUE.

ers Were served, and it was quite late when these were planted permanently. During this time they blossomed, and 1 have never seen a finer show of bloom than was on the Gillespie. They were about tlie largest plants I ever received, and I have no doubt that they would have matured a crop of large ber- ries. The Auburn planis were not nearly as large, and could not make such a show. Both varieties have made a good, healthy growth. I have heard good reports of them from those who have seen them in bearing, A correspondent in Hamil- ton County wrote me that the Gillespie is superior to the Haverland, besides having a perfect blossom. He has since reported that the Auburn is no less valuable.

The following is the disseminator’s account of them:

“We offer no apology for introducing these new varieties, for we well know there is always room at the top; and while many of the new strawberries of to-day will never have other than a local value, here we have an enviable pedigree that points to a brilliant future. Gillespie and Auburn originated with Mr. Samuel Gillespie, of Butler County, Ohio, in 1886, from seed of the Haverland—a leading variety of to-day. Both are better in many respects.

Gillespie fruited the first year from seed, and was exhibited before the Butler County Horticultural Society in June, | 887, attracting much attention, many thinking it most remarkable for a strawberry plant to produce such magnificent berries in less than one year from seed. The Gillespie has created a sensation every year since first exhibited, and the originator has been besieged on all sides for plants.”

The following is an extract from a letter just received from the disseminator:

“The new strawberries Gillespie and Auburn did very hand- somely again last season (1891). The largest and finest berries shown at our strawberry show last June were Gillespie, and it is better in quality and more productive than any other yery large berry that I know. The flesh of Gillespie is quite solid, but tender all the way through, having none of that spongy ~

CRAWFORD’S CATALOGUE. 5

or stringy center found in Sharpless and Haverland. As a fancy market berry, or for the home garden, it is a leader.

Auburn is entirely different from Gillespie, and is preferred by some as a market berry. It ripens very early, is very uni- form in size and shape, and has that desirable rich, dark crim- son color which makes ready sales.

Descriprion.—Plant, a tall luxuriant grower, free from rust, and enduring extremes of heat and cold; blossom perfect; a most prolific bearer; berries of the largest size, regularly oblong, rounded or blunt at the apex; color bright scarlet; flesh firm but melting; sweet and good; a decided improye- ment on Haverland, having perfect flowers, larger berries and of better quality, without stringy or hard center, and we be- lieve it has fair carrying qualities. At the strawberry show at Hamilton, Ohio, June, 1890, the Gillespie made a fine dis- play, and the fruit committee reported: ‘The Gillespie is the largest berry on the tables to-day—long oblong in shape, bright scarlet red color, fair to good in quality. The com- mittee think it a first-class berry.”

Auburn. (r).—Plant a good grower, with dark, heavy foliage, perfectly healthy; berries large, regularly conic, and quite uniform in size ; color, dark crimson throughout; a plea- sant acid to the taste; firm enough to carry well. The origi- nator claims that the Auburn begins to ripen very early, fur- nishing the first picking in advance of the Crescent. Should it prove thus early everywhere, it will be a very valuable addi- tion; in fact just the berry we’ve all been looking for to take the place of the Crescent, for it is much better in color and quality, will average much larger, and holds up in size to the last picking.

Gillespie is a fair plant maker, with long runners, while the runners from the Auburn are short-jointed, and plants are more freely produced.

Many testimonials could be furnished, but I will take room for only one: “Haminton, O., Dec. 13, 1890.

This is to certify that Samuel Gillespie is the originator of the new strawberries Gillespie and Auburn. They are berries of which Butler County is justly very proud, and we, as mem- bers of the Cary Terracultural Association take pleasure in

6 CRAWFORD’S CATALOGUE.

recommending them to the general public. As to size they are the very largest and very symmetrical. The quality is good, the shipping quality equal to the Wilson. As to foliage we never saw plants so large, thrifty and vigorous. The berries on exhibition at our last two strawberry shows were the won- der of all.”

Parker Earle.—tThis is one of the few varieties that seem to succeed in all localities. Having a large stock of my own growing, I have been on the lookout for all that has been written concerning it, and I have yet to hear the first unfavorable report. Itis just what it was claimed to be -—no more, no less. It was the most productive of any on my place last season. The fruit is of good size, long, con- ical, with a slight neck, very bright red, and of good, though not best quality. It is firm enough to carry well, and so fine looking that it will always sell. The plants are healthy and vigorous, making immense crowns aod not very many runners. Asa market variety, it will be very popular when better known. Season late.

~ Princess.—One of a number of seedlings grown by John C. Kramer, of Minn., from mixed seed sown in 1881. It was named by the Minnesota Horticultural Society, at its summer meeting, held at Minneapolis, in 1885. The Prin- cess took the first prize at that meeting, although there were 15 other new seedlings competing. It was exhibited in Minnesota and Wisconsin, and invariably took the first prize. Mr. Kramer left a strip two rods long and five feet wide, un- picked, so that visitors might see how it yielded, and when a member of the State Experiment Station came to see it, four persons picked 61 quarts from it in one hour. By actual count, three of these quarts contained 18, 20 and 22 berries respectively. The same strip yielded 25 quarts the next picking, and 14 at a still later date. This is by no means its best record, but this is good enough.

CRAWFORD’S CATALOGUE. 7

The following is the substance of a letter written by John S. Harris of the Minn. State Horticultural Experiment Station, to the Secretary of the State Hort. Soc.:

“Growing upon Mr. Kramer’s grounds, this new seedling, the “Princess” is the most promising strawberry that has ever come to my notice. The plants are hardy, vigorous, and enormously productive. It roots deep and stands drouth well. The fruit is very large, averaging larger than Jessie or Bubach’s No. 5, uniformly perfect in form, ripens all over at once, and holds up its size well to the end of the

-season. Whenever it has been exhibited in competition it has been awarded a first premium over all others. The yield of fruit in 1888, upon two square rods of ground, was at the rate of 825 bushels per acre. The quality of the fruit is pronounced to be better than the Crescent. Should it do as well on other grounds as with Mr. Kramer, numbers of the old varieties will go out of cultivation, and the poor man can afford to provide his family with strawberries.”

From what I have heard and seen of this berry, I believe it to be one of the very best market varieties ever introduced. It was one of the few that yielded heavily on my place last season. I have grown it two years and find it to be a healthy vigorous grower, making an abundance of strong runners. While it has no defects that I am aware of, its strong points are its wonderful productiveness, large size and attractive appearance.

