Historic, Archive Document
Do not assume content reflects current scientific knowledge,
policies, or practices.
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OUR TWELFTH ANNUAL WHOLESALE GATALOGUE FOR (899
STRAWBERRIES, GRAPES, Ete., Ete. |
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_ For $2.50 we will send free (by mail) three plants of each of the following varieties, viz.: Dar-
ling, Earliest, Excelsior, Fendrick, and Ida, and all have a perfect blossom except Ida.
EGYPTIAN. or WINTER ONION SETS.—The new sets are usually ready to ship about Juiy 1st.
We still have a few old sets on hand we can send (by mail), with instructions how to plant them,
for 25 cents per quart. By freight or express—peck, 60 cents; half bushel, $1.10; bushel, $2.00.
IDA, BLACKBERRY.—In this new berry we are offering one that is earlier and nearly as large
again as early Harvest, a berry that will be wanted by every one. It is not only the earliest black-
berry in cultivation, but it matures its crop of berries nearly all at once. We only offer one plant
to each customer this year at $1.00 each (by mail),
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[Inspector’s Certificate. ]
VIRGINIA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENTAL STATION,
BLACKSBURG, VA., September 3, 1898.
This is to certify that I have, under Act of Assembly approved Feb’y 28, 1898, examined the nur-
sery of Thomps.n's Sous. Rio Vista, Va., and found it to be apparently free from San Jose Scale and
other dangerously injurions insects or plant diseases.
This certificate invalid after June 1, 1899, J. L. PHILLIPS, Ass’é Inspector.
FFE SSS PES SS SOS SSFS SS PSS SSS SSSSISSS SSS FFF SSFP PP SSE IS SSF
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WHOLESALE CATALOGUE AND PRICE-LIST
THOMPSON’S SONS,
FsIO VISTA, VIRGINIA,
For Spring and Fall of 1899,
? INTRODUCERS OF
THOMPSON’S EARLY PROLIFIC REB RASPBERRY (the best early to-day), PRIDE,
KING, PALMER, and many others. in Strawberries we are pioneers. Will only
mention a few—HAVERLAND, Mrs. CLEVELAND, GREAT PACIFIC, FLORENCE,
EUREKA, SADIE, VAN DEMAN, BELLE, AROMA, IVANHOE, CYCLONE, TEN-
NESSEE PROLIFIC, RIO, ISABELLA, CARRIE, EARLIEST, DARLING, FEN-
DRICK, CLARENCE, etc., etc.
This year we desire to call your special attention to DARLING—the most productive early berry
we have ever tested. Will stand drought better than most any other variety except ‘‘ Earliest’’ we
have ever grown. When kept from making too many runners will form from two to six crowns
and make some of the finest plants everseen. All who are looking fora productive early berry will
finditin the ‘“Darling.’’ After another year’s trial of ‘‘ Earliest’? we are more pleased with it than
ever, and were we confined to two berries for money in our market they would be“ Darling”* and
‘* Earliest.’ Then CARRIE, for medium to late, of all berries in our picking shed at picking time
was the most beautiful color, firm and solarge. But we will leave the testimonials of others for you
to select from what you think the best. Don’t overlook CLARENCE if you are looking for a berry
for shipping.
FENDRICK.—Owing to the large demand for these plants. we shall not fill any more orders until
August lst. Potted plants $2 per dozen.
Of other kinds, we wiil make special mention of HOWELL. It is a beauty to fertilize “Carrie” both
in color, size, shape, firmness, and productiveness. It carries its fruiton long stems. The foliage
so far with us is healthy, and those who have the berry we feel sure will be proud of it.
We have grown this berry now four years, and it pleases us better every year. lt is as near per-
fection as we have yet seen.
EXCELSIOR.—In this berry the originator says: ‘‘I will put this berry against any new or old extra
garly berry, and forfeit $50 if it is not the best extra early berry for all purposes now grown.”’
EQUINOX.—This is the latest berry on our grounds, and by planting “ Earliest,” ‘* Equinox,”
and ** Carrie” the strawberry season can be prolonged fully five to six weeks.
We have the largest and best stock of strawberries we have ever grown, and all on new land that
never grew strawberries before. They were well worked, and the finest roots we eversaw; hence
with our large stock of plants we are able to make low prices.
We have planted our strawberries by machinery for the past four years, hence we put them in
better and faster than by the old method. ~ ae eye .
KING RED RASPBERRY.—This berry after another year’s trial still stands the best red raspberry
we haveseen orgrown. Weare only toosorry we cannot fill halfthe orders wegetforit. Will fill
not over one dozen to any one party until stock is exhausted.
It sells for double the price of any other raspberry. :
SHIPPING STRAWBERRY PLANTS BY FREIGHT.
During December, January, February, and to middle of March we can ship by freight and so pack
that plants will stand from two to four weeks in transportation. After the middle of March, as the
weather gets warmer, plants will not stand so ‘ong to go south, but north, east, and west willstanda
long time. We pack as carefully as wecan.
“TERMS.
PAYMENTS INVARIABLY IN ADVANCE.
This i ordinary rule of nurserymen, and isareasonableone. We havebeen years in building
upa ata andl als known to ith public. Moreover, our success depends on fair and careful
dealing. We believe that it depends still more on liberal dealing, and ve think our patrons will
testify very generally that we have consulted theirinterests as truly as ourown. It is our wishand
intention that no one shall suffer loss in their transactions with us. We prefer taking a liberal
course at the outset to doing a credit business, assured that it is the better course for both parties.
If purchasers wish strawberry plants in quantities of 50, 100, or more, to be sent by mail, let them
add to the catalogue DELS 20 cents per hundred for postage. Thus those ata distance from railroads
btain plants promptly. f ; ,
oo patties! living long distances from express offices it may often be a great convenience to receive
raspberry, blackberry, currant, and gooseberry plants by mail ; if so, let them add 20 cents to the
rice per dozen, 40 cents to the peice per fifty, ud a cay to the price per hundred. Of course,
arger and better plants can be sent by express than by mall.
Tara and maiced orders, and all plants at a thousand rate, go by express. We make no charge for
packing. d :
charges are in all cases paid by the purchaser, except where noted.
he eh es Peckenoniee Va., and can ship by boat or railroad, so we are sure of getting low rates
by somuchcompetition. We are situated three miles from the boundary line of Richmond, and
five miles from the post-office.
i.
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The buyer should go to his nearest express office, and learn the probable charges on his purchase,
and thus save himself unpleasant surprises. In some instances he may learn that it will be cheaper
for him to avail himself of our mail rates. We pack as lightly as we can, in view of the safety of
the plants.
Fast Freight—Early in the season, when the weather is cool, plants can often be sent quite cheaply
by fast freight; but we take no responsibility in such Cases, as there is often great delay.
Our shipping facilities are from Richmond, Va. é
Mistakes Remedied on this Condition.—The package must be opened promptly on its receipt, and the
plants counted. If, then, they are not in good order, or fall short, please notify us at once, and we
will make allright. We take our patron’s word and make up to him all losses for which we ure to
blame. But it is not fair to ustocomplain where mails and express matter are not regularly obtained
or the plants not promptly opened or counted until days after being set out. Let us here distinctly
state that the young plants of some of our best kinds are often small.
The Crescent Seediing is another example, and the young plants are scarcely more than half the
size of Isabella and Carrie and others. Some varieties of grape-vines, such as Lady, Delaware, etc.,
are also much smaller than others Weshall always try to send the best plants of the kind.
Z83-Dip the plants, as soon as received, in water, and bury the roots in moist, shady ground till
you are ready to set themout. If cold, hot, or windy when received, placein & Cool Cellar, and cover
the roots, not tops, with moss or wet grass, but set out assoon as possible, since plants out of the
ground lose their vitality. Water after setting out, if dry, and shade until the plants do not wilt in
the sun.
Ag-We would esteem it a favorif our patrons would send their orders as early in the season ag
possible, as we are always liable to be sold out of just what you want, by leaving your orders so late,
All orders filled as received, in their turn.
IMPORTANT.
In view of our purpose to furnish good plants, true to name, and the great pains we take to secure
plants of such a character, we kuow that our prices are very reasonable. In no other article of
merchandise should quality count for more than in plants; since their first cost, at highest price, ig
trifling, compared with the labor and expense that must be put upon them afterwards Good plants
cannot be sold below a certain rate, any more than good cloth at shoddy prices. withoutloss tosome
one. We are not only anxious that our plants should please when received, but also when coming
into bearing. We give to them close personal supervision, and sell only such as we would set out
ourselves. We give liberal count, an remedy allerrors. It is oursincere wish that every transac-
tion should be to the advantage of the buyer as truly as to ourselves,
That our prices are more moderate than many 10 the trade, is due to the fact that we do business
in small fruits on a large scale. Weare willing, moreover, to conform our prices to other honorable
dealers, and will not be undersold by any first-class nursery. We think wecan do as well by those
desiring to purchase as any one, and. therefore, invite correspondence.
In ordering, please remember to give Name, Post-Office. County, and State, and be sure the name
given is the name of the Post-Office. If Express Office is different, please mention,
7 In instances where parties expect to order largely, we would like an opportunity to price their
ist. Address,
THOMPSON’S SONS, Rio Vista, Va.
DIRECTIONS FOR SENDING MONEY.
Money can be sent in New York Drafts, Registered Letters, Express Orders. and Post-Office
Orders, but where Post-Office orders are sent, have the postmaster make them payable at Richmond,
Va., as our office is not a money-order office.
In telegraphing us, please send to Rio Vista, Va., via Richmond, Va.
Any one ordering not less than $5, may deduct five per cent. where cash is sent with order.
pl a eh oe ek
Important to ali who have to buy plants at a distance, whether strawberries, raspberries, black-
berries, grapes, etc. Many will putoff ordering until their land is ready to plant. We think thisa
great mistake. It is a great mistake also to leave plants in packages upon arrival for days and
weeks. One good man can easily heel in 10,000 strawberry plants in one day, and when once
heeled in, they will start new roots, and will be ready to take upand plant when you are ready.
The same applies to all plants and trees. Get them early. We can dig plants in Virginia almost at
any time, as our soil issandy, enabling us to get fine roots; and a1] our customers say plants grown
in Virginia do better than almost any other section. Don’t compare our plants with those who are
not established in business We can ship plants by express or mail to any part of the United Stateg
or Europe. Our June-budded Peach-trees give wonderful good satisfaction. Our Cabbage plants
are all grown outdoors, and ready to plant any time. Our season for shipping plauts is from Au-
gust Ist to May 10th.
Many of our customers have for years gotten their neighbors to join with them and senda list of
what each one wanted, and have us price it, having these orders all shipped to one address. In
off the regular rates with the expresscompany. Thisisa great saving to our customers,
OUR NEW CATALOGUE FOR 1899,
We have taken a new departure this yearfrom manyinthetrade. Wehave described each variety
separately ; told our experience with honest descriptions as near as we could, but have omitted
many electrotypes :
We thank our many friends for the interest they take in getting us up clubs and the many words
of praise they send us. It will be our endeavor again this year to try and send you good stock, true
toname. We wish you all a happy and prosperous year.
Darling, Earliest, Excelsior, Ida, aud Fendrick ara the five earliest berries in cultivation.
Edith is the largest grown, immensely productive, and Carrie is the handsomest berry ever grown.
CABBAGE.—There is more money in one acre of early Cabbage than ten acres of late. Our new
Cabbage, Thompson’s Earliest of All, is a week to ten days earlier than Wakefield. We haveonly a
maar eee of plants. 75 cents per 100, by mail; 500 by express only =2.00, all hardened off
ready to plant.
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STRAWBERRY CULTURE,
On arrival, unpack them at once, loosen the bunches, heel them in the ground, or dip theirrootsin a
muddle made by mixing earth in wateruntil the consistency uf cream and lay them away ina cool,
damp cellar, where they can neither dry nor ireeze, untilthey cai be planted wheie desired. Ali va-
rieties marked ‘‘p”’ are Pistillate.and need sume other perfect blossom plauted besidethem aboutevery
third or fourth row. The Pistillate varieties are generally the must productive when s0 treated.
When planted in matted rows. they should be planted one and a half feet in the row, androwstliree
to tour feet apart, aud never allowed to be too thick. After fruiting season is over they should be
thoroughly dragged and cultivated between the rows, setting the cultivator very narrow, aud then
every weed hoed up; but do this just as quick as you are through picking so ast>give your plants
ali the chance to prepare for fruit for next season. All berries should be thoroughly mulched, just
ast oon as winter sets in, with about two tons of straw to the acre, free from seed as can be got. The
straw will keep your berries clean, and often add duuble the price to the crop. Some say it don’t
pay; but we say if it pays to grow them at all, it paysto raise themto perfection. Don’tplantyour
whole farm in any new varieties because you read in some agricultural paper that they were the
best, but get a few of each variety, and test them on your ground, andif they do well, you will go
atitintelligentiy. But don’t let your neighbors beat you. try a few varieties of all new kinds, and
goatit; work with all yourskill, and success will be sure tocrown you in the end. Thesame ap-
plies to all new fruits. Try a few, and give them proper treatment.
In bringing our new Catalogue for 1899 before our many thousands of customers, we desire to say
we than« you all for your generous patronage; that the past year was thela gest trade we ever
had, ant yet we think that the coming year will be stillarger. This year we issue one-third more
Catalogues than we have ever before. We do not expect to increase our trade by selling pants for .
nothing, or below thee st of growing them, as you all know to grow plants, pack them, dig them,
tie them, get out Catalogues, and advertise them meansmoney. Weexpect. as in the past. tosell
at reasonable prices, send good stock true to name, and by that means peop e are always wiiling to
pa areasonable price.
We give you our experience with the different varieties, it is for our customers to choose what
they think wi.l best suit them and their markets. Most of our commercial growers find the earliest
of everything brings them more profits than late ones, to this end we have the past few years been
trying to get the earliest Strawberries in cultivation up to this date. We will give you 2 summary
of our experience up to this year. To commence with— :
Up to this year EARLIEST has been our earliest berry. It is a great plant-maker, and will stand
drought better than most any other. Itripens all over alike. It isa good shipper, and very produc-
tive the second year. We have tested it five years.
