SANFORD, FLA. WESLACO, TEXAS

oo 6 Te % MAR 19 192° $e

Department of Agrisultare, U8. SEED GROWING OPERATIONS IN

PENNSYLVANIA, NEW JERSEY, MICHIGAN, SOUTH CAROLINA, FLORIDA, CALIFORNIA, V E G E T A B LE E ) E E D Ss ““STOKES-PHILADELPHIA"’ COLORADO, WASHINGTON, DENMARK, FRANCE AND HOLLAND. =~

PHILADELPHIA 235 EAST WASHINGTON SQUARE

TELEPHONE-LOMBARD 5375 PHILADELPHIA, PA.

Tid bDRONESSHONT OT 2

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FRANCIS C. STOKES & CO.

FOUNDED 1881

Midwinter Greetings To Our Customers:

It is a fact that will bear repeating — specialization as developed by Stokes Seed Services represents-the finest development of the craft. Variety simplification has won-an astounding victory.

Proofs? They are abundant. First of all there is the specification. Vegetable seeds were never before sold under specifications. A true knowledge of stocks can only come with great concentration and with infinite care of detail. This is impossible when one's interest is divided by 500.

Is the quality higher? Vastly so. Ask any ohe of our 8,000 customers. Their loyalty is unique. They even go/so far as to pass on the good word to their neighbor and that is unig

Are prices lower? Decidedly lower. Simplification has greatly reduced overhead. 1928 prices on 20 represemtative items are 25.4% lower than they were 13 years ago. At present Stokes Seeds are by far the best buy on the American market. The very highest grade seeds at prices equal to or lower than those asked for ordinary stocks. What a combination!

Does it really pay to buy by mail? Why not? We make no delivery charge. We guarantee safe delivery. We send all orders on their way the same day received. The very finest stocks are thus available through your nearest mailbox, and at prices that are only possible through our pioneering policy of Simplification.

Your patronage of former years is pleasantly remembered. Your patronage in this present season is respectfully invited. Business is excellent with us here on Washington Square, - but it will be even better if we have your order.

Very truly yours, FRANCIS C. STOKES & CO.

he fee

FCS.B

Stokes Seeds are Sold in Sealed Pa

Here is the Specification

Sie average label on a seed bag is not very illuminating. Being of the opinion that it is very much the business of both the seller and the buyer of high-grade vegetable seed to have the facts well before him, we have this year, for the first time, inaugurated the use of the specifica- tion. This is in the form of a seal which gives definite facts regarding each individual lot of seed. These facts have to do with the percentage of type purity, the germination, the disinfection, days to maturity, etc. The use of the specification is a further result of variety simplification. We have not felt that it was physically possible until we had simplified our list as we have this year. In buying Stokes Seeds you do so with your eyes wide open. This specification is symbolic of definite progress in the merchandising of vegetable seed. In foregoing the pleasure of offering a more inclusive list of vegetables, we have definitely raised our type standards. Professor Conklin, noted biologist of Princeton, has said, “All progress involves increased specialization.” There is a great deal of truth in this statement.

advances and strengthens germination. This is particu- larly true during cold, wet seasons when the damping-oft fungii becomes most active. Our files are literally filled with letters from customers commenting on the strong germination of our seed. We are convinced that a large part of this success is due to the disinfectant to which

Why We Believe in Seed Disinfection

oughly convinced that such treatment reacts to the bene- fit of the planter. Europe is ten years ahead of this country in the seed disinfecting field. Knowing this, we made a thorough investigation of the subject in four dif- ferent European countries in 1926.

It is a known fact that many plant diseases are spread through infected seed and although the organic mercury treatment which we are applying does not cover all or ganisms, experiments have proven that it does eliminate those on the exterior of the seed coat. A few diseases such as Black Leg on cabbage and Phomopsis on egg plant have their fungii under the seed coat and in such cases other means of control are necessary.

Our activities on this subject have been largely guided by Dr. C. R. Orton, Pathologist and Chemist, who for some time has been making intensive studies of the sub- ject at the Boyce Thompson Plant Research Institute. Largely on his advice, we are this year using the Bayer Company's Dipdust, which has proven itself highly effective. We have found that this treatment greatly

the seed has been subjected. At the present time we are using a seed treatment apparatus which we have im- ported from Leipzig, Germany. The 1928 germination average is 91.3%,—a figure which will stand very high on any competitive record.

Plan Carefully for 1928

Our advice to customers at the present time is that you emphasize quality and not quantity. Usually there is a profitable market for a high-grade product, rarely is there a market for a low-grade product. 1928 is the year to lay careful plans for overcoming competition. Think for yourself and avoid mass opinion. Work out a thor- oughly foolproof plan. Produce vegetables that will sell themselves through their own outstanding good qual- ities. Plant early maturing strains, and, as far as pos- sible, disease resistant strains.