¥ Middlefield.—I offer this as one that has been well tested and found to be very superior. It has succeeded over a wide area, and [| have yet to hear of its failing anywhere. I have fruited it three times, and have confidence that it will become a favorite as soon as its meritsare known. The plant is a model of size, health and vigor. I never saw better foliage on a plant, and I believe that a spot of rust has never appeared on it during the four years it has grown here. The fruit is produced in abundance, and is wonderfully attractive, being very large, of regular conical form except

8 CRAWFORD’S CATALOGUE.

a few of the largest which may be slightly flattened—bright

glossy red, firm and of high flavor. The fruit resembles that of the old Jucunda, but the plant is immensely stronger and healthier. It is the berry for one to raise for a faney market where something really superior is appreciated. For home use it will be satisfactory because it is one of the very best obtainable.

\ mln F 5 ¥ Standard.—This is a strong, vigorous grower, with healthy foliage. I think it has not fruited west of Mass. I therefore quote from the introducer’s description:

“Too much cannot be said of this strawberry novelty for 1891, which we introduce this season. We fully believe it to be the best Strawberry in every Way tit hats been intro. duced for years. Grown in alternate rows wit, twenty other varieties in ordinary field culture, this berry showed its distinction in sup ’riority as regards siz>, productiveness and quality, over them all. We would consider it time and money wasted to introduce a new Strawberry if it were not an improvement on the varieties now in cultivation. The Standard we know is very productive, large as the Sharp- less, better in shape, very firm, solid flesh, making it a good market berry for shipping. Flavor far ahead of any we have tested, being bright and sprightly like the old Boston Pine, with the added merit of being a perfect blossom, or in other words a strong staminate variety. Color, a beautiful crimson; plants very vigorous, and free fron rast or seald ; season of ripening. mediu n to late; and the fruit is borne high above the ground on strong stalks, ripening very evenly. Many individual plants had from nine to thirteen fruit stalks producing from two to three quarts to a single plant. One very important point with this berry is its dry- ness; fruit kept three days was not decayed, but rather in- clined to shrivel and dry up rather than to rot or soften, which is a remarkable point in a strawberry for shipping purposes. Messrs. Campbell & Gowing, of North Read- ing, the originators, have grown seedling strawberries for more than a score of years, and this berry is the chosen one among thousands which they have grown and fruited.”

CRAWFORD’S CATALOGUE. 9

Vv Lovett’s Early.—lIntroduced a year ago by the J. T. Lovett Co. It has made a good growth on my place, and the plants have the tough, hardy appearance of the Crescent or Warfield. It has not fruited with me. The following is the introducer’s account of it as published in the spring of 91:

“Loverr’s Earty is a chance seedling (believed to have descended from the Crescent crossed with the Wilson) that was discovered in Kentucky in 1885, near the place of origin of Chas. Downing, Kentucky and Downer’s Prolific. Both in Kentucky and New Jersey the variety has been tested by the side of all the best varieties in cultivation, upon poor soil, and without fertilizers, and in every instance it has given results surpassing by far all others, responding to good soil and cu!ture as generously as any variety we know. In earli- ness it is second only to Crystal City (that little extra early sort being but two or three days in advance of it) and in productiveness it excels all other varieties we have ever fruit- ed; and succeeds everywhere, even upon poor, light land. We do not claim for it mammoth size, but that it is above mediun, averiging large and very uniform, holding its size to the close of the season better than other varieties—by reason of its foliage maintaining perfect health and vigor until all the berries have ripened. The berries color all over at once, never with a green tip; seldom ill-shaped and never cockscombed.”

“TjovetUs Early is without doubt the most promising of the ecrriy varieties. The plants are rank and vigorous growers, the fruit ripeos early, is large and uniform in size, lirm, of a high color, splendid in flavor. It is perfect flowering, and very desirable as an early variety, and a pro- lific bearer.” —American Agriculturist.

“Lovett’s Early is a first-class strawberry and no mistake. Try it.’—Farm Journal.

The following is the introducer’s account of it after fruit- ing it last summer:

“Lovett’s Early strawberry—which we have fruited the past year on a more extended scale than any other—has not only borne out its previous good record of excelling all

10 CRAWFORD'S CATALOGUE.

others as an all round general purpose berry, but we are receiving most favorable reports upon it from the Experi- ment Stations of almost every state in the Union and not a single unfavorable one among them all.

Lovett’s Early gave us ripe berries on May 22nd, the ear- liest date we have had ever gathered ripe strawberries. Be- ginning thus to ripen early, it continues to near the close of the season, and owing to its wonderful vigor of plant it maintains a good size and form to the end. It does not give so great a yield at any single picking as some varieties that go quickly, but during the whole season, from first to last, we have yet to see a strawberry produce so much fruit from given space and under neglect. The berries are not of the Colossal size of the Sharpless. but are seldom, if ever, illshaped. They are of the brighest crimson, excel in firmness any variety except the Wilson, which they equal, retain their bright color and “stand up” longer than any other sort, and are of superb quality. In brief it is an im- provement upon both the Crescent aud Wilson, from which two varieties it has undoubtedly descended, being much larger and more prolific than either, and equalling or excelling these heroes in every good property. The plant is perfection its- self in habit and growth, and the blossom is perfect.”

Barton’s Eclipse.—A seedling of the Longfellow, and originated in Keatucky. This has grown two years with me, and my opinion is that a more healthy and vig- orous variety was never introduced. In last year’s catalogue I expressed the opinion that if it were set four feet apart each way it would cover the ground with plants. This was far within the trath. On good land it might be planted six by six, or even farther. I had a good chance to see it in bearing last year, and am glad to say that itis astonishingly prolific. The fruit is of great size, and nearly always of good form. It has a slight neck, and a firm skin, and will endure a good deal of handling without showing it. It is of good color, and will sell in any market. I have heard the most favorable reports of it from those who have fruited

CRAWFORD’S CATALOGUE. il

it. One prominent commercial grower of Arkansas wrote me that he would not be surprised to see it the most popular of all when it is well known. My advice to all is to buy at least a dozen plants and give them room, and raise enough to plant an acre the next year if reports warrant.

The following four varieties were sent out by myself last season, and another year’s experience confirms me in my pre- vious good opinion of them. I give the original descriptions, as they are just what I wish to say.