DARL'N 7.—This we have tested for years, and find it is three to four days ear ier than ‘‘ Earliest,’”
and much more productive. both on one and two year beds. This year we had about one-fourth
acre in fruit aud very poor soil, but we had the finest show of berries we ever saw, and all were gone
when other later berries came on. They were a fine sighttosee. They are the most valuable for
home market. All the season Darling was the finest p ant on our place—free from rust.
The following is the report of Baton Rouge. La., Experimental Station, May 17, 1898:
“We both think the ‘ Darling’ will prove an acquisition. Itstands our hot weather so well.”
* F, H. BRUNETTE, Horticulturist.
W. C. Stusss, Direcior.
EXCELS!OR.— This new berry is making quite a sensation where it has been tried. It is like the
two above, great plant maker, healthy foliage. The earliest, immeusely productive, large, firm,
high-colored, and one of the best shippers.
The above three berries will be planted very largely this season, and as the supply of plants is
only limited, large planters had betters cure theirstock in time. Our plants of these varieties are
very fine, some of the roots will measure from ten to fifteen inches long.
IDA (P).—This new berry will be a competitor next year to the three above yarieties. The origi-
nator claims it as early astheearliest; very productive. Ripens all over alike, and much resembles
“Ri”? in size shape, color, and shipping qualities. As we are on'y handling same on a percentage
we have to sell at originator’s price, viz : $4 00 per dozen. These will not be soldin any larger
quantities, and with the distinct restrictions that in 1900 the retail price will be $2 00 per dozen ;
$10 00 per 100; $20.00 per 1,000. We have tested this berry now four years and find same all the
originator claims.
CARRIE —After another year’s trial we must confess we have not seen a berry that can touch this
Our demand for plants has been much more than we can supply, running short last year near 30,00.
Owing to the scarcity of these p'ants many are off-Tring cheap piants of Carrie, but to be sure and
get the genuine it is the safest to get them direct from the introducers.
EDITH.—It is now nine years since we first fruited this large berry, and we have tried all these
large so-called berries, but none can touch Edith.
OUR BIG SIX COLLECTION No. 2.—We are pleased to be able to say in this collection, v‘z.: ‘* Dar-
ling ’’ ‘‘ Karliest,” ‘‘Carrie,’”’ ‘‘Clarence,’”’ ‘‘ Howell,’? and ‘‘ Pride of Cumberland,” you wili find
a valuable collection.
Cuinton, N. Y., May 14, 1898.
Dear Friend Thompson:
I am delighted to get the Howell plants. Your plants are superb always.
K. P. Powe...
Srark Co., O, May 11, 1898.
Thompson’s Sons:
The Strawberry plants arrived safe in fine condition.
H. A. HOLEBAUGH.
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CARRIE, THE QUEEN OF STRAWBERRIES.
After another year’s trial of Carrie, we are satisfied for a fancy berry this fills the place.
1. lt has one of the mo-t bexutiful and attractive color.
2. {tis firm and will stand shipping
8. Itis a fancy berry and will seli when others wont.
4. Itis wonderfully productive, and from all reports is superior to its parent in all points.
The spring of 1896 we spoke of Carrie being such afineberry,ete. Mr solomon Adams, of Schuyl-
kill county. Pennsylvania, wrote us ‘hat he had a berry he would put besides anv we had. His
berry was Adams’ Fay»rite. Each of us sent oue dozen plants to the Pennsylvania Experiment Sta-
tion fortiial Shis is the report
Prof. George © Butz, Horticulturist, sends us. July 27, 1897—Our records for Adams’ Favorite and
Carrie strawberries for the season are as follows:
1st Flower. 1st Ripe. Last Ripe. Ave. Wt. Total Yield,
BRAGS) MOLVOUME 6 5 cs = snt.ien May 9 June 10 July 12 6.40 gr. 10,957 gr,
CLIC er, wealth oleh. se alaeataie May 11 June 16 July 8 10.00 gr. 18,400 gr,
Yon will note the average weight of Carries is nearly double that of Adams’ Favorite, and also
nearly double the yield.
Report of the Ohio Experimental Station for 1897 :
CARRIE (P), ase dling of Haverlund, which it resembles closely. but is an improvement upon
that variety in color and firmness. !t has been on trial here two sensons and has proved sauifactory
in every respect. It has the fault of the Haverland—long fruit stems -which exposes the fruit to
injury by trampling of careless pickers. Every fruit grower will apprecinte an improved Haver-
Jond because of its prolificacy and reliability, heuce it seems sufe to recommend the Carrie tu their
consideration.
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of no better one to use as a fertilizer than Howell's Seedling. :
Is net the report of the Obio Experimental Station just what we told our customers the Carrie was
before we introduced it? Weare confident on account of the orders we LOW have and those we are
gure to get, that a great Many who neglected to crder these plants in time wont be able to get them.
CARRIE.—A seedling of Haverland; has been thoroughly tested North, East, South, and West.
It is ten years since we introduced the parent, and we are proud thatitstands 80 high. Onegrower
reported to us this season that his Haverland produced 500 bushels to the acre. We offered $100 for
years for 100 plants of any new variety that would surpass the Haverland. We have at last found
it by the reports. The Carrie is firmer, better color, and better shipper; fully as productive. Our
prices for tne fall of 1896 were made $10 per dozen. but owing to the dull times many of our customers
say the price is too high, so we have decided to make the price within the reach of all—viz., $2 per
dozen for spring and fall of 1897, and $1 per dozen for spring and fall of 1898; and these plants are
sold with the distinct understanding that those who buy to sell again agree to sell at these prices.
This year we had a much better chance to test it more thoroughly, and can say that we could not
discover a weak point in Carrie. It is larger, firmer. better color. and fully as productive as the
parent, if not more So. We were so enthusiastic over it that we dug up two pl ants with all the dirt
adhering to the plants we could put with them in @ box. The weight was just a trifle less than one
hundred pounds. Wesent them to Professor Heiges, Chief of the Division of the Pomological De-
partment, of Washington, D.C. This is his answer:
Heiges is out of the city for several days, and I therefore opened the box and examined the speci-
mens. The Carrie bears quite a strong resemblance to Haverland, but is apparently a firmer berry,
and is perhaps larger than Haverland. * * The two plants will be put out by Mr. Saunders, and
we will watch them during the summer. : :
: < Very truly, Wa. A. TAYLOR Assistant Pomologist.
HINGHAM CouUNTY, Mass.
Yours of the 27th and the two plants of Carrie strawberry were received this morning. Professer
FRIEND THOMPSON: es , ; ;
IT am much pleased with Rio, and think it has come to stay. Carrie was srown in house until the
season allowed of placing itin cold frame. All fruit buds were pinched off, and I intended to forego
the pleasure of fruiting until next year. but the three plants by May 25th were the largest on the
place, and this on poor soil, and had pushed out more fruit-buds. So, as it was SO persistent, I al-
lowed it to fruit. Now. of course, three plants fruited in a small way is no fair test, but the result
delighted me. So far the plant is better than Haverland. The fruit is larger, of better color, and
firmer. Have Isaid two much with a tria) of three plants? F. W. RoGERS.
No, friend Rogers; your report ccrresponds just exactly with ours,and is as we wrote you.
Carrie is, if we are not mistaken, the best berry ever sent out up to this time.
HincHaM County, December 13, 18¥9.
FRIEND THOMPSON :
The Carrie plants stooled, and did not make es many planisasI wished. The plants are very
large and freefromrust. Ishall set two beds in the spring—one on heavy and the other on sandy
soil. Strawberry men in this vicinity are very much interested in this variety, and are wailing
anxiously for you to futit out.
F. W. RoGERs.
FRIEND ROGERS:
The reason your plants did run so much was removing them so many times. The Carrie, with us;
This berry is now on trial at thirty different places, but no one has any of their own, nor can they
sellany. Contrary to our usual custom, not less than one dozen plants will be sent to any one this
1896 and 1897, and the same will contain our sealfor protection It will bea great pleasure if any
of our friends hearing of anyone selling or offering any in any other way willinform us. The trade
will be supplied by us direct with their tags. to which we will attaca our seal, so the parties who buy
can come back on us for genuine and good arrivals.
GRANTON, ONT., July 1, 1896.
Dear Friend Thompson: 1 think much of your seedling Carrie. The plantisall that can be de-
sired—free from rust or blight, berries large and bright, productive, medium in ripening. Itis well
worth being introduced. JOHN LITTLE.
GRANTON, ONT., October 1, 1896.
Dear Friend Thompson: My experience with your seedling Carrie is much the same as Professor
Green's. Ifthe fruitstems were notsolons and a little stronger, it would be perfection itself. Where
there is such a load of fruit, it is immpossible for the stems to hold them up. JOHN LITTBE. ~
TExasS EXPERIMENTAL COLLEGE STATION, June 20, 1896.
M. T. Thompson: I wish tostate that your Carrie strawberry did well with us the past season. It
was large and productive. Prof. R. H. PRIOE.
Owing to lack of space we must omit any more testimonials on the Carrie. Could you have
seen them on our grounds the past three years, you would have exclaimed, * Ain’t they grand !
must have some piants,’’ etc.
The following is the report of the Ohio Experimental Station for 1896 by Prof. W J. Green:
“Of new varieties about to be introduced none please me better than Carrie, sent here by M. T.
exceedingly valuable variety, and will displace Haveriand, for this variety is too soft and rather
too lightin color. Is has the same fault as the Haverland, of long fruit stems, and the berries he
out in the row, an‘ are liable to be trampled on by the pickers. While this is a fault, it must be
acknowledged that berries of this class are easily seen, and more likely to be picked clean than
those having short fruitstems. The price of plants will be almost prohibitive at first, but it will
zav growers to keep close watch of Carrie.’’—Ohio Farmer, August 27, 1896.
Trial Grounds of the Rural New Yorker yor 1896 :
‘“CARRIE, from Thompson’s Sons, Rio Vista, Va., April, 1895.—June 2—ripening, conical shaped,
medium sized, scarlet color, moderately firm. June 4—berries large, vines extremely productive.
June 8—very productive, berriesrest uponthe ground. June 10—height of season. June 19—a fair
quantity of ripe aud green berries still.’’
What more good qualities can anyone desire than the above? After fruiting seventeen days, still
a fair quantity of ripe and green berries.
Report of George F. Beede, New Hampshire:
‘*CARRIE.—Seedling of Haverland—large, long, conical, bright scarlet, good quality, moderately
firm, large plants, very vigorous, very productive, promising.’’
Mont County, Mo., June 18, 1896.
Friend Thompson: I can savy that Carrie strawberry acquitted herself tinely here Itis about the
finest of all the new ones fruiting here for the first time, and when you are ready to send it out, it
will have my endorsement. Judge SAMUEL MILLER.
ERIE County, N. Y., July 4, 1896.
M. T. Thompson: The Carrie strawberry you sent me last year has pleased me greatly, and proved
to be, as I believe, one of the best strawberries I have ever ron: The plant is large, a strong
grower, vigorous, and very productive ot large, well-colored, and beautiful berries, exceeding in
size of plant and berry the Haverland, and is a long-season berry. I congratulate you upon being
the originator of so valuable a berry.
Allow me to allude to some of the other berries you sent. I saved every plant you sent me, while
others lost a great many plants that came only a short distance. The Edith is really a wonderful
berry, and has favorably disappointed me. V.R. Cary.
P. 8.—Yes, friend Cary, we take great pains with our plants the moment they are dug. Wedonot
try to compete with growers who take no care whether their plants grow ornot. One of our custo-
mers says he could buy a certain variety for $2 per1,000; weasked $4. Hesends us $4 for 1,000; got
2 000 from another party for thesamemoney. He says our1,000 plants were larger than the 2,000;
and nearly every plant grew and gavehim a nice stand, while nearly all the other plantsdied; and
he would dig up what plants there were, and reset next year; butdid not think he would have
enough plants after growing them a year to reset the patch; while 1,000 made him not less than
50,000 to 60,000 plunts. It cost money to dig plants when they are grown. Better not depend so
much on cheapness.
PLYMOUTH COUNTY, Mass., January 11, 1897.
Friend Thompson: It is a long time since you wrote me, asking how the Carrie had succeeded. You
must excuse the delay. My opinion has not changed, except that I feel more confident that you
have an improvement in every way on the Haverland. F. W. ROGERS.
P. S.—Mr. Rogers bas had (Carrie on trial for two years.
From the experimental grounds of the Rural New Yorker, by E. 8. Carman, editor, in June, 1897.
Carrie.—From Thompson’s Sons, Rio Vista, Va., April, 1895.—Flower imperfect. June1: Vines
vigorous and productive, a few ripening; broadly conical shape and quiteregular. Junes:
Ripening freely and highly productive; its chief failing is that the berries are not well held up;
suite firm, medium quality. June 11: Not yet at height of its season, though very productive ;
berries average large size, conical shape and fair quality. June16: Bearing well; berries of
medium size, not very firm. June 21: Still ripening; many berries of medium size.
The above ought to please anyone. After three weeks it is still ripening—many berries of
medium size; an improved Haverland. Better get a stock of plants whilst we have them.
OHIO AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENTAL STATION,
4 WoOosTER, OHIO, June 9, 1890.
M. T. Thompson: I am greatly pleased with the Carrie strawberry. It is large, beautiful, and firm
whilc the plants are healthy and prolific. It bears some resemblance to Haverland in habit of
growth and shape of berries, but the berries are larger, better color, and more glossy and firmer.
The fruit-stems are long like those of the Haverland, and the berries lie outinthe row. Whilst this
is objectionable, it is not so serious a fault as the opposite defect of short stems. Wehad avery dry
season lastyear, and our plants did not make a strong growth, hence our crop is cut short on all
varieties,and for this reason I feel more confident in expresssing a good opinion of the Carrie.
Given & chance, I feel sure it would yield an enormous crop of fine berries. I am greatly de-
ceived if my impressions of it are wrong.
Yours truly, W. J. GREEN.
