Historic, archived document
Do not assume content reflects current
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7
eecenmeneE Reames
GROWING SINCE 1879
STOKES |
sxx ROR # # »
MARKET GARDENERS
SEASON OF 1926
~ 112 SUPERB VARIETIES |
FRANCIS C. STOKES & CO.
| _ VEGETABLE SEEDS
5 WASHINGTON SQVARE, PHILADELPHIA
A CLEAR PROFIT DEPENDS ON
A CLEAR PLAN
EAR im and year out, through good times and bad, there is usually one group
of vegetable growers from whom we never hear a complaint. Analyzing their
success, we find that almost invariably it is due to their ability to separate them-
selves as far as possible from the heavy competition. In some instances this has
been through opening direct contacts with their customers, for it takes a particularly
good grower to make money on the wholesale markets, but in nearly all cases it is their
ability to grow a better vegetable. These successful men plan out their year several
months ahead, as far as possible covermg every detail, altering this plan only to accom-
modate special situations as they develop.
It takes an experienced grower to produce a superior product, but he knows that if
his seed stocks are not superior he has no chance of keeping a step ahead of his com-
petition. These men recognize the fact that it is now possible to buy a strain of almost
any kind of seed which is distinctly ahead of the average in one particular or another, —
whether it be in flavor, in earliness, in size, in tonnage per acre, In appearance, or in re-
sistance to disease. It is possible to buy seed at prices a great deal lower than those
quoted in this catalogue. Generally speaking, we have no interest In trying to do business
with the grower who is looking for the cheapest seed, for we have none of that kind to
offer. We prefer to retain the good will of those who trade with us rather than taking
a possible profit on an article which from its very nature will not make a dollar for our
customer. You may dance, but you must always pay the fiddler. Never forget that.
The inexorable Iaw of reaping the whirlwind is bound to hold. Plan ahead this year.
Work out a clear plan.
COME TO PHILADELPHIA IN 1926
Philadelphia, the birthplace of American Liberty, is moving to celebrate the middle
mark of our second century with the Sesqui-Centennial International Exposition from
June 1 to December 1, 1926. The Mayor and citizens of Philadelphia invite you to make
a pilgrimage to the city of Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell during the period of
the Exposition and to visit the scenes which played such an important part m the birth
and early history of the nation.
Our office, situated at 235 East Washington Square, is just three-minutes’ walk from
Independence Hall, the finest example of Colonial architecture in America. The beauty
} of this building and its historic tradition an-
nually draw great throngs from all over the
country. Being situated as we are in the old
part of Philadelphia, where George Wash-
ington, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jeffer-
son, and their great contemporaries lived, we
are in close proximity to many of the old
historic buildings.
We feel sure that the Exposition itself
will be thoroughly worth while. In con-
nection with this, if we can be of any
service to our customers, we hope you will
freely call on us along such lines as hotel
reservations, advice as to automobile
routes, the best time to see the Exposition,
and the like. As customers of ours, we
want you to know that we will give you a
friendly greeting and be of any assistance
possible. We will do everything possible
to make your stay in our city enjoyable
and worth while. In addition to all this,
you will no doubt be interested in seeing
our seed-growing work in New Jersey,
which is always open to public inspection.
We shall consider it an honor to have you
call on us In any way.
<>
of
American Independence
ISTOKES
GROWING SINCE 1679
SEEDS
OUR STOCKS ARE AT
YOUR SERVICE
HIS catalogue is the spokesman of a firm specializing in a few
chosen stocks of fine vegetable seeds for market gardeners, and
we have tried to make this emissary of ours faithfully picture our
modest effort. We have discovered unexpected strength in concen-
tration, for we can now apportion adequate time to the development
of each of our 112 varieties, our program being spread over as much as
four years in some cases. It is this analytical work that is producing
results, and results count. If you are an old customer, you no doubt are
sharing in the successes we hear of from many sources, such unusual
successes that we have reason to believe we are helping to make real
money forour customers. Toallofour oldcustomers, we extend greeting,a
grateful word for your patronage, and theassurance of continued vigilance.
=
If you are reading a Stokes catalogue for the first time, you at least
recognize the old names and thus feel that you are on familiar ground.
Our forty-eight years as seedsmen have given us a certain respect for
these names, and we cannot approve of marching them out under
strange titles. If you are shocked at being asked to pay $8 for a pound
of Cabbage seed, at least take time to read the description and then
figure out whether $3 seed is more profitable than $8 seed. Remember
that profits lie in that extra yield after cost of production is paid for.
And just a word about these descriptions. First of all, we have tried
sincerely to make them really say something, to be precise and informa-
tive. If Earliana Tomato does not perform well on heavy soil, or if Golden
Plume Celery must be handled promptly after blanching, we try to
summon up thecourage tosay so. If,on the other hand, we have the honor
of offering a new tomato like Marglobe, which is resistant to a very serious
disease, we take time enough to explain precisely just how it all came
about, giving credit where credit is due.
Briefly, we offer:
. Vegetable seeds only.
. Simplicity of variety.
. Germination on every package.
. Twenty-four-hour delivery service, all charges paid.
. A really illuminating catalogue—the truth, even
though it hurts.
OPRWONe
If this kind of business appeals to your shrewd instincts as a market
gardener, we are yours to command.
FRANCIS C. STOKES & CO.
235 East Washington Square y ~~
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania . Le IEE a
DECEMBER I, 1925 Atay, @ “i 7
Copyright 1925, by Francis C. Stokes er Co.
STORES:
GROWING SINCE i879
SEEDS
The Meaning of the Appendage (Stokes)
HE day a new varietal name is offered the public, it is, in a sense, public property
and can be used by anyone by fair means or foul. A seedsman has no means what-
ever of protecting himself agamst others taking that name and using It in connec-
tion with the most abominable lot of seed in existence. On numerous occasions, we have
felt that varieties introduced and sponsored by this house were later seriously jeopardized,
if not definitely mjured. Because of the situation, which Is one entirely beyond our
control, we are forced to adopt the custom of appending our own name to the varietal
name, thus—Tomato, Marglobe (Stokes). By this we mean that seed thus identified is
the product of this house and is sold with its endorsement. It does not necessarily mean
that our firm was the breeder of the strain or the introducer of the stock. Neither does it
carry any other warranty. It does, however, distinctly identify the stock m question as
a product of Francis C. Stokes & Ce By this means we hope to more fully protect those
who place confidence in us.
Special Chemical Treatment Eliminates Much Disease
Last season we subjected practically all of our seed to chemical treatment. In some
Instances we met with almost startling results and we are convinced that there ts a field
for broader study. Almost every vegetable is an individual problem im itself. We are
prepared to state defmmitely that in some form or other we are subjecting the following seed
to special treatment; viz., cabbage, cauliflower, cucumber, muskmelon, watermelon, pepper,
radish and tomato. In a general way, this treatment may be described as dismnfecting the
seed against surface-borne disease spores. We have found that this in turn accelerates
germination besides greatly stimulating subsequent plant growth. In many cases this
advances the date of maturity as well as increases the crop yield. These treatments are
accomplished at a considerable expense, but our results and reports from our customers
so thoroughly convince us that we are working along the right lines, we have definitely
decided to continue. Naturally we shall be very glad to coordinate our activities with
Experiment Station men, especially Pathological Departments.
The Significance of Our Super-Standards
Out of our 112 varieties, 32 are distinguished as Super-Standard strains. Such stocks
are distinctly superior to the av erage commercial type sold under that name. In the minds
of our customers, this designation now carries with it a real distinction, for we have set up
a very severe criterion, and a strain must very defmitely win its place before it is worthy of
the Super-Standard designation. Our ideal, as seedsmen, is to achieve a point where all of our
stocks are so designated. We have not yet been able to estimate the necessary time required
to achieve this.
We Pay All Delivery Charges
We really mean this. Any individual item in our catalogue, without extra charge of
any kind, will be delivered anywhere in the United States or Canada. There is no if or but
in this offer, which, combined with a strict twenty-four hour delivery service, makes our
position as concrete as possible. When a customer orders radish seed quoted at $1 per
pound, this means $1, delivered right to his front door.
Please Use the Front Door
Quite naturally, some of our Super-Standard stocks have attracted the attention of our
fellow seedsmen. These stocks, as all others that we catalogue, are open to the entire public,
including competitive seedsmen, all of whom we like to thmk of as bemg friendly to us.
Such being the case, we want to make one request of our contemporaries in the craft;
namely, that if you want any of these stocks, you ask for them in your own name and not
through some intermediary. The same principle applies to our catalogue, copies of which
will be gladly sent to any of our competitors for the asking. The chances are we will return
the courtesy in some form or other ourselves some day, so let’s use the front door.
STOKES
GROWING SINCE 1672
The Germination Figures for. 1926
HE vitality of seed is very largely dependent on weather conditions at the time of
harvest. If the curing process 1s a normal one, the chance of strong germination is
greatly improved. For 1926, the figures quoted below should hold with some degree
of accuracy. We are one of the few firms that actually stamp the germination on the seed
package, and we do this because the planter ts entitled to know the vitality of the seed
according to the latest test. This formation certainly reacts to the planter’s advantage.
Weather conditions at the time of planting may materially reduce the germination as
indicated on our latest test. In this regard we have found the fair-minded planter, as a
rule, takes this element into consideration. If, under normal conditions, and especially
with the added evidence of a check test, our stocks do not come up to specifications, we
hope you will notify us promptly. We are often asked whether seed carried over from one
season to another will germinate. Providing it has been stored in a dry place, generally
speaking, we should say that it will. The followmg are the exceptions to this rule: Ege-
plant, Okra, Onion, Parsley, Parsnip, Pepper, and Salsify. These seven items have a
tendency to lose their germimation after one year. The approximate germination figures
for 1926 are as follows:
Per Cent Per Cent Per Cent
JENS DYDD CRUISE Se eC eee 90 Egeeplantic. ee cea. 80 | | EAN allt Oo sees rete mu aranet gata 75
Beanse*Dwart.. 2 2s. 90 ESNGiviesch seep aes isin 80 POASh is Pere ees oe ewe 90
Beams lenmawsee se. cis pote 90 IeAleR iia ace eee eee 85 Reppeley sane an es 80
Peete ee meter Stem es 80 INohtrabi ay enn tera 85. Pumpkins sce ae ee yee ee 90
Brussels Sprout Nets}5) CO et eetne Pcihete sah icin nae Oran Mana 70 Rashes get ca ee = ok 85
Gabaron wre 2 ee Ee: 85 WettiGe Sian te tee oe ne OO Salcuye ee ener ee net, 15
Carrot a ee 75 Miuskmdelomec 5s Sa ha 90 Spillane cto ic tenia ey 85
G@amlthlowersy —.: oe u.8 es gree 80 Watermelon sis ee 90 Squads hia heey ears alias 90
Gcleniny ei oes 80 Okras je ee. NEST ise ae ee 85 MOMAtOs elm vie seen eas ork 90
Compioweet. 080925... 90 Onion 2 Cea ish en ss bin 70 Sues sees is as erat 90
Cucumber sews ve Sas 85 Pars levers Meee Mare ener ee 75
PLANTING TABLE
' Kind of —— Seed required for ———-—~ Kind of ———— Seed required for ~
Vegetable 100 feet of drill One acre Vegetable 100 feet of drill One acre
Asparagus SeCeGr tn! lieOZe ioe. wih ee Sk ws 5 Ibs. Parsnipis: =. =. UAC OV A i ai SR OP ae AR PM ah, Oe 3 Ibs.
Asparagus Roots. .60 tcl BO roots 2 a 5,000 roots Parsleyen eg iio VOL an Ron ee cy Maes Gee 3 Ibs.
CANS) eee ss: Il oy arenas Me etic psa eae 50 Ibs. Onion’ 2 2 ese LOK OY ATA Ga CCNA: Nesta Rg SR A OMS 4 lbs.
IBCCtE ate an Fe Its Wobdeh heel Serle bee aii SNE 7 Ibs. Pepper.. ..1 oz. produces 2,500 plants; 4
Cabbage......... 1 oz. produces about ozs. an acre of plants.
5,000 plants. Pumpkin 322.25: .. LOZ Tee NaC Ue GAP eR ee cee S.
Carrotaes> 882. VOOZn aa Sai a geen wo IDSs Squash 2503.2. 1 oz. will plant 100 hills; 4 Ibs.
Cauliflower....... 1 oz. produces about an acre.
8,000 plants. Peas.. ..1 Ib., 100 Ibs. of dwarf varieties,
Celenyat = sare: 1 oz. produces about or 50 pounds of the tall
20,000 plants. varieties, will plant an acre.
Corn, Sweet...... AVA OY ri Re ae et al Re 12lbs. RAGISH Hien sis He Bil OZ) ery ee eee ne eae 10-12 Ibs.
Cucumber. . SIOZ Mw elt nes 2 Ibs. Spinachien <2 a: lgoz, 8 Ibs., drilled, plants an
Brussels Sprouts. Re AOZ Pop eT Ce assis 2 ozs. acre; if seed is broadcasted,
Chicory. 2.0) 32% Voz. sow 25 pounds to the acre
Egeplant= 3... 2 VAM OVA, aie Posie Or rae eR a ere Vy |b. Salsifvems owe: 1 oz.; 2 Ibs. will plant acre.
Endive ROT a WeOy Selgin kya ao handle Bods 2 Ibs. PLOMAtO:. 6 ccs Gees 1 oz. of seed will produce over
Kalers Se eit. VOTES Ue ah i EON Re Sani itallloy, ,000 plants, which, if
Kohlrabi......... UROL al vd ocr Se mR iat 1 Ib: planted 4 Oy 4 feet, will
Leek epee: WA OZ PER ce alta Oey. a A Ibs. cover an acr
Okrad 323.5 Th OVASS Sie RSS earn an Ms Ison 8 Ibs. LUEni pee. 8 50Z.2)2, bss, anilec will plant
Vettuces arr ce. LA Oya MOT i eae napa ee aE 3.lbs: anacre; if broadcasted,
Muskmelon...... RO Zee eee te, axe ch 2 Ibs. allow 3 pounds.
Watermelon...... IES COW Ze (ct ee es loa 2 Ibs.
PLANTS PER ACRE TABLE
Distance Apart No. Plants Distance Apart No. Plants Distance Apart No. Plants
it xe summehess (#02. 4, 174,240 Die Del eet oh lz ta pre te 10,890 Axl eet rym ya verity tens 10,890
LGrxeoBINCHESE i nes akic, yh LO; 160 SERA TESLA Ce ced ee ee 14,520 4x2 feet 5,445
(Del Simehes ssi) hs. as 29. 040 Sux SLeGtanuint ont cote ee 7,260 4x4 feet 2,723
Lex lheetiret\. | oko ge: ss SYS OS) Cel oh oat rai et Mo ea ema 4,840 SEXIS MeCE nce oe tes ee 680
43,560
|| STOKES
GROWING SINCE 1875
SEEDS
Cultural Suggestions
on Asparagus
SPARAGUS is of comparatively easy culture
A once a bed is established. It should, with
moderate care, produce for upward of
twenty years. In the matter of soil, a sandy loam
is preferable, although not a necessity, for Aspara-
gus is very adaptable to variable soil conditions.
The bed must be well drained, however, for it will
not thrive under extreme moisture. Preparation
of the soil by thorough subsoiling and deep plowing
Is a necessary step. Go down at least 15 inches.
Assuming that green Asparagus is preferable over
the white or blanched variety, we recommend that
trenches be dug 41% feet apart. These trenches
should be a foot deep, with the earth thoroughly
loosened and liberally dressed with well-decom-
posed stable manure, and a layer of at least 2
inches of fresh earth put over this. This allows a
depth of about 8 inches for the planting of the
| Asparagus root. Very often the trench is left
= es a, ____ open, with only about 2 inches of soil over the
ur friend, Dr. Jesse B. Norton, a great horticulturist roots or crowns, fresh soil being applied as the
eee a ey eee a Mary root develops, until, by the close of the first season,
the surface is practically level. We recommend
that roots be set 20 inches apart in the row. Thus, approximately 5,000 roots are required per acre.
This is about the number of roots that can be produced from one pound of seed.
Contrary to former practice, the best Asparagus growers now transplant only one-year-old roots.
It appears that the shock of transplanting two or three-
year-old roots greatly retards the future growth and
delays cutting. There is still a practice among some
firms of listing their first-grade Asparagus roots as
two-year-old roots, and their second-grade as
one-year-old. Do not be misled on this point.
Our large, one-year-old roots will allow a three-
weeks’ cutting season the spring after they are
set. The second season thereafter, a full season
cut may be obtained. April or May are the best
months for setting out an Asparagus bed.
We do not recommend fall planting.
Arguments pro and con for green and
for white Asparagus are now largely drift-
ing over to the green side, so that now
very few markets pay a higher price for
the big, coarse white sorts. The consumer
has discovered that the green product has
the more delicate flavor. The two types
are produced from the same variety—the difference of color
being entirely due to cultural treatment. Incidentally, green
Asparagus can be grown in much stiffer soil than the white. To
produce green Asparagus, practice level cultivation and cut al-
most entirely above the ground; for white Asparagus, it is
necessary to hill the rows, cutting some 8 inches below the
ground. Of all vegetables which are improved by quick hand-
ling and freshness, Asparagus is, perhaps, the best example. It
begins to lose its rare flavor within twenty minutes after cut-
ting. There is a lesson in this for the wide-awake roadside
marketer.