\ Woolverton.—I have fruited this in both hills and matted rows, and am convinced that it is a variety of great merit. Wherever it has been tested it has made a good record. It is a splendid grower, remaining green and healthy all sum- mer, sending out a good number of runners, and beariug abun- dantly. The blossom is perfect, and it remains in bloom a long time. In fact it always matures a part of its crop before it is done blooming. This is a valuable characteristic, because it will prevent any great loss by a late frost, and also make it a rare variety to plant with pistillates. The fruit is very large, resembling the Bubach in form, except that the first and lar- gest berry on the stem is often more irregular. The color isa beautiful, bright red, and the quality is good. I am very glad to be at liberty to offer this variety to my customers as [ think it is one that will give satisfaction. It was originated by John Little, of Canada, and named for the editor of the Canadian Horticulturist.

. Gov. Hoard.—1 have fruited this under various con- ditions, for four years, and have no hesitation in offering it to my customers as a variety of great promise. It has been tes- ted ten years, and during that time has been as free from rust as any ever grown, and has shown no weakness of any kind. It is a seedling of the Sharpless, and resembles its parent in healthy, vigorous growth. It sends out an abundance of run-

12 CRAWFORD’S CATALOGUE.

ners, and the last ones to root in the fall bear well the next summer. The blossom is perfect, and the fruit is produced in great abundance, on tall, stout fruit stems. It is of large size, roundish conic.l, and somewhat flattened, with a slight neck, and a green calyx that turns bac! toward the stem. The color is a deep, brilliant red, and it ripens all over. The flesh is firm and of very superior flavor. It has acid enough to be agreeable, and is so rich that sugar is scarcely necessary. Its beautiful form and color, with its high flavor and reversed calyx render it one of the very best to be served with the hulls on, to be eaten out of the hand. In form, color, and time of ripening, it is similar to Warfield, and on account of this re- semblance it will no doubt become very popular as a fertilizer for that variety.

:¥ Saumders.—A Canadian berry of great value for the

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market-grower. I wish that all my customers would test it, as it is among the most desirable. The plant is large and vig- orous, free from rust, and is as healthy and hardy as any ever sent out. It makes many runners, has a perfect blossom, and is enormously productive. In this respect it excelled all others on my place in 1890, and was the wonder of all who saw it. The fruit is very large, conical, slightly flattened, and often has a depression on one or both sides. It is deep red, and remarkably glossy. he flesh is of the same color, and has a sprightly, agreeable flavor. I have fruited it twice, and have seen but one defect in it so far—the very largest specimens are sometimes misshapen. The originator, Mr.

John Little, thinks the Saunders the most valuable of all his seedlings, and he is a grower of great experience.

Martha.—This is a market berry, originated by Wm. Lyons, of Minnesota, and named for his daughter. It was grown from mixed seed of the Cumberland, Countess and Wilson, and is supposed to be a seedling of the latter. It is

CRAWFORD’S CATALOGUE. 13

the only variety saved from many thousand seedlings. It has been tested about ten years, and is now offered for the first time. I have fruited it under various conditions, and know it to be a variety of dec:ded character. It has been grown by the acre in Minnesota, and pronounced the most profitable of all. In both plant and fruit it resembles the Wilson, and might be taken for that variety; but the blossoms are pistill- ate, and the flesh of the berry is thought to be redder than that of any other sort. The plant is remarkably healthy and vigorous. Its roots extend to a great depth, enabling it to endure drouth and hard treatment equally with the Crescent. The following is what I said of it last season at the time of fruiting :

“Another year’s trial confirms my good opinion of this variety. While it is not my favorite style of berry, it will have many friends among those who grow this fruit for market. The plant has the vigor and healih of the Crescent, and the dark green foliage of the Capt. Jack. It has a pistillate blos- som, and is a great bearer. The fruit resembles Wilson so much that it would pass for that variety in the market, but with good culture it is larger. It will not be a show berry for lack of size, nor a family berry for lack of highest flavor, but for large crops of good-lovking, salable fruit, it may be depen- ded upon.”

. Boynton.— Originated near Albany, N. Y. from seed of the Crescent, fertilized by the Sharpless. Introduced last year. I have not fruited it. The introducer makes the following claims for it:

1.—*Earliness and long continued season.

2.—Large size, maintained until the last picking.

3.—Bright color and remarkable firmness.

4,—Wonderful productiveness, surpassing all others in this respect.”

A horticultural writer of Albany says “It is the best all round berry yet offered. It outsells all others in this mar-

14 CRAWFORD’S CATALOGUE.

ket, the fruit dealers paying a higher price for it than any others. Berries are large, bright red, firm and solid, good for shipping. It is rapidly supplanting all others.” Im- mense yields of the berry are reported by those who raise it. One man sold five hundred dollars worth from 14 acres; an- other three hundred dollars worth from 3 of an acre. It is a very luxuriant grower, and entirely free from rust so far.

Beder Wood.—Originated at Moline, Ill. This is, all things considered, the very best early berry that has ever fruited with me. It is not only very early, but it is im- mensely productive. The plant is a good, healthy grower, and sends out a large number of runners. It seems to be none the worse for maturing its great crop, for it produces fine healthy runners at the same time and throughout the season. The fruit is large, conical, bright red, and of excel- lent quality. For a near market and home use this will be one of the most satisfactory.

Wale.—Originated in Conn. an 1 introduced as a very late variety of great merit. I have grown it two years and am well pleased with the plant and its manner of growth. Many of its blossoms were hurt by the frost last season, and this prevents my being certain as to its productiveness. In every other respect it is all that was claimed for it. The fruit is large, round, dark red, very solid, and has the seeds on the surface. It is superior in quality and those who buy it once want it again. It is a great favorite for canning, on account of its dark, rich color, and solidity. One quart would impart a rich color to four or five of any other. It is perhaps our best late variety.

\, Crawford.—lIf I could have but one berry it would be this. It possesses so many desirable traits that I have to excercise great moderation in describing it. The plant is

CRAWFORD’S CATALOGUE. 15

large and stocky, dark green, free from rust, and a model of healthy vigorous growth. It has a magnificent, perfect blos- som, and it is a great bearer. The fruit is very large, and never cockscombed or misshapen, but the largest specimens are sometimes uneven on the surface. The color is a rich, brilliant red, and it ripens all over. The flesh is firm, and of superior flavor, being both sweet and rich. In appear- ance and quality it is a berry of decided character, and it would puzzle an expert to point out a fault in either plant or fruit.