We have known Professor Green many years, and have always regarded his testimony on the
strawberry as being the most reliable.
Anna Kennedy (P).—originatea by Mr. J. T. Lovett. who says it is cne of the most
beautiful strawberries produced. It did not have a fair chance with us last season, but seems to be
giving very good satisfaction.
Aroma (S).—this isa very beautiful berry; late as Gandy and much more productive; @
splendid shipper, and, where a fancy berry is wanted, thisis one that fillsthe bill. ltis large and
even-sized and very showy, and is giving excellent satisfaction. aa
The following is what others say :
Jacob C. Bauer, Arkansas, in Strawberry Specialist, September, 1897—This is the only late berry we
shall grow for market. It coversa period of from three to four weeks, and begins ripening a week
ahead of the Gandy. and continues from a week to ten days later. You want to grow them in mat-
ted rows, on clay soil, for best results, and let them mat all they will, as the secret of its prolonged
bearing and large size to the end of the season liesin its blooming one plant here and there every
day for three weeks, from four to six berries to the plant, but, taking the result as a whole, will fill
more crates to the acre ten times over than Gandy, of the largest, firm, highly colored berries that
we haveevergrown. We cannot get too many of these plants for the next five years to come.
Michigan Experimental Station for 1897.—AROMA has shown itself to be a valuable market sort.
The plants are productive, the berries are Jarge to the end of a long season and are firm enough to
stand shipment well. Its season is with the later sorts.
8
Beder Wood (S).—this is a very early berry, enormously productive of medium size
tosmall. Ic has a poor Color, and very hard to pick. ‘he upper side of the berry is ripe the under
side is white ur green
Brandywine (S).—Medium; ear'y to late. This berry the past season has not given
the satisfaction as formerly, With usit hasa very large calyx, making it very shuwy when it aves
Mut biignturdry up. Tae past season Was Very wet, aud the berries had the appearance of being
picked trom dead vines.
Belle (S)—tThis was originated by our father some years ago, but wassent out by M Crawford
as hisseedling No. 51. The first year or two it showed up well It is verry large; nearly every berry
of different shape; of excellent quality, and madea fine record with some, but in general it is far
from satisfactory. It, however, is worthy of trial in a small way.
Bisel (P).—rhis berry originated in Minois and is considered one of the best berries on the
Chicago marketatitsseason. Itisa beautiful dark color and immensely productive with us. Itis
giving general satisfaction Mr. John Little has this to say, and we concur with him:
‘‘A magnificent market varietv; a seedling of Wilson. and partakes of the firmness. immense
roductiveness, and other good qualities of its parent, added to excellent fievor and great size; per-
aps no variety would excel this in valne for market ”
This should be planted largely by commercial growers, owing to its good shipping oualities.
Bouncer (S).—tThis berry was sent out three years ago by Messrs. Hale Brothers at $10 per
dozen, and thev offered €10 to the one who proposed the most appropriate name which was A. J.
Allen, The claim is large size, fine quality, and long season, and not only large but a heavy yielder.
Bubach No. 5 (P) ——Iit is almost needless for us to say anything in favor of this good
old variety. It issimply grand. Ifit was only alittle firmer, soit could be shipped. To those who
have never tried it, don’t fail to include this in your collection this year.
¥. W. Reecher (S).—We have been growing this now for five years, and it isa grand
Try. Wereally likeit betterevery year. Weconsider it well worthy of its name. Itis of large
size, and very productive; makes very large plants with us; should be tried by all.
Berlin (P).—ur. M. Crawford says the following in his catalogue: “‘I believe the Berlin is
just what the introducer claims. The plantisathrifty grower, of the Bubach type and produces
dark-red berries of enorm us size. holding the fruit well up from the ground. It has a pistillate
blossom, and is a prolific plant-maker. Berries as large as Bubach, and as solid as Wilson.”’
Brumette (S).— Berries medium; conical to roundish; very uniform, and regular in size
and form; dark red; glossy and beautiful in appearance; quality excellent. For home garden it
a highly recommended by the Ohio Experimental Station. The quality is unequalled by any other
ITy.
Beveriey (S) -—This is a verry handsome berry; firm, and immensely productive; good
shipper, of me ium size; a great plant-maker, and if not checked, is apt to make too thick a mat;
@ great Many runners should be cut out for best results. We consider it one of great value.
Bismark (S).—Described by the originatoras a seedling of Bubach No. 5; resembles the
parent in every way but is more robust and stocky, with the same iron-ciad foliage; the fruitis
produced in abundance—outyielding Bubach No.5, and is the heaviest, most solid berry I have ever
grown or handled ; larger than Bubach, Mary, Timbreli, or Sharpless.
Clyde (S).—tThis new berry was for the first time introduced lastspring. We have had it
now five years and it did better this past year thau ever before. Itis simply wonderful. It was
originated by Dr. Stayman. of L2avenworth, Kansas from the seed of Cyclone. Is giving most ex-
cellent satisfacticn from all the reports we hear from Canada to Texas. Itisa very eerly berry, of
excellent quality.and a goodshipper. We could say much more in favor of this berry. butspace
will not permit us. It has healthy foliage, a good plant maker, and from our own experience does
not require land to be too rich, parricularly in nitrogen. but needs more potash in the soil, and a row
isasigntseldom seen. Commercial growers will do well to grow it.
Cyctone (S).—tThe parent of the above. We introduced this five years ago with our big
6 collection. Itisa grand berry. The price has been high the past years, but we havea large
stock of fine plants this spring, grown on purpose to sell to the commercial grower, and shall make
the price very low. Wecould fill this catalogue full of praise from all parts of the United States.
We will give you the report of the hio Experimental Station: ‘‘ Cyclone, a new variety. grown at
the station three seasons. The plant and fruit resemble the Haverland, but the berries are rather
broader and shorter, having perfect fiowers. and being similar to the Haverland and Crescent can
be recommended to be planted with these varieties. It is quite early, and yet continues long in
bearing, and holds up well in size to the last picking.”
Crescent (P -—Well, it is needless to say much about the old standard, butitisstill2 good
berry. from our own experience. Itis allowedtomaketo> many plants. In thiscasethe berriesrun
to small plants; should not be closer that three to four inckes.
Cumberland (S).—trhis berry is still a favorite with some growers. It doesnot adapt
itself to all soil, and, therefore, does not give the satisfaction as some of our newer varieties,
4
F
3
9
Carrie (P).—yYes, we name this the QurrNof strawberries. Itis large, beautiful color, firm,
2 grand shinper, and should be in the hands of every lover of the strawherry. But we aresorry, as
we goto press a great many who put off their orders late will not be able to be supplied, exceptin
small quantities.
Champion of Emgiand (S).—rhis berry was brought from England by an Eng-
lish gardener. The plant is one of the strongest grown ; very Jarge and healthy. The fruitissaid
to beimmenseinsize Berries have been exhibited that measured sixinches in circumference, and
fourteen berries have been picked that filled a quart box. Everyone should give this a trial.
Columbia (S).—thisis a bright scarlet berry, quite firm, and good size for an early berry.
It is claimed by some to be the largest early berry grown.
Devwy (S).—tThisis a very large, fine berry; a beautiful 2olor; nice large green calyx makes
itshowy. Try inasmall way.
Editia (P).—they all talk of large berries, but with us we have none that equal this. The
plant is rather small—instead of making plant, it makes fruit, and really .hat ie what we want.
We could not begin to pblish the good reports of this berry.
Wilmer Atkinson, editor of Farm Journal. writes May 26 1894: ‘‘I have your esteemed favor of
May 25th; also the Elith strawberries. They are certainly very fine.”
Samuel Miller, in Fruit Grower: ‘‘ Edith is the largest strawberry on my place this year. Well
worth having forits great size. I had onein circumference 7% by 434 inches.”’ ;
W.A Huntsman, Ray county, Mo.: ‘The Edith is a grand berry; large, productive, and firm.
T like it splendidly.”
Reports of 1898 on Edith confirm al! that has been said of this berry. Itis the largest, most pro-
ductive, and surest cropper we have, but the demand for plants last spring was so large that before
we had ours planted our stock was nearly all sold, so this year our stock is limited,
Enormous (P).—Wwe have been growing this berry for years, and would say it is well
named. The first year it fruited with us was by the side of Carrie, and two finer sights were very
mately seen. They were both grand. If it wasas firmand as good color as Carrie, it would be equal
o it.
Earliest (S).—Tnis is the earliest berry yet introduced except Darina, IvA, and Excrt-
sion. There are lots of early berries, but there are none to compete with this in earliness, size
color,and productiveness combined. The commercial grower who wants to keep up with the times
and make money ou ear y berries, will be behind who does not plant and get a stock as scon as pos-
sible. It is mre productive on two or three-year-old beds. Itis a handsome berry. We confidently
recommend this berry to every one who wants the best early. It makes runners quite freely, with
long deep roots, b 1t fr the best results of fruit, it will pay to keep runners eut. One dozen of these
plants, with ordinary soil and attention, will produce 1,000 plants first season, and a hundred
plants, 10,000, :
The ahove is what we said of FARLIEST last spring. We have again fruited this variety, and say
that we think more of iteach year. It comes early when no other varieties are ripe and sells for
more than double—no over-stocked market. Your berries are picked sold, and your money in your
pocket before most of the other berries ripen. Our early berries sold last year at from four to five
doliars per crate of 32 quarts, whilst later ones were hard to sell at one dollar.
You are pre'ty sure of astand. They grow whilst other varieties beside them die; but we do ask
those sah as them not to let them make too many plants. Where they stand too thick, keep run-
ners cut off.
The following is what Mr. A. I. Root, of Medina, O.. says in Bee Cu/ture. June 15, 1897. about
EARLIEST: ‘‘ The shape is perfect; the color is perfect also. In flavor itis one of the very finest of
the tart herries. The plant is a rampant grower; those set out last fall have a mass cf foliage as
large asa bushel basket. With us it has been at least two weeks in time of ripening ahead of
Mitchel’s Early.”
OswEcGo Co. _N.Y., December 15, 1897.
‘* Messrs. Thompson’s Sons,—We liked the growth of the CaRRIE and EARLIEST very much, The
man who set CARRIE plants said they had the finest roots of any plants he had ever set, and he had
set more strawherry plants than any other manin New York State. They madea nice growth. the
E/ RLIEST making the largest growth cf any plants on our place; each row of them issix feet wide.
Thy made over double the growth of Mitchel’s Early. I was at the Geneva(N. Y.) Experimental
Station in strawberry season, and they told me there that the EARLIEST was a Sagorsie iy ee all
. ARMER.
We merely speak of it here as we have often seen in some catalogues North that their customers
must not comnare their plants to those grown inthe South They either mean that their plants are
not as good as Sonthern grown stock or they are better Our plants grow nearly all winter, and we
defy anv grower who can produce or does produce better than we do. Our plants grow where
others die, side by side if planted at properseason. We have customers t>) whom we have shipned
plants hundreds of miles distant, who say our plants grow and do better than plants dug on their
own ground.
a hee New York FXPERIMENTAL STATION, September, 1896, Bulletin No. 109.
Earliest,” from Thompson’s So is, Rio Vista, Va. Among v>rievies fruited for the first time this
season, * Earliest ’* takes eigh'h place asto productiveness. This isa good showing when we take
into account ths fact thitit pr duced a greater ner cent of its cropthan did any other variety. It
produced 63 per cent. of its crop before June 15th (simply wonderful for New York State), whilst
Margaret stoud ninth in produc’iveness and nota ripe berry picked up to that date,
It succeeds everywhere. We have taken up plants with fully 18 inches of roots.
We have a million cf these plants for the trade this year, but we have a great
many orders, and those who wish them [n tea and twenty-thousand lots we can
make a special price.
10
Oh, have you heard the latest craze
The berry has come that all should raise 3
Its time is not brief, it has come to stay,
Then send in your orders without further delay.
Oh Earliest, Oh Earliest, the glory of the day,
Your time is not limited, you surely have come to stay.
Your luxuriant growth and foliage so green,
Not tarnished by rust, we have never seen
A plant so early, Oh that is the sound
Whose large clusters cover over the ground.
Oh Earliest, Oh Earliest, the g ory of the day,
Your time is not limited, you surely have come to stay.
Of earliness it hath no competition ;
Its merits are many, and all are replete ;
For further information if you will apply
To Thompson’s Sons who keep a full supply.
Oh Earliest, the berry of great renown,
Whose patrons can attest from many a distant town.
Edgar Queen (P),—tThis berry has been much neglected. It has most beautiful foli-
age; originated by the same person as Enormous, it is very late, large, and very productive. It will
l lease everyone for lateness.
Eureka (P).—tThis berry we introduced nine years ago, and it isa very productive late
berry ; needs rich, strong soil, and is a great plant maker; the runners shonld be cut so the plants
do not stand nearer than three to four inches.
Equinox (S).—this is the latest strawberry in our collection ; is very productive. The
New York Experimental Station, of Genova, N. Y..says: ‘‘ Fruit medium to large. Among the va-
rieties fruited for the first time this season (1896) this variety ranks second in productiveness.’
By planting Earliest, Carrie, and Equinox, there is no reason (the season being favorable) but what
ou can pick strawberries for five or six weeks. If sold alone, this berry is $1 per dozen ; $5 per 100;
But where Carrie and Earliest are taken together, an equal number of Equinox is sent free by mail
or express.
Evans (S).—This new berry was brought out by G. R. Evans, of Wicomico county, Mary-
land. The plant is very vigorous, very productive, strong runners, and entirely free from disease.
Berries very large ; sixteen have filled a quart; color light red ; quality best; round, and very uni-
form in shape; holds its size well up to the last picking ; early ; ripens up with Crescent. Shipped
with Bubach No. 5, it netted two cents more per quart, which, on one acre, means many more dol-
lars to the grower. Everyone should try this berry, particularly the commercial grower.
We fruited this berry last year for the first time, andit pleased us very much. It is a most excel-
ae prow, and seemed to stand the drought better than most varieties. Weshall plant largely of
is berry.