In the matter of fertilization of an Asparagus bed, we would
recommend an annual application of stable manure or commer-
cial fertilizer. We do not recommend the practice of cover
cropping nor intercropping at any period during the developing. _ Our Mary Washington Asparagus roots are
of an Asparagus bed large and healthy. Planted in 1926 you can cut
fee e : Asparagus in 1927 for at least three weeks.
4
~
STOKES
GROWING SINCE 1579
SEEDS
Mary Washington Asparagus
SUPER -STANDARD
The Largest and Most Profitable Rust-Resistant Strain
Asparagus Rust took a heavy toll this past season. Insure against
this loss by planting Mary Washington
Mary Washington, the best of the Washington strains,
which were all developed by Dr. J. B. Norton, for many years
on the Government staff of plant-breeders, is again
offered to our trade as by all means the most profitable
strain of Asparagus in existence. This is the sixth year
that we have offered Washington Asparagus,
and we now do not hesitate to place the
Mary Washington strain ahead of all others.
This decision has been reached as a result
of large commercial tests in various parts of
the country, showing this strain to be more
profitable because of its larger size and
greater productiveness.
The demand for Asparagus during the
past decade has greatly increased the
acreage. Although there has been some
complaint of over-production, we have not
heard a single instance in which Mary
Washington was not showing a strong profit.
Mary Washington will produce the very
highest type of green Asparagus It Is possible
to grow. It is earlier, larger, and longer than
the Pedigree Washington and Martha
Washington, and, for all commercial pur-
poses, is equally rust-resistant. The tips are
very tight and do not prematurely “sprangle
out” or “blow,” a feature which greatly
Increases its sales value. Asparagus with
prematurely loose buds does not keep well
on the market, and also loses its good flavor.
This feature is later recognized by the high
branching habit of the plant after the
cutting season. In view of the prevalence of
rust, it seems to us to be the greatest folly
for any Asparagus grower to plant additional
acreage with the old varieties such as
Palmetto, Giant Argenteuil, etc., which are
susceptible to rust.
Price of large, selected MARY WASHING-
TON ROOTS, delivered: $2.50 per 100; $7.50
for 500; $12 per 1,000; 5,000 roots or over, $10
per 1,000.
Price of PEDIGREED MARY WASHING-
TON SEED, delivered: Pkt. 10c.; 0z.30c.; lb.
$1; 1b. $3. 75; 5 lbs. or over at $3. 50 per Ib.
What is Asparagus Rust?
The fact that Asparagus rust (Puccinia
Asparagi) does not appear on the newly
grown shoots has caused many growers to
claim that they are immune to rust dif-
ficulties. Asparagus rust is a fungous
parasite introduced into this country about
1900. Withm eight years it had spread
from coast to coast. It develops on the
Asparagus fern during July and August,
at first showing rectangular red-brown
spots along the lower stem. These gradually
spread into the upper parts of the fern and
cause the premature browning of the tops
during the period when the plant stores up
its food-supply for the new spring shoots.
The Mary Washington strain is almost
totally immune to this rust and will form a
strong, healthy top growth which insures
a productive crop. AIl of our roots are |
grown directly from seed produced under
Dr. Norton’s SEBEL GDH
BEANS One pound of seed plants 100 feet of drill;
50 pounds plant an acre
Days to maturity, 75. This vigorous Lima is a prolific bearer, producing a large
Fordhook Bus e number of pods about 4 inches in length on vines growing to a height of 15 inches.
The dried Beans are rather thick from side to side and are nearly white in color. For table purposes, Fordhook
does not seem as desirable as the Wonder Bush. Price, delivered: 14lb. 15 cts.; lb. 45 cts.; 2 lbs. 85 cts.; 5 Ibs. $2;
50 Ibs. $17.50. = ;
———_ ays to maturity,
Wonder Bush. 70. This is one of
the Seas Introductions, having been first offered
by Dreer. From the standpoint of table quality,
we believe it is one of the most desirable Limas
listed. The pods attam a length of 4 inches and
contain an average of 4 Beans which are flat in
shape and of fine flavor. The Wonder Bush is a
prolific bearer, but is not the equal of Fordhook.
Price, delivered: 141b. 15 cts.; lb. 40 cts.; 2 lbs.
75 cts.; 5 lbs. $1.75; 50 Ibs. $15.
Days to ma-
Carpinteria Pole. 22%. %. "i
produces large quantities of handsome pods and
Is of unsurpassed flavor when prepared for the
table. The Beans themselves are not of the
enormous size boasted of In some varieties, but
they are exceedingly tender and hold their bright
green color when prepared for the table. Do not
fail to plant some Carpinteria Pole this year. It
will be your best Lima. Price, delivered: lb.
15 cts.; Ib. 40 cts.; 2 lbs. 75 cts.; ; 5 Ibs. $1.75;
50 Ibs. $15.
Giant Stringless (Green).
[JOHNSON & STOKES, 1898.} Days to ma-
turity, 45. After 25 years, Giant Stringless now
holds a very prominent place among Green Beans.
When picked young and handled promptly it is
of the highest table quality and of delicious
flavor. The bearing period of Giant Stringless is
comparatively short, and, therefore, contmuous
plantings are sug ggested. The pods of the mature
Beans are from 5 to 6 in. long. Color of dry seeds,
yellow-brown. Price, delivered: 14lb. 15 cts.;
= 35 cts.; 2 lbs. 65 cts.; 5 Ibs. $1.50; 50 Ibs
13.50.
Pencil-Pod (Wax).
[JOHNSON & STOKES, 1900.} Days to ma-
turity, 45. This black-seeded stringless Bean is
by far the most hardy of its class. Although not
as well known as the Round-Pod Kidney Wax,
we consider it to be of equal quality. The slender
pods grow to a length of 6 inches, being slightly
curved near the tip. They are round, seven-
seeded, very clear yellow, absolutely stringless
and brittle. Color of dried seed, black. Price,
delivered: 14lb. 15 cts.; 1b. 35 cts.; 2 Ibs. 65 cts.;
5 Ibs. $1.50; 50 Ibs. $13.50.
Round-Pod Kidney (Wax).
[JOHNSON & STOKES, 1900.} Days to ma-
turity, 45. This is, perhaps, the best known of
the Wax Beans. Round-Pod Kidney Wax is a
very desirable table Bean, being of ‘high flavor
and excellent quality, but, as Is the case with
all Beans of this class, must be gathered when
young. The pods are about 5 inches long, slightly
curved, round, yellow, brittle and entirely string-
less. More susceptible to cold weather than
Pencil-pod. Price, delivered: lb. 15 cts.; Ib.
35 cts.; 2 Ibs. 65 cts.; 5 Ibs. $1.50; 50 Ibs. $13.50.
= Days to maturity, 45. It is
Bountifu . recommended for all purposes,
it being very early, vigorous, and productive.
The mature pods are from 6 to 7 inches long,
straight, broad, flat, light green, and absolutely
stringless for snaps. It is a highly flavored va-
riety and one that can be recommended for local
consumption as well as for the large markets.
Price, delivered: 14lb. 15 cts.; lb. 35 cts.; 2 Ibs.
65 cts.; 5 Ibs. $1.50; 50 Ibs. $13.50.
Pencil-Pod and Giant Stringless Beans 6
STOKES
GROWING SINCE 1679
SEEDS
One ounce of seed plants 100 feet
of drill; 7 pounds plant an acre
(Beta vulgaris.) Native of Egypt and Persia. Under
cultivation at least 2,200 years. Introduced into Europe
about 1600.
Crosby Bright Egyptian
SUPER-STANDARD
A bright red strain of the famous Crosby
Days to maturity, 45. Many market gardeners have
found, especially in the early spring, that a bright red
Beet attracts twice the attention of a dark one. To
cover this requirement, we herewith offer a stock of
Crosby Egyptian whose outside color is distinctly a
bright red, as contrasted with the rich, dark red of the
strain we have been carrying. Crosby Bright Egyptian
is a stock comparable to the Crosby Dark Egyptian
except that in color it is a bright vermilion-red,
the outside color presenting a very fresh and
attractive appearance. We believe that this
Crosby Dark Egyptian Beet ? strain will make a valuable addition to our list
of Super-Standards. Price, delivered: Pkt.
10 cts.; oz. 15 cts.; lb. 35 cts.; Ib. $1.25; 5 lbs. or more, $1.15 per Ib.
Crosby Dark Egyptian
SUPER -STANDARD
A blood-red strain of the Crosby Egyptian
Days to maturity, 45. This is identically the same Crosby Egyptian that we have offered for the past
two years with such success. In contrast of the Crosby Bright Egyptian, it is a very dark red strain. It ts
characterized by its great sweetness and tenderness and is remarkably smooth. In shape it is not full globe,
but approaches the globe type. The outside skin is a rich deep red, while the inside is a blood-red with
slightly lighter zones. Because of this color characteristic, it 1s especially recommended for maturity during
the midsummer canning period and might very profitably follow a planting of Crosby Bright Egyptian.
Crosby Dark Egyptian we hold to be a very superior product. We find our customers are coming back to us
year after year for it, not once hesitating to pay the slightly higher price it is necessary to ask for a Beet of
this quality. Price, delivered: Pkt. 10 cts.; oz. 15 cts.; 14lb. 35 cts.; lb. $1.25; 5 lbs. or more, $1.15 per lb.
A valuable early
Early Wonder market Beet
Days to maturity, 42. We offer no illustra- *
tion of this Beet because It Is very similar in
shape to Crosby Egyptian, as shown on this
page. We believe this Beet has a distinct
place because of its brilliant appearance. Our
strain Is extremely early, of uniform, bright ,
red color, and with a small top, which makes &
it suitable for bunching. Price, delivered: @%
Pkt. 10 cts.; oz. 15 cts.; lb. 35 cts.; Ib.
$1.25; 5 lbs. or more, $1.15 per Ib.
Detroit Dark Red
ORIGINAL STOCK
Days to maturity, 50. Detroit has been a
standard variety for a third of a century and is
now universally planted for midseason purposes.
It is especially desirable for canning, owing to the
fact that it holds its rich, blood-red color through
the entire process. The shape of Detroit Dark
Red is almost a perfect globe. Its edible quality
may be described as good. Our stock is specially
selected from the true type of Detroit, and it has
already proved to be extremely satisfactory.
Price, delivered: Pkt. 10 cts.; oz. 15 cts.; W4lb. See.
35 cts.; lb. $1.25; 5 lbs. or more, $1.15 per lb. Detroit Dark Red Beet
STOKES
GROWING SINCE 1573
SEEDS
<= lhe Century Beet
SUPER-STANDARD
The best quality table Beet for midsummer, fall, or
winter use. Its green tops are even more delicious than
spinach.
Days to maturity, 60. The popularity of this Beet is
constantly increasing. For years it has been the leading
variety in the gardens of Lancaster County, Pennsy]-
vania, and of late it has been well disseminated by the
seed trade under different names, such as Winter
Keeper, AII Seasons, Rajah, etc., so that It is now
well and favorably known over a wide territory. There are three
reasons for its great popularity. In the first place, the blood-
red root is of very delicate texture, and even when grown for a period
of three or four months, during which time it may attain a size of
6 to 8 inches in diameter, it 1s still practically fiberless and of very
delicious eating quality. Also, it is a splendid keeper and when
properly stored will carry through the entire winter. Combined
with these two features Is its succulent green top, which as a green
is a close rival to spinach and Swiss chard. It may be prepared fresh
for the table or canned for winter use. We advise two or three con-
secutive plantings from April until August.
This is the fourteenth season that we have carried New Century,
and we might say that the demand for it is greater than
ever. We recommend it to all who give any place to
quality in their gardening operations. The colored photo-
graph appearing on this page was made from an average
sample taken from our trial-ground this year. Price,
delivered: Pkt. 10 cts.; oz. 25 cts.; W%4lb. 85 cts.; lb. $3;
5 lbs. or more, $2.75 per Ib.
Swiss Chard, Giant Lucullus
The first cutting may be in 60 days’
As a midsummer green, Swiss Chard has great food
value. Although comparatively unknown on the com-
mercial markets, we believe it 1s a vegetable that will
bear more attention by market gardeners. Giant Lucullus grows
to a height of 20 inches. The leaf is a rich dark green, with a
yellowish green midrib. Both the ribs and leaves are eaten, the
latter being boiled as a green and the former being treated very
much like asparagus. Either one or a combination of both can
be successfully canned. Price, delivered: Pkt. 10 cts.; oz. 15 cts.;
/4lb. 30 cts.; Ib. $1.
These unusual %
bright green
leaves are very
nourishing
when boiled and
prepared as a
green vegetable
Mangel Beet,
Mammoth Long Red
Days to maturity, 100. This is the most universally grown stock
Beet in this country. It attains a very heavy tonnage per acre, the
average of individual roots often being over 10 pounds, and we have
known species to exceed 25 pounds. The average length ts from 10
to 12 inches. American agriculture has never given the place to the
Mangel Beet that it should have. Certainly as a stock-feed it
deserves far greater consideration.
Mangel Beets are adaptable to almost any soil, but a deep loam is
very desirable. The seed should be planted in the early spring in
rows at least 2 feet apart. Allow more than an inch between each
seed, covering with about 11% inches of fine soil firmly pressed down.
Frequent cultivation is desirable. As the roots develop, they should
be thinned to at Jeast 10 mches apart. Price, delivered: Oz. 10 cts.;
1/41b. 20 cts.; lb. 60 cts.; 5 Ibs. or more, 50 cts. per lb.
8
STOKES
GROWING SINCE 1579
SEEDS
One ounce of seed
produces about 5,000 plants
CABBAGE’
We take great pride in the eight strains of Cabbage offered in this catalogue. In all modesty, we believe
they will favorably compare with the stocks from any other source, for they are all the result of the most
advanced growing methods. There is a vast amount of very poor Cabbage seed offered at the present time.
What the good grower wants is Cabbage heads and not Cabbage leaves. He wants either earliness or tonnage
per acre. The descriptions have been made up with great care and are as precise in their information as we
can make them. By reading them carefully, any good Cabbage grower can decide which varieties are best
for his particular situation.
These are in no sense ordinary stocks of Cabbage that we are offering, and we urge our customers not
merely to glance at the varietal name and price and pass on, for our seed is of exceptional merit, such as
cannot be produced for the usual commercial prices. Reports recetved from customers make us confident
that the policy of supplying only the very best strains so far developed is the best in the long run. Cabbage
will not always bring $5 per barrel, as it did this past season, for ordinarily it is a highly competitive crop.
For this reason, we cannot too strongly urge our customers to plant the very best strains available, and,
as far as possible, thus step out of your severe competition. Next to tomatoes, we consider Cabbage our
most important single Item.
The Golden Acre
SUPER-STANDARD
Days to maturity, 95. This variety matures ten
days earlier than our strain of Copenhagen Market,
which type it resembles. The heads average 234
pounds, the size most desired by the consumer, and,
if desired, the weight per head can be increased by
broader spacing and higher fertilization. On the
other hand, Golden Acre normally can be planted
12 to 14 inches apart in the row, so that more heads
per acre can be grown than of Copenhagen Market.
However, it has a smaller stalk and more compact
leaf-growth, and is also slightly smoother and of
lighter-green color. The stock we offer comes
directly from the originator’s fields and is in no
way comparable to some so-called stocks of Golden
Acre which can be offered at a much cheaper price.
Again, we would point out that the factor of earliness
in a spring Cabbage crop is usually the most im-
portant. Price, delivered: Pkt. 25 cts.; oz. 65 cts.;
IAlb. $2.50; lb. $10.
Golden
Acre
* Our Cabbage seed has been subjected to a chemical treatment to eliminate surface-borne disease.
Early Jersey Wakefield
SUPER-STANDARD
Days to maturity, 90. We claim for this strain
that it is the earliest, and perhaps the truest, stock
of Wakefield so far developed. It will mature heads
fully a week in advance of the average stocks of
Wakefield, and every Cabbage grower knows the
value of such performance. One customer ‘near
Piqua, Ohio, reported that his entire crop was
developed, cut, and marketed before his neighbors
began to cut their Wakefield. Another customer
from Attleboro, Mass., reported this stock to be as
near perfect as any strain he had ever seen, his
entire crop being true to the perfect type. The
heads will average 125 pounds each. Even at $8 per
pound, this strain costs the planter only 25 cents
per acre more than ordinary seed. It is a fact that
the pomted types of Cabbage are sweeter and more
tender than the rounded heads. Price, delivered:
Pkt. 25c. ; oz. 50c. 3
lb. $2; lb. $8;
5 lbs. or more,
$7.50. per lb.
Early
Jersey
Wakefield
This also greatly
stimulates germination and subsequent plant growth. We would warn against the use of infected soil in the seed bed.
STOKES
GROWING SINCE 1579
SEEDS.
Copenhagen Market Cabbage
Days to maturity, 105. Our strain of Copenhagen Market, a solid, round-headed Cabbage, will mature
ten days later than our Golden Acre. The head is larger, averaging about four pounds. With this stock also,
we handle only the originator’s seed which ts grown for us near the city of Copenhagen. Copenhagen Market
can be bought for half the price we ask for it, but in Ime with our policy of offering only the finest stocks
available, we feel that we would not be keeping faith with our customers if we handled that kind of seed.
The stock as offered will prove to be uniformly true to type and a very valuable one from every point of view.
Price, delivered: Pkt. 10 cts.; oz. 35 cts.; 14lb. $1.25; Ib. $5; 5 Ibs. or more at $4.75 per lb.
Does It Pay to Plant Golden Acre?
The following figures, taken from a New England Experiment Station trial this past summer, are illuminating:
GOEDEN AGRE
Ave. Wt.
per Head
1Ssbs:
25
2.43
273
2.80
2.80
Cutting
Dee Weise
Total
Weight
COPENHAGEN MARKET
Ave. Wt.
per Head
Lbs. Lbs.
Total
Weight
Lbs.
Weight
3.08 59
98
468
The seed used in this test was supplied by our firm and the strains are identically the same as those offered in this catalogue.
The seed was planted March 27. These figures will answer a question which has puzzled many market gardeners.
The Houser
Days to maturity, 145. This variety has proved
to be one of the most popular Cabbages for the state
of Pennsylvania, and we recommend it generally for
our customers as a sort of exceptional merit. It
will take fully 145 days for it to reach maturity.
Planters will, therefore, set their fields of this variety
earlier than for Danish Ballhead. Houser is a
rather large-leaved Cabbage, with a solid, round-
conical head. It ts of most excellent quality, has a
very small core, and will prove a good keeper.
Houser is especially recommended for planters in
those districts where Danish Ballhead cannot be
grown successfully. Price, delivered: Pkt. 10 cts.;
oz. 50 cts.; $4lb. $1.75; lb. $6.50.
Copenhagen
Market
Mammoth Red Rock
Days to maturity, 130. Red Cabbage usually
commands a higher market price than white Cab-
bage, and although the demand is limited, it usually
pays to have some of the red. Our strain of Mam-
moth Red Rock is offered as one of the most
satisfactory all-round red Cabkages for conditions
in the Middle Atlantic States. It will be found
uniform, hard-headed, and of brilliant, attractive
market appearance. We can recommend this seed
very highly. Price delivered: Pkt. 10cts.; 0z.25cts.;
1Alb. $1; lb. $4.
The
Houser
STOKES
GROWING SINCE 1679
SEEDS
Two Superb Stocks of Danish Ballhead
We offered, last year, Reed Bros.’ strain, grown by practical New York State Cabbage-growers who for fourteen
years have produced an average of 2214 tons per acre. This year we are offering, in addition, Penn State Ballhead,
a stock developed by Dr. C. E. Myers of the Department of Plant Breeding, Pennsylvania State College. We
consider both strains very superior from every point of view. It is a fact that better results seem to be obtained with
the Ballhead types in the more northernly districts, such as Central Pennsylvania, New York, and New England.
We have seen almost total failures of the variety in some parts of New Jersey, which indicates that it thrives best
in a more rigorous climate.
Reed Bros.’ Bullhead Penn State Ballhead
SUPER-STANDARD SUPER-STANDARD
Days to maturity, 130. The secret of the increased Days to maturity, 130. According to the records
tonnage of this strain lies in the selection for hard, tight | at Pennsylvania State College, this variety has proved
heads which weigh one-third more than ordinary heads | even better than the splendid Reed Bros.’ strain. The
of equal size. It has unusual keeping qualities, due | two stocks have been developed very much along
partly to an unusual lap-over of the leaf, a very de- parallel lines, and each is offered herewith with every
sirable feature for late storage, when, ordinarily, | confidence that it will turn out a most successful crop.
trimming is necessary. The head is very compact | The recent experimental plots of this strain have shown
and for this reason the plants may be set in rows | it to be of very superior caliber. That Dr. Myers has
3 feet apart and 21 inches apart in the row (7,500 | accomplished a real triumph with his new strain will be
plants per acre). ‘This will produce a head of from 4 | very apparent to any cabbage grower who tries his
to 6 pounds, which, for winter Cabbage, is the usual | ctrain. If you grow Ballhead, be sure to plant at
market requirement. For larger heads, set farther | feast a part of your acreage to Penn State. Price,
t. Price, deli d: Pkt. 25 cts.; . 65 cts.3 : . i p ;
Vb. $2.50: fh S10. cts.; 02 cts delivered: Pkt. 25 cts.; oz. 65 cts.; 1/4lb. $2.50; Ib. $10.
Note on Cabbage Yellows Pocono Mountain Savoy
This disease is making greater inroads toward the Middle
Atlantic States. It is very serious in Wisconsin. So far we are SUPER-STANDARD
not prepared to recommend any of the Yellows Resistant Q ; :
stocks to our eastern customers for the reason that all of those Days to maturity, 125. We consider this to be one
so far produced are not equal in quality, preductiveness, or | of the finest strains of curled Cabbage so far developed.
uniformity with the strains offered here- — | Pocono Mountain Savoy will prove
with. By a three or four-year crop
merece ariel har cabbage Vel: a real hard-headed sort, satisfac-
lows, in districts where the disease tory for storage late into the
is not deeply intrenched, will almost winter. The heavily curled, dark
eliminate the difficulty. It is the / : green heads, which are uni-
repeated plantings of Cabbage , formly well-formed and solid,
See a WN aie nis Calblae (et
ae disease. In cases es the consideration on any mars:
disease is very severe, we, of ket. The photograph ae
course, would recommend natural colors below is a
fair sample of the type.
planting only the Yellows
Reiant strams which can Price, delivered: Pkt. 25
ye secured from a number ts.; 5 meal :
of sources in the Middle $2 50: Ib ie eae
West, including Se laneaay x
Vaughan’s’ Seed
Store, Chicago,
Ills., which car-
ries very reliable
stocks.
Pocono
Mountain
Savoy
11
GROWING SINCE 1573
One-half ounce of seed piants 100 feet of drill;
21% pounds plant an acre
(Daucus carota.) Native of Europe, probably the British Isles. Our
common garden Carrot has probably not been under cultivation for more
than 500 years.
Chantenay
Days to maturity, 65. Our strain of Chantenay is exceptionally fine
and has a brilliant color, fine-textured flesh, is free from fiber, and has a
remarkably smooth exterior. It is accurately illustrated in color on this
page. There has been some complaint that Chantenay splits in wet
weather, and for those who have had that experience we would recom-
mend Danvers Half-Long. For a standard midseason Carrot, however,
maturing midway between Coreless and Danvers, Chantenay is recom-
mended very highly. Our strain has a small top, finely cut shoulders,
and tapers but slightly. —The uniformity of shape and color of this
stock will be a satisfaction to all who plant it. Price, delivered: Pkt.
10 cts.; oz. 15 cts.; 14lb. 35 cts.; Ib. $1.25; 5 lbs. or more, $1.15 per lb.
Coreless
Days to maturity, 60. This, perhaps, is the most delicately flavored
Carrot that we offer. It is a comparatively quick grower, so that the
texture of the root is more delicate, the good feature of it being that it is
almost completely free from the rather hard core usually found in the
other varieties. In Jength it will run from 4 to 6 inches. We firmly
believe that the Core-
; less type will become
/ increasingly popular,
especially with the de-
velopment of roadside
markets, for there Is
little comparison be-
tween the table quality
of this Carrot and
Chantenay or Dan-
vers. Commercially,
it may not have the
y classic lines of Chan-
tenay, but it is the
quality of the flesh and
the flavor which is
served to the public.
Eventually, buyers on the produce
markets will become aware of this
fact and not buy solely on ap-
pearances. Price, delivered: Pkt.
10. cts.30z. 15 cts.= 2410. 35 cts: Ib: bt-2 52 5 los. er
more, $1.15 per Ib.
Chantenay
Carrot
Danvers Half-Long
Days to maturity, 75. This variety shares almost
equal popularity with Chantenay in the commercial
field. Its real place is as a late fall Carrot, very often
sold, with the tops removed, in barrels. The advantage
of Danvers over Chantenay is that it is slightly larger,
does not throw side roots after reaching maturity,
which is a tendency of Chantenay, and will not split
in wet weather. In shape it is quite similar to Chan-
tenay except that it is more pointed at the root and
has a larger shoulder. Price, delivered: Pkt. 10 cts.;
oz. 15 cts.; W4lb. 35 cts.; lb. $1.25; 5 lbs. or more,
$1.15 per lb.
February 28, 1925.
Dear Mr. Stokes:
I want to thank vou personally for the very prompt man-
ner 1n which you bandled our order. I am sure this service
will be greatly appreciated bv the majoritv of your patrons.
—From a Mid-Western Experiment Station.
12
Coreless
Carrots
STOKES
GROWING SINCE 1679
SEEDS
White Mountain Erfurt Cauliflower”
SUPER-STANDARD
Days to maturity, 130. We offer this stock as being, probably, the most satisfactory for general com-
mercial production. This strain has made a strong place for itself in some of the most important Cauliflower
districts, and in numerous competitive trials rt has come out with very high honors. White Mountain Erfurt
is at least a week later than the Early Snowball, also offered on this page. It is, however, slightly more
vigorous, and for general-crop purposes, where earliness is not the only factor, it is recommended in pre-
ference to it. The names Erfurt and Snowball, as applied to Cau iflower, are now largely synonymous and
mean very little, except when amplified by strain names In again offering this same stock of White Mountain
Erfurt, our trade can depend upon it as being thoroughly reliable from every point of view. Price, delivered:
Pkt. 25 cts.; 1402. 80 cts.; oz. $1.50; 14lb. $6; lb. $24.
SUPER-
Early Snowball stivsra
Days to maturity, 125. We offer this strain as the best extra-early Cauliflower available. It will mature
fully a week earlier than White Mountain Erfurt, developing a head from 8 to 10 inches across. It has a
compact habit of growth, permitting close planting which is an tmportant factor for greenhouse production.
This stock is grown for us by a Danish Cauliflower expert near the city of Copenhagen. It is offered with
every confidence that it will produce a superior product. Price, delivered: Pkt. 25 cts.; 140z. 80 cts.; oz.
$1 50; 14lb. $6; Ib. $24.
%* This seed has been treated chemically to eliminate all sucface-borne disease. This treatmeat also gceatly stimulates germi-
nation and subsequent plant growth. Make sure that your seedbed is notinfected, If in doubt, treat it with corrosive sublimate.
“ E a i Pigs Se ins aes tS 4 = P 3 et ee = =
White Mountain Erfurt Cauliflower with background of curled Parsley. A good exhibition suggestion
13
CELERY
One ounce of seed produces about 20,000 plants
‘Apium graveolens.) Native of Europe. Selinon is referred to by Homer m be Odyssey. This, however, is
thought to be a wild form of Celery. It has, probably, not been cultivated in this present form more than 300
years, if that long
Golden Plume is the newest acquisition to the list of American varieties of Celery. We believe it ts the best
early Celery ever miroduced. Our stocks of ee eae tel Pas and Golden Self-Blanchmg are up to ) their usual
standard, both having been proven. Columbia is medmum early m maturity. This we consider the best-flavored
of all the earlier types. The Frost stram of Giant Pascal is added to our list. Pascal has the fmest flavor of any
and the Frost strain we consider to have great commercial value.
Golden Plume
SUPER-STANDARD
Days to maturity, 115. This Celery also is sold under the synonym Wonderful. During the comparatively
short time it has been av ailable,
it has made a deep impression
among all who have tried wz Per
haps Its almost unanimous recep-
tion on the part of the market
gardeners Is due to the fact that
it will mature a week earlier, is
larger, and blanches more easily
than Golden a if-Blanchmg. It ts
also distunctl more blight-re-
sistant. In Fie characieristics It
is very similar, mciudmg color and
flavor. Golden Plume will blanch
within five days. When ready for
market it should be handled
promptly. In Golden Plume we
have an excellent example of the
crying need for a board of registra-
ie to cover new varietal names.
This Celery is already being sold
under six different titles, which is
very confusing. If you have not
tried it, be sure and give tt a
place m 1926. We feel positive
that this variety will give you
the largest return per acre of any
Celery you have ever planted.
Price, delivered: Pkt. 50 cts.;
oz. $1.75; U4lb. $6.50; Ib. $25.
Golden
Self-Blanching
SUPER-STANDARD
-
>
=
Bey
[PROVEN STOCK.} Daystoma-
tunity, 120. Le oder early
market variety was listed by John-
son & Stokes in 1894. It was origi-
nated by Vilmorin, of Parts, a short
time previously. The plant is
large, stocky, and robust and of
very fair eating = quality. Wedonot
consider any of the early maturing
Celeries equal in flavor to the late
varieties.) Golden Self-Blanchmg,
because of its early maturing and
long-keepmg qualities, has gamed
great popularity as a fall Celery
and is widely used during the
Thanksgiving season. Our stram
has been grown with great care,
nd inasmuch as It Is tried and
prov en a year im advance of its
sale to our customers it may be
purchased with the full assurance
that the stock is true to name and
up to our usual Super-Standard
requirements. Price, delivered:
Pkt. 25 cts.; oz. 75 cts.; W%4lb. $3;
Golden Plume Celery Ib. $12.
14
ee
mentee Hop
te Sie *
STOKES
GROWING SINCE 1679
SEEDS
Easy-Blanching
SUPER-STANDARD
Days to maturity, 120. This variety,
which is a selection of the green Celery of
the Golden Self-Blanching type, is now one
of the most important in the operations
of the northern market gardener. As with
many other good things, there are numer-
ous strains of Easy-B!anching, some of great
merit and some of very little importance.
Our strain of Easy-Blanching is entered under
the Super-Standard classification, which
means that we have great confidence in it,
believing it to be superior to the average
commercial run. It’s easier to grow, has a
delicious flavor and that much desired crisp,
brittle quality. Easy-Blanching will mature
just after Golden Self-B'anching has been
harvested, and if properly stored will keep
well into the winter. Price, delivered: Pkt.
25 cts.; oz. 75 cts.; I4lb. $3; lb. $12.
Columbia
ORIGINATOR’S STRAIN
Days to maturity, 130. Columbia, introduced by
Ferry in 1906, is an early-maturing Celery of most
excellent flavor. The stalks are thick, almost round,
and in general characteristics very much resemb‘e
Giant Pascal. The leaves are a light green, tinged
with yellow, and when blanched the heart changes
from a green-yellow to a light golden yellow. Its
time to maturity, as noted, is slightly Iater than
Golden Self-Blanching. We consider Columbia and
Giant Pascal the two most desirable varieties for
the table. Our stock is grown for us by the in-
troducer and can be thoroughly relied upon. Price,
dane Pkt. 10 cts.; oz. 35 cts.; 14lb. $1.25;
Ib. $5.
Giant Pascal
MR. FROST’S STRAIN
Days to maturity, 150. This variety we consider
to have the most delightful table quality. It may
be classed as a fall or winter Celery. Its medium-
height stalks are very thick, the upper portion being
rounded. It blanches to a beautiful yellow-white
color, is very solid, crisp, and of a fine nutty flavor.
There has been a general feeling among Celery
growers that Pascal was not a variety that could be
grown successfully commercially. We believe that
this Frost strain, however, is a definite mmprovement
over the original type, and we highly recommend it
to all growers who have a home market. Price,
delivered: Pkt. 10 cts.; oz. 35 cts.; 14lb. $1.25;
Easy-Blanching Celery
Celeriac, Giant Prague
Days to maturity, 140. In Celeriac the roots have
been developed by cultivation. Its culture is very
similar to Celery. After the roots have obtained a
diameter of 2 inches they are fit for use. They may
be stored for winter use in similar manner as carrots,
beets, etc. Celeriac is a very desirable vegetable and
deserves wider recognition. It is excellent for soups
and stews and also as a salad. Plant in rows 2 feet
apart and set plants 6 inches apart in the row.
Price delivered: Pkt. 10 cts.; oz. 25 cts.; 14lb.
75 cts.; Ib. $3.
Minden, Iowa, February 9, 1925.
Please send me your latest catalogue. Your seeds are as
dependable as the sunrise. (Signed) B. R. Bauman.
Guard Against Celery Blight
Golden Plume is less subject to blight than some other varieties, but no celery is free from it. Commence
spraying with a strong solution of Bordeaux Mixture soon after transplanting, repeating the application every
week during the growing season. When the blight is severe, spray twice a week. The following mixture Is
recommended: 4 Ibs. Blue Stone, 4 Ibs. Lime m 50 gals. water, applied under at least 250 pounds pressure.
Schwenksville, Pa., April 22, 1925.
I want to express my thanks for the flower seeds you sent us. I think your vegetable seeds are not to be beaten. I
recommend you wherever I can, as I was always pleased with your way of treating vour customers and the quality of
vour seeds, My family calls your Bonny Best Tomatoes, “‘gold bricks.”’
(Signed) Mrs. THEo. MESSERSCHMIDT.
STOKES
GROWING SINCE 1573
SEEDS
SWEET CORN
_ (Zea mays var. saccharata.) Probably native of Peru. Recent discoveries indicate that It was growing much
in its present form far back into geological trme—perhaps 100,000 years. The first reference to Sweet Corn was
reported near Plymouth, Mass., as having come from the Susquehanna Indians in 1779.
One-fourth pound of seed plants 100 hills; 12 pounds plant an acre
We again limit our Corn varieties to six. The earliest of these is Early Malcolm, a very good variety con-
sidering its extreme earliness. We recommend it In a restricted way, for it opens the Corn season ten days ahead
of any other variety we offer. Followmg Early Malcolm, The New Vanguard will prove very popular. It un-
doubtedly will make a solid place for itself on account of its extreme earliness. Golden Bantam, maturing one
week later than The Vanguard, is coming more and more into public favor every year, many districts positively
refusing to buy anything else. We don’t mind admitting that our sales of Bantam have outreached that of all
other varieties. Double-Barreled Best is no longer listed, for we feel that Sunny Slope Special has definitely taken
its place. This Corn will mature in almost parallel time with Golden Bantam. Our strain of Kendel’s Early Giant
continues to be very popular. This is a Jarge-eared white Corn which will prove invaluable except on the very early
markets. Country Gentleman concludes our list. This Shoe-Peg type is a great favorite on local markets. The
fact that the ears average only 6 to 7 inches in length has kept this variety from becoming very popular on a large
commercial scale. We have discontinued listing the large Stowell’s Evergreen as we do not consider it a desirable
table size. In addition to that, it usually matures for the mid-August markets which generally are very unprofitable.
Of the six varieties offered, any astute Corn-grower can choose one or more which will fit in with his local conditions.
SUPER
The Vanguard (New) s1iitike
Definition: ‘“‘The troops who march in front of an army;
Early Malcolm
The great 55-day Sweet Corn from the Far North.
Of Russian-Canadian origin
Days to maturity, 55. We were the first to introduce
this valuable variety in the United States, four years
ago. One of its parents was Early Malakoff, a Russian
variety. It is one of the earliest Sweet Corns in exist-
ence, maturing some two weeks ahead of Bantam. Its
stalk is only 314 feet high, and many of our customers
have been greatly surprised to find that it produces a
well-filled ear 6 inches in length. By planting in the
latitude of Philadelphia, May 10, marketable ears are
ready by July 4. This variety is high in sugar content
and is delicious to the taste. Vegetable growers who
cater to home markets are advised to put in part of
their acreage to Early Malcolm. Experience has shown
the van’’
Days to maturity, 65. This is another origination
of Mr. A. L. Ritchie, the propagator of Double-Barreled
Best and Sunny Slope Special, and one of the most
successful Corn-growers in New Jersey. Mr. Ritchie has
sold The Vanguard locally under the name Earliest
Ever, but because of the misleading nature of this
name, we have taken the liberty of renaming this Corn,
The Vanguard. The fact that this Corn will develop a
handsome, marketable ear a week in advance of Golden
Bantam will give it a place of unusual prominence, for
invariably the early market on Sweet Corn has been a
very profitable one. With the introduction of this
variety, we feel that there is no further place for Corn
of the Early Adams and other field types. Vanguard is
distinctly a Sweet Corn, developing a beautiful white
ear of the 12-rowed type and approximately 8 inches In
length. This seed has been grown in Burlington County,
New Jersey, and is fully acclimated to the Middle Atlan-
tic climate. Price, delivered:
i/,ib: 20 -cts.; lb. 40. cts:; = 2
that it is difficult for 1t to make a place in large city
markets which are so often swamped with white Field
Corn during the early days of the season. The place of
Early Malcolm may be limited,
but it has a very definite one,
for by planting it, it is possible
to open the corn season two 5 lbs. 75 cts:; 5” Ibs:
Seeks earlier. Price, deliv- Si-755 5O1DS:
ered: 14lb. 15 cts.; Ib. 35 $14.
cts.; 2 lbs. 60 cts.; 5 lbs.
$1.35; 50 lbs. $12.
ig Og ay i Sig
The Vanguard
Sweet Corn
BE
WEE LE
GLE ‘
4 igs
LAPP
Ys
STOKES
GROWING SINCE 1679
Golden Bantam Sweet Corn
Golden Bantam sranoaro
BURLINGTON COUNTY STRAIN
Acclimated to the Middle Atlantic States.
type of this very popular variety
A true
Days to maturity, 70. Year by year we have noted
the increasing popularity of Golden Bantam. It now
stands out in the public’s mind, perhaps, as the best
table variety so far developed. This bears out our
contention that real quality does count and that the
consuming public is not so stupid as many vegetable
growers have assumed. If all Corn sold under the name
of Sweet Corn were as good as Golden Bantam, we
predict that the consumption of Corn would double
over night. Golden Bantam is very high in sugar
content and possesses a flavor of its own. Incidentally,
the kernel is more tender than in other varieties. To all
these points may be added the attractive size of the ear,
which is much more easily handled at the table than
such giant ears as Stowell’s Evergreen. There are a
number of crosses of Golden Bantam with larger types,
but we have resisted the tendency in this direction,
believing that the 8-rowed type is the most desirable
from every point of view. We have found that when
these other factors are introduced, earliness and tender-
mess are immediately sacrificed. We, therefore, are
contenting ourselves with an ear 6 to 7 inches in length.
Our stock is of a deep orange color and high flavor. It
will be found to be an extremely satisfactory stock from
all pomts of view. Price, delivered: 14lb. 15 cts.;
Ib. 35 cts.; 2 lbs. 60 cts.; 5 Ibs. $1.35; 50 Ibs. $12.
Country Gentleman
Days to maturity, 85. This well-known broken-row
type has been on the market for over thirty years. It
was developed from the older Shoe-Peg as introduced
by Johnson & Stokes in 1890. The depth of the grain
is one of its most desirable characteristics. The ears
are about 6 inches long. Because of their small cir-
cumference, however, this variety is grown on a large
commercial scale only for canning purposes, but for
gardeners having a home market it 1s very desirable
and it will be found in strong demand, for the consuming
public knows Country Gentleman equally as well as
Golden Bantam. Price, delivered: 14lb. 15 cts.; lb.
30 cts.; 2 Ibs. 50 cts.; 5 lbs. $1.20; 50 lbs. $10.
Kendel’s Early Giant
Early and large. Cut 8,000 ears per acre
Days to maturity, 75. We want to call particular
attention to our strain of Kendel’s Early Giant and to
its performance this past season. A section of the same
field from which our seed selection was made was cut for
market and it averaged 8,000 ears per acre. The New
Jersey state average is between 5,000 and 6,000 ears
per acre. A neighboring piece of Howling Mob went
7,250 ears per acre. Howling Mob is a variety we have
not listed, and, ordinarily, it is clatmed to be a higher
yielder than Kendel’s Early Giant, but in a large field-
test this year it did not prove so, although it was one
week earlier. This selection will run 50 per cent double-
eared; the ear has 14 rows and will average 10 inches.
This stock 1s an eight-year selection for size, earliness,
and uniformity. It should not be confused with ordi-
nary strains of Kendel’s Early Giant, for we consider it
far superior. It was one week eailier in maturing than
Double-Barreled Best. Compared to Sunny Slope
Special, it is about the same, maturing perhaps three
days later. We feel that it 1s fully as valuable as Sunny
Slope and perhaps slightly more uniform. Price,
delivered: 141b. 15 cts.; lb. 30 cts.; 2 lbs. 50 cts.; 5 lbs.
$1.20; 50 lbs. $10.
Sunny Slope Special 1924)
A very profitable Corn for truckers
Days to maturity, 72. Sunny Slope Special is another
origination of Mr. A. L. Ritchie, the title coming from
the name of his farm. It has been developed to meet
the requirement for an early-maturing Corn of good
table quality and size. Under ordinary conditions,
Sunny Slope will mature a day or so after Golden
Bantam, and will equal the well-known Howling Mob,
a variety with a much smaller ear, and therefore a less
profitable sort for the basket market. Sunny Slope
Special will be found to have remarkably thick ears—
a marked point in its favor where Corn is sold by either
weight or measure. We do not believe that Sunny-Slope
is the last word in Sweet Corn development, for Corn
is one of the most pliable of vegetables. We are still
working on further improvements for earliness, size,
etc., realizing the value of the early market. Price,
delivered: 14lb. 15 cts.; lb. 30 cts.; 2 Ibs. 50 cts.; 5 Ibs.
$1.20; 50 Ibs. $10.
For Flavor in Sweet Corn. It has been found that the kernel of a grain of Corn is most tender 22
days after silking It is also higher in sugar content at that time. Study this out for yourself and always remem-
ber that Corn begins to lose its flavor 20 minutes after cutting.
STOKES
GROWING SINCE 1479
CUCUMBER’
One ounce of seed plants 100 hills; 2 pounds plant an acre
(Cucumis sativus.) A native probably of the East Indies. Under culti-
vation from the most remote times—at least 10,000 years.
Windermoor Wonder
SUPER-STANDARD
A very profitable emerald-green Cucumber for greenhouse
forcing or field cultivation
Days to maturity, 65. Our Company had the honor of
introducing this Cucumber in 1917. It 1s the product of
across between English Telegraph and Davis Perfect,
and combines the valuable characteristics of both.
The type achieved is fa:thfully represented in
natural colors on this page. Beside its length, which
averages fully 12 inches, perhaps its most valu-
able feature is its brilliant dark green color. In
place of the usual white stripes at the end,
Windermoor has the most alluring emerald-
green stripes which definitely add to its
attractiveness. The seed cavity Is very
small, a factor distinctly in Its favor as a
slicing variety, but one which makes
seed production much more expensive.
It is the lightest seeding Cucumber
we know of.
Windermoor Wonder finds a
ready sale on any market. It Is
usually packed in crates rather
than in baskets, which adds to
its attractive appearance. We
have noted several instances
where Windermoor Wonder
brought more than double
the price paid for the
shorter varieties. We
have recently seen sev-
eral splendid crops of
Windermoor, both
under greenhouse
cultivation and m
the open field.
We unhesitatingly rec-
ommend it for either
purpose, feeling that it
is one of the most profit-
able varieties that can be
grown. This is almost the
first year since we origi-
nally introduced this Cucum-
ber that we feel we have an
adequate supply of seed. We
deplore the fact that it is ne-
cessary to ask $5 per pound for
this variety. Even at that price we
will make a loss of quite a proportion
of our stock this year, for, as stated
above, its seeding qualities are remark-
ably poor. Don’t fail to put m part of
your crop with Windermoor. Price, deli-
vered: Pkt. 10 cts.; oz. 35 cts.; 14lb. $1.25;
lb. $5; 5 lbs. or more, $4.75 per Ib.
*Our Cucumber Seed is
Chemically Treated
Our customers have reported exceptional results from
all our cucumber seed this past season. Part of this suc-
cess is no doubt due to the chemical treatment which all
of our cucumber seed was subjected to. There seems to be
little question but that a much stronger stand as well as a
more vigorous and productive crop has resulted. We, therefore,
have decided again to treat all of our cucumber seed. The same
results occurred with muskmelon which will be likewise treated.
Apparently when seed is thus freed from its many enemy diseases,
it attains much freer growth. Our customers will find very interesting
comparisons between treated seed and untreated seed.
Indoor Cucumbers Should Be Pollinated by Bees
It is difficult to try to grow Cucumbers in the greenhouse without supplying
some means. of artificial fertilization. We recommend a hive of honey-bees for
every 200 lineal feet. Place this hive on the outside of the house so that it fronts
on an open pane of glass. If your house is over 200 feet long, we would advise
having a hive near each end, on opposite sides of the house.
18
STOKES
GROWING SINCE 1679
SEEDS
Early Fortune Cucumber
Days to maturity, 60. Experience has shown us that color m a Cucumber is one of its most important
factors. Early Fortune is one of the best White Spine types. Its fruits will average 8 to 9 inches in length
and the color is almost comparable to the rich emerald-green of Windermoor Wonder. It tapers slightly at
the ends, as indicated in the photograph. Our old customers know this Cucumber under the name of Hybrid
White Spine, which for some time has been a synonym for Early Fortune. To those who do not know this
variety, we can say that we consider it the best of its class. Price, delivered: Pkt. 10 cts.; oz. 15 cts.; 14lb.
35 cts.; lb. $1.40; 5 lbs. or more, $1.25 per Ib.
Early Fortune Cucumber
Improved Long Green
Days to maturity, 75. Our Cucumber list was never comp ete without this variety—a very vigorous,
productive, Black Spine type, developing fruits fully 12 inches Jong when matured, uniformly slencer and
of a rich dark green color. The warts and spines are well distributed over the surface, which is not the case
with inferior stocks. Generally speaking, the variety develops rather Jate. Improved Long Green is not
recommended for greenhouse purposes, but will be found one of the most profitable for field cultivation.
The small fruits are often used for sweet pickles while the fully matured fruits will find a profitable sale on
any market. Price, delivered: Pkt. 10 cts.; oz. 20 cts.; 14lb. 40 cts.; Ib. $1.60; 5 lbs. or more, $1.50 per lb.
Snow’s Chicago Pickle
Days to maturity, 55. We consider this the best of the pickling Cucumbers. It has a rich dark green
color, is uniformly cylindrical in shape, and is early maturing. With careful cultivation and the usual spray-
ing of Bordeaux Mixture, this variety should have a picking from midsummer until frost. As a pickling type
which is_ perfectly formed, of miniature size, rather coarsely spined, crisp and of excellent quality, Snow’s
Chicago Pickle is recommended for all general purposes. We believe it is very much superior to the old
Green Prolific or Boston Pickling which we have carried for a number of years. Price, delivered: Pkt. 10 cts.,
oz. 15 cts.; 14lb. 40 cts.; lb. $1.40; 5 lbs. or more, $1.25 per lb.
Chicory
WITLOOF. ‘Time for maturity of roots, 4 months.
Also known as French Endive. This makes a very
desirable salad. Plant seed in May or June. Dig
roots in October. Place them horizontally in warm
Brussels Sprouts
CAMBRIDGE CHAMPION (Extra Select). Days to
maturity, 125. Four ounces plant an acre. The
stalk of this variety grows about 2 feet high, bearing
a generous supply of firm, well-rounded Sprouts. In
the fall, break down the lower leaves and let the
small Sprouts properly develop. A great delicacy
which is finding a broader market every season. Price,
delivered: Pkt. 10 cts.; oz. 40 cts.; 14lb. $1.25.
vegetable cellar. Within three or four weeks tender
white stalks will develop. Cutting season lasts over
several weeks. Price,. delivered: Pkt. 10 cts.;
oz. 30 cts.; 14lb. $1; Ib. $3.50.
Kale
DWARF CURLED SCOTCH. Days to maturity, 55.
One pound plants an acre. In quality this is the best
Kale under cultivation. It is extensively grown for
the large eastern markets. Our stock is beautifully
curled, low growing, spreading, and remarkably
hardy. Price, delivered: Pkt. 10 cts.; oz. 15 cts.;
14lb. 30 cts.; lb. $1; 5 lbs. or more, 90 cts. per lb. i
=
Dandelion
BROAD-LEAVED. Time for maturity, one year. This
variety is far superior to the common or uncultivated
Dandelion. It has a broad, thick leaf which is of a
deep green color. It is compact and tufted at the
center. Price, delivered: Pkt. 10 cts.; oz. 50 cts.;
IAlb. $2; lb. $8.
= s Cucumbers, melons, squashes, etc., are subject toa number of insect and disease enemies. The
Vine Cr op Enemies. first of these is the Aphid or Green Plant-Lice which feed on the under side of young leaves. For
control, spray with nicotine sulphate, 3/pint in 100 gallons of water, with 5 pounds of soap added. Sprayer must be fitted with an
upturn nozzle. The Striped Cucumber Beetle is dangerous because it not only eats the young vines, but it also spreads bacterial
disease known as wilt. Control: Spray carefully with Bordeaux Mixture and Arsenate of Lead, keeping the plants constantly
covered thereafter and promptly destroying any diseased plants. Downy Mildew or Blight is the most serious fungous disease of
Cucumbers and melons. The leaves become mottled, yellow, and later dry up. For control: A Bordeaux Mixture of 5 pounds
copper sulphate, 5 pounds lime in 50 gallons of water should be applied every week or ten days with no let-up throughout the entire
season.
19
STOKES ||
Eggplant
BLACK BEAUTY. Days to maturity, 125. This is the
most desirable variety for cultivation in the Middle
Atlantic States; very prolific, bearing brilliant purple-
black fruits, almost egg-shaped, and averaging 8
inches. Eggplant suffers severely from fungous
diseases, and, so far, no blight-resistant strain has
been developed. Regular spraying with Bordeaux will
partially control this. Moisture conservation is impor-
tant. Price, delivered: Pkt. 10 cts.; oz. 45 cts.; 14Ib.
$1.50; lb. $5.
Endive
GREEN CURLED. Days to maturity, 100. Sometimes
called Mammoth Green Curled. The rosette head
will average 15 inches across. It is of a rich dark
green color and is finely cut and divided. The center
blanches easily to a rich yellow gold. Price, de-
livered: Pkt. 10 cts.; oz. 20 cts.; I4lb. 40 cts.;
Ib. $1.25; 5 lbs. or more, $1.15 per lb.
BROAD-LEAVED BATAVIAN, or ESCAROLLE. Days
to maturity, 100. This variety has smaller heads
than the Green Curled. The leaves are coarser and
more or less twisted and although toothed at the
edges are not as finely cut as our other variety. It is
a variety which ts easily blanched if tied. The inner
leaves are extremely tender and crisp, making a de-
lictous salad. Price, delivered: Pkt. 10 cts.; 0z. 20 cts.;
14lb. 40 cts.; lb. $1.25; 5 lbs. or more, $1.15 per lb.
ah
~ -
Black Beauty § Sl
Eggplant bi
q
Herbs
DILL. An annual growing to a height of 214 feet. The
flowers are bright yellow. The dried seeds are used
as a condiment and also for pickling and flavoring.
Pace: delivered: Pkt. 10 cts.; 0z. 15 cts.; 141b.25 cts.;
: cts.
THYME, BROAD-LEAVED ENGLISH. A perennial
herb usually planted in permanent beds. The seed
Is sown in the early spring. The leaves and young
shoots are used for seasoning, either while green or
when dried. Price, delivered: Pkt. 10 cts.; oz. 50c.;
14lb. $1.70; lb. $6.
Kohlrabi
EARLY WHITE VIENNA. Days to maturity, 50. Four
pounds plant an acre. This is the most desirable
variety for extra-early forcing or for field cultivation.
It has small tops and the bulbs are of the best quality,
being of a very light green-white color. Best when 2
inches in diameter. White Vienna is considerably
earlier than Purple Vienna or Large Green. Price,
delivered: Pkt. 19 cts.; oz. 20 cts.; %4lb. 60 cts.;
Ib. $2; 5 lbs. or more, $1.75 per lb.
Leek
MONSTROUS CARENTAN. Four pounds plant an
acre. This is the largest variety of Leek, which may
be classed as a desirable fall or winter substitute for
green onion. Carentan grows to a diameter of from
2 to 3 inches. The quality is mild and tender. For
the development of white, tender transparent Leek,
gradually earth up like Celery. Makes a very
valuable flavoring for soup or may be boiled and
served as asparagus. Price, delivered: Pkt. 10 cts.;
oz. 20 cts.; 14lb. 60 cts.; lb. $2.
Okra
EXTRA-EARLY DWARF GREEN PROLIFIC. Eight
pounds plant an acre. This is a very productive and
very early Okra, developing deep green, short pods
somewhat corrugated, tender, and of delicious
quality. Price, delivered: Pkt. 10 cts.; oz. 15 cts.;
I4lp. 25 cts.; lb. 75 cts.; 5 lbs. or more, 70 cts.
per lb.
STOKES
GROWING SINCE 1579
SEEDS
Green-Leaved Big Boston Lettuce
SUPER-STANDARD
[PROVEN STOCK.} Days to maturity, 75. This strain is the result of very careful personal selection, and must
in no way be confused with the ordinary strains of Unrivaled, etc. Green-leaved Big Boston Lettuce was intro-
duced as such by us in 1916, and it proved at once to be profitable and popular. It is very similar to Big Boston in
all but one of its general characteristics, and therein lies its great advantage—it does not have the usual red tinge
on the edge of the leaves. The time required for its maturity ts slightly less than that for Big Boston. Its heads
are large, uniform, and of brilliant green color. They will hold two weeks before shooting to seed. In offering this
strain of Lettuce, we do so, sincerely believing it is as near perfect as any Lettuce we have ever had under our
observation. Color of seed, white. Price, delivered: Pkt. 10c.; 0z.20c.; lb. 50c.; lb. $1.75; 51bs. or more, $1.50 per lb.
Grand Rapids s:3o8
Yan APIS stanparp
{PROVEN STOCK.} Days to maturity, 69. We con-
sider this to be one of the most valuable strains of
Grand Rapids Lettuce, either for indoor forcing or field
cultivation. We realize that this is an important green-
house crop and are taking no chances. AII of the seed
we offer was grown in 1924 and has been given thorough
trials. Forms a loosely rounded cluster of leaves,
blistered and slightly twisted, very thick and heavy
with coarse veins, very light green, never spotted or
brownish. Table quality not so good as Simpson or
Salamander. Seeds black, slow to germinate. Price,
delivered: Pkt. 10 cts.; oz. 20 cts.; lb. 40 cts.;
Ib. $1.50; 5 lbs. or more, $1.40 per lb.
Days to ma-
Black-Seeded Simpson. 237,25
This is one of the most desirable loose-leaved varieties
of Lettuce. The leaves are very much _blistered,
crumpled, and twisted, with large midribs. The color
is very light green, never spotted or brownish. The
table quality its excellent. Color of seed black. Price,
delivered: Pkt. 10 cts.; oz. 20 cts.; 4b. 40 cts.; Ib.
$1.50; 5 lbs. or more, $1.40 per lb.
Days to
New York or Wonderful. ?°°5,;,°°
85. This variety has achieved great popularity during
the past five seasons. It 1s now the standard shipping
lettuce in the country from important points such as
the Imperial Valley and Rocky Mountain points. It
1s also an important variety for late maturity in the
east as It resists heat and develops large white heads
almost resembling cabbage in their solidity. Consider-
ing their size and texture the quality Is very fair. Price,
delivered: Pkt. 10 cts.; 0z. 20 cts.; 14lb. 75 cts.; 1b. $2.50;
5 Ibs. or more, $2.35 per lb.
Big Boston s:iittko
{PROVEN STOCK.} Days to maturity, 78. In our
Super-Standard strain we offer a stock of seed against
which we challenge comparison to any stocks that are
available. Big Boston is a white-seeded, cabbage-
heading Lettuce of the butter type, medium large,
globular, medium light green, with slight tinge of
brown on margin of outer leaves. It is early and hardy
and stands long-distance shipping. The head itself ts
brittle, buttery, and the interior almost golden yellow.
The mature plant will form a compact, well-defined
hard head. Price, delivered: Pkt. 10 cts.; oz. 20 cts.;
14lb. 50 cts.; lb. $1.75; 5 Ibs. or more, $1.50 per lb.
(Synonyms: Black-seeded Ten-
Sala mander. nis Bll, All-Year-Round,
Bloomsdale Butter, Sensaticn, etc.) Days to maturity,
71. Grown in America for 115 years. It Is a butter va-
riety, strictly cabbage heading, large to medium in
size, early-intermediate in season, standing well before
shooting to seed. Head light green, but not spotted or
brownish. The quality is excellent. Price, delivered:
Pkt. 10 cts.; oz. 20 cts.; 14lb. 40 cts.; Ib. $1.50; 5 Ibs.
or more, $1.40 per Ib.
: One-fourth ounce sows 1060
Trianon Cos. feet of drill; 3 pounds an acre.
Days to maturity, 82. We believe this to be the
best strain of the most satisfactory Cos variety. Its
uniformity of type may be unquestioned by the most
particular growers. The Trianon forms a compact,
blanched, firm head, round at the top. Color very dark
green on the outside but well blanched on the mside.
Exceedingly crisp and sweet. Price, delivered: Pkt.
10 cts.; oz. 20 cts.; 14lb. 40 cts.; lb. $1.50; 5 Ibs. or
more, $1.40 per lb.
Green-Leaved
Big Boston
Lettuce
STOKES
SEEDS
The Bender Muskmelon
SUPER-STANDARD
Days to maturity, 90. The Bender, up to this time, has been a New York State melon. Developed by Mr.
Bender, a market gardener near Schenectady, N. Y., from the old Bender Surprise, it is now grown by perhaps 90
per cent of the commercial growers in that state. The Bender is a large, round melon, averaging 10 inches in
diameter. Because of its size there Is a natural tendency to give the Individual melons more care than is the case
with the smaller basket melons. Its highly flavored, deep orange flesh is of very fine texture and has come to be
looked upon by melon-buyers as one of the most reliable on the market. When well-grown and properly harvested
and cared for, it is consistently delicious. The fact that the melon Is ten-lobed makes it very convenient for hotels
and restaurants to sell in individual slices. Well-grown Benders retail at from 30 to 40 cents each; restaurants
usually ask 15 to 25 cents for each of the ten portions. On this basis it Is profitable all around. The Bender is
usually planted under glass, in pots or in bands, and transplanted. The seed is planted about May 25, and the
melons are ready about August 20, exact dates depending on seasonal conditions. Conscientious melon-growers
now know that it does not pay to pick melons from dead or diseased vines, for the flavor is entirely gone from them.
me fail to give It a trial. Price, delivered: Pkt. 10 cts.; oz. 20 cts.; 14lb. 50 cts.; Ib. $2; 5 lbs. or more, $1.85
per Ib.
Stokes Sugar Sweet
Days to maturity, 95. Also known as Early Knight,
Maryland, Sweet Air, etc. We believe this is the most
satisfactory of the green-fleshed melons now available,
when properly grown. Sugar Sweet is a melon about 7
inches In diameter, well netted, and very productive. On
the Philadelphia markets, the Sugar Sweet type shares
an almost equal popularity with Fordhook. It ts highly
The Fordhook
Days to maturity, 95. This orange-fleshed melon
has now been on the market about sixteen years and Is
well known to the truckers of the Middle Atlantic
States. It is not a large melon, averaging but 514
inches across and 31% Inches deep. This Is distinctly a
basket melon and when well-grown from selected seed
will prove profitable to the grower and a delight to
the consumer for it is highly flavored. Price, delivered:
Pkt. 10 cts.; oz. 15 cts.; Y4lb. 35 cts.; lb. $1.25; 5 Ibs.
or more, $1.15 per lb.
recommended for any grower desiring a melon of the
green-fleshed type. Price, delivered: Pkt. 10 cts.; oz.
20 cts.; V4lb. 45 cts.; lb. $1.50; 51bs. or more, $1.40 per Ib.
Stokes Sugar Sweet Muskmelon
Zz
ISTOKES
GROWING SINCE 1579
SEEDS
Hearts of
Gold
A highly rust-resistant and
Hearts of Gold very profitable Melon
SUPER-STANDARD
Days to maturity, 95. This highly flavored Cantaloupe was developed by the late Roland Morrill, a famous
Michigan melon-grower. It is called, by some, Improved Hoodoo, but was considered entirely distinct by Mr.
Morrill, who claimed that it is the result of an accidental cross between Osage and Netted Gem. It combines the
thick, golden flesh of the Osage with the heavy netting and thin rind of the Netted Gem type of Rocky Ford. It is
about 25 per cent larger than the standard Rocky Ford type. One of the strongest features which we claim for
Hearts of Gold is its very high rust-resistant quality. In our trial-ground this past season it showed far greater
resistance than any other variety, and this has been the experience of many others. It is also remarkably hardy
and withstands heavier frosts than other varieties. From the standpoint of flavor it is among the most delightful
ever produced. As a commercial melon, especially for home markets—private homes and hotels—we most en-
thusiastically recommend Hearts of Gold. With proper cultivation it should maintain a picking season for from
four to eight weeks. We thoroughly recommend it as a melon which should have a prominent place in the Middle
Atlantic States. Price, delivered: Pkt. 10 cts.; oz. 20 cts.; %4lb. 40 cts.; lb. $1.50; 5 lbs. or more, $1.40 per Ib.
Muskmelons for the Roadside Market
Many melon growers who sell their own product by the roadside utterly fail m their opportunity by offering
Muskmelons of little or no flavor. This often overlooked matter of flavor is of greater importance with Musk-
melons than with almost any other vegetable. Incidentally, it is a factor that can usually be controlled. We take
this space to mention the two or three important points which must not be overlooked. In the first place, the variety
must be considered. The four varieties in our restricted list are all of reasonably high flavor when properly grown.
Muskmelons require sweet soil—sandy loam ts preferable. If your soil -has a tendency to be at all sour, give it an
application of lime, as you would for beets, carrots, or lettuce. Apply 125 to 150 pounds of potash and 160 pounds
or more of phosphoric acid per acre. Keep the vines healthy and green by an application of Bordeaux Mixture
about once a week. Begin these applications before there is any sign of blight.
Half the battle for flavor in Muskmelons is in keeping the disease away from your vines. A Muskmelon taken
from a dead vine positively is not worth eating, even though it may look to be in perfect condition. As far as pos-
sible, let your melons ripen on the stem. As in most crops, we recommend a rotation. You may find it laborious and
a little expensive to keep the flavor in your melons, but you will be fully repaid in the good-will of your customers.
23
STOKES
One-half ounce of seed plants 100 feet of row;
4 pounds plant an acre
(Allium Cepa.) Native of western Asia. One of the vegetables which has been under cultivation from the
most remote times.
Our Position in the Onion Seed Shortage
Many of our customers have, no doubt, already heard of the near failure of the Onion seed crop in both the
East and West, perhaps the most serious in the history of the trade. In a situation of this kind there are always
two undesirable features: First, the immediate sky-rocketing of prices, and, second, the indiscriminate offering of
anything that even looks like Onion seed. Our firm is not adequately covered in any sense. We have a small
supply of Prizetaker and of Ebenezer, or Japanese. These we offer m very limited quantities at prices which at this
time we consider reasonable. We feel sure that our supply is very Inadequate to meet our demand. Under the
circumstances, we believe that it is more fair to our customers to restrict ourselves to this small allowance of seed,
which we have reason to believe is up to our usual standard, rather than shop around for seed of unknown origin,
germination, and performance. That there will be a vast amount of Onion seed of low germination on the market
Is very apparent. Our firm has already received an offer of over 6,000 pounds of seed of practically zero germmation.
Much seed of European origin will also be offered. Some of this, under proper conditions, may bulb up satis-
factorily, but we don’t want our customers to take this risk at our hands. We prefer to forego a possible profit
on that kind of seed rather than be the direct cause of a loss to any of our customers.
In these circumstances, we advise extreme caution on the part of our customers. We urge you to cover your
requirements as early as possible and to buy with the utmost care, for we feel that there will be regrets before the
next Onion crop is gathered. We do not handle Onion sets and are not in position to do so, but, lose the
Onion-set crop appears to be a normal one, and that will relieve the situation to some extent. Of the two varieties
we offer, Prizetaker is the larger but is not suitable for muck-land cultivation as it will not make solid bulbs under
muck conditions. Ebenezer, or Japanese, is more of the Yellow Danvers type and will prove a good substitute.
In any case, please do not look to us to supply quantities of either variety exceeding 2 pounds.
Mammoth Yellow Prizetaker *spzist' ype"
Days to maturity, 110. Except on muck soils, which have a tendency to produce a soft bulb, Prizetaker, m the
present Onion shortage, may be considered a very valuable variety. This ‘sort was introduced back in 1887 by
Johnson & Stokes as Spanish King Prizetaker. At that time it was of European origin. When fully matured this
variety will normally reach a diameter of 4 inches, and, under special cultivation, will weigh as much as 5 pounds.
For fall and early winter Se it is highly recommended. The color of the outside skin is a rich yellow while the
. inside flesh is white, mild, and sweet. As a winter keeper it may be classed
with the Southport types which we are unable to offer this season. Two
pounds is the maximum we can offer to any one person this year. Price,
delivered: Pkt. 15 cts.; oz. 50 cts.; 14lb. $2; Ib. $7.50.
Mammoth Yellow
Prizetaker
Ebenezer, or Japanese ==>
Days to maturity, 98. In the present shortage, we offer this variety as a good substitute for Danvers. It is,
perhaps, slightly flatter than that sort. Its excellent keeping qualities are in its favor, the bulb bemg remarkably
firm and solid, the quality being mild and tender. This Onion has had a renewal of life under its renaming of
Japanese five years ago. The variety, however, has been known in western New York under the name of Ebenezer
me a ee of years. Our present supply i is extremely limited. Price, delivered: Pkt. 10 cts.; oz. 40 cts.; 14lb.
1.50; lb. $6.
24
STOKES
GROWING SINCE 1679
SEEDS
One ounce will plant 100 hills;
4 pounds plant an acre
(Cucurbita Pepo.) Probably native of tropical America. Under cultivation less than 1,000 years.
2 The best pie Pumpkin. ° or SWEET CHEESE.
Winter Luxury. Days to maturity, 100. Kentucky Field, Days to maturity, 120.
The tender quality of this Pumpkin makes it highly | This is the standard field Pumpkin. Especially good
desirable for pie purposes. It is not grown on a large | for stock-feeding, although it is also used for pie pur-
scale commercially, however, averaging only about 1 | poses to some extent. The fruits are elongated and of
foot in diameter. Price, delivered: Pkt. 10 cts.; oz. | a golden color. Flesh is light yellow. It is a good
20 cts.; lb. 40 cts.; lb. $1.25; 5 Ibs. or more, $1.15 | keeper. Price, delivered: Pkt. 10 cts.; oz. 15 cts.;
per lb. 14lb. 30 cts.; lb. $1; 5 lbs. or more, 90 cts. per lb.
One ounce will plant 25 hills;
4 pounds plant an acre
(Cucurbita maxima.) Cucurbita maxima, the Winter Squash, is native to tropical America; Cucurbita Pepo,
the Summer Squash, to the more temperate climates of America. The name “squash” and ‘‘pumpkin”’ are
loosely used interchangeably, either variety being used in making the so-called “pumpkin pie.”’
White Bush Scallop. 233, $3."4 | Golden Summer Crookneck.
quick-growing summer variety, averaging from 8 to 10 | Days to maturity, 55. The most desirable of the Sum-
inches in diameter. Sometimes known as “‘Patty Pan.”’ | merSquashes. About 15 inches in length, when mature;
Color cream-white. Price, delivered: Pkt. 10 cts.; | rich golden yellow, thickly warted, and of the Crookneck
oz. 15c.; 14lb. 30c.; lb. $1; 5 lbs. or more, 90c. per Ib. types Well anon to ee consuming public and yal
Days to maturity, 100. ordinarily find very ready sale. Price, delivered: ts
Boston Marrow. This Wanter eaaeeh aul 1OLCts.; OZ.) 1 5,CtS.5.7/4lb.. S35) cts. lb. pl25-
more important than all other varieties for commercial es ll Days to maturity, 60. Also known
purposes. Its good qualities are well known to the OCOZEC Ia. as italian Vegetable Marrow. This
canners and large pie-bakers, and there is almost in- | Squash attains a length of about 12 inches and a
variably a good market for it. Its color is a rich bright | diameter of about 5 inches. It is best for table use
orange and it is oval in shape. Its cultivation is very | when 6 to 8 inches long. The color is a beautifully
stmple. We highly recommend it for all general pur- | mottled dark green on yellow. When sliced and fried
poses. Price, delivered: Pkt. 10 cts.; oz. 15 cts.; %4lb. | in oil, is extremely palatable. Price, delivered: Pkt.
30 cts.; lb. $1; 5 lbs. or more, 90 cts. per lb. 10) cts>3,0z. 15. cts;; 1/1b.35 ctssslb= $1.25.
SALSIFY, Mammoth Sandwich Island
_ Days to maturity, 150. The seed of this standard variety should be sown in the early spring, thinning to
4 inches apart in the row. The roots should stay in the ground until late fall or through the winter, if desired.
If stored, put in a cool, moist place.
As a root plant, it is very desirable
when properly served with a
cream dressing. The flavor of
Salsify is similar to Oysters,
and thus its synonym, Oyster
Plant. Price, delivered: Pkt.
10 cts.; oz. 20 cts.; Mlb.
60 cts.; lb. $2.25.
One ounce plants 100 feet of drill;
2 pounds plant 14acre
(Tragopogon por-
rifolius.) Native of
the Mediterranean
region. Under culti-
vation about 1,000
years.
Ebenezer Onions. Described on opposite page
25
STOKES
GROWING SINCE 1673 2 & a
LSEEDS_
PARSNIP One-fourth ounce of seed plants 100 feet of drill;
3 pounds plant an acre
(Pastinaca sativa.) Native of Europe. Under cultivation 2,000 years.
Hollow Crown
_ Days to maturity, 130. This variety has been grown in America for over
sixty years and ts the one in general use for both table purposes and stock-
feeding. The root will attain a length of from 8 to 10 inches. Color is pure white,
uniformly smooth, and of good quality. The name is derived from the depression
out of which the leaves grow at the crown of the rcot. For the best results, care
should be taken in the preparation of the soil so that it is loosened to a depth of
at least 10 inches. The Parsnip, as a vegetable, was well-known to the Romans.
Pliny gives a detailed account of how they were brought from Germany by the
Emperor Tiberius, and even in that time, those from the Rhine Valley were
considered very superior. The use of Parsnips m this country is not very
universal. Our stock of Hollow Crown will prove a very satisfactory one. It
should be remembered that Parsnips never have the right flavor until after the
first hard frost. Price, delivered: Pkt. 10 cts.; oz. 15 cts.; 14lb. 30 cts.; Ib. $1;
5 lbs. or more, 90 cts. per lb.
PARSLEY
One-fourth ounce of seed plants 100 feet of drill; 3 pounds plant an acre
Parsley succeeds well on rich, mellow soil. The seed is slow in germinating
and we recommend early spring sowing. After the plant has reached a height
of about 3 inches, the leaves should be cut off. This practice starts a new leaf-
growth which ts brighter and more finely curled than the first growth. Sub-
sequent cuttings will improve as the season advances.
Champion Moss Curled
Days to maturity, 60. Curled Parsley has been grown in this country from
the earliest Colonial days. It is a native, probably, of the Island of Sardinia.
In the ancient days, Parsley was invariably served at funeral feasts but the
modern uses are for flavoring soup and stews and for garnishing. The leaves
may be dried crisp, rubbed to a powder, and bottled until needed. Champion
Moss Curled is a rich dark green, very finely curled, and is one of the best of
its class. It will grow to a height of about 6 inches. Because of the above
characteristics it is the popular sort among market gardeners. Price, delivered:
Pkt. 10 cts.; oz. 15 cts.; 14lb. 30 cts.; lb. $1; 5 lbs. or more, 90 cts. per Ib.
Hollow Crown
Parsnip
Hamburg Turnip-Rooted
Days to ntaturity, 90. Both the root and the leaves of this variety are used
to advantage. The root resembles the rooted parsnip in color and shape,
GRE:
Lo
“Champion Moss Curled Parsley in row
26
STOKES
GROWING SINCE 1573
SEEDS
_ PEPPER or MANGO
One ounce produces 2,500 plants;
4 ounces for an acre of plants
Schell’s Quality
Pepper
SUPER-STANDARD
Very large, very prolific, very quick to color
Days to maturity, 120. Again, through the
courtesy of Mr. Walter S. Schell, we are able to
offer this very valuable sweet Pepper to our cus-
tomers. This remarkable variety cembines in a
very unusual way, early maturity with quick color-
ing and unusually large size. It Is a very desirable
table quality, and, perhaps, what is most striking,
Is its unusually heavy yield. Year after year, market
gardeners who have grown it have been amazed at
Its productiveness. The early Pepper usually
brings the most substantial profits. Individual
plants have been known to produce as high as 75
fruits. The history of this Pepper is not clearly
known, but apparently it was brought to Penn-
sylvania several years’ ago by a German physician
who grew it for a number of seasons before it was
found by Mr. Schell, who introduced it in 1912.
Since that time it has had wide notice and has shown
strong profits for those who planted it. If you do
not know it, be sure to give It a trial this season.
You will not be disappointed. Price, delivered:
Pkt. 15 cts.; oz. 75 cts.; W4lb. $2.50; Ib. $10.
World-Beater Pepper ff DP vere
SUPER-STAN DARD
Days to maturity, 140. As we under-
stand it, this sweet Pepper is a selection
from the older Ruby King. Just as Schell’s
Quality Pepper is valued for the earlier
market, we consider World Beater equally
valuable as a later type. World Beater
is as early as Ruby King and is nearly as
large as Chinese Giant, a variety we have
discarded because of its low yielding quali-
ties. World Beater has a thick wall which
enables it to hold a Jong time after ripen-
ing, also making it an excellent shipper.
Twenty or more fruits have often been
found on a single plant. These fruits are
sometimes twice the size of Schell’s
Quality. A combination of these two
varieties should prove extremely profitable
inany farming operation. Price, delivered:
Pkt. 10 cts.; oz. 30 cts.; 14lb. $1; Ib. $4.
Sussex, N. J., June 5, 1925
I was much pleased with the small order I received
from vou a few days ago. This was one of several
little orders that I sent to ‘‘new people’’—firms I bad
never dealt with—just to see what they would supply .. .
You were the most prompt of the lot. Your seeds
were put up nice in generous-sized packets, and, above
all, they were very nice, clean, fresh-looking seeds. I
have grown vegetables for years, but I think the Golden
Bantam Corn vou sent me was the nicest Bantam Seed
Corn I have ever had. Another vear, I think vou will
bear from me with a much larger order.—J. C. AYERS.
27
The Marchioness Peas
One pound of seed plants 100 feet of drill; 100 pounds of the dwarf
varieties, or 50 pounds of the tall varieties, plant an acre
_(Pisum sctivum.) Of uncertam origim, but probably a native of central Europe or the mountains of central
Asia. They have been cultrvated by man from a very remote period—probably 10,000 years.
Pedigree Extra-Early
Days to maturity, 50. This variety, also known as First and Best
Morning Star, etc., has been offered in this country for over one hundred
years. The modern type has been considerably improved upon. We
offer it in preference to Alaska, which is two or three days earlier, because
its larger p pod, higher sugar content, and more prolific bearing quali-
ties. These features make it a more desirable variety for the ‘general
planter. In quality, Pedigree Extra-Early when ga thered young m the
ly spring Is hardly surpassed. This variety does not need brushing as
early s
the vines only grow to a height of 20 inches. The pods average 24
inches. The dry seed ts small, smooth, yellowish white. Price, delivered:
141b. 15 cts.; lb. 35 cts.; 2 Ibs. 60 cts.; 5 Ibs. $1.40; 50 Ibs. $12.
The Marchioness
Days to maturity, 56. World’s Record is a synonym for this variety.
Marchioness resembles Gradus, but ts earlier and much more productive.
Because of these pomts of superiority, we have eliminated the time-
honored Gradus from our list. The vine of Marchioness is 6 inches
shorter and the Peas will be ready for market four to five days earlier.
The pods are nearly 4 inches long, quite broad, pomted, and well filled.
The dry seed is of a fresh green color which imdicates rich flavor. We
particularly Feeommicnd this variety because of its delicious quality.
Price, delivered: 14lb. 15 cts.; Ib. 40 cts.; 2 lbs. 75 cts.; 5 Ibs. $1.75;
50 lbs. $14.
Little Marvel
Days to maturity, 60. An excellent dwarf sort for the market or home-
garden, growing but 15 inches high, and no brushing Is necessary. Marvel
resembles Nott’s Excelsior in the habit of growth and quality. The pods
are considerably longer (3 inches), and often produced im pairs. They are
straight and slightly broader than Nott’s Excelsior, but not so broad as
Sutton’s Excelsior. The seed is ee green, and wrinkled. Price,
y Little Marvel delivered: 14]b. 15 cts.; lb. 35 cts.; 2 Ibs. 60 cts.; 5 Ibs. $1.40; 50 lbs. $12
28
ee
STOKES
GROWING SINCE 1579
Laxtonian
Days to maturity, 57. This is the largest-podded of
the dwarf wrinkled sorts. The dark green pods are
much like Gradus in shape, of splendid quality, nearly
as large, and very often mature earlier. Laxtonian is a
very productive sort, producing pods about 4 inches in
length. The vines are vigorous but dwarf, seldom over
18 inches high. Brushing is not necessary. Seed is
light green, large, wrinkled and irregular in shape.
Price, delivered: 14lb. 15 cts.; lb. 40 cts.; 2 lbs. 75 cts.;
5 lbs. $1.75; 50 lbs. $14,
Admiral Beatty Peas
Laxtonian Peas
Thomas Laxton
Days to maturity, 57. A variety originated in
England by Thomas Laxton, of Bedford, a noted
English horticulturist. This Pea is slightly earlier than
Gradus and a more abundant yielder. The pods re-
semble Gradus in shape, excepting that they are blunt-
ended, attain a length of 314 inches, are straight, In-
clined toward roundness, and are well filled. Vines grow
to a height of 2144 feet. The seed is large, wrinkled,
cream color, blended with pale green. Price, delivered:
14lb. 15 cts.; lb. 35 cts.; 2 Ibs. 60 cts.; 5 Ibs. $1.40;
50 Ibs. $12.
Admiral Beatty
Days to maturity, 70. This Ba eee new
English variety is offered to our trade in place of the
older Telephone. Admiral Beatty has been described as
the Improved Duke of Albany, a pea of the Telephone
type, but with darker foliage and pods. The vines of
Admiral Beatty grow to nearly 4 feet and must be
brushed for the best results. The long green pods
sometimes reach a length of 5 inches and contain from
eight to ten Peas of the most delicious quality. For a
main or late season sort, we recommend Admiral
Beatty. Price, delivered: 14lb. 15 cts.; lb. 40 cts.;
2 lbs. 75 cts.; 5 lbs. $1.75; 50 Ibs. $14.
Sioux Falls, S. Dak., June 14, 1925
Received my melon seed in fine hens. It is the very -
best seed I ever planted. I have 10 acres of melons this
year, and your seed beat all the rest. It came up quicker,
made much larger plants, and a perfect stand. I certainly
will buy all my seed from you after this —H. M. Fisk.
STORES
GROWING SINCE 1573
SEEDS
Early Scarlet Globe Radish
SUPER-STANDARD
Days to maturity, 25. The natural color photograph on this page Is representative of our Super-Standard
strain of Early Scarlet Globe Radish. It is true that Radish seed is an item that Is sometimes offered at a remarkably
low figure, and to the price-minded buyer we would point out that the stock offered herewith is costing us three
One ounce
of seed plants
100 feet of
drill; 10 to 12
pounds plant
an acre.
Early
Scarlet
Globe
Radishes
Philadelphia White Box (188s)
Days to maturity, 35. This variety was introduced
by Johnson & Stokes in 1888. This superb, ivory-
white strain is probably the best of the round, white
class. We have spared no pains in developing the stock
which would meet the critical requirements of the large
field-Radish men. Owing to prohibition and the passing
of the free-lunch counter, we do not recommend as large
plantings as formerly, but there ts still a place for it.
White Icicle Days to maturity, 30. The
root will attain a length of
about 514 inches, tapering regularly from near the
shoulder to the tip, holding this thickness for nearly
its entire length, the thickest part berng about 1 inch
from the top. It will hold a week to ten days before
becoming pithy. The color is a pure transparent white.
Sparkler White Tip.
very extensively commercially, especially for the mid-
West markets. The color is a very deep scarlet, with a
distinct white tip covering about one-third of the
lower diameter of the root. Its shape is nearly round,
slightly flattened on the under side.
Days to maturity,
28. Thisis grown
PRICES OF ALL RADISHES, DELIVERED: Pkt. 10 cts.; 0z. 20 cts.; 14lb. 30 cts.; lb. $1;
100 lbs. and over, 90 cts. per lb.
95 cts. per lb.;
times more than we
would have to pay for
ordinary seed. Our stock
has been developed by
long, tedious work on
the part of our grower.
The experienced Radish-
grower who really knows
stocks will go a long way
to secure a more perfect
strain than this one. As a
greenhouse forcing type,
or as a field type, we be-
lieve it is without a peer
and we willingly challenge
comparison with any others.
Our stock will be found
uniformly true to the globe
shape and of a rich, scarlet
color. This type of Radish
has proved to be more valu-
able on the market than
the round type. The average
size of the root at maturity
is 1144 by 34 inches. The
top is remarkably small,
which Is a necessary feature
for bunching. It will grow
quickly and evenly, matur-
Ing In Just over three weeks
under normal conditions.
Prices of al! Radish Seed,
delivered: Pkt. 10 cts.; oz.
15 cts.; I4lb. 30 cts.; lb. $1;
5 ibs. or over, 90 cts. per Ib.
Radish Notes
An application of salt to
a field infested with maggots
will give almost complete
control against them. With
\ this, we recommend the
\ usual crop rotation. During
\ some seasons aphis are par-
\\ ticularly bad in radish.
Generally speaking, we recommend early planting to
escape aphis trouble. A dressing of nitrate of soda will
greatly stimulate growth and insure tender, brittle roots.
Our radish seed is chemically treated-to eliminate sur-
face-borne disease. This greatly stimulates germination
and subsequent growth.
Days to maturity, 30. The
Long Scarlet. bright scarlet root will attain
a length of from 5 to 6 inches, having a diameter of 1
inch. The flesh is crisp and tender. Care must be
taken not to allow this variety to remain too long
after attaining its full growth.
(1885.) Days to ma-
White Strasburg. turity, 40. Introduced
in the United States by Johnson & Stokes in 1885. A
large summer Radish desirable for late planting. The
maximum size of root before becoming pithy is about
5 inches in length and 11% inches in diameter. One-
fifth of the root usually grows above the ground.
or SHEPHERD. Days to maturity,
Chartier, 45. A summer Radish. dull pink for
two-thirds of its length, shading to a pure white at the
tip. Average length 5 inches. It is not recommended
for spring planting.
Half-long Black Spanish. 220.2
ity, 70. This is a winter Radish. Its roots are a gray-
black color on the surface, having a white interior,
which is very crisp and pungent. Length 314 inches.
10 lbs. and over,
Days to
STOKES
SEEDS
rs One ounce of seed will produce over 3,000 plants, which,
if planted 4 by 4 feet, will cover an acre
(Lycopersicum esculentum var. vulgare.) In all probability a native of Peru. The name is derived from the
Aztec word Xvitomate, the vegetable having been prized and extensively cultivated by the natives long before the
discovery of America. It has probably been under a high state of cultivation for at least 2,000 years.
Greater Baltimore SUPER-STANDARD
Increased size, greater produc'iveness, splendid appearance—these are the qualities of this superior strain
Days to maturity, 150. This strain is the result of eight years’ selection for the above-mentioned
characteristics. It is a recognized fact that the prevailing canners’ stocks of Greater Baltimore are running
to a very small size. They are flat and the yield per acre has been seriously reduced. We can conscientiously
offer this variety as a stock which has not weakened on those points. A return of from twelve to fifteen tons
per acre is not unusual with this strain. We feel that we are conservative in estimating that the possible
net profits of Super-Standard Greater Baltimore are double those of the prevailing stocks of Greater
Baltimore that are available in the various canning districts. This variety is not wilt-resistant and, there-
fore, Is not reeommended for planting in the wilt area on a line through Maryland, Indiana, and southward
thereof. Marglobe or Norton are the varieties for that district. Anyone desiring a late Tomato, maturing
some three weeks after Bonny Best, which under norma! conditions in the latitude of Philadelphia means
about August 10, will find this vigorous stock of Greater Baltimore very satisfactory. Greater Baltimore is a
Tomato of the older Stone type. The two names in many cases are practically synonymous at present.
Price, delivered: Pkt. 15 cts.; oz. 40 cts.; 4lb. $1.50; Ib. $6; 5 lbs. or more, $5 per Ib.
Stokes Bonny Best STANDARD STRAIN
Days to maturity, 130. The canning-house Tomato crop of the northern states is about equally divided
between Bonny Best and Greater Baltimore. Bonny Best, as introduced by the Jate Walter P. Stokes in
1908, is second-early in season, following Earliana within one week. The Standard Strain offered herewith
has been grown on our own seed-farm under the most careful methods. It is not as pure as our Super-
Standard strain and is not as productive, but compared to the general run of Bonny Best now on the market,
we consider it vastly superior. In the latitude of Philadelphia, it will ordinarily ripen about July 15, con-
tinuing to bear for stx weeks. To canners looking for a high-grade stock of Bonny Best we offer our Standard
Strain with no apologies. It will undoubtedly prove very profitable for we have grown it ourselves and know
what its performance is. This crop was looked upon by all visitors on our farm as a heavy-yielding strain.
Price, delivered: Pkt. 15 cts.; oz. 40 cts.; 14lb. $1.50; lb. $6; 5 lbs. or more, $5 per lb.
° ° Largely through the interest of Dr. W. A.
*Our Tomato Seed is Chemically Treated. 6ricn, Patholouist on the Faculty of the Penna,
State College, we started off on a seed treatment program Jast year. Of all the results obtained, the most marked
were with tomato, and very naturally we propose to continue our treatment of tomato seed as well as the experi-
mental work along this general line. We found that this treatment disinfects the seed against surface-borne dis-
ease spores, which in turn accelerates germination and consequent plant growth—all of which has a very definite
bearing on increased yields.
31
STORES ||. PI os
PED Ss | Memimmamenanaianataseseseseseso sate sesso ease se esc aneacacscaeaens
The New Marglobe Tomato
The most important introduction since Bonny Best. An unusually productive hybrid of great promise;
resistant to Nail-Head Rust and Fusarium Wilt
Days to maturity, 140. We have the great honor, this year, of introducing to our trade the Marglobe
Tomato, a new variety which we believe is destined for great prominence within the next decade. Marglobe
is another triumph of the plant-breeders. In this instance, the honors go to Dr. Fred J. Pritchard, of the
Bureau of Plant Industry, United States Department of Agriculture. Dr. Pritchard, in his quiet, unassuming
way, has accomplished very definite results in developing wilt-resistant strains of Tomato. We believe the
Marglobe to be his outstanding achievement. It is a hybrid from Marvel, a Government strain developed
from Vilmorin’s Marvel of the Market, and Livingston Globe, a pink-fleshed Tomato. The stock we offer
this year for the first time is the ninth generation from the original cross. This stock has been selected for
a pure scarlet, globe-shaped type, having the fine characteristics of the Globe. Being a hybrid, however, it
has far more vigor than the Globe, is a much heavier producer, and is slightly earlier. Under the most
exhaustive tests it has proven practically immune to Nail-Head Rust and Fusarium Wilt.
We offer Marglobe Tomato as an unusually valuable variety over a wide field of activities. While
Nail-Head Rust is comparatively unknown, north of Georgia, there is always some danger of it in Mississippi
and Tennessee. Its most vital attacks seem to be on the east coast of Georgia and Florida and on the west
coast of Mexico. The fact that Marglobe is resistant to wilt makes it a valuable variety for all states from
Maryland and Indiana south; that it is very productive and has such a rich, scarlet color makes it a valuable
canning Tomato; that it is of magnificent appearance makes it a valuable market Tomato; that it is very
sweet flavored, makes it a popular Tomato for home consumption. With all of these qualities, is it any
wonder that we are enthusiastic? We predict that long after the land boom in Florida is a memory, the
name Marglobe will be a household word in the homes of the farmers of that remarkable state. Our first
pound of stock seed has cost us nearly $2,000 to produce. Our quoted price of $12 per pound we consider
to be a very moderate one. Price, delivered: Pkt. 25 cts.; oz. 75 cts.; lb. $3; lb. $12; 5 Ibs. or more, $11
nae Marglobe
SUPER-STANDARD STRAIN FOR GREENHOUSE FORCING
Days to maturity, 140. This strain has been produced from our four most perfect type stock seed plants.
We have isolated this strain from the larger lot because we were so impressed with the possibilities of
Marglobe as a greenhouse Tomato and for this work only the most perfect type should be used. Marglobe
sets very easily. This characteristic makes it especially desirable for greenhouse work where the factor of
pollenation is so important. This Super-Standard strain is recommended to all greenhouse men. It may not
prove as satisfactory as our Super-Standard Bonny Best for it is a week later in maturing, but its handsome
appearance will find a ready market and its fine globe shape depth makes it a splendid slicing type. This
strain is Im every way worthy of the Super-Standard designation. Price, delivered: Pkt. $1; 1/0z. $3;
oz. $5.
The Story of Marglobe
Our part in the commercial development of Marglobe is briefly as follows: In the early spring of 1924, our
Francis C. Stokes was in Florida making a survey of the Tomato industry which, with increasing severity, has been
damaged by Nail-Head Rust (a fungous disease, Alternaria Solani). It soon became evident that this disease would
have to be attacked from the same angle that mosaic on spinach, rust on asparagus, and other similar diseases have
been attacked; viz., by producing a stock that had resistant qualities. The disease was so deeply intrenched that
all efforts of control in other directions seemed futile. Thereupon we set about to find a single plant, in all the
thousands of acres of Globe, that might seem immune. We soon gave up this task and started searching for a
variety that was immune. The result of this led us to two separate varieties which had that quality. One was the
Wild Cherry; the other was the Marvel. The latter was found, through the able assistance of Mr. Alfred Warren,
County Agent for St. Lucie County, in a Tomato trial near Vero, which was being conducted by the Florida Ex-
periment Station. Immediate plans were made for making crosses of these two varieties with the Globe type, the
commonly accepted commercial strain for south Florida.
A few days later, this program of hybridization was presented for criticism and assistance at the Bureau of
Plant Industry, in Washington. The Bureau, in the meantime, had been recetving calls for assistance on the Nail-
Head difficulty from all over Florida. The gentlemen in question were keenly interested, especially on the report of
the Marvel, which up to that time was not known to be resistant to Nail-Head Rust. We were immediately in-
formed that our program of hybridization was not necessary in view of the fact that Dr. Pritchard had already
made a cross between Marvel and Globe and that the stock of the seventh generation would be available at the
Arlington Farm in the fall. ‘
Before we left Washington that day, a conference was he!d with the Chief of the Bureau, and tentative plans
were made to hold formal tests of this new hybrid, now known as Marglobe, at several points in Florida, so that
the crops would mature at the height of the Nail-Head season. In September, 1924, the 3 acres of Marglobe on the
Arlington Farm made one of the most impressive crops we had ever seen. Having great confidence that this factor
of resistance would hold, we made immediate arrangements for growing a supply of stock seed. Dr. Pritchard
sent us only part of an ounce of seed from selected plants. This was divided in three, part being sent to Bermuda,
part to Florida, and part was sown under glass in our greenhouse at Moorestown, N. J. The Bermuda seed failed
to germinate on account of cold nights and the Florida seed was Jost in a flood. About 300 plants were saved for
greenhouse cultivation, and from these we secured enough stock seed for 30 acres of the Tomato—10 in New Jersey,
10 in California, and 10 in South Carolina. The South Carolina, crop has been totally lost on account of the
lta ch ad ree rN eA a a ed Bema eal ed gr
Note to Seedsmen: Marglobe Tomato is in its first year commercially. It is, undoubtedly, going
to prove an outstanding variety during the next decade. Marglobe, as a name, is clear and distinct. May we not
respectfully suggest to our fellow seedsmen at this juncture that there be no renaming of this Tomato? We as
seedsmen owe it to our customers and to ourselves not to confuse the’issue further. Two introductions of ours,
Earliana and Bonny Best, now are offered under more than two hundred different names. Isn’t it time to call
a halt on all this? Let’s call Marglobe, Marglobe.
32
Sencnc acannon eee seseneesenenenerreens |SEOKES
SEEDS
THE NEW MARGLOBE TOMATO
unprecedented drought;
the New Jersey crop has
been shortened by early
frosts; but the California
crop promises to give us a,
full return.
In the meantime, the
official tests were held in
Florida this spring and
careful records were kept by the
Government men in charge. These
trials were a great triumph for the
Mendelian Law. The factor of re-
sistance to Nail-Head held just as we
had hoped. One of the principal trials
was in the form of five rows of Mar-
globe in the midst of a 50-acre field of
Cooper Special, a Globe type. This
field was almost completely ruined
with Nail-Head Rust, whereas the
test-rows of Marglobe, which had re-
ceived the same treatment and cuitivation, were almost entirely free of any sign of the disease. The seed business
is generally looked on as a drab, uninteresting, dusty kind of affair by those who know it only on the outside, but
there is a bit of romance in a story of this kind.
33
'? Partofourstock
y seed was taken
— from these se-
‘lected fruits. There
were originally six
tomatoes in this
cluster. They
weighed 2 lbs.,15 oz.
SPOKES
GROWING SINCE 1579
SEEDS
Norton or Wilt-Resistant
Stone Tomatoes
Norton or Wilt-
Resistant Stone
Days to maturity, 150. This Tomato
is the product of Dr. Pritchard’s work
in the U. S. Department of Agriculture.
Our home-grown crop this year was one
of the most productive on our farm,
indicating that if planted early enough,
Norton will yield very heavily. Norton
is a late-maturing sort, but it is also a
prolific sort. As a canning and garden
Tomato for districts m Maryland to
Indiana and south thereof, we re-
commend it very highly. Norton has
most characteristics of the Stone. The
fact that it is highly resistant to Fusarrum Wilt, of course, gives it special importance. We believe it should
have special consideration on the part of canners in Mary land, Virginia, Indiana, and Kentucky. Price,
delivered: Pkt. 10 cts.; 0z. 40 cts.; 44lb. $1.50; lb. $6; 5 lbs. or more, $5. 75 per lb.
Our Tomato Department Is Our Strongest Arm
To those who consider the price of our Tomato seed excesstve, we want merely to state that it is not out of
proportion to the value of the crop it will produce. It is the net profit, after the cost of production is paid for, that
really counts. Production costs with cheap seed are practically the same as those of more expensive seed. The
outstanding successes among Tomato-growers are, in most cases, founded on highly bred seed. Our firm has a
proud record in the introduction of new Tomatoes. Earliana was contributed by Johnson & Stokes some twenty-
five years ago. The late Walter P. Stokes introduced Bonny Best in 1908. Very naturally, we take a modest pride
in helping-to introduce the new Marglobe commercially. We predict that this Tomato will have great influence
on the industry during the next decade. Our strains of Penn State Earliana and Super-Standard Bonny Best will
distinguish themselves in any competition. The six strains listed in this catalogue are offered with no apologies,
and each variety has a definite place of its own. We have tried to make our descriptions concise and illuminating,
as we have tried to make our individual strains worthy of the house that sells them. They have been produced
unde Sagan personal vigilance. Reports from our customers indicate that they are proving to be astonishingly
profitable.
Pittsfield, Mass., July 20, 1925
I want to tell you that I am well pleased with vour seeds. The Beet and Carrot are the best that I have planted in
several years. I had stocks from other sources of supply, but vour strains are more uniform in shape and color. Good
Sweet Corn seed has been scarce and high, but stocks obtained from vou showed strong germination and vigorous growth.
I am enclosing a small order for seeds with money order. I am glad to.see one seedsman progressive enough to reduce
his list of varieties. You are blazing the trail that others in the trade will do well to follow.. Wisbing vou a prosperous
season, I am, (Signed) ALtBeErt L. NortTuRupP.
34
ISTOKES|
GROWING SINCE 1679
SEEDS
Penn State Earliana
SUPER-STANDARD N
Very early, large, and smooth. A heavy producer— ~— 2
the best Earliana we have ever seen :
Grown from stock seed supplied by Pennsylvania State College
Days to maturity, 125. We are indebted to Dr. C. E. Myers, of the Department of Plant Breeding,
Pennsylvania State College, for this very advanced strain of Earliana. That Dr. Myers’ work has been
thoroughly conscientious and worth while is evidenced by the results he has attained on this very important
variety. Earliana was introduced some twenty-five years ago by Johnson & Stokes. In those days, the old
Sparks’ strain which our predecessors offered was a very superior product, but by comparison with the Penn
State strain, we now offer a greatly advanced type. Without question, this is the most impressive stock of
Earliana it has been our pleasure to grow. Various Tomato experts who examined our seed-crop in
New Jersey were astounded by the vigor and productiveness of the vine, coupled with the large size and
remarkable smoothness of the fruit. Until they were shown the finely cut Earliana leaf, many of them
actually thought they were looking at a crop of Bonny Best.
Dr. Myers very kindly came down from State College and made a plant-by-plant inspection of our crop
just before it was gathered for seed. Having taken this extra precaution, we can offer the stock with even
greater assurance, for we have thus combined the type ideas of the originator with our own. The Tomato
department of our business for some time has been our strongest arm. In adding Penn State Earliana to our
list, we have definitely strengthened it. This strain will be found as good as its name. The product of twelve
years’ scientific selection is offered herewith with great assurance. It cannot fail to prove surprisingly profit-
able under any conditions which are suitable to the production of the Earliana strain.
We want to make it very plain, to those who may not have so discovered, that Earliana is not suited for
heavy soils and will not perform well on them. A warm, sandy loam is the proper place for Earliana. If
you have this, and if you want splendid, salable, extra-early Tomatoes, try part of your land with Penn
State Earliana. This crop cannot fail to very deeply impress anyone who sees it. Price, delivered: PEt.
50 cts.; 140z. $1; oz. $2; 14lb. $7.50; lb. $28.
Note on Pollinating Indoor Tomatoes:
Because of the stillness of the air inside a greenhouse, It Is necessary to hand-pollinate Tomato blossoms in
order to secure a full set. In this connection we would call attention to the work done by Prof. A. G. B. Bouquet
of the Oregon Agricultural College. He estimates that 10 cents covers the cost of pollination for an entire plant.
By such methods he secured an average of 11 pounds 6 ounces per plant with our Super-Standard Bonny Best.
The highest yielding plant was 16 pounds. AIl greenhouse men will recognize this as a phenomenal yield. It Is
known that an ample supply of pollen is of the greatest assistance in all pollinating work. Inasmuch as no pollen
is formed where there is an excess of nitrogen, it may be found best to cut down the water+esupply during the ten
days or two weeks when the main set is being made, waiting until after this before applying nitrate of soda. Hand-
pollinating should be done with the first two fingers of the left hand. This kind of work is most effective when done
on clear, dry days.
35
| Super- Standard
Bonny Best
A heavy producer of
large, handsome Toma-
toes of delicious favor.
Probably the most profit-
able strain grown in 1925,
either under glass or in
the open field.
For full description see
opposite page
Profitable Under Glass Because:
1. It will bear from 5 to 15 pounds of fruit per plant.
2. It usually ripens at a time when fruit sells for at
least 25 cents per pound.
3. Its delicious flavor is known to the consumer.
BEST
Profitable in the Open Because:
1. It will yield from 12 to 18 toms per acre.
2. It ripens before the midsummer glut.
3. Its large, smooth fruit attracts the best buyers.
ISTOKES
ee ee a en a en al ek ce ee a a ne ee ee
SEEDS
Stokes Bonny Best a
a j f THE FAMOUS SUPER-STANDARD STRAIN
A run-out type CROP 1925 A well-bred type
Days to maturity, 130. We take genuine satisfaction in offermg this much-heralded strain of
Tomato for the fifth year. With the 1925 crop, we have developed a purity of type which we have
never before achieved. We consider it the fmest stock of Bonny Best so far produced. Combined
with this factor of purity, and perhaps a matter of even greater Importance, Is its unusual produc-
tiveness. Never have we received such astonishing reports from customers In every district on the
actual profits which our Super-Standard Bonny Best has developed for practically everyone who has
grown it, all of which is very encouraging, for we don’t mind admitting having spent more time and
effort in the development of this strain than any other individual stock that we offer. Naturally, it
Is a great satisfaction to know that this effort has been expended to good purpose.
Profit figures are often misleading, but we have heard so many instances in which our customers
took in between $500 and $1,000 from the produce of an ounce of this seed, that we feel entirely
justified in speaking of it. One customer, from near Black Hall, Conn., reports a return of $400 from
a $1 package of seed, which planted one-quarter acre of ground! This figure has been repeated, and
in some cases more than doubled, on the same quantity of seed grown under glass.
We recommend Super-Standard Bonny Best for field cultivation or for greenhouse forcing. Under
glass it will produce fruits weighmg from 6 to 8 ounces each, with plants giving a total pick of five
pounds and upward. Some of the largest greenhouse crops of Tomato in the United States and Canada
are bemg grown with this strain, all of which has been produced on our seed-farm in New Jersey.
We attribute our success in developmg this strain to our practice of single-plant Iime-breeding.
The entire 1925 crop was the product of four plants which averaged 54.5 fruits each. The first third
of the fruits gathered weighed just under 8 ounces; the average width was 3 inches and depth 23%
inches. The color is an intense scarlet.
Our Tomato crops were inspected by many customers, as well as Experiment Station men, and
the unanimous opinion was that our Super-Standard Bonny Best was one of the finest crops ever
erown. Perhaps of all this praise, that which we value the most highly has come from our own neigh-
bors—farmers who have grown Tomatoes as a life-time job. They unanimously pronounced this
crop the fmest they have ever seen, and all of them have made arrangements for a seed-supply from
it for their own fields next year. Another instance has come to us from the Secretary of the Marietta
Truck Growers Association, an organization which uses large quantities of this strain. He told us
that the prevailing opimion was that our strain of Bonny Best was by far the most profitable of any
their members had planted. One man planted part of his crop with our strain and part with seed from
another source. His statement was that if he had planted his entire crop with our seed he would
have been $400 better off.
If you in the past have hesitated to pay $5 an ounce for Tomato seed, perhaps you can learn a
lesson from those who have. To all such, we can only say that this first cost in many cases has proven
to be less than 1 per cent of the value of the crop.
In the final analysis, this Tomato will be judged by its performance. If you are still in doubt, we
shall be glad to send you the names and addresses of growers near you who know what this strain
can produce. You can then examine their record for your own satisfaction. If you are interested in
securing a yield of from 15 to 20 tons per acre or a return of $1.30 to $1.60 per plant under glass,
give Super-Standard Bonny Best a trial. Price, delivered: Pkt. $1; 140z. $3; oz. $5; 14lb. $18.50.
“In securing Tomato seed, the grower cannot exercise too much care. Price should not be the
controlling factor, providing the right sort of seed can be purchased.’”—Taken from “The Culture of
Early and Late Outdoor Tomatoes,” by MacLennan and Presant.
East Setauket, L. I., N. Y., February 21, 1925 bill in 7 acres of them, and some of them are 9 inches in
GENTLEMEN: diameter already. The best of all, they seem to be all
We feel that vour Super-Standard strain of Golden | true to name. From seed last vear which I bought from
Bantam Sweet Corn should be good, having had such | another seed firm, I raised melons and when we delivered
wonderful success with your Super-Standard Bonny Best | them I was asked how many different melon patches I
Tomatoes. Took $630 off balf an acre last summer, and | had to get the 57 varieties. No more of that!
ob, what a bad year it was, with the cold spring followed (Signed) HERMAN UpE
by the long drought!
Please quote us price of 75 pounds of Golden Bantam
seed, delivered. (Signed) DoNALp V. FERGUSON
GENTLEMEN: Bettendorf, Iowa, February 21, 1925
This will be my third season for your seeds, and I
must say that I think your policy of handling a "few but
GENTLEMEN: Suffield, Conn., July 20, 1925 good and true-to-name varieties, and also the germination
I am compelled to write to vou of the wonderful success | test, gives a person confidence in your seeds. Was glad
I have bad with your seeds, the best of anything I ever | to see you add New Zealand Spinach to your list this
had in u forty-vear experience. I am, and have been, | season as it is a good one.
seling your Bonny Best Tomatoes for two weeks at I sure bad extra good luck with your Super-Standard
$6.50 and $7.50 a basket of 20 pounds. The plants | Bonny Best last vear, selling about $300 worth of
are loaded with wonderful Tomatoes and I expect to get Tomatoes from one ‘packet of seed. Even when Tomatoes
far over $1,000 per acre for them. got plentiful, they brought from 25 to 50 cents a bushel
The melons (Bender) are also excellent; not a missing | more than other varieties. (Signed) G. F. KuEnL
37
STORES
GROWING SINCE 1579
SEEDS
Long-Standing Bloomsdale Spinach, New
SUPER-STANDARD
Will stand from two to three weeks longer than ordinary Bloomsdale
Days to maturity, 45. This new variety, together with Princess Juliana listed below, is a new hermaphrodite
or bi-sexual sort which has been-produced by an entirely new principle applied to Spinach-breeding. Spinach-
growers have known for some time that male plants are always the first to bolt, beside producing small-leaved
plants. If a large percentage are present in a crop undergoing a few days of hot weather, the whole crop is usually
worthless. Using this point as a premise, our Holland grower has isolated four different types, three of which, if
not pure female plants are of the female habit of growth. The photograph was taken on June 20, 1925, and
-we understand it is the identical field from which our present seed was taken. On the same day, the ordinary
Bloomsdale on adjoining properties had entirely run to seed. Photographs at best are not very satisfactory, but
this one, taken near The Hague, Holland, very clearly shows two things: First, the success of the new breeding
principle in its long-standing feature, and, secondly, the almost perfectly formed plants. These will bear close
examination. Any grower who had a field of that kind to cut three weeks after all competitors’ fields of Bloomsdale
were off the market can appreciate the value of such a strain. Our supply of seed this year of this variety Is quite
limited. Anyone really interested will, therefore, order promptly. Price, delivered: Pkt. 10 cts.; oz. 15 cts.; 14lb.
20 cts.; lb. 40 cts.; 5 lbs. $1.75; 50 lbs. $15; 100 Ibs. $28.
Princess Juliana, New .su5F%.
A second-early, long-standing Spinach
Days to maturity, 50. This variety was developed through the same principles described above. We consider
it a great Improvement over both our Long Season and King of Denmark, and have allowed it to supersede both
our varieties, which we have discontinued. Princess Juliana, named in honor of the daughter of the Queen of the
Netherlands, will prove a very valuable sort of its class. It is second-early, grows close to the ground, develops
crumpled, dark green leaves which have a way of retaining their crisp freshness long after berng cut. This variety,
also a hermaphrodite strain, will stand a remarkably long time, even in warm weather, before bolting to seed. We
recommend that it be planted a few days after Long Standing Bloomsdale. Price, delivered: Pkt. 10 cts.; oz. 15
cts.; 14lb. 20 cts.; lb. 35 cts.; 5 Ibs. $1.50; 50 lbs. $12.50; 100 Ibs. $24.
| New Zealand (Tetragonia expansa)
Days to maturity, 60. Unlike true Spinach, this one thrives during hot weather and in soil which is
rich or poor. It is the best hot weather substitute that we know of. The plant is bush-like in form,
growing to a height of 12 inches and spreading to
~ ; : about 18 tnches. The leaves are small, broad and
pointed, and of excellent quality. They may be cut
throughout the summer, thus the name Cut-and-Come
Again. The germination of this seed is hastened by
soaking the seed in luke warm water for twenty-four
hours before planting. Plant three or four seeds in
hills 3 feet apart each way. Price, delivered: Pkt.
10'cts.;0z. 15 cts.;) Y4lb. Z0ctses) by 7D cts.m DLS OL
more, 70 cts. per lb.
Virginia Savoy
SUPER-STANDARD
A yellows resistant stock for fall planting only
Daysto maturity, 40. This variety has a very different,
although equally interesting, history from the two sorts
described above. It has been developed primarily to
resist Mosaic, commonly known as yellows, a disease
which is getting more and more severe in certain Middle
Atlantic districts during the fall season. Virginia Savoy
contains about 70 per cent male plants. It will, there-
fore, shoot to seed very quickly In warm weather. For
this reason it must not be planted in the latitude of
Philadelphia until about August 20. This seed 1s only one
generation removed from the stock seed grown by the
Virginia Truck Experiment Station, which was responsi-
ble for the final development of this strain.
Virginia Savoy is a cross between Bloomsdale and a
Manchurian dandelion collected by the late lamented
plant explorer, Mr. Frank N. Meyer, near Liaoyang. Our
friend, Dr. J. B. Norton, secured natural crosses of this
plant with Bloomsdale, thus infusing into Bloomsdale a
resistance to Mosaic and a hardiness against cold weather,
as carried through into the present variety. In offering
Virginia Savoy, we wish to pay our compliments to the
scientists who have been responsible for its development.
We still have this variety in limited supply of the 1925
crop. Our principal offerings of it came from the new
crop which ts usually delivered about August 25. Orders
against this crop may be booked at any time. Price,
‘ 4 VMAS 0 lah delivered: Pkt. 10 cts.; oz. 15 cts.; 4b. 20 cts.; Ib.
Long-Standing Bloomsdale Spinach 35 cts.; 5 Ibs. $1.50; 50 lbs. $12.50; 100 lbs. $24.
38
gs U
STOKES
GROWING SINCE 1575
SEEDS
Top left, Red-Top White
Globe; top right, Purple-
Top Milan; beneath,
Yellow Globe Rutabaga
Purple-Top
Milan Turnip
Days to maturity, 45. This
small, tender, flat Turnip is a
garden variety, as distinct from
a farmer’s variety. In table
quality it is far ahead of the
Purple-Top White Globe, and
because of its more delicate
texture should be harvested
soon after reaching its mature
size of about 2% inches. The
Milan types are very often
used for forcing. In all cases
where extra-earliness, fine qual-
ity, and bright, attractive ap-
pearance are concerned, Purple-Top Milan should be given consideration. Price, delivered: Pkt. 10 cts.;
oz. 15 cts.; I4lb. 30 cts.; lb. $1; 5 lbs. or more, 90 cts. per lb.
Red-Top White Globe
Days to maturity, 70. In this stock we offer an excellent type of the standard commercial variety. Red-
Top White Globe is usually broadcasted with a grass mixture or alone during the month of August. Our
stock will be found a good type, of fine texture, and has reasonably good keeping qualities. We recommend,
however, that Red-Top White Globe be disposed of ahead of Rutabaga. Price, delivered: Pkt. 10 cts.;
oz. 15 cts.; 14lb. 20 cts.; lb. 60 cts.; 5 lbs. or more, 50 cts. per lb.
Yellow Globe Rutabaga
(Brassica campestris.) Days to maturity, 125. The Rutabaga, as compared to the turnip, requires a
longer season for development and is more highly esteemed as a real winter vegetable. The turnip is better
adapted to the early market. Its flesh is not as firm as Rutabaga, and generally speaking, the Rutabaga has
a rougher surface than the turnip and is not so symmetrical. This feature is brought out in the above il-
lustration. They are, however, better keepers and are more highly prized for stock-feeding. Our stock of
Yellow Globe Rutabaga has a small top and is practically neckless. It will grow to a large size and will be
found of excellent table quality. The color is a rich golden yellow with a definite fringe of purple around the
upper edge. The Rutabaga is usually planted in rows, not Jater than June. We recommend that they be
thinned to at least 6 inches in the row. Price, delivered: Pkt. 10 cts.; oz. 15 cts.3 14lb. 25 cts.; lb. 75 cts.;
5 lbs. or more, 65 cts. per lb.
39
ee
STOKES] reer
SEEDS nn al nh nn nen een cn ce cn a en a ak ee ne cn oo
Improved Kleckley Sweet Watermelon
SUPER-STANDARD
This very large Kleckley is proving to be extremely profitable
Days to maturity, 87. When the original Kleckley Sweet was introduced, some twenty-five years ago,
it was looked on as an excellent eating melon, but one which had a tendency to run to the smaller sizes.
Tom Watson, a great shipping melon for northern markets, we have always considered of distinctly inferior
quality. This new strain of Improved Kleckley Sweet combimes the good features of each. It produces
uniformly large, long melons, resembling Tom Watson, with thin rind, but tough enough for reasonable
shipping distances and the inside flesh is fully up to the quality of the original Kleckley and free from hard
centers. The outside of the melon is a dark, rich green and the larger sizes have small crease-like markings,
making it most attractive. It Is very prolific. See photograph. The seed is pure white.
Mr. Arthur Royer, from Greenville, Ills., writes of our Improved Kleckley Sweet as follows, under date
of October 17, 1925: ‘Hail ruined all of our early melons. We had a Jate patch to ripen in September and
October, and I wish to say they were very sweet and fine in spite of their late ripening. I have raised melons
for several years—in fact, all my life—and I can truthfully say that Stokes has the best and truest Kleckley
Sweet Melons I have ever tried out.’ Price, delivered: Pkt. 10 cts.; oz. 20 cts.; 14lb. 40 cts.; Ib. $1.35;
5 lbs. or over, $1.25 per lb.
Fordhook Early
Days to maturity, 85. This, probably, is the earliest variety of Watermelon grown in this country, and,
of its class, we consider it very worthy of consideration. Harris Earliest, a melon cf the same group, not
only matures later, but is not of equal quality, and we have now discontinued it. Fordhook. Early will
mature in the more northerly districts where Kleckley Sweet will not, and in the latitude of Philadelphia
it will produce melons three weeks ahead of Kleckley. The skin is dark green, flesh bright red, and seed
dark brown. Price, delivered: Pkt. 10 cts.; oz. 15 cts.; 14lb. 35 cts.; lb. $1.25; 5 lbs. or more, $1.15 per Ib.
Success
Days to maturity, 95. This large, main-season variety has consistently proved to be a money-maker for
the New Jersey growers. The flesh is of coarser texture than the Kleckley Sweet, but the flavor is very fine
and its solid, dark green melons find a ready market. It very often runs 40 to 50 pounds per melon. Although
not a round melon, it is not as Jong as Kleckley Sweet, averaging about 15 inches in Iength and 10 inches in
width. This variety can be highly recommended to our trade. Price, delivered: Pkt. 10 cts.; oz. 15 cts.;
IAlb. 35 cts.; lb. $1.25; 5 lbs. or more, $1.15 per lb.
40
FLAVOR—UNMINED GOLD FOR
THE MARKET GARDENER*
HERE are very few market gardeners
who appreciate their greatest asset, the
surpassing flavor of a well-grown,
quickly handled, and finely prepared vege-
table. Flavor has been largely lost sight of by
the commercial grower and is almost unknown
to the public, except that fortunate part of it
which has been able to maintain home gardens.
Truck farming in a broad sense has been in
shoal water for the past five years. Regardless
of heroic efforts on the part of the best men
-in the business, it is likely to remain there
unless more attention is paid to the matter of
freshness, a feature which can only be accom-
plished through direct contact with the
customer. Market gardening, as differentiated
from truck farming, is In a much stronger
position to capitalize on Flavor.
Some day an enterprising group of market
gardeners will handle their vegetables as the
products of the dairies and bakeries are now
handled. Produce will come to the dinner table
as fresh and far more allurmg than the morn-
Ing paper comes to the breakfast table. My
own ideal for this problem is for an association
having its own packing-house in a central
point to organize a fleet of clean, white-
painted trucks offering fresh vegetables at the
housewife’s door of an excellence never before
dreamed of.
It takes a very keen grower to make money
on the wholesale market. Generally speaking,
the grower receives only one-third of the
ultimate sales price. A further and perhaps
stronger reason why market gardeners should
make direct contacts with the consumer is the
necessity of identification of thei fresh-
gathered, stringless, full-of-the-flavor-of-the-
soil vegetables.
The great oil companies found it was not
beneath their dignity to make direct contacts
with their customers. On the other hand,
thousands of vegetable growers regularly haul
their Joads to the great city markets, dump
them mountain high on the curbstones, and
at the end of the week wonder why their
returns are so low. They consistently fail to
appreciate the necessity of completing the
cycle through their own agencies. Instead
they leave it to an army of push cart men who
have not brought honor to the industry. Their
margin of profit is out of all proportion to the
service rendered.
In bringing out these points, I do not mean
to imply that every grower should become a
huckster, for his time is far too valuable, and
no one man can ordinarily furnish a complete
service. On the other hand, a few by co-
ordinating their service (as for instance the
Monroe County, Pa., Vegetable Growers As-
sociation has, in serving the Pocono Mountain
trade) can offer a complete service at a mini-
mum expense, and at the same time control
the evils of both over and under-production.
The great success of the roadside market
has plainly shown the value of direct contacts.
It must be remembered, however, that every-
body does not motor to the country every day,
and that the enthusiasm of those who have
has cooled a bit by having to pay city prices
for often very flavorless products. The success
of the whole roadside effort has been severely
tested by the great preponderance of hot-dog
and pop stands which have largely taken away
the beauty of the open road. The fact that the
legitimate roadside marketer has not only
survived but Is emerging stronger than ever
Is very significant.
You may serve a large city, a series of sub-
urban towns, or a summer resort, but the same
principle applies to every one. The original
flavor in a fresh-gathered vegetable is your
greatest asset. Concentrate your energies on
it, and fight to save it. Make it your business
to see that the town-dweller renews his ac-
quaintance with it, by a regular and thoroughly
dependable service.
%* From an address delivered by Francis C. Stokes at the Annual Field Day Meeting at the Market Garden Field
Station, Waltham, Mass., August 5, 1925.
A PAGE
\sparagus 4,
Beans 4 é Ths peor
PCC EMG ions aes) 7,0 | Egeplant
Bonny Best Tomato 31, 36,37 | Endive .
Brussels Sprouts... . . Kale ..
Cabbage Kohlrabi
Carrot Leek .
Cauliflower Lettuce 2 iii
Celery Mangel Beet
Celeriac Lt sl IE apa Muskmelon .
COIMCOb ye oe ec ew Okra .
Corn . Onion
Cucumber Parsley .
Dandelion
Osa LOS
INDEX
Parsnip .
ie ,
epper
Pumpkin
Radish
Rutabaga .
Salsify .
Spinach .
Squash .
Thyme .
Tomato .
Turnip ;
Watermelon .
J. Horace McFarranp Company, HorticutTuraL PRINTERS, HarrisBuRG, Pa.
MARGLOBE (STOKES) ss
Days to maturity, 140. A new hybrid developed by the U. S. Dept. of Agric. It i
across of Marvel and Livingston Globe first offered in commerce, October, 1925. The sel
‘¢ tion has been for the scarlet type. Marglobe is resistant to Fusarium Wilt and Nail-Head
- It is a very heavy producer, globe shape, average weight of fruit 6 to 8 ounces. The
a especially sweet. x ‘ Yer eice Tock:
ie The eppendage (Stokes) following the varietal namie on Ubis package identifies this seed as being
ae endorsement of Francis C. Stokes & Co. The varietal name elone can carry mo special significance.
ee ee eee eden eer a a ate een ae an akan aden ee ee a ae A A a a a a a eaten tes as aan aes sate Sn Sa
FRANCIS C. STOKES @ CO. —
_ VEGETABLE SEEDS
- ba |
ys 7. -e 5
; e 2
“4
Photograph (reduced) of a typical Quarter Pound package of Stokes’ Seed. We
try to give all available data as to germination, probable performance, etc., as well
as cultural notes to cover special instances.
a
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