\, Bubach.—This is a popular large berry that succeeds everywhere, and pleases most people. Beginners are charm- ed with its growth and productiveness, and its great size. It is uneven on the surface, often having a suture extending from the point almost to the stem on each side. It is rather light in color, especially in a wet season, when shaded by its rank foliage. It is not a firm berry, and hence not suitable to plant for a distant market. But although it has some faults, it is very popular, and will probably continue so, es- pecially for dry seasons.

\, Warfield.—Found by B. C. Warfield of Southern T- linois. Probably a seedling of the Crescent. It is a great market berry wherever known, and [ hear nothing but praise of it from all sides. It is not immensely large, but its great beauty, firmness, earliness, good flavor, productiveness, and vigor, combined with good size, make it exceedingly popular. It speaks for itself wherever it goes. Its blossom is pistil- late, and the Goy. Hoard, now offered for the first time, will be an excellent fertilizer for it, as there is a strong resem- blance between the two.

L Hatverland.—This succeeds everywhere. For vig- orous, healthy growth and great productiveness, it is proba- bly not excelled. The fruit is large, long, and rather light

Pa

+ 4

¥ Gandy.—This berrry gained many friends last year, and seems to be fast establishing for itself the reputation of being the best late variety. It isa good grower, has a per- fect blossom, is fairly productive, and late in commencing toripen. The fruit is large, bright scarlet in color, of good

16 CRAWFORD’S CATALOGUE.

red, moderately firm, of medium quality, and ripensall over. The fruit stalks are tall, and always bent to the ground with the heavy weight they bear, making mulching a necessity.

Jjessie.—A seedling of the Sharpless, originated by F. W. Loudon, of Wis. The plant is a vigorous grower, hardy and healthy with me, though in some localities it has been found lessso. It resembles the Sharpless in habit and appear- ance, and like that variety is tender to frost. It is a good bearer, and ripens early. The fruit is very large, nearly always of good form, bright red, and colors all over. It is quite firm and of good quality.

Pearl.—This is a good berry, sweet even before it is fully ripe, and being of regular, long conical form, with a slight neck, it is fine looking. It is of fair size, glossy red, firm, and always salable. It isa vigorous grower, and though it sometimes rusts, it never seems the worse for it, but comes out green in the spring, and bears a good crop. Since the advent of Mr. Terry’s book, [ have had several applications for Sterling and Downing plants, but having neither for sale, I have recommended the Pearl to take the place of both.

flavor, and gives out a most delightful aroma, suggestive of both strawberries and peaches. It has a large, bright green ealyx, which adds to the beauty of its appearance.

CRAWFORD'S CATALOGUE. 17

epayton.—! have heard so many good things said of the Dayton, and by such well-posted men, that | have con- cluded to catalogue it, although I have never seen either the plant or the fruit. The Dayton is in good repute in its own county where if is well and favorably known, and probably no section of the country can boast of a larger number of intelligent fruit growers than this. There are some sixty nurseries within twenty miles of Dayton.

The Dayton (so named by request of the members of the Montgomery County Horticul ural Society, at the June meeting, 1891, held at the home of the originator, Mr. David Feicht, five miles north of Dayton, O.) is a chance seedling. Mr. Feichv’s attention was drawn to it by its heavy stem, and immense cluster of fine, large fruit. It. was tested side by side with the Crescent and other pro- ductive varieties, and it cutyielded them all besides it proved six days earlier than the Crescent. It is a strong, healthy, vigorous, and upright grower, entirely free from rust, and its large foliage protects its blossoms from frost. In color it is somewhat darker than the Crescent. Solid, a good shipper, of fine form and excellent flavor. It is an immense yielder of very large fruit, and holds out well in size to the end of the season.

The points of excellence claimed for the Dayton are:

1. Earliness; 2, hardiness; 3, large size; 4, productive- ness; 5, superior flavor; 6, perfect bloom; 7, good shipping qualities; 8, desirable color; 9, vigorous growth; 10, its entire freeness from rust, always producing large, bright, clean and healthy foliage.—DissEMINATOR.

The following are a few of the many testimonials pub- lished :

: Mr. N. Ohmer, ex-President Ohio State Horticultural So- ciety, President of Montgomery County Horticultural Society and of Montgomery County Farmers’ Club, says of the Day- ton Strawberry:

Being present at the June meeting of the Montgomery County Horticultural Society, held at the residence and

18 CRAWFORD’S CATALOGUE.

fruit farm of Mr. David Feicht, the originator of the Day- ton Strawberry, so named at that meeting, I take pleasure in giving my unqualified admiration of the berry, for its earli- ness, large size, productiveness and especially large and healtby foliage. I believe this berry is destined to rank as one of the most desirable strawberries now grown.

ALBAUGH NuRSERY & ORCHARD Co., Tapmor, O., July 2, 1891.

I had the pleasure of examining and testing, on May 29, 1891, a quart of your Dayton strawberry. I tound them large, fine, good flavor, and earlier than Crescent or any other berry in cultivation hereabouts. For size, appearance and earli- ness of the berry it seems a decided acquisition.

Yours truly, N. H. ALBAuGH, Pres. A. N. & O. Co.

Outro AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION, October 15, 1891.

GENTLEMEN,—Plants of the Dayton strawberry were plac- ed on the Experiment Station grounds, for trial last year. These plants have made a vigorous and Fealthy growth, but nearly all the blossoms were killed by the frost, as were those of nearly all ether varieties. I saw the Dayton in fruit on your grounds, and was impressed that it has many good char- acteristics. The plants are healthy and productive. The berries are of good form and size, color and quality. I should judge that it would prove a great fertilizer, and would rank it as a very promising variety.

Respectfully, W. J. Green, Horticulturist.

Dayton, O., August 15, 1891.

I visited the grounds of Mr. David Feicht in 1889 when strawberries were ripe. The Dayton was the best on the ground. I picked two quarts of the Dayton to take to the American Nurserymen’s Convention at Chicago. This was on Tuesday. The berries attracted a good deal of attention at the meeting, and on Friday, when the convention adjourn- ed, there was not a decayed berry in the lot. I again visited the grounds this season, and found them the same as before, ahead of any other variety. Owing to its vigorous growth, earliness, good size and quality, and being a perfect bloomer,

CRAWFORD’S CATALOGUE. 19

it should be placed at the head of the list.

Respectfully, JOHN SIEBENTHALER, Nurseryman and Fruit Grower.

CLINTON CLIFF Fruit Farm, Dayton, O., Aug. 1, 1891.

I saw the Dayton strawberry on the original plantation at Mr. David Feicht’s place, in fruit, and can heartily endorse it as a berry of great value, both for the commercial grower and the family garden. It is a strong, vigorous, and immensely prolitic variety, possessing a perfect bloom. I would highly recommend this very promising berry to the attention of every lover of the queen of small fruits, the luscious straw- berry. E. T. Stoner.

Mr. Stoner is one of the largest growers of fruits in the state, cultivating forty acres in small fruits alone.

In addition to the above testimonials we append the report of the secretary of the Mont. Co. Horticultural Society :

“Mr. David Feicht showed samples of a chance seedling strawberry, found by him on a clearing on his farm four years ago. In size it compares favorably with Bubach, Jessie, Crawford and other large varieties, and certainly makes a handsome appearance. One of its great merits is its early ripening, in this respect preceding the Crescent several days. It is hardy, being capsble of enduring very rough usage. Won. Ramsey,

Sec. Mont. Co. Horticultural Society.

NEW LATE STRAWBERRY, Te = — —

Vm. Po ROR.”

“Sold by the crate in the Newburgh market, July 11, 1891, The only productive, large, good flavored late berry yet introduced, yielding nearly double the fruit of the old Ken- tucky, and one third larger, firm and of the very best quality ; the plant a strong, vigorous grower, with perfect flowers.

This new strawberry, which we have named the ‘ E. P. Ros,’ was found in the month of May, 1887, by Mr. W. B. Brown, in his garden, at 152 South St., Newburgh, N. Y. While prepar-

20 CRAWFORD’S CATALOGUE.

ing a flower bed for his wife, he noticed the little chance seed- ling plant, and, being greatly interested in horticulture, requested his better half that the plant be permitted to remain. Owing to this good lady's submission to her husband’s wish, we are now enabled to offer to the public this superb late berry. When it becomes more fully known it is bound to have first place, as the leading productive late strawberry. From this little plant Mr. Brown propagated plants enough to set a bed about eight feet square. When it came in bearing, it was a pleasant surprise to Mr. Brown and to many who visited his garden to see the fruit, while all were universal in their praise of the vines as the greatest yielders they had ever seen. It was its lateness and fine flavor that pleased them best. It was in this way and in seeing the fruit at Mr. Brown’s store that Mr. Nathaniel Barnes became interested in the new berry, and ar- ranged with Mr. Brown to grow it ina large way on his ex- tensive fruit farm. Mr. Barnes is one of the best judges of fruits, and his opinion can always be relied on as trustworthy. Through Mr. Barnes’ planting it on his place, the fruit prov- ing so valuable, when placed on the Newburgh market, an:} its fine large size, excellent flavor and lateness exciting the admiration of all who saw the fruit, many prominent authori- ties ordered a certain number of quarts each day during its season.

My attention was called to the berry early in the spring of 1891. Noticing the fine, strong, clean. healthy foliage, early in the season I became interested in the berry and visited Mr. Brown’s place several times before and during the fruiting season, to see how it was behaving. With each visit I was more favorably impressed that it was entirely distinct from any other variety in cultivation.

With a party, consisting of Mr. W. T. Doty, editor of the Orange County Farmer, Messrs. E. G. Fowler and John J. Dillon, late of the Elmira Husbandman, and my neighbor, Mr. Henry C. Brewster, a large fruit grower, we saw the berry on June 8th, both at its home at Mr. Brown’s in Newbugh, and at Mr. Barnes’ place at Middlehope. At this time none of the fruit was ripe, but the vines were heavily laden with green berries and blossoms. All who saw the promise were unanimous in their opinion that it would be a valuable late variety.

CRAWFORD’'S CATALOGUE. 21

The first ripe fruit of the “E. P. Ror” was sold in the city of Newburgh on June 19th, and pronounced by all who saw it to be the finest late berry they had ever seen. On June 29th the fruit was at its best, and I was then well sat- isfied that it was the coming berry, and would take the place as yet unfilled by any strawberry in cultivation. Think of a strawberry at its best in this locality on June 29th, one that will bear abundantly until July 11th, and you then have a fair idea of the “I. P. Rom” the only late strawberry we have ever sen that is fully as productive as the good early varieties. A berry entirely distinct from any variety now in cultivation, possessing all the desirable qualities to make it the most profitable variety yet introduced, and the only one of the new fruits that has been called to our notice, that has impressed us so favorably as to be held responsible for its dissemination.

The plants of the “E. P. Ron” are the finest growers I have ever seen. I have seen them grow toa height of two feet under favora:le conditions in Mr. Brown’s garden, with a compact, dark, rich, healthy foliage, Fortunately its blossoms are perfect. It ripened this season from June 19th to July 11th. It is a wonder in productiveness, completely covering the ground about the plants, with its fine, uniform regular luscious fruit. It somewhat resem- bles the old Kentucky in shape, but is entirely distinct from that variety in other respects, being one third larger, with a short neck, of richer color, solid all through and without any core.

It is now an established fact with fruit growers, that the greatest profits are from the very early and very late straw- berries. The party who will plant the ‘EK. P. Ror” will have fruit so much later than any one else, that he can make his own price. Its excellent fliyor will recommend it so highly to the consumers that they will buy it as long as it is in the market, even at an advanced price.”

NewsoreH, N. Y., Aug. 31, 1891.

The last crate of the E. P. Roe Strawberry was brought to market on July 11th, and the last fruit was picked in my garden on July 17th and 18th. Yours truly,

WM. B. BROWN.

22 CRAWFORD’S CATALOGUE.

Port Jervis, N. Y., Sept. 3, 1891.

In regard to Mr. Brown’s berry, which you have named the E. P. Roe, it affords me pleasure to add some testimony to its merits. My examination of it, as you know, was cur- sory and not entirely satisfactory, as it was just coming into fruiting, but I saw enough to satisfy me that in lateness it to-day has no rival; it is a prolific bearer, thrifty and with fine foliage; with perfect flower; and a handsome, excellent flavored berry, in shape like the old Kentucky. I have great hopes of the E. P. Roe strawberry.

Respectfully, W. T. DOTY.

THe RURAL PUBLISHING Co.,

Times Buinpinc, New York. Sept. 7, 1891. At the time that I saw the new strawberry that you have named the EK. P Roe, on Mr. Barnes’ place near Middle- hope. (ebout June 8th. I think) it was just passing through a severe drouth, and seemed to be a berry of much promise. It certainly is a vigorous grower, and then showed signs of being a prolific bearer. It is decidedly a late kerry, and will have especial value in prolonging the season. I trust that it will prove worthy, as it promises to do, of the name

which it bears. Very truly yours, JOHN J. DILLON.