Epping (P).—prof. L. R. Taft, of Michigan Experimental Station, has the following to
sty: ‘*The plants are very strong, and came through the winter in good condition. They have an
excellant foliage, and were free from leaf blight; season medium. The berries were of large size,
round, conical in form, bright scarlet. They were quite firm, and among the most productive kinds
grown.” Try in asmall way.
Enhance (S).—we have been raising this berry now for nine years. Its originator was
Henry Young, of Ada, Ohio. It is a wonderful productive variety ; splendid to plant with pistillate
varieties ; it is quite firm, and late; makes many plants; runners should be kept cut for best results.
It is a good shipper.
Erie (S).—claimed by the originator to bethe best allround berry. The fruitisiarge and
symmetrical ; season late; is giving good satisfaction, from all we can hear. Try a few.
: —— (S).—tThis variety was introduced three years ago. The introducer has the fol-
OWilgtosay: % :
“For a long time fruit-growers have been looking for a strawberry that was both large and very
early, possessing all the necessary properties of vigor and productiveness of plant and firmness, fine
appearance, and good quality of fruit. The Eleanor is second to none in earliness, ripening with
Crystal City; in size rivalling the Sharpless, retaining its size well to the end; in productiveness
surpasses the Crescent; very healthy foliage.’
Gandy (S).—this isa'most beautiful=berry forlate market; very handsome; too well known
io speak much of; only lacking in one point—viz., productiveness. It is being superseded by
roma.
Greenville (P).—We have fruited this variety now five years, and it is a fine addition
to our standard varieties. Give Greenville good cultivation and it is wonderful the amount of
berries that can be produced on one acre. Wecan highly recommend it for near-by markets. Our
plants are very fine.
Fe OO
11
Glen Mary (P).—It is claimed to be larger than the Sharpless, and from one-fourth of an
acre at the rate of 1,280 quarts per acre were picked at one picking, and that twelve berries have
been picked that made one quart. We hope this ely will give general satisfaction. The Rural
New Yorker says the blossom is imperfect ; if so, it will need some perfect blossom beside itif you
expect good results.
Giant (S).—tThe originator says itis very large, many measuring six to seven inches in cir-
cumference ; round, smooth, and very solid, and keep in good order long e“ter being ripe. Try 4
few.
HMaverland (P).—It is useless to say much of this berry. After eieven years of introduc-
tion it has proved all we ever claimed. The advantages of Carrie over the parent, we claim, are
firmness, size, a better color, and a little larger foliage.
Mersey (S).—This berry is said to contain all the good qualities desired for home use or
market; is of excellent flavor. Itsform is very attractive, and its color a rich, dark red; very uni-
form in size; the vines are very thrifty and productive. Mr. Hersey says, in the Massachusetts
Ploughman, that under ordinary culture 1,000 quarts of fruit have been grown on a plot of ground
sixty feetsquare. It was also awarded first prize at the Strawberry Exhibition of the Massachusetts
Horticultural Society. Try them in a smal) way.
Hoffman (S).—This is a most beautiful early berry and a splendid shipper. Its great
fault is lack oi productiveness, but it is largely grown in the South.
Holland (P).—1s arank grower and wonderfully productive; fruit large to very large ;
of a dark reddish crimson color clear through ; solid and firm ; holdsits size well; a good shipper
Try a few.
Gertrude (5S). I¢ isa showy, healthy grower with light green foliage. The season is early,
ripening with Bederwood. The fruit is large and productive and firm. The plants resembl*
Haverland, only they are taller and heavier. Try a few.
Howell (S).—this is a berry that
has attracted a deal of attention where it
originated, in Tennessee. They are very
un#f rm in size. The general type is coni-
cal, of most excellent flavor, very handsome,
and solid. We have not space to give many
testimonials of them, but the originator.
thinks it the greatest on earth. Hear what
those who handle them say :
We, the undersigned, dealers in fruit and
vegetables on the Knoxville market, having
handled Howell’s Seedling strawberry for
the past four years, can without fear of con-
tradiction say that they are the largest,
sweetest, firmest, and in every way the most
satisfactory berry ever brought tc Knoxville
(the queen berry region of the United States).
Wereadily sellthem at 25 cents per quart
when other varieties (considered the finest)
godullatl0centsper quart. Wehavenever
had enough of them tosupply ourcustomers,
and would heartily recommend to growers
who desire to have berries that will always
command a ready sale at fancy prices, the
berry that, according to our judgment, leads
them all—Howell Seedling.
Wm. MORLEY,
B. P. FLENNIKEN,
H. E. DANIEL & Co.
Mr. Howell.—I have examined and tested your Howell berry, and am pleased to say that they are
the largest, sweetest, and finest berries I have ever seen. J. T. JOHNSON.
It affords me pleasure to testify to the fine size and delicious flavor of the strawberries sold me by
Mr. Howell of this vicinity, and known as Howell. I don’t think I ever saw more beautifully-
shaped berries, and certainly none could be more delicious to the taste, E. 8. McCune.
We have now fruited this berry 3 years, and would say to those who are looking for a fine berry
and one that will ship well, look weil, sell well, large size, beautiful crimson color, carries its berries
way up from the ground, wonderfully productive, healthy foliage, anda splendid grower, in fact
with usit is almost as near a perfect berry for the commercial grower that we have yet raised. We
planted it largely last spring because we knew its value. Weare proud to be able to speak so well
of our Howell berry, and it is bound to become a bata berry, and every one who gets this cata-
logue should see that the Howell is included in their collection. As a fertilizer for Carrie, it has
no equal, as the berries will market well together. We have put the prices this year within the
reach of all, but we will only sell to one person 500 plants.
After another year’s trial of this grand berry we must say, if we were confined to only one berry,
and that only medium early, we would say give us Howell. It is simply wonderful. It pleases
everybody, and those who are catering for a fancy berry will find it in Howell.
12
lent satistaction from all we have heard. Here is what the N i i i
ke I : ew York Experim :
nese eS Wa uct er ce we ve om it tho aly leh
1Ce, ar ; bright, sho scarlet ; from la -
fing one best, quality it blogms abundantly: a very perfect ower, with pollen of strong fert
paneer ae ee e best for ferti g other varieties. Taking all its good qualities,
Kdeal (S).—a strong, vigorous : frui min
i: : i ) plant; fruit large to very large: i
‘is broadly-heart shaped ; very uniform: said to bea few days emeliee iia nee Ne A anedert
better. It is firm ; of excelient quality: long season ; and the berry holds out good size to the last
Jersey Queen (P).—thisisa very fi ils ; i
ee ee - Jae = ry fine berry on some soils; excellent flavor; late in
Levett (S).—very:productive ; medium to large ; firm; ripens midseason to Iate long season
It is vigorous, healthy grower, and a strong staminate, making it a valuable variety for fertilizi z
Pistillates. Its color and productiveness make it a favorite.
\
Lady ‘Thompson (S).—it is only five years since this berry was introduced, but
we must say few berries have made their way as fast as the Lady ; and we canalsosay thatitis one
of the best-paying berries yetsentout. Its name and fame has spread ail over the United States.
The demands for the planis areenormous. its early ripening. large and evensize, withits colorand
shipping qualities, makes ita favorite with allshippers as wellas buyers. Our catalogue would
not hold half the good reporis we have heard of Lady Thompson. It is one of the earliest best
shippers; brightcolor; does notturn dark after picking like many; it brings the highest price in
the market. ‘There may be a person once in awhile that does not like it, but we have never heard
of but oneso far. If you want pianis. order early soas to besure of them. Our plants of this va-
riety are simply grand; never saw finer- e
The Lady is greatly improved 1n color by using fertilizers that contain large per cent. of potash.
E,amatian (S).—this berry was originated in Mississippi, and was sent to us by E. T. Hol-
lister, commission merchant. of St. Louis. 1t is c!aimed to be the best shipper, and arrived in St.
Louis market in better condition than any others. Very productive. Our advice is to try a few
first. If they are what you want, you can soen have plenty.
Murray’s Extra Early (P) —thisisa very early, fine berry, but, with “ Earliest”
and Darling as our standards, we find it no use, as they pay us much better.
Fiarshall (S).—it is very large, beautiful berry; handsome and attractive. Four years
ago we paid $10 per dozen forourstock. Tue originator claims to have counted 110 berries on & sin-
gle plant, and has produced 3,000 quarts on one-third ofan acre. It is quite early for a large berry ;
perfect form; dark crimson when fully ripe; itis alsofirm. Our plants are very fine.
Mitchel’s Early (S).—For extreme earliness this is a good berry. Where an early
perry is wanted we know of but four that are earlier—that is, Earliest, Darling, Ida, and Excelsior.
Musking hams (S).—This is a most beautiful berry, almost as round as an appie; dark
ted; mediumearly. Well worth trying.
Michigan (S).—This isclaimed to be the latest berry in cultivation; but with us, as
usual, Equinox is our latest,
Mary (P).—This is a very fine berry and one that should be in the hands of every grower.
Omega (8).—This is said to be one of the largest berries grown. It is very late, large, and
attractive. “orthy of trial in a small way.
Orange County (S).—originated in New York. Said to be very early, productive, of
excellent quality. One worthy of trial. 2
©cean City (S).—our plants are very nice. This was the first year it fruited with us,
but we dug our plants so close it had rather @ poor show, so we could not say much for or against it.
@riole (P).—An extra early berry. ripening only two or three days behind Mitchel’s Early ;
so say Messrs. Staymaker & Sons, the introducers. It is also a large berry, the average measurement
being an inch and a quartcr across the berry and four inches around ; very productive; a deep red
color, with colored seeds standing well out on thesurface. It is well worthy of trial.
13
Pride of Cumberland (S).—This
new berry came to us three yeurs ago the first time.
Mr. Frank Gandy, of Cumberland county, N. J., says:
‘There is nothing to compare with the Pride of Cum-
berland fr general market purposes and profit to the
grower, nor have I seen its equal anywhere. The
berry is large, solid, and of a deep red color. Itis of
fine flavor; double green caiyx, Making it very at-
tractive in appearance, and as a shipper it is unex-
celled by any. During the pist season it sold in
market from two to four cents per quart higher than
Gandy's Vride.’’
Of new varieties this is one of the good ones that
no oneshould overlook. If you only plant one dozen
or 100 don’t fail to try it. The fuliage isa very dark
green, and it wi'l surprise you the lead of fine fruit it
carries. It is simply wonderful. We wish we could
tell you only half the good reports of this berry.
BRIDGETON, N. J., 1895.
Mr W.S. Ganpy:
Dear Sir,—I have taken a greatinterest in your new
berry, Pride of Cumberland, aiid have visited it sev-
eral times at your place 10 find its probable value as a
— market herry. I find it one of the most beautiful
* berries I eversaw, of large, even size, of excelleit quality and productiveness. I believe it will sell
at two cents a box in price more than other variet es, Themark«tdemandsa large, beautiful berry,
a@ good carrier, and of evensize. I find all ot thisin your new berry. The plants you sent out are
always of the best I ever saw, and properly cared for, no one need lose one in a hundred
Yours truly, ELI MINCH.
(Smee seer --
Parker Earle (S! —tThis berry has become well known, itis needless to say much
of it. Itis simply a wonderful berry. Jt needs very rich soil—plenty of manure and _ plenty of
mosture. Tn'ess these areinthes il, itisimpossible for it to mature its enormous load of fruit;
it is useless to plant on poor thin soil, otherwise Parker Earle is a grand berry.
Puy
Princess (P).—tThis is something after the nature of Parker Earle—needs plenty of
moisture and rich land, and it isa grand berry, well worthy of trial as a large fancy berry.
Princeton Chief (P).—this is another berry after the same nature as the two
above—needs rich soil and plenty of moisture, Jt 1s a great runner, and the runners must be cut
out, orit stands too thick. The berry is very beautiful, a very large calyx making it very at-
tractive in the basket. It isan enormous yielder.
lwp = a : :
‘Rio (S).—It seems useless to say much of this berry. Itisone of our Big G Collection, in-
troduced six vears ago, and was this year the pride of the market at itsseason. It was admitted
by all thatit ws the best berry coming in market at the time. and sold readily for $1 to $2 more
per ene ae is a berry that needs plenty of potash and moisture to mature the enormous load of
fruit that it sets.
Saunders (S).—tThis is a seedling of John Little’s, and is a very fine berry.
Sharpless (S).—This is still a grand berry, particularly on stiff, heavy soil.
Shuster’s Gem (P).—tThis is also a very good berry on rich soil; rather soft for ship-
ping, but for near-by market, it certainly has shown us a most beautiful lot of fruit.
Staples (S).—this variety isa seedling of the Warfield, originated by a Mr. Staples, now
deceased, of Dayton, Ohio. The plantis only of moderate size, but one of the most vigorous and
healthy varietieseverseen. 4s mauy as 1,142 plants have been grown from one in a single season
by ordinary layering. A market gardener near Dayton set out forty-eight plants on August 12,
1292, and from them and their runners he had over four bushels in 1893. It is enormously pro-
ductive, and yet ithasa periect blossom. Weare inclined to think that it is destined to become a
favorite for both home useand market The fruit has brought from three to five cents a quart
more than other varieties where itis best known. last Juneit sold for thirty-five centsin Dayton
at the beginning of theseason. The fruit is about the size and shape of the Warfield, hasa slight
neck, and the color is very dark, glossy red. It is doubtful if any other variety is so dark clear
through. The quality is superior to most Cark berries,
Solendid (S).—J. 7. Leyett describes it as “a valuable new variety that is giving satis
faction, and is well worthy of confidence. It }ossesses a healthy strong plant, of luxuriant growth
evel more productive than bubach; the berries are medium to large, glob: Jar in shape of bright
color and attractive in arpearance; moderately firm, and of very gond quality. It is desirable for
home use or market, and we believe that it will give general satisfaction. Early.”’
Sunrise (P).—The following is what Messrs, G. HW. & J. H. Hale sav:
‘‘ A very vigorous-growing plant of the Crescent type, f ‘tive, an i
third larger.” Try a few at least, ype, fully es productive, and averaging one-
14
Saltzer’s Everbearing.—uwr. £. J. Hull says the following: “This is an ever-
bearing variety, and is the only onel have found yet. The plants are small, and the berries also,
or mild flavor. I picked ripe berries every month from June till November, last season. Try a few.’”
_ Tubbs (S).—we have fruited this berry now three years, and would say at the season it
Tipens it is a grand berry, and is hard to beat. It is of large size, wouderfully productive, very firm,
and is one that catches the eye of the buyer. It is an excellent grower, and stands our drouth well.
It is a grand berry for the commercial grower.
‘TennysOn.—the following is what Messrs. J. T. Lovett & Co. say: ‘'Some of the finest.
berries we have seen the past season were of this variety. Though rather irregular in shape, they
are of great size, bright scarlet, firm, and of excellent quality. The plant is a fine grower, with
abundant, tough, healthy foliage, bearing early in the season a heavy crop of very handson'e fruit.
Later it produces a second crop, which, though in smaller quantities, are equaily beautiful and
fiue flavor, the plants continuing to produce ripe berries sparingly until early frost. This unusual
foes ob evernen rings which is eee mu Be or less in accordance with circumstances, gives
amily garden; for which i T i
qhatitealle conver yg ts large size, handsome appearance, and good
~ Tennessee Prolific (S).—when we introduced this berry, four years ago, to our
customers in our Big © Collection, a great many thought we held greatclaims. So we did, and do
yet claim that our Big 6 Collection—viz., Rio, Ivanhoe, Isabella (or No Name), Cyclone, Aroma, and
Tennessee Prolific—was at that time six of the best varieties ever introduced by any nurse
or fruit-grower in the United States, and they have all turned out standard varieties. We have the
finest lot of plants this year of this variety we have ever grown, and are in shape to make the prices
lower than most growers can afford to, and in an order of 50,000 lots we will send free 1,000 plants of
Murray’s Extra Early while the stock lasts. The following is what Mr. O. W. Blacknall, of North
Carolina, one of the largest growers, says:
‘“ TENNESSEE PROLIFIC —This is a seedling of Crescent and Sharpless; inheriting great productive-
ness from Crescent and very large size from the Sharpless. No variety hasever before become so.
widely and quickly popular. The sight of itin fruiting timeis all that is needed to convince one
ef its value. It is a member of the great triumvirate of staminates, of which Gandy Belle and
Woolverton form the othertwo. These three surpass in size, productiveness, beauty, and general
excellence anyof the medium early staminates. Fora grower notto have them is ‘ not to be in it.’
In some sections and onsome soils one isa little better, and at different place anotheris better. But.
all are good everywhere so far as tried, and I have taken special pains to get the facts in regard to
them from every part of the country. This is not ‘the comsing berry,’ for the simple reason that it
hasalready come, and cometostay. We have never heard anything but praise of this berry, and it
will make your eyes open to see acres of them.”’
Hear what F. M. Hexomer, editor of American. Agriculturist, says:
; NEw YorRK, July 1, 1895.
‘* Thompson’s Sons,—Yours of yesterday received. The place where I planted the sample straw-
berries last year has changed hands. I was very favorably impressed with all of the Big @ Collec-
tion, especially Cyclone, Ivanhoe, and (No Name) isabella. When I haves permanent place again
I shall certainly endeavor to give these varieties another and more complete trial.”
Why we named this collection was that all six were grand berries and all had perfect blossoms.
Wan Demian (S).—this is a most beautiful berry; early; splendid shipper and good
color, but it does not give general satisfaction, and is not worthy of sogoodaname. The first year
oF enod gave the best of satisfaction, but seemed to go backward. It was introduced with the best
of confidence.
Wictor Hugo (P).—this variety is very highly recommended wherever tried. I have
received letters from different parts of the country praisingit. The plants are all that could be de-
sired. Thisis one of the earliest, ripening ahead of Crescent. It is one of the most productive
berries in cultivation. The berries are large and very firm. Include some of this variety in your
order E. J. HULL, Pennsylvania.
Wm. Bell (S).—tThe following is from M. Crawford’s catalogue report for 1896 :
‘‘The plant is very large, a most luxuriant grower, and remarkably productive. Attheend of last
year’s drouth, early in November, it was not surpassed for green, healthy appearance by any one of
over 100 varieties on my place. Its blossoms are perfect, and it seems that each one is followed by a.
berry. It is medium in ripening—neither very early nor very late. Its size is very large indeed.
No other variety ever gave me s0 many immense berries. In picking twelve quarts from a ma
row, with good common culture, I selected thirty-seven that filled three quart baskets, and the
other nine quarts were all large. I have seen eight-inch berries on spring-set plants within ten
weeks of planting. In form itis conical, rather long, and quite uniform in shape, except that the
first berry on a fruit stalk is sometimes misshapen, especially with high culture. The color isa.
brilliant, glossy red—as near perfection as waseverseen inaberry. Itripens ail over without green
tips. The quality is good—better than is usually found in large berries.”
With us this berry has neither size, production, nor any other qualities that we can recommend.
We are glad to hear that it does well with some. Will make the price of plants low, as we wish to
dispose of them.
Weston (P).—1It does not seem to make much progress here—of very litile value.
Warfield No. 2 (P).—trnhisisstill one of our standard varieties; fertilized with Rio,
we find it does better than any other variety in productiveness. It is simply wonderful. It has one
great fault—it makes and sets too many plants. The runners must be cut off for best results.
Wolverton (S).—tThis is another most beautiful berry; firm, good color, large, anda
good shipper.
15
Williams (S.)—we have been growing this berry for years, and it does splendidly for us.
Everyone should try a few.
West Lawn (S.)—We have had this berry a number of years. It is a most beautiful berry;
color beautiful. It seems to do better on two-year beds. No one will ever regret planting West
Lawn. ; ore ‘
This berry is like “‘ Earliest’’ in one particular, that is, it is very productive on two-year beds, I¢
is one of the very best berries in cultivation. Itssize, color, firmness, and shipping qualities will
command the highest price.
J.W HILL Printing Co
Seaford (P. )—This new berry was introduced two years ago for the first time. Being of
much value, we took good care of same and havea nice stock of very fine plants. We will here
give you the words of the introducers:
Seaford Strawberry (some claim Seaford and Lloyd same.)—At the head of the list we put
this berry, now offered to the public for the first time. Found as a chance seedling, apart from
other plants, its bright and vigorous habit of growth attracted the attention of a farmer, who
stayed the hoe uplifted to destroy it as a weed, and instead transplanted and watched it. The
reward came in a berry of tremendous size and beauty, produced with an abundance that was
simply astonishing. The years that have gone by have only confirmed the first judgment, and
we offer Seaford to the public with confidence in its extraordinary value as a market strawberry.
During the past season, a field of Bubach—a standard and reliable sort—had some six long
rows of Seaford planted in its center for testing purposes. The fruiting time came, and the
contrast between the two berries was most marked. Bubach bore a good crop of large, showy
fruit; but beside it Seaford bore an immense crop of enormous strawherries—not less than four
times aS many baskets were picked to the row from Seaford!
The color is deep red, bright and glossy, and it is a color that goes under the skin, for Sea-
ford is pre-eminently a solid, red-fleshed variety, and consequently an assuredly successful
shipper. The flavor is good, with very little acid.
In a strawberry for market-growing, size, productiveness, and good shipping quality are all-
important; and it is in these particulars that Seaford is a most remarkable acquisition. The
strong and vigorous plants produce fruit clusters of great size, bearing handsome fruit of pro-
portionately great size. €
We commend this new berry to our friends with confidence born of experience with it in test
with all the leading varieties of the day; it will easily keep at the head of the procession. The
fruit sent to market in 1896, promptly brought higher returns and a demahd from the commis-
sion men for ‘* more.” ;
After fruiting this berry for the first time this year we would say it pleases us very much. It is
large, firm, and we recommend it. Our plants of this variety are very large, so large we have to cut
off the roots to save charges. It is one of the earliest. f
—_—
CLARK Co., ARK., Oct. 18, 1898.
Gents:
The plants came Monday in strictly first-class condition. An extra fine lot
‘well rooted. Jno. R. Boppre.
16
Ruby (S.)—This comes highly recommended from Illinois, and is believed to be a seedling
of Crescent and Sharpless. It is a chance seedling that came up with a number of others in an
old quince orchard where an old strawberry bed had been plowed under before the crop was
all harvested, owing to the low prices of the fruit at that time. The originator says: ‘*I had
quit growing strawberries for market some years ago, but thinking the seedling worthy of gen-
eral planting, I decided to try it in field culture on a scale large enough to show its character as
ashipper. I therefore planted several acres of it anda few rows of other standard varieties,
such as Capt Jack, Warfield, Bubach, Haverland, Greenville, etc., for comparison. The result
has been that Ruby has proven itself to be a better berry in every way than any of these or later
introductions up to the present time. All plants, no matter how late they take root in the fall,
fruit the following spring. Its good points are: Strong, healthy plants; large staminate blos-
som; uniformly productive; fruit of large size: dark red color clear through; firm enough to
ship well; a fine keeper after being picked; and of the highest quality. If it has any fault I
have failed to discover it.”
Puree says: “I deem Ruby one of the very best of the hundred varieties I have
growing.
Manwell (S.)—The Manwell strawberry originated in Iowa by Allen D. Manwell. This
berry is a seedling of the Crescent fertilized with the Sharpless, and is described by the origi-
nator as follows: ‘- The Manwell combines all the good qualities of both parents. It has avery
small calyx, which does not part from the berry without an effort; in fact it retainsits hull (cap)
better than any variety we have yet tested. This, combined with its firmness, large size and
glossy crimson color, makes it the great shipper that itis. Our customers when ordering say :
‘Send us all the Manwells you can, as it is difficult to sell Warfield and other small berries by
the side cf those Manwells, which are the finest we ever saw.’ We have fruited this berry five
seasons and it retains the vigor of the originalpiant. It ripens all over at once without any
3reen tips. It has a perfect blossom, and bears its fruit on large fruit stems which often bring
to perfection as many as twenty berries on a singlestem. It is not immensely large, but its
great beauty, firmness, earliness, good flavor, productiveness, and vigor, combined with good
Size, make it exceedingly popular. Ripens at same time as Crescent.”—Originator’s description.
The Manwell fruited here on spring-set plants and bore some very fine fruit.
Mele (P.) originated by A. H. Griesa, Kansas, originator of the Kansas raspberry. The
following is what he says: The Mele strawberry, which is a chance seedling, was first planted
beside the Crescent for trial, where 1t produced plants freely and was more productive than
even the famous Crescents were. Then in August it was set beside a row of Timbrells, where it
produced as well under these uneven conditions. Then it was setin June where others had
failed in the spring planting, beside the Splendid, Marshall, Mary, Rio, Tennessee Prolific, Parker
Earle, Cycione, Aroma, and others, where it made full rows of plants, in which some others
failed, and in its fruiting was more productive to the plant or row.
In the spring of 1895 they were set like other plants, and given the same care from the start,
and to-day the greater productiveness over such aS Ocean City, Berlin, Bismark, Brandywine,
Eaoe King, and many others, is apparent. I mention these trials to show the comparisons
made. -
Toe merits of the Mele are its exceedingly healthy plant, foliage, and productiveness. The
berry is not the largest size, but larger than the Crescent, and holds out its size well to the last.
It isuniformly round, never coxcomhb, no sharp tips, ripens eyenly, of bright color, moderately
firm with very small calyx, and every plant productive when not too closeinarow. It has the
least unproductive plants of any except Parker Earle, woich makes butfew plants. Then, un-
like many others, it does not succumb to rust because it is a great crop producer, but grows at
once a crop of plants as if that was its chief mission.
Plow City (S.)—-The following is what is said by E. J. Hull: This is the latest berry I ever
fruited of any variety yet introduced. Fine, ripe berries June 17th, twenty days later than
Staples and Bederwood. Plants are of Haverland type; fruit dark red; firm; good flavor.
Gertrude (S. )—It is a showy, healthy grower with light green foliage. The season is early
ripening with Bederwood. The fruit islarge and productive and firm. The plants resemble
Haverland, only they are taller and heavier. Try afew.
Princeton Uhiet (P.) - Wwe have fruited this berry a number of years, and we find it a very
productive, handsome berry. It has one of the largest green caylx of any berry we have; itis
a great plant maker, and the cultivator must be kept moving or the runners cut or plants set
too thick.
Sparta (S.)—rTnhis berry was originated on the farm of M. A. Thayer, of Wisconsin.
Jersey Market.— Introduced two years ago by Messrs. J. T. Lovett & Co., and they have
the following to say [it has made a remarkable growth here considering the dry season]:
“ The Jersey Market originated in New Jersey, and has been fully tested by us. In a general
way it is an improved Charles Downing, resembling that old reliable and favorite variety 1 ap-
pearance, but is larger, firmer in texture, and with large, abundant clean foliage that has never
been affected by rust or scald. The berries are bright crimson in color and of large but not of
mammoth size, being remarkably uniform in both size and color. They are above the average
in firmness, of rich delicious quality, and ripen in mid-season. Plant of exceptionally strong,
healthy habit, and a heavy, reliable yielder under all conditions; blossom pistillate It is not
What might be termed a fashionable or aristocratic berry (one that, under favorable conditions,
will elicit the admiration of the few), but a ‘strictly business’ sort—one that everybody can
depend upon and not be disapointed.”
Essex Co., Va., July 18, 1898.
Thompson’s Sons:
I got some plants from you four years ago that proved satisfactory, and some
since from —— that did not, bought much cheaper. * *
A. D. GARNETT.
17
Cobden Queen (P.)—originated by J. McCaffrey, Illinois, the following is what Mr. B. G.
Mendenhall, secretary and treasurer of Southern Illinois Horticultural Society :
“J. McCajrey, Cobden, lil.
Dear Sir,—You write asking my opiniod as regards your new strawberry, Cobden Queen. I
don’t think can add any stronger language in its favor than did a year ago. It is a remarkable
berry, both in fruit and plant. Have been fruiting it now two years, and have visited your place
to see it both years (one hundred miles froin here), and am so favorably impressed with 1t shall
continue to urge its being planted. Could not give any statement other than just what I really
believe, as to your fruit, or on that of any other.