The country is not in a period of boom times. Un- employment is more severe than at any time since 1920. The tragic coal strike in the bituminous fields is carrying

) |

kages Under Definite Specification

its burden of bitterness and loss to untold thousands. Parmers are putting up an uphill fight in selling their products on an open market and buying their supplies on a market that enjoys the highest protective tariff in the world,—Republican newspapers to the contrary. All of these things have a direct effect on weakening the business position, and this invariably means a weakened produce market. Under such conditions the evil results of over-production are easily felt.

Have You Received Our 1928 Catalog?

Every few days we receive a letter from some old cus- tomer, asking why we have not sent a copy of our new catalog. All of this is very distressing to us, for we had made every effort to see that everyone of our old cus- tomers received a catalog from us as early as December 10th. We appreciate the good will of our customers far too much to slip up purposely on any matter of this kind and we assume that when a catalog is not received it has become lost in the mail. We will appreciate it very much indeed if any other of our former customers will advise us in the event that they have not received their catalog this year.

1ST PRESBYTERIAN FARM SAUNDERS CHURCH JOURNAL BLDG.

& SON BLDG. HOTEL BROS.

We Can Still Supply Vanguard Corn

Although we are not regularly cataloging peas, beans or corn this year, we have a limited supply of new crop Vanguard seed corn. Subject to being unsold, this is offered at 25c per pound delivered.

Giant Leaved Nobel Spinach Is Sold Out

We are sorry to report that this excellent variety is no longer available until we receive the new crop, which is about November Ist, 1928. This spinach, although not of the Savoyed type, has gained great popularity because of its heavy yield, its fine flavor and its long-standing ability.

Don’t Bother to Say ‘Please Rush This Order”

We are rushing all orders and even those which come in the 4 P. M. mail go out in the 5 P. M. delivery. New customers often tell us they are astonished to have their deliveries made so promptly.

EDISON BENJ. FRANKLIN GIMBEL CURTIS

PUB. CO.

We have recently purchased the property we have been occupying for five years on Wash- ington Square. Being thus centrally located in the heart of old Philadelphia, our customers can readily find us. There is a parking privilege for one hour on Washington Square. The above photograph was taken from one of our upper windows on February 17th, 1928.

Stokes Seeds are Sold in Sealed Packages Under Definite Specificatior

Here is the Specification

HE average label on a seed bag is not very illuminating. Being of

the opinion that it is very much the business of both the seller and the buyer of high-grade vegetable seed to have the facts well before him, we have this year, for the first time, inaugurated the use of the specifica- tion. This is in the form of a seal which gives definite facts regarding each individual lot of seed. These facts have to do with the percentage of type purity, the germination, the disinfection, days to maturity, etc. The use of the specification is a further result of variety simplification. We have not felt that it was physically possible until we had simplified our list as we have this year. In buying Stokes Seeds you do so with your eyes wide open. This specification is symbolic of definite progress

in the merchandising of vegetable seed. In foregoing the pleasure of offering a more inclusive list of vegetables, we have definitely raised our type standards. Professor Conklin, noted biologist of Princeton, has said, “All progress involves increased specialization.” There is a great

deal of truth in this statement.

Why We Believe in Seed Disinfection

Stokes Seeds were the first of the general vegetable seed line in the United States to be regularly disinfected before being sold. It is obvious that this pioneering service would not be continued if we were not thor- oughly convinced that such treatment reacts to the bene- fit of the planter. Europe is ten years ahead of this country in the seed disinfecting field. Knowing this, we made a thorough investigation of the subject in four dif- ferent European countries in 1926.

It is a known fact that many plant diseases are spread through infected seed and although the organic mercury treatment which we are applying does not cover all or- ganisms, experiments have proven that it does eliminate those on the exterior of the seed coat. A few diseases such as Black Leg on cabbage and Phomopsis on egg- plant have their fungii under the seed coat and in such cases other means of control are necessary.

advances and strengthens germination. This is particu- larly true during cold, wet seasons when the damping-off fungii becomes most active. Our files are literally filled with letters from customers commenting on the strong germination of our seed, We are convinced that a large part of this success is due to the disinfectant to which the seed has been subjected. At the present time we are using a seed treatment apparatus which we have im- ported from Leipzig, Germany. The 1928 germination average is 91.3%,—a figure which will stand very high on any competitive record.

Plan Carefully for 1928

Our advice to customers at the present time is that you emphasize quality and not quantity. Usually there is a profitable market for a high-grade product, rarely is there.a market for a low-grade product. 1928 is the year to lay careful plans for overcoming competition. Think for yourself and avoid mass opinion. Work out a thor- oughly foolproof plan. Produce vegetables that will sell themselves through their own outstanding good qual- ities, Plant early maturing strains, and, as far as pos- sible, disease resistant strains.