STRAWBERRY CULTURE.

The following. on this subject, is taken from one of my former catalogues, and is as sound now as when first written:

Location.—As the strawberry flourishes in everv part of the United Staies. it is needless to say much about location. Still, it is a cold-blooded plant, and, all other things being equal, it will succeed better in the North than in the South. Even in Canada, a northern slope is to be preferred. The eastern is the next vest, and the southern the least desirable. It is not best that the bed be shaded during any part of the day; but to be sheltered from the west wind is an advantage. Tt is especially important that the bed be free from the roots of living trees. The strawberry needs all the nourishment it

CRAWFORD’S CATALOGUE. 23

can get during the growing season, without being cut short by the roots of other plants. It is commonly supposed that the roots of a tree extend as far in each direction as it is high, but this is no certain rule. A black walnut seems to interfere but little with the growth of any crep near by, while an elm or a maple will send its roots twice as far as it is high, and appropriate the food and moisture needed for other crops. The roots of an elm, in New Hampshire, stopped up a drain 400 feet from the tree. An English gardener cut down a row of elms, because they sent their roots into the flower beds 300 feet away. Many a town garden is nearly ruined by the roots of trees growing in the street. Each foot of leaf surface gives off one and one- fourth ounces of water in a bright day, and a large tree has as many as 200,000 feet, and takes from the soil 50 barrels a day. It is no uncommon thing for a tree to fill a quarter of an acre with its roots so that no other crop can flourish. This is why crops fail along side of woods or near fence rows where trees are growing. Sometimes large weeds on the other side of the fence send their roots into beds and take the food and moisture.

Soi.—Any soil that is rich, cool, and moist, is suitable, if properly prepared. It may be sand, gravel, muck, clay or loam. If too wet, it must be drained, as the strawberry cannot flourish with its roots in standing water. It is an advantage to have a deep soil, so as to invite the roots toa greater distance from the surface. This will enable them to flourish in a dry time. It should be thoroughly pulverized, so that the roots may extend through every part of it. It is not best to turn up much of the subsoil at a time, especially if one has not plenty - of stable manure to barrow into the surface after plowing.

It is very important that the soil be rich, so that the plants can work to some purpose. Setting them out to convert the

24 CRAWFORD’S CATALOGUE.

fertility of the soii into fruit, and then failing to supply fer- tility, is exceedingly unwise, especially when commercial ferti- lizers are so easily obtained. The strawberry is not a griss feeder in the sense of removing a great amount of fertility from the soil, but the plant is made up of very rich material, and a large amount of plant food is necessary to bring it into a bear- ing condition. -The plant can do such good work when well supplied with raw material, and plant food is so greatly en- hanced in value by being ccnverted into strawberries, that no one should hesitate to provide all that can be profitably used. How much this is, depends on the fertility already in the soil, and one can not always tell what amount may pay best. It is well tu make sure cf enough, because nearly all the surplus will remain in the soil to be used by a succeeding crop. I have known 120 two-horse loads of cow manure to be put on an acre, and cne of tle most successful growers I know of has applied as muchas two tons of bone dust per acre. These im- mense crops of three and four hundred bushels per acre are a'ways grown on very rich soil. Bone dust and wood ashes, ten pounds of each to the square rod, will make any soil rich enough to produce a good crop.

If stable manure be thoroughly rotted, it may be scattered on the surface after plowing, and harrowed in. If only partly decomposed, it may be plowed in. Fresh horse manure may be scattered on the surface of a bearing bed when the ground is frozen, and left there. It will serve as fertilizer, protection and mulch. If bone dust and ashes be used, it is well to plow in half of it and harrow in the remainder. ‘Superphospl.ate should be scattered along near the plants after setting, and worked in with hoe and cultivator. Another application may be made in the fall at the last hoeing. Unleached wood ashes may be sown on the bed after setting, or at-any time when the plants aredry. Itis p ssible to use too many. I knew a man to kill his plants by too heavy an application.

CRAWFORD’S CATALOGUE. 25

It is a pleasure to use dissolved bone or superphosphate for strawberries. The plants send out such a lot of roots that they fill the ground where it is used, as if they were anxious to appropriate every atom of it as soon as possible. It is never wise to apply superphosphate with lime, nor on land that has been recently limed.

Mernops.—Before planting, it will be necessary to decide what method is to be employed —hill culture, matted rows, or a compromise between the two Each has its advantages and its weak points. The finest fruit and the most satisfaction may usually be obtained by the hill system, while the largest yield at the least cost usually comes from matted rows. A compromise between the two has many of the advantages of both, and is an excellent method.

In hill culture the plants are set in rows, three feet apart, and a foot apart in the rew. More room than this is unneces- sary. Much of the cultivation is done with a horse. All run- ners are cut off through the season, as soon as they start, and befure they have exhausted tle parent plant. A boy with a knife can do it rapidly. This strengthens the plant and pre- pares it to bear a heavy crop. When grown in the garden, in a small way, the rows may be as close as two feet.

When grown in matted rows, the plants are set in rows four feet apart, and from one to four feet apart in the row, accord - ing to the vigor of the variety. The cultivation is done mainly with a horse, and the runners are allowed to root along the row instead of being cut off. It is well, however, to cut off the first ones that come out, as they are weak. After July first, all may be allowed to grow. The row of plants will get wider and wider, and the cultivator must be narrowed up. The weeds that come up among the plants must be removed with the hoe, and by hand. Some growers allow just so many run- ners to root, and no more, after which all are cut off both from

26 CRAWFORD'S CATALOGUE.

the old aud new plants. This is an improvement over the common matted row method.

Planting is usually done in the spring as early as the soil is dry enough. Plants are then nearly dormant and will endure more neglect and rough handling than at any other season. If, for any cause, the work cannot be done at that time, the plants should be taken up, and the roots shortened to two inches, after which they may be set three or four inches apart, where they can stand till June, if necessary. These trans- planted plants may be set permanently at any time, with but little check, provided they be well watered before they are taken up. In planting, the crown should be Jeft on a level with the surface. This is important. If set too deep they will scarcely live.

CuLTIVATION.—From the time p'ants are set in the spring until near the end of the growing season, the surface should be kept stirred, not only for the destruction of weeds, but to keep an inch or so of loose soil on top to admit air and re- tain moisture. All cultivation should be very shallow in the fall, lest the surface roots be disturbed.

WInTER Prorection.—By whatever method strawberries are grown, they should be covered during the winter. This is especially true on land that is inclined tobe wet. The surface of the soil, if wet, is expanded and slightly raised by freezing, lifting the plants with it. During the next thaw, the soil settles into its place, but the plants do not. When this is repeated a number of times, the plants are left with a large part of their roots above ground, and are either greatly injured or killed outright. This may be prevented by coy- ering the bed with any kind of litter that will shade the sur- face and prevent its frequent thawing. Straw is commonly used. Tan bark, saw dust, stable manure, anything that will shade the ground will answer. If the covering is of such a

CRAWFORD’S CATALOGUE. 27

nature that it must be removed, it should be taken off as soon as growth commences. It is an advantage to leave it cen if this can be done, as it will keep the fruit clean and the ground moist.

Ixsects.—The most troublesome enemies with which the strawberry grower has to contend, are the white grub and the strawberry root worm. There is no known remedy for the white grub. It is the larva of the May beetle, and lives three years in the ground. During the last year it is espe- cially destructive, ealing the roots of plants. It is often troublesome in sod ground, and the only safe way is to plant. on land that has had hoed crops on it for at least two years.

The strawberry root worm is injurious in the larva state. It is found in many places where its presence is never sus-— pected, as it is quite small, not much thicker than a pin and Jess than a quarter of an inch in length, with a white body and a brown head. It eats the fine roots off from the plants during the summer and early fall. The perfect insect is a little smaller than an apple seed, light brown, and may be found in the spring and last of summer eating holes in the young, unexpanded leaves. Keeping keds year after year gives this pest a good chance to increase. Plowing under the bed as socn as the fruit is picked is the best way to des- troy it. It may be, however, that burning the bed over after the crop is secured, a custom that is becoming popular, would keep it in check.

“AMERICAN GARDENING”

Is, in my opinion, the best Horticultural Magazine published - I say this in reply to many inquiries. It is published by the Rural Publishing Co., Times Building, New York, at $1.00 a year.

28 CRAWFORD’S CATALOGUE

SCHEDULE OF PRICES BY MAIL.

Varieties marked P, are pistillate; those marked B, have isexual or perfect blossoms.

poz. 100. MIUSIKGUN GUDMisteccsedsesseccrveeccees: (La) estes esas $2 00 $10 60

LEADER . 10 00 DAYTON... 10 00 ESPERO ME Ge a es 10 (00 BEVERLY. ..... ork! 183) )es00 Belle 10 00 GILLESPIE ...... a Pe sleet eeaica neo i 5 00 MIDDLEFIELD .. es ee Srencee 5 00 LOVEVIS KABLY ooo 1 BNecos 3 5 00 STANDARD............. & a bees g 4 00 AUBURN.......... ar Ereate cae 4 00 PRINCESS.... ae ety ws j 3 00 GOV. HOARD.. 3 00 WOOLVERTON 3 00 SAUNDEKS........ 3 00 MARTHA . 3 00 PARKER BARLE... 2 50 BOY N'LON.. 2 50 YALE 2 00 BARLON’S ECLIPSE 2 00 BEDER WOOD... 2 00 CRAWFORD 1 00 BUBACIHL. 1 00 WARFLEL 1 CO HLARVERLAD 1 00 JESSIE ... 1 00 PHARL 1 00 GANDY . 1 00

Plants sent by express, not prepaid, at five cents per «duzen and twenty cents per hundred less than the above prices.

Six plints of one variety will be sold at dozen rates, and fifty at hundred rates.

TERRY’S BOOK.

I can most heartily recommend all who desire to be well ‘posted, to send to me for a copy of T. B. Terry’s book “How to Grow Strawberries.” It is far better than I can tell, and can not fail to be a great help to any strawberry grower.

Price, by mail, 40 cents. I will mail twelve small bulbs, looming size, to each purchaser.

CRAWFORD’S CATALOGUE. 29

MY BED OF SEEDLING GLADIOLI.

In all my experience I never before raised anything so sat isfactory as a bed of seedling gladioli grown the past year. A brief account of it may interest some who have had little or no experience with this grand flower. It was planted the last of May, on rich, loamy soil, and the work was so well done that I would hardly care to improve on it. The bulbs were: large and conical, and had been grown from the best seed ob- tainable in this country and Europe. Much of it was of my own growing, and was superior to that purchased—in fact, I was so well pleased with it that I have saved a good number of choice bulbs to be planted for seed. The rows were two feet apart, and made by line, and the bulbs were set about five: or six inches apart. There were sixteen thousand of them, and no two alike. The bed was well cultivated with a Gem cultivator, and just before the bloom appeared the plow was. put on and a little earth thrown up against the rows. This left the patch so clean that a weed could hardly be found. There was a good rain just after the bulbs were planted, but scarcely any more until after they were taken up in October.

Early in August they commenced to bloom, and the amount of flowers cut was astonishing. As some of the bulbs pro- duced four main spikes, some three, and a great many two, it is safe to say that they yielded, on an average, two spikes each, or thirty-two thousand in all, not counting the side spikes, which would easily have doubled the number had they been allowed to bloom, I sometimes cut over two thousand spikes in a day, and very few were wasted. My plan was to go through the patch every morning and tie red tags on those that I wanted for seed. Such spikes were allowed to produce about six pods. The tying on of the tags, with a brief descrip- tion, was unspeakably enjoyable. Some of the finest were

30 CRAWFORD’S CATALOGUE.

named for friends, and my opinion is that the sun never shone on more perfect varieties than some of them. I paid three ‘dollars each for some last spring to raise seed from, but they were not to be compared with some of those I marked. This is not only my own opinion, but that of hundreds of people who came to seethem. This place being within one mile of Cuyahoga Falls, and between it and Akron, a city of thirty thousand, great numbers of people came to admire and buy them. As it was so dry, tramping the ground could do but little harm, and all who wished were at liberty to go through them. Sometimes there would be several different parties going through the patch at a time, and it was very interesting to hear them express their delight as they would find new oves every minute that surpassed any ever seen before. The only draw- back to their pleasure was my refusing in every case to mark ‘certain varieties forthem. I invariably told them that I could not select for any one, as I sold only mixed colors, and all my customers must be served alike.

Some one may ask where was the profit in all this? for, of ‘course no one will doubt that there was great pleasure. I am glad to be able to say that it paid well in dollars and cents. We sold flowers enough to pay for all the labor that was be- ‘stowed on the patch during the entire season. I saved overa pound of seed such as money can hardly buy, and have several hundred of the finest varieties I ever saw to grow seed from another year; and notwithstanding the fact that some of the least desirable were destroyed, I had more bulbs in the fall than were set in the spring. If none had been destroyed I would easily have had twice as many. In addition to this, I have a rare lot of bulblets to sow in the spring.

Although this was not a new experience to me, I was sur- prised at the great demand for flowers. Some people came every Saturday fur asupply to decorate the pulpits in their churches.

CRAWFORD’S CATALOGUE. 31

Others wanted them for church festivals and the like, while most of them were wanted for home decorations, weddings, etc. For years we gave them away, but we found that many persons preferred to pay for them, so that they might feel at liberty to come again. No other flower that I think of is so suitable for decorative purposes. A spike cut when the first flower opens will bloom in water just as well as on the plant, and a great deal better in a dry time. It takes from ten days to two weeks for a spike to bloom to the top. Few things are more salable than flowers. The sight of them creates a de- mand. ‘They are needed for so many purposes now, and so many more would be used if they could be had, that thousands of women might earn money by growing them for sale, espec- ially if they live near a town or on a well-traveled road. Not only this, but as soon as one commences to raise flowers he has a market for plants and bulbs that he never dreamed of. Horticulture is God’s chosen occupation for men and women, and we might expect it to be a good one.—M. CRAWFGRD, in American Farm and Horticulturist.

PRICE LIST OF GLADIOLUS BULBS. (Mrixep Cotors.) First size, by mail, 30 cents per dozen. $2.00 per hundred. Second size, 25 cents per dozen, $1.50 per hundred. Third size, 20 cents per dozen, $1.00 per hundred. One-fourth off, when sent by express, not prepaid.

No varieties sold under name or color. The four new seedlings offered last season at one dollar each will be put into the mixed colors when the stock is large enough to warrant. The sime may be said of many other rare seed- lings, and some that I have purchased at very high prices. My aim is to send out the best mixed bulbs in the United States, at a reasonable price; and as I add fine ones each season, destroy the least desirable, and never sell selected ones to any person, my customers may expect a good col- lection. I have many that are very rare, to be planted for seed and sometimes to exchange with specialists, but they are not offered now.

32 CRAWFORD’S CATALOGUE.

The Leader.—The following account of this berry is just received from one of the best posted strawberry grow- ers of New England:

“As I saw it at the Boston show and on the grounds of the originator, I should say: large, perfect form, conical, slightly flattened, brilliant, deep scarlet color. The seeds are very numerous, prominent, bright golden color. The contrast between the richly colored, glossy berry, and the bright seeds, is very effective and beautiful. ‘To my eye it is the handsomest berry I have ever seen. It resembles the Saunders in shape and color. The fruit stems are erect, short, three to four inches, and very stout, from ¢ to } inch in diameter. The stout short stem is, I think, the secret of its maturing its last fruit to so large a size. I visited the grounds at North Reading, Mass., June 26th. Many of the fruit stems bad ripened all of the berries. There was no perceptible difference in the size of the fruit on stems that had ripered five or six berries and on those ripening first berries. The beds were all matted. The fruit stems from three to six to a plant, and the berries from six to fifteen to astem. It isa variety of great promise. Warfield No. 2, Harverland, and Bubach No. 5 were not bearing much on the same ground. The soil was not favorable for straw- berries.”

The Ideal Potato, offered by me last year, is all and more than I ever claimed for it. I hear very favor- able reports of it from all quarters. It and other varieties may be obtained of Jno. T. Clark, of this place.

O. A. Morton, of Mogadore, O., can furnish very nice Sphagnum Moss, in any quantity. Write him for prices.

All my customersin Canada are recom- mended to send to John Littie, of Gran- ton, Gnt., for his price list of strawberry plants. He will fill your orders with great care, and they will not be detained in the custom house.

Unsolicited Testimonials for 18°

Laneaster, Ky. “The plants came this afternoon, per Adams Express. ‘Taking them all through I must candidly say they are the largest, thr ift- iest and finest plants it has ever been my pleasure to receive. Jno. E. StORMES.

= Fresno, Cal. “Your manner of sending plants by mail gave perfect satisfac- tion. Plants were in fine condition.’ Joun F. Hamitron.

Cornwall, Ont. “Tsn't Terry’s book wonderful! It reads like a nom ince. But you can see thoroughness in everthing he does.”’ S Turner.

E Payee’ NYC

“Plants came’to hand in excellent condition. I can truly say

they are the finest [ ever received. Many thanks for generous count, also for extra variety.” Mrs E. C. Noyss. Watervliet, Mich.

“They were the best of plants, packed with the best of care, and arrived in perfect condition,’ Frank P. Haynes.

+ La Plume, Pa. They were the best plants I ever purchased at a distance.’ K. P. BrorzMan. Salem, Oregon. “The strawberry plants were received in very good condition, and awe growing nicely. Many thanks for the liberal count.’ J. W. Lyon. Sangatueck, Conn. “T received the plants all right. Neyer had plants come to me in so fine a condition before.” Wa. H. Taybor. North Clarendon, Vt. “The plants came in fine shape and are in every way most satis- factory.’ D. C. Hicks. Summerland, Cal. “Plants came safely and in fine condition. 1 thank you for the liberal count, and the extra varieties.” Henry BREMME.

Beatrice, Neb. “The strawberry plants received in very fine condition, thanks for the extras. There were lots of plants sent here from every- where, but yours beat them all.’’ JoHN Meyer.

E Muncie, Ind. “The strawberry plants came in the best condition, and every one of them is growing thriftily.’ G. CowING.

Fremont. N. H. “The plants came May 3rd. They were fine plants and arrived in nice condition. Your method of packing is perfect. It is a pleasure to handle such plants. I do not expect to lose one of them.’ Gro. F. Brepr. Cleveland, O. “The plants arrived all right and are now growing nicely ; not a plant lost. Allow me to thank you for the nice lot of plants sent, also for the perfect manner of packing. ’ E. A. Cass.

POSSESS SO SOSO SOS "SESS SOSESOS ESOS HH FSOSSSOSS OOOOH OS POSSESSES SOOOSS $54.

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