Allow me to add that your Cobden King is a wonderful bearer, a fine flavor, good color, none
better as a fertilizer, stands drought well, but can recommend only for home market, little too
soft to carry a long distance.”’
Maytrott (S).—Report of Rural New Yorker Grounds, 1896: ° -
June 8.—This is to-day one of the most productive varieties that we have. Though the pen-
dicles seem stout, they are not strong enough to hold the very heavy clusters of fruit. The
variety bears through a long season. Berries crimson color, heart-shapea, generally regular;
above Medium size ; fairly firm ; fair quality.
Morgan’s Favorite.—Mr. E. J. Hull, of Lackawana county, Pa., says of this berry: I fruitea
this variety last year for the first time. The plants are very large, strong, and healthy, even
larger than Marshall. I fruited 144 varieties of strawberries last season, and the fruit of this
variety was the largest of any. Flavor very sweet; rather soft. Forhome use and near market
itis allright. If you want big prices for your berries plant Morgan’s Favorite.
Magoon (S).— This is a new berry from the Pacific Coast. We find it healthy ; a good plant-
maker ; foliage healthy. The following are some of the claims by the introducers:
** Best shipper known in this valley. Unlike all other large berries, it is firm and solid.”’
*“ Brought over 25 per cent. more in the market than other berries this year.”
* Perfect in color, size, shape, and flavor.”
** Superior to any for canning or shipping.”
“ Plants continue in full bearing five years.”’
“Third picking on June 30th, averaged a box of berries to the plant.’
“This year all kinds of berries were a Short crop, but two rows of five-year-old Magoons aver-
aged nine pounds to the plant.”
Improved Parker Earle (S).—this is claimed to be an improvement of the old variety. Not
fruited with us yet, so cannot say.
Hunn (S).—This is claimed to be the latest berry in cultivation. Not fruited here yet.
Patrick (S).—1It is claimed to be very early, and four times as productive as Mitchel’s Early.
Not fruited here.
King Worthy.—1t is claimed to be large, splendid color, very attractive, and very firm.
’ Drouth King (P).—claimed to be an improved Crescent. Larger, firmer, better color and
more productive.
Ridgeway (S).—The Rural New Yorker claims in 1897 it was one of the most promising new
varieties.
Star (S) -—This is claimed to be very Jarge and handsome, something the shape of Gandy. Its
season is about with Haverland. lt has not fruited here yet, butis highly recommended.
Marguerite (S).—Claimed to be very productive; fruit extra large size. Needs high culture.
It has not fruited here.
Nick Ohmer.—tThis is claimed to be one of the promising new varieties. It has not fruited
here yet, but made a very poor growth. We hope it will prove all that is claimed.
e
Delaware (S).—This is a new berry, highly praised. Not fruited here yet. Introduced last
spring,
Hall’s Favorite (S).—originated with J. W. Hall, of Md. This berry plerses us very much,
and is claimed to be doing wellin a great many places. It is wel! spoken of by the Ohio Experi-
mental Station and many others. We cheerfully recommend this berry for trial
FRIEND THOMPSON: Lucas County, OHIO, July 17, 1897.
Carrie pleased me very much this year; it was better than Haverland.
W. W. FARNSWORTH, Sec’y Ohio State Hort. Society.
BERGEN Co., N. J., April 4, 1898.
Thompson’s Sons. i
I have been so busy that I could not find time to tell you about the arrival of the Strawberry
lants—thirtyv-iwo varieties. ‘Through care'essness of our jocal express they remained on the dock
in New York over thre days, but in spite (f that they unpacked in perfect order showing v hat
skilied packing wil do. You ccrtainly are to be commended on three pcints—skill in packing Jor
long distance, nice grading, and clean, heaithy stock. it looks as if you had discarded the small
plants. * * M. MATTESON,
RICHMOND, VA., July 1, 1896.
THOMPSON’S SONS: y :
The IXing red raspberry as I see brought to this market by you is the finest, largest, brightest
color, 2nd sells the best of any red raspberry I have ever seen, and I have been growing rasp-
berries for thirty-five years. J. W. Nieuw (formerly of Piqua, Ohio.)
Thompson's Sons: BARTON (‘o.. Mo., March 25, 1898.
Strawberry plants received in good condition. Many thanks for the extra.
J. W. BRANSON
18
NAMES.
We will be pleased to have anyone who receives this catalogue to send us a list of names of
parties who are actually interested 1n what we have for sale.
CORRECTION OF OUR MAILING LIST.
If parties receive more than one catalogue, we would be pleased to have you notice wrapper,
and let us know what letter is written on same—A, B, C, D, and so on,so we can tell in what
book your hame appears. Should any party get our catalogue who does not want same, please
‘drop us a line, and your name can be taken off our list. But please observe the letter on wrap-
per, SO we can find same.
In Gardening, July 15th, by John Craig: ‘‘These thoughts were impressed upon me in looking
over the varieties under test m the Cornell Experiment Station grounds. The following are some
berries that would appeal to the amateur; of medium size, round, crimson, glossy, with prominent
seeds, and, like most berries of this type, very high flavored: Carrie, a seedling of Haverland, with
dark green, healthy, deeply cut leaves; berries pointed or conical, glossy, dark red, fairly firm, rich,
and luscious. It may be that Carrie will be prized by the professional who caters toa fancy market.
‘The last berries of the season seem to be equal to the first.
PRICES OF STRAWBERRIES FOR SPRING OF 1899.
__ We never had a finer lot of plants than this year. Where large quantities are wanted of
‘different varieties send your list. and we wi!l do the very best we can.
We pay postage on dozen lots. If 100 lots are wanted by mail, add 20 cents per 100t0 pay
postage; 1,000 lots go by express, purchaser paying charges,
Doz. | 100 1,000 |, | Doz. | 100 | 1,000
— —_— | —<
AnnaKennedy..... . .|$ 25 |$1 00 \s 400 || King Worthy....... $ 2% |$1 00 $800
Aroma (fine) 2 2) os .| 2%| | 400/] Ida(very fine,fall) ...| 500
BEGCK WOOO: Bo 20 ae. Eirems 20 50 250 |; Jersey Market (fine) . 25 75 5 00
Brandywine ..... -«s-| 2 50 2 00 | aeOVOLE . anes sateen hae oti oe 50 | 2 00
CHEM | ei senene yas 25 75 4 00 || Lady Thompson (fine) -. . 20 40; 20@
BISER Se a. sue tee 25 50 400 |} Lanahan ((Shipper).... 30 | 1 00 | 6 08
BOUNCER ne ire see +2 25 50 400 || Margaret (fine)....:. 25/100! 6 08
H. W. Beecher (fine). ... 20 50 3°00 }aehice= fs-oneee Ae ae 25 1 00 | 8 00
Bubach No. 5 (ine). .. ... 20 50 200 |} Murray’s Extra Early... 20 50; 300
Hoist dU Ree eee teen me 20 50 3°00 |jeMaytrotts = = i PS. 30 | 100) 6 00
Brunette ys bee aks ie 20 50 4 00 |} Marshall... .. ‘ 20 50} 4 08
EVETICy SS. ihc 1 He Ber sae 20 50 2 00 || Morgan’sFavorite(fine) . 25 50 | 3 00
Bismark (fine). . ....! 2 75 3 00 |' Mitchei’s Early. ..... 20 40! 200
Cobden Queen (fine) .... 50422. 60'1" 20 00 eMacbony ot Sesr 202 os 2a 25 | 100/ 8 00
CIVGE(HHE) HOt siete lone 20 50 3 00 |; Muskingham ....... 20 40} 200
CYCIONC SNe, ay = ad cite 20 50 2.50 eWangely. 7 ee ee 25 | 100] 6 00
CHESCENG GS) 12) Fs Fe. ete 20 40 2.00 |geiiary (nme). cow se cee 20 40 | 300
Cumberiang:. (205 02 ns 20 50 2 00 eetichigan er. ee iS eres 20 75 | 5 00
Clarence (fine). . . .. < .|/2°00 2 00°} 100 00 WENaeck Ohmer. 2. 2. : : 50 | 2 00 | 10 00
CRABTIO HME NE OS eke ee 75 | 400} 3000 |} Omega (fine,late)..... 25 75 | 5 00
Champion of England... 25 | 1 00 6 00 |} Orange County ...... 25 50 | 4 00
Cormmbia-ss 6c. oa: b. 20 50 2°00 ‘Meeriole ter ©. Seale 20 50 | 2 50
DWarhine (HME) sot eal ts 2 00 |12 00 | 100 00 OceaniG@ity. 3s co he ae 20 50 | 3 00
seme ages Se a A ie a 25 | 1 00 400 (aParker Harle 2". S Sad 22 20 50 | 4 60
ProutheBin we. isc us ‘s 25 | 200; 1009 |; Patrick . oe tes 25 | 100} 6 00
Delaware 29.0052 ae 50 |} 200; 1000 || Princeton Chief...... 20 40 | 3 00
Excelsior: .i) <i rer, Plow City . Lhe seen 25 75 | 5 00
Edith (largestofall).. 50 | 250 20 00 Pride of Cumberland (fine) 25 | 1 00 5 00
BVOTMOUSHE: .c600) Sate we: 20 65 4°00 HPErINCeSS.. 2k Ae Sree 25 50 | 3 00
‘Marhest Gime) as eo 50 | 1 00 5.00 PRED SS wee 50 | 3 00 | 15 00
Edgar Queen (fine)... -. | 20 50 3:00. (eRIO(GNEe): - 2 eee ey ene 20 40 | 200
Hureka (fine, dace). Sas on 25 50 3 00 |} Ridgeway (fine)...... 25 | 1 00 | 10 00
Equinox (latest). ..... 40|200; 1000/]| Star(fine).... we 25 | 1 00 ; 10 08
FVORS: he SS. aere ce ee 25 75 4 00 || Saltzer’s Everbearing. . . 40 | 2 00 | 15 00
Eppin pS ii 2 A 20 50 2 50 Seaford (Lloyd) ...... 25 | 100; 600
FMNRANCE =e. : : 20 50 2°00 sparta: oe. oe eee 25|100; 250
HEPIG oie hoe oe, Goa Seat ee 20 50 NAUNGETSE RS’ eae secus y 25 40; 300
ReaAM OT sh Reo e eee Gr aee 25 40 200 fieoharpless’ . 2 cee a 20 40} 258
Hendrick ffine) ok Spe | 2 00 }12 00 | 100 00 ||] Shuster’sGem....... 20 40 | 250
Gandy (iste) se <2 .25 ki 20 40 2 00 ieestapleso. =. <sees-2 5) Ave 20 40} 3 00
Greenville (fine) Some tone 20! °40 200 Mesplendiges es ee Sie 20 50] 2.50
Glen Mary (fine). ..... 5 | -% | 3.00 MpSumrise: .. 6 sineiei nd ey eee
Gerarnue 2 i.22.' Daw wile O5 Joona 4 00 |} Sunny Side a Ma Caessenes 20 50] 250
Moet TEG sn NS.) ete. © tee cues eee) 25 | 75 5 00 fi; Tennyson (fine)... . 2% 25 | 100] 8 00
-Hall’s Favorite (fine) ... 25 | 50 5 00 || Tennessee Prolific (fine) . 20 40} 200
Haverland (fine). ..... 20 50 2 50 PRUDDS HOO) Aer k,08 Reap 20 40} 3090
Hon (atest) 2 Se 50 .1/2'007)° 10 00 MMerimpren. . s,s Ss ee 20 40} 300
ER rie es ee 20 50 250 GieVan Deman oo 2.) 20 40 | 3 00
Le ay ARI ponte oie } 2 50 4 00 || Victor Hugo (fine)... .. 40 | 100; 8 00
Howell (very fine). .... 50 |:3,00:]..20 00 #ieWilliam Belg ss eee 25 50| 4 00
Bk a I i lle dat ie 40|100| 800 | Warfield No.2... 1! 20| 40| 200
PO TOE oR Se ay eco ee we 25 75 | 10 00 ie wolverton.).. 2S i. eae 20 40 | 3 00
NECAIE Ne arts ks ae ee ee 25 75 5 OO WNP Williams .5.. tae eae 20 40 | 300
Improved Parker Earle ..|° 25/200; 1500 || West Lawn (fine)..... 25 |100/;] 8 00
Isabella or Gandy Belle . . 20 50; 250)|} Weston .......... 25 50] 3 00
Jersey Queen... .....), B 50; 3 00)
f
4
+
¢
és
+>
19
Our Big 6 Collection No.2 for Spring, 1899.
No. I, Darling (S).—'The most productive early strawberry ever sent out. This berry is
sold only on restrictions. Those that buy cannot sell, exchange, give away, or any other way
dispose of them this spring or next fall for less than $3.00 per 12, $20.00 per 160, $150.00 per 1,000,
and for the spring and fall of 1899 the prices will be $2.00 per 12, $12.00 per 100, $100.00 per 1,010.
Every one in ordering these plants will please put on their order the following: We agree to
the restrictions of the Darling strawberry for the years 1898 and 1899. [Signed] ——————_..
In case you fail to Sign said contract at the time, the purchase of plants is sufficient that you
agree to same and we hold the purchaser just as liable as if he had signed same. : ?
The above is the condition that Darling was sold under last spring, So any one who violates this
contract is doing himself a aa fe eICe, be ed being liable to us. The Price of Darling for
1899 is, $2.00 per 12; $12.00 per 100; .00 per 1,000. hw. ow, :
After ais vers iui Sali we oh. convinced that for a home berry Darling is the earliest yet intro-
duced, it makes a great many plants, and for best results must not stand too thick.
No. 2, Earliest (S).—Tnis berry has been thoroughly tested North and South by our Ex-
perimental Stations and prominent growers, and their testimony isthat it is from one to two
weeks earlier than any other berry in cultivation. It will stand the most severe drougths, and
grow while other varieties will die side and side. Price, 30 cents per 12, $1.00 per 100, $5.00 per
+}
_ No. 3, Carrie (P).—a daughter of Haverland tried and proven by our Experimental Sta-
tions and pronounced an improved Haverland in color, size, firmness, productiveness, and every-
thing that constitutes a grand berry. For testimonials see other part of this Catalogue.
Price, 75 cents per 12, $4.00 per 100, $30.00 per 1,000.
No. 4, Clarence (S).— This is another berry originated by our father, M. T. Thompson,
and is one of the most peculiar berries we ever saw. hen it commences to ripen, it has little
scarlet Streaks running all around, and as soon as they appear it is ready to pick. It will keep
for days, and ripen all over alike in two days. It has one of the prettiest colors we ever saw,
and so firm it can beshipped hundreds of miles. For near-by market you can pick and keep it
for two or three days, and it will look better than most berries freshly picked. $2.00 for 12, $12.00:
per 160, $100 per 1,000.
No. a) Howell (S).— One of the most beautiful large berries we ever saw. Immensely pro-
ductive, and produces some of the largest trusses of berries we ever saw, that are held up by a very
strong truss. It is not only a grand berry for home use, but is firm and is a splendid shipper. Its
season is medium to kate, and isa most splendid companion for Carrie. It has a most beautiful,
healthy foliage, anda good plant maker. 75 cents per 12, $3.00 per 100, $25.00 per 1,000.
No. 6, Pride of Cumberland (S).—In this berry we find something wonderful. Its large
size, firmness, productiveness, good grower, splendid shipper, beautiful color, large green calyx,
make it one of the handsomest berries we ever saw, and no one can make any mistake in planting
largely of it. 25 cents per 12, $1.00 per 100, $4.00 per 1,000,
The above constitutes our Big G Collection No. 2 for 1899. All have a perfect blossom except
Carrie. With sucha collection your berry season will last from four to five weeks at least, and in.
order to make our customers one of the finest collections of strawberries ever introduced, we will
make the following liberal offer while stock lasts, viz.: We will send by mail, postage paid, to any
post-office in the United States and Canada, 12 plants of each variety for only $6.00; 100 plants of
each variety, 600 plants in all, by mail or express (we pay charges) for only $30.00. This may seem
rather high, but these are all fine plants, healthy foliage, good runners, and with proper care, planted
at proper season, each variety will make enough plants this season to plant an acre next spring.
That would be only $30.00 laid out now for enough plants topiant six acres and to spare, which would
he less than $500 per acre. Jn this grand offer we will send 6 plants of each variety for $3.00, 50 of
each variety for only $15.00, whilst stock lasts. Don’t put your orders off too Jate, for we are sure to
run short of plants of some variety. Last spring we refused orders for over 30,000 Carrie, and near
the same amount of Howell, also Clarence, and are satisfied we will not be able to fill all the large
orders that will come this year.
How Far Can You Ship Plants Safely by Express or Mail? Read the Following:
ST. CATHARINES, ONT., CANADA, April 3, 1898,
Thompson's Sons:
I have received my 2,000 Cabbage and Strawberry plants to-day, and thank you for your prompt
attention to my order. In regard to the plants I must say that they are the finest leversaw. They
icok as though they were fresh dug this A. M. instead of coming from Rio Vista. They had laid in
the express office two days, but don’t look it. LEW GRAY.
SHasTA Co., CaL., December 19, 1898.
Thompson's Sons:
The Big & Collection No. 2 of Strawberry plants that I ordered last spring came to hand three
days after card notifying me of shipment, and all grew nicely, although they had been a little too
warm on the way. = SAMUEL HILTON.
BLUFFTON, Mo., March 29, 1898.
Friend Thompson:
The plants all here O. K. Thanks for them so early. The ‘Earliest’ are the finest plants I ever
saw. . MILLER.
If any person ever knew a good plant it is Sam’! Miller. When you place your orders better not
be penny-wise and pound-foolish—buy the best or nene.
KING, $5,000 RED RASPBERRY.
It is with the greatest confidence we now offer what we think the most beautiful red raspberry
ever Sent out. Itis the brightest red; most easily picked. While in the past season red rasp-
berries sold at four and five cents per quart, we had more demand for our King than we could
furnish at from eight to twenty cents per pint. In the field it wasthe universal cry with every-
one that saw them: ‘ This is the finest red raspberry Iever saw. What kindare they? I must
have some plants,” etc. Itisneedless for us to say any more. Read afew of the many testimonials
we have from the best authorities North and South. The King originated by our father in
Ohio eight years ago, and is succeeding in the North fully as well as in the South. It is the
brightest red ever put on the market, and can be sold where other varieties go a-begging, and
at double the prices. Everybody wantsthem. The prices will remain the same for two years—
viz.: Twelve, $3; one hundred, $20. One hundred plants, well cared for, in two years will easily
make from 5,000 to 10,000 plants. Get your plants thisfall if you can. Dozen lots go by mail
prepaid; larger lots by express.
Report of Prof. H. E. Van Deman, Pomologist, Washington, D. C.:
‘* From Thompson’s Sons, Rio Vista, Va. Round medium size; light crimson color; droops
largely; few with suture very plainly marked; moderately firm, and of excellent quality. A
seedling of Thompson, ripening at about the same time, but larger and more productive.”
We would add, this berry the last three years looks very promising. It has a most beautiful
dark foliage, and hoids its color good. Wesenta few berries by mailto J T. Lovett Company,
Little Silver, N. J., June 21, 1893. This is what they say: ‘* The berries received in good condi-
tion, which is a very unusual thing for raspberries sent by mail, proving their exceptional firm-
ness. The King is certainly a large and handsome berry. We would like to know more of it.”
Mr. Samuel Miller, of Bluffton, Mo , writes that from one plant he had on trial in the fall of
1892, it bore some of the most beautiful red raspberries he had seen for years. We shall watch
further developments of this berry v.ith great interest. We have 1n about one acre now, and
this season will give us a fair chance to see what this new-comer will do in Virginia, at least.
Should it continue as it has done, it will be what every person will want. Itis firm, early,
large, and such a beautiful bright scarlet that it catches the eye at sight. 7
a
a ie eg ee’ -
21
LITTLE SILVER, N. J., July 1, 1895.
M. T. THOMPSON: f
It affords me extreme pleasure to be able to make a most favorable report upon the King rasp-
berry. It was fully ripe here on June 25th, and exceeds in size any red raspberry I have yete
fruited. It is also very handsome; of excellent quality, and exceedingly productive. Although
the past winter was one of the most trying ones upon red raspberries we have ever experienced,
the King was not injured in the slightest, even small, young canes leafing out oats ee AS
. T. LOVETT.
Mr. Lovett is a gentleman who knows a good thing when he sees it. E
OHIO EXPERIMENTAL STATION, July 29, 1895.
M. T. THOMPSON:
The King raspberry is a good grower here, and its hardy berries large and fine in appearance;
of good quality. Wecan say nothtng of the earliness, but it seems to be a little later than
Thompson. It seems to be a very promising variety. (Prof.) W. J. GREEN.
RICHMOND, VA., June 15, 1896.
THOMPSON’S SONS: >
I have been selling raspberries in Richmond market ever since the war. I buy nothing but
the best, and I get the highest prices. Your King raspberry is the best ; sells the best of any I
have ever seen; in fact, I hardly know how to praise it enough. The only fault I find is you
sell them to everybody, and I cannot get what I want. R. R. CARTER.
WATERVILLE, OHIO, June 26, 1896.
FRIEND THOMPSON:
Your King raspberry has done remarkably well. It is a goodgrower: early, bright, firm, pro-
ductive, and not inclined to crumble. I picked afew ripe berries from it June 7th, a full week
ahead of Palmer and Eureka. W. W. FARNSWORTH (Sec’y Ohio State Hort. Soc’y).
Friends, just think of the best red raspberry yet produced ripening its fruit one week ahead
ee black raspberries. June 7th in Ohio is very early. Is this not the raspberry you are looking
or?
, PARKSLEY, VA., June 24, 1896.
My DEAR FRIEND THOMPSON:
Your letter at hand. You ask me what I have to say about the King red raspberry. Having
seen it in full bearing in this State, besides many others, reds as well as other classes of rasp-
berries, I am glad to have a chance to say a good word for it. The plant is very healthy and
robust, and exceedingly productive. The fruit is as large as any berry of its class that I have
seen, and that includes about all the new ones. Its color is very bright fora red variety, and
its flavor is equal tothat of any of them My experience with it is that the berry is firm enough
to Ship to any market in good condition. In season it is among the very early ones. If I was go-
ing to set red raspberries extensively or in asmall way, I would put King in as one of the leaders.
ProrF. H. HE. VAN DEMAN.
MICHIGAN AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION, t
SOUTH HAVEN, Micu., July 2, 1896.
M. T. THOMPSON:
I am very favorably impressed as to the vigor, color, size, and productiveness of the King
raspberry. era ON.
How it succeeds at the Experiment Station, Minnesota:
FEBRUARY 12, 1896.
‘THOMPSON’S SONS:
Had King red raspberry from you in 1894. A vigorous, healthy plant, producing a good crop
of large, bright red, rather firm berries. Season a little earlier than Cuthbert. Very promising.
SAMUEL B. GREEN, Horticulturist.
ROCKINGHAM Co., VA., March 28, 1898.
Thompson's Sons:
Received the Raspberry p'ants in fine order, well packed and perfectly fresh. You may hear from
me again. P. HERRING.
CHESTER Co., PA., March 25, 1898.
Thompson's Sons:
The plants by mail reached us promptly. and opened in extra good condition. You pack drier
than some shippers, and the result is that plants carry better. J. H LADLEY,
HANDCOCK, OHIO, March 24, 1898,
Thompson's Sons:
The plants arrived this morning all in fine shape, and extra good plants. Thanks for the extras.
WM. STKINGFELLOW.
DutcuHiss Co., N. Y., March 23, 1898.
Thompson's Sons:
Plauts arrived this P. M.in excellent condition,
W. ELERICKES.
WHATCOM Co., WASH., March 27, 1898.
Thompson's Sons:
The Strawberry plants i¢...-ved March 19 in good condition, and were nice plants,
PRESCOTT UNDERWOOD.
WESTMORELAND Co., Pa., April 11, 1898.
Thompson's Sons:
The 10 (00 Cabbage plants arrived in good order, but we have a blizzard with four degrees of zero.
They are fiue plants. * * JOSEPH KRINICH.
99
Se
A New Red Raspberry.—wmr. M. T. Thompson, of Henrico county, Va., has
brought us a basket of his new red raspberry (‘* The King’’), and also a bunch of cane, showing
the prolificacy of the variety. The berry is a beautiful light bright red, large in size and fullof
gare and is the best raspberry we have ever seen inthe South. The canes are strong and with
e, healthy foliage, and the fruit hangs thick upon them from top to bottom. This berry is
eertainly an acquisition, and bound to be in demand when known.—Southern Planter, Rich-
mond, Va., July No., 1896.
M. T. THOMPSON:
The King raspberry is fine indeed. Large, firm, beautiful color and prolific. It is far ahead
ef London or Miller here. PROF. W.J. GREEN.
Is this the kind of raspberry you want, or do you want to continue growing worthless varieties?
After another year’s trial King still leads all others.
OHIO EXPERIMENTAL STATION, WOOSTER, OHIO, July 24, 1896.
: CULLMAN COUNTY, ALA., April 3, 1897.
Thompson’s Sons,—The 1,000 Brandywine Strawberry plants received 1n fine order. Such plants
- will give satisfaction to any grower. I will recommend you in future. A. FEIST.
PRICES FOR RASPBERRIES.
BLACK. | Doz. | 100 | 1,000 | RED. Doz.| 100 | 1,000
Gite) ee | ine.
CLOW i as pases $ 50 |$1 50 | $1000 || Brandywine ....... $ 50 |g1 00 $ 8 00
Doolittle eg ee 30 | 1 00 8 00 |} Cuthbert are Favs 50/100); 600
Earheart Everbearing . . .| 1 00°) 5 00 Golden Queen. ...... 50 | 2 00 | 12 00
WT GR 5 cut eee oe eakek 50! 200| 1200]! Japanese Wineberry .. ./ 100 4 00
Gree "ET eS 30 | 1 00 8 00 }| Marlboro ..... Spears 50} 100; 8 00
Lovett’s, or 1,000. ..... BOs 1 2300 Wt 10' 00. | Mer ees iy een nae ees a 50} 100; 8 00
Ohio A ON Cee 40 | 1 00 8 00° 1) Naomi tee ee oe 50 | 2 00
Patmen® 0 ged 6 ee os 50 | 1°50 | 10 00 || Pride (new) secre aire 4 00
Progress or Pioneer... . 50 |} 150; 1000/]| Shaffer’s Colossal. . . 50 | 1 50 | 12 00
Smith’s Improved..... 50 | 200 | 1000]; Thompson’s Early Prolific.| 75 | 2 00}; 15 00
Souhegan ig Soe e 35 1 00 $100: | | ¢Columbian fie si2 ei! 1 00 | 2 00
Winoma (very fine). ... 75 | 250! 2000'' King, best of all. .... 3 00 '20 00
BLACKBERRIES.
} {
| Doz | 100 | 1,000 Doz | 100 , 1,000
:
| |
:
RO AWA GE ee ecu ete | $ 50 | $1 50 | $10 00 || Lucretia Dewberry. .| $50 $200 | $12 00
Ancient Briton. ..... | 50 300; 20 00 |} Minnewaski.. : 50 | 200 20 00:
Early Harvest | 35 | 1 00 8:00 Iitenyders s,s 2 ee: 35 | 100 9 00
Early King PME Heed ft ef Gi5 eee ial | 20:00 Betayilor. 4.) 2 Ae 40; 150 10 00
Eldorado, 25 cents each.| 100) 300] 25 00 || Wilson’s Early .} 40} 150] 1000
Byes 9c he 30 A ea JN es. “Sey P20 00 HeMaxwell 9.) ae 50 (- 150 8 00
GOOSEBERRIES.
} ' |
| Doz. | 108 | 1,000 | Doz.| 100 | 1,000
Taal / |
Champion, the best of all, | Houghton, 2 years. . $ 60 | $ 4 00 $30 00
2 .cents each 4 .G05 4 $2 00 | $15 00 | Industry,2 years. . | 200; 1200
Downing, 1 year..... | 60 4 00 | $385 00 Smith’s improved, lyr. 75 5 00
Downing,2 years. .... 75 5 00 | 45 00 |! Smith’s Improved, 2 |
Houghton, 1 year mt *50 3:00 1 20 00 fityears’. 2) <>... 2 S14 OO hee
CURRANTS.
; =
'Doz.| 100 | 1,000 'Doz.| 100 | 1,000
ian Lips i ee tee Pere eaersir ss (os Te:
Black Naples,1 year. . ./$ 50] $ 2 50 La Versailles, 2 years. $ 65] $8.50] $25 00
Black Naples,2years...| 7 3 50 Lee’s Prolific, 1 year.| 60 2 50
Cherry. + year? co Fe oe 2 50 | $22 00 || Lee’s Prolific, 2years. 75 3 50
Onerry. 2 YCAars | ter one 65 3 50 Victoria,l year... 50 2 00 15 00
Crandall,20centseach. .| 200] 15 00 Victoria, 2 years .. 60 2 50 20 00
Fay’s Prolific, 1 year. . .} 1 50 9 090 White Grape, 1 year. 50 2 50
Fay’s Prolific, 2 years. .} 200] 12 00 White Grape, 2 years. 75 3 50
La Versailles, 1 year 50 250!) 2000
We desire to call our customers’ attention to Thompson's (Early Prolific) Red Raspberry. We first
introduced this berry in 1887 as the best early Raspberry in cultivation. It has stood twelve years,
and we still claim it the best early Red Raspberry in cultivation. During all these years we have
never known it fail. A great deal has been said comparing Miller to the Early Prolific. We planted
two rows of Miller beside two of Early Prolific. They were from ten days to two weeks later. Our
Early Prolific sold for 20 cents a pint, and when Miller was ready they sold at from 5 to 10 cents. In
25
productiveness they about equal. Thetwo rows of Early Prolific brought us, after deducting pick-
ing, $33.68; the two rows of Miller netted us $11.17—all planted same time. Miller is a good strong
grower, but has no comparison to Early Prolific for earliness. In fact we have never been abie to
furnish enough plants of the latter. We have had plants sent us from a great many prominent
growers as samples, and out of all of them only one had true plants. Our plants are true, At the
same time we introduced this berry another party introduced a berry called Early Prolific, and sold
them cheap, and many that bought them supposed them the same.
The following is what Enos W. Dunham, of Berrien county, Mich., says for 1898 of Thompson’s
(Early Prolific): This is the best early Red Raspberry; thrifty grower; fair size; productive; firm.
Same season as Hansel; much better grower and better yielder. This season it yielded nearly one
hundred bushels per acre here. It without doubt is the, best extra early berry.
ee Bes Be pst Bet es Be Do De H+ Dot 40D eo Broo D1 BD 1+ Bre D 110 1D ro Heo ®
We have told you about this grand berry for the earliest, and we claim to-day without
any boasting that the King Raspberry we are offering is the best medium season Red
Raspberry ever brought out, and will outsell any otherin a glutted market. Its bright
ce) color and long keeping qualities place it’at the head of the list of Red Haspberties, and
the stock will be high for some time as the demand isin excess of the supply.
The following is what W. W. Farnsworth, Sec’y of Ohio State Horticultural Society,
Says, July 16, 1898: Friend Thompson,—King Red Raspberry has again done finely.
B+ Bes Bee e+ Des 24 Boe Bc + D0 Doe Hero DP 10GB oe 6-16 O11 Gre OH 1+ Gre Gee GroP
GRAPE VINES.
OSB
ONE YEAR.
| |
NAME. Each.| 12. | 100. 1,000. | NAME. Each.| 12. 100. 1,000.
| |
ASawam os: $ 10 |$1 00 | $ 4 00 |$ 30 00 |] Jessica. ..... $ 25 '$2 50 | $15 00 | $120 00
Amber. ens 10 | 1 00 600; 4000 || Jewell ...... 50 | 500}; 3000); 200 00
Amber Queen... 25 | 2 50 8 00 | 50 00 || Lady Ad nits 20 | 2 00 6 00 35 00
Aminia soa 15 | 1 50 5 00 | 30 00 || Lady Washingt’n 25 | 200; 1500); 12000
August Giant... 30 | 3 00 700} 50 00 || Lindley: . ©...) 10) 1700 4 00 20 00
BaAcCCHUSh os 15 | 1 50 3 50 25) COR MueCadeiane- ene 25 | 2 00 15 00 120 00
QERVie te ce ae td 25 | 2 50 10 00 |} 9000 || Marion...... 15 | 1 50 5 00 30 60
Beauty Below eohe 20 | 2 00 900 | 8000 || Martha Sil 10 75 3 50 25 00
Berkman’s .... 50 | 4 00 15 00 | 125 00 || Massasoit vey 20 | 2 00 6 00 40 G0
Black Eagle.... 25 | 250! 1000} 9000 |} Maxatawney... 20 | 2 00 8 00 50 60
Brighton. = .. 15 | 1 00 5 00 | 40 00 || Merrimac..... 15 | 1 50 5 00 30 @0
Catawba. .... 10 | 1 00 300} 18 00 || Moyer ee tents 50 | 500] 1500) 10000
Centennial ... . 40 | 350! 138 00 | 110 00 |} Montefiore... . 20 | 2 00 6 00 40 00
Champion..... 10 90 300; 1800 |} Mo. Riesling. . 10 5 4 00 25 00
@hntony 4s 5, 2°. 10 90 290} 18 00 |} Moore’s Diamond 50/500]; 1000 60 00
ColeraniGwees, suckin 1 00 10 00 | 75 00 | 400 00 ||. Moore’s Early . . 20 | 2 00 6 00 35 00
Concord... 10 60 200; 15 00 || Mills ...{|100/]800; 3000} 25060
Concord Chasselas | 1 00 | 8 00 | 3000] 25000 ,| Nectar ..... 90 | 700; 2700}; 220 00
COCGAGC TS es aha 10 | 1 00 300] 2000]; Niagara..... 15 | 1 25 3 50 25 00
OCyRtwMiana.. 2. . 25 | 250; 1000! 65 00]; Noah. Sr iets 15 | 1 25 3 50 25 00
DEIAWALEs . i523. sls Uy {) 1 P45) 6 00 | 40 00 |} Norfolk. . : 75 |600) 2000) 15000
Diana Coe fe 15 | 1 50 6 00 | 3000 |} North. Muscadine 20 | 2 00 8 00 50 00
Dracut Amber .. 20 | 2 00 6 00; 30 00 || Norton’s Virg’a . 20 | 2 00 8 00 55 00
Duchess Fy 1S [1 50 600! 3500/! Norwood..... 75 | 600] 2000] 150 00
Early Victor... 20 | 2 00 6 00 3D OUR FOneIda eee ere 60 | 5 00 16 00 110 00
Early Ohio ... ./| 1 00 |10 00 80 00 | 550 00 |] Oriental. .... 80 | 5 00 15 00 20 00
SACOM Ey beets oh ote 50 | 5 00} 1500; 10000 || Pearl....... 20 | 2 00 8 00 50 00
El Dorado..... 30 | 3.00} 13-00 | 110 00 || Perkins. Peeier 20 | 2 00 6 00 40 00
Elvira. ate Le 10 60 200! 1800) Pocklingten.. 15 | 1 75 3 00 20 00
Empire State... 25 | 2 50 8 00 | 45 00 || Poughk’psie Red 40 | 350/] 2000] 17000
GUA ere 20 | 2 00 6 00 40 00 ||} Prentiss Anahi 20 | 2 00 8 00 50 00
Bumelan- cr. 6< 50 | 5 00 15 00 | 100 00 || Rebecca & Wan 60 | 500); 16 00 110 08
BUAUGN ee, ah et oi, 20 | 2 00 7 00 | 50 00 || Roger’s Nos. 14,
GEVCVae i ee 50 | 800! 30.00 | 200 00 | 28,41, and 32. . 60 | 5 00 10 00 70 60
Goethe f 25 | 2 50 8 00 45 00 || Salem ste 10 | 1 00 3 00 25 00
Green Mountain ./ 1 00 | 8 00 30 00 | 250 00 || Telegraph ... 15 | 1 75 4 00 30 00
Greins Golden... 20 | 250] 1000} 6000)| Transparent... 20 | 2 00 8 00 50 00
HEREUIORG 27) 2). 10 | 1 00 400} 20 00/|| Triumph. nae 75 800} 38000] 250 00
IAM eSea es. 3 (' 25 | 2 25 10 00 | 65 00 || Ulster Prolific. . 20 | 2 50 10 00 60 00
WICKHEEG ee a 25 | 2 50 800 | 4200 || Vergennes.... 10 | 1 00 3 00 22 00
Eiebland . 2 os. 30 | 300; 1800} 160 00 | Victoria hie 30 | 600 | 2090] 150 00
Iona. ee aire 10 | 1 00 400°) 25 OOai Walters 2% 2. - 50 | 500} 38000 200 00
TSA WeWA oS tsa. 10 We -225On1 6 20 OOnl) Wilder” 2... 15 | 1 00 4 00 25 00
Ives 5 AOE ae 10 60 | 250]! 1600 | Woodruff Red. . 40 | 300} 1000 75 00
Janesville’. ©... 15|100; 600; 4500 | Worden.. ie 10 | 1 00 3 00 20 00
JOMmersom — sy. 25!'250' 1000! 9000.) Wyoming Red. . 15 11¢ 400! 2800
Please note the above prices are for one-year-old, good, strong vines. Two-year-old vines are
just one-third higher—that is, vines quoted at 20 cents each one year cost 30 cents for two years.
The prices of single vines and one dozen are sent free by mail; 100 and 1,000 by freight or ex-
press—six at dozen rates, 50 at 100, and 500 at 1,000 rates. Please don’t compare these prices with
poor vines.
24 ‘
ASPARAGUS ROOTS.
By MAIL. | By EXPREss.
DOZEN. 100 | 1,000
|
|
Palmetto, One-year: Toots Raia aie! 0. See : f I 40
Barr’s Mammoth, One Fear (+A arkys tashet.: £15 eee 40 “a a _ “
Conover’sColossal. .... . a?) ae 40 1 00 4 00
5,000,000 CABBAGE PLANTS.
No one has an idea of the amount of early cabbage planted in the United States, and no one
has an idea of how much money 1s lost in our Northern States by market gardeners in trying to
winter them over, and the cost attached. We can raise your plants and carry them over winter
for half what you can raise them for, 1f you will make contracts for same in September of the
previous year. We sell hundreds of thousands of these plants to nurserymen and seedsmen for
their trade; hence we must raisea great Many plants. We raise acres of cabbage ourselves for
Shipping North. The reason we can raise them so cheaply is because we can leave them out all
winter, and they are always ready hardened to plant. These plants will stand much cold
weather, and as they are tough the little black flea does not injure them like hot-bed plants.
Those parties who need from 50 to 100,000 plants should get our prices in September. We have
a fine lot of plants ready at any time now at the following prices: 100, by mail, postage paid, 75
cents ; 500, by express, $1.50; 1,000, by express, $2.50; 10,000, by express, $20. Varieties: Jersey
Wakefield and Henderson. These prices are good only whilst our stock lasts. Please state in
your order whether, should we be out of either kind, we should send others in their place. These
are bottom prices for spring trade.
Thomoson’s Earliest of all Cabbage.—rhis is without a doubt the earliest Cabbage in
cultivation, and is the first year we have offered it toour customers. It is from two to three weeks
earier than Early Jersey Wakefield planted same time. This is not only a valuable Cabbage for
market gardeners and commercial growers, but alsofor the home garden We only offer these plants
in lots of 50) for $2.00 by express or by mail postage paid 75cts. per 100. We are often asked how far
we can ship Cabbage plants. Wecan say we ship to nearly every State and Canada, and our Cab-
bage grow much better than plants grown in the north with larger heads. We are often asked how
a He we cau ship them. If we have them would say we generaliy get through shipping the middle
oI May.
+
JUDSONIA, ARE.
Friend Thompson,—The 19,000 Murray plants came all right on the 15th, and were in such fine
shape that I left themin the package, and take them out just asI use them, and I am convinced
they are O. K. Shall leave them so until latter part of uext week. JACOB C. BAUR.
The above shows what good packing can do after sending plants hundreds of miles.
OHIO Co., WEST VA., May 17, 1898.
Thompson's Sons:
I received my Cabbage plants, and must say they were in good shape.
CHAS. BRUNER.
UNION Co., OHIO, April 19, 1898.
Thompson's Sons: ;
The plants received in good condition, I shall know hereafter where to send for fine plants and
generous count. It always pays to give gospel measure and quality, though all do not realize it.
Mrs. F. H. THORNHILL.
St. Louis Co., Mo., April 16, 1898.
Thompson's Sons:
I received the plants in due time and in good condition, and Iam well pleased with the count
and premium. Thanking you for your kindness, JOHN WOHLSCHBARGER.
HENNEPIN Co, MINN., May 14, 1898.
Thompson's Sons:
The Cabbage plants you sent are all out and growing. Thanks for the liberal way in which the
order was filled. A. B. DUMANN.
QUEENS Co., L. I., N. Y, April 1, 1898.
Thompson's Sons:
The 10,000 Cabbage plants you sent me arrived yesterday, and just as fresh as if just pulled. Mr.
Harper's came yesterday ; he was well pleased. Wm. H. WATKINS.
FLOYD Co., IND., March 16, 1898.
Thompson's Sons:
I received the plants on the 14th, and were in good condition.
CHAS. LEATHART.
VAN BUREN Co., Iowa, April 28, 1898.
Thompson's Sons:
Emboldened by the way those last plants are growing I want you to fill and send the enclosed
order. JOHN SAX.
Ri i eel
BEAVER Co., Pa., January 28, 1898.
Friend Thompson:
I want to get a number of new kinds of berries this year. I have dealt with you a number of
years. I always get good stock, and that is the reason I always like to deal with