The country is not in a period of boom times. Un- employment is more severe than at any time since 1920. The tragic coal strike in the bituminous fields is carrying

its burden of bitterness and loss to untold thousands. Farmers are putting up an uphill fight in selling their products on an open market and buying their supplies on a market that enjoys the highest protective tariff in the world,—Republican newspapers to the contrary. All of these things have a direct effect on weakening the business position, and this invariably means a weakened produce market. Under such conditions the evil results of over-production are easily felt.

Have You Received Our 1928 Catalog?

We Can Still Supply Vanguard Corn

Although we are not regularly cataloging peas, beans or corn this year, we have a limited supply of new crop Vanguard seed corn. Subject to being unsold, this is offered at 25c per pound delivered.

Giant Leaved Nobel Spinach Is Sold Out

Don’t Bother to Say “Please Rush This Order”

We are rushing all orders and even those which come in the 4 P. M. mail go out in the 5 P. M. delivery. New customers often tell us they are astonished to have their deliveries made so promptly.

IST PRESBYTERIAN FARM SAUNDERS CHURCH JOURNAL BLDG.

N. W. AYER EDISON BENJ. FRANKLIN GIMBEL CURTIS & SON BLDG. HOTEL BROS. PUB. CO.

Ask the man who has planted them

“TI bought from you last year, and had excel- lent luck with all my vegetables. In fact, much better than any other year...—Mr. Adam Bubb, New York—2-20-28.

“Your Viking cabbage lived up to your repu- tation. Penn State Earliana made us some real money.’"—Mr. Harry Boyden, Illinois—1-17-28.

‘Last season the Super-Standard Bonny Best seed produced beautiful tomatoes.’—Mr. W. V. Covey, Washington—1-13-28.

“T am glad to say your strains of seeds have proven the finest we have ever grown.’’—Mr. Irvin Lehman, Pennsylvania—2-6-28.

“We are pleased to say that we buy nearly all our vegetable seeds from you and follow each catalog with much interest. '—Mr. W 5 Murray, Ontario—1-3-27.

“T have known of you but a few years, and I am greatly pleased with the small experience I've had with your seeds. ’—Mr. Paul Babelay, Ten- nessee—2-1-28.

“Last year your Windermoor Wonder cucum- ber gave us the best crop of cucumbers we have ever had from our greenhouses..’—Traynor Broth- ers Company, Mass.—1-20-28.

“I have bought this seed of you for the last 4 years and tested it along with other stocks of Bonny Best and found yours decidedly superior to any. —W. W. Tracy, Jr., Colorado—2-15-28.

“Tam addressing you today concerning the cauliflower seed I got from you this spring. The Snowfall variety produced excellent heads. Some

of them weighed 54% pounds and were the best on the San Antonio market..’—Mr. William M. Garrett, Texas—12-14-27.

“Your Marglobe is the best early tomato on the market..”.—Mr. G. C. McDermid, §. Caro- lina—12-7-27.

‘““We had a wonderful crop of Viking Copen- hagen cabbage last season. Beckers of Ft. Doge saw it just before it had been cut and were much taken with the variety. They are planting it this year. The size is just right, regular Copen- hagen is too large for our trade.”—Blackman Brothers, lowa—2-20-28.

““We have been buying Bonny Best tomato seed from you for twenty years with good results.” —Gray Floral Company, Oklahoma—1-23-28.

“Results from your seeds have been uniformly good, under rather poor conditions, and your system of cataloging is _a great help in buying and planning. “—H. McFarland & Son, Illinois— 1-23-28.

“I don’t know how we could garden without Stokes seed. Your treated seed gives us a perfect stand where seed from other sources had to be planted over. ~ We surely appreciate the service you render in furnishing quality seed.—Mr. Albert C. Joy, Oregon.

““Your Penn State Earliana did remarkably well with us last year.””-— Wm. Hobart Clark, Massachusetts—2-9-28.

“T hope the day will come when more of the seedsmen will be as conscientious as you are about what stocks of seed they deliver to the growers.” —Mr. C. L. E. Keller, Colorado—1-23-28.

1928 Prices for the Stokes Strains of Vegetable Seed

We pay all delivery charges and guarantee the safe arrival of your order to any Post Office in the United States or Canada. These prices

are as of February 1, 1928, and are subject to change.

No packets are available on items which carry

an ounce price of 15c. or less.

FRANCIS C. STOKES & CO.

10 Ibs. 10 Ibs. Variety Pkt. OM <All,» ils, 1a tho. Variety Pkt. Oz Y/alby ibs eben Ib: Asparagus Seed, Mary Washington..... $0.15 $0.45 $1.50 $1.40 Muskmelon, The Bender................ $0.10 $0.20 $0.60 $2.00 $1.85 Asparagus Roots, Mary Washington..... 6 Hale soBestiGa scr cet ee 553 < 1A ia (Delivery April 1st) 100 roots, $2.50; 500 roots, $7.50; ee Heactefoth Golde eee 15 40 1.25 1.20 1,000 roots, $12.00; 5,000 roots, Edward’s Perfecto.-.......... seve -15 40 eal 25 20) $11.00 per M; 10,000 roots, $10.50 Abbott's Peerless Pearl...... -10 -25 85 3.00 2.75 . a per M; 50,000 roots, $10.00 per M. Watermelon, Tom Watson.............. -10 .25 V3 .70 Beet, Crosby's Egyptian............-.. -10 -25 -65 -60 Kinthien Succ eee 50 25 5 70 Detroit DarkeRederrltieirelstsitiete Soto -10 .25 75 -70 TA MGnING arene eee ip 25 is 70 Cabbage, Viking Copenhagen........... -25 -70 2.30 8.00 7.75 WN Taal. ose sone 10 25 5 70 es Copenhagen Market........... 10 25 85 3.00 2.85 : dt Issey Walid cooscce 10 20 75 2.50 2.40 ONL Mountain Danvers.............. -10 -25 85 3.00 2.75 Gressram Walid#allosonsonece 10 20 75 2.50 2.40 ‘ Southport Yellow Globe......... -10 -20 vei Pest) ALB) All Head (Barly-me oe seer nee: 1) A) of ASQ AO White Portugal....- srceteeeees 1000-250 853.00 2.75 Glossy of Tlihwizansccoososooe 10 20 75 2.50 2.40 Riverside Sweet Spanish......... -25 “30/5 G-00) <7) Dalia Gayo scoceooesoccc 10 25 85 3.00 2.85 Wellows Bermudarercereteteiericielee .10 =40) 125) 4°00)" 3275 Penn State Ballhead........... .25 570) 2230S 00lee7> Reppersmbanamantertelcreiieicietstttteitsetenereter UU. SHY soos Jd05 Cauliflower, Early Snowball (1% 0z., 80c) -50 50 6.00 24.00 23.50 pe World Beatenscyteenieee eee -10 $40 25. 84°50.) 14°25 CarropaGhantenayee een cee ieaceiier .10 .25 -90 .80 RubyaKkin gets eit 10 $40) e251 450 4-25 Danvers Half-Long............. sick 10 25 .90 .80 anrisme Le anlyal Gian Geren .25 -75 2.75 10.00 me Celery, Golden Plume................- -50 50 5.50 20.00 19.50 Radish, Early Scarlet Globe............ 10 .25 75 70 Golden Self-Blanching......- .25 «35-2750 —9.00 — 8.50 xs Forcing Scarlet Globe.......... 15 35 ~©=1.00 90 Eggplant, Black Beauty...............- -10 35 1.25 4.50 4.25 ‘@rimsons Giant eee ee 10 25 75 70 Florida High Bush........... -10 40 1.40 5.00 4.75 Sparkler White-Tip............ -10 25 £753 -70 Endive or Escarole B’rd Leaved Batavian. -15 -40 1.25 1.20 Soinadh, ony Sanding Bleomedbles .- 50 10 45 40 35 Parsley, Champion Moss Curled........ 51560 -10 25 75 -70 “ Blmemadhils Sawayosoacosccoss: 10 45 35 30 Broccoli, Christmas Calabrese........... 50 iy CN ZEYUD oan < WAGE, SHOTS osocsoond oa0se 10 45 40 35 Chcemeee Windermoor Wonder........ .10 35 1.00 3.50 3.40 Gane Leased No hele eee (Sold out) Barlymbortunertse temic -10 35 81.00 -90 Touiate | Super Standard Bom pet Greente backstreet iene .10 35 1.00 -90 5 . 3 CY oz., $3.00) 1.00 5.00 18.50 S56 Pickler’s Special............ eres -10 35 © ©1.00 -90 x ; - ; Penn State Earliana............ 230) 5055.00) 20:00) ee Lettuce, Green-Leaved Big Boston....... -10 -20 -60 2.00 1.85 Verritis 25 Ea los aolanmestsn Big BOSstonryetteiertlttentetererret ters on56 “15 50 1.50 1240) (POR eee A ee Sa as nls ee eee i . 3 Lettuce: News York nace 4.nniecesienyereenl. 1 2) CY AOD ies Turnip, Purple-Top White Globe....... 10 15 50 45 Romankor Cosette 15 50 1.50 1.40 Yellow Globe Rutabaga........ -10 .20 -75 -70

Order direct from this page or send post card for Stokes 1928 catalog which gives full descriptions, specifications and illustrations of the above varieties.

FRANCIS C. STOKES & CO.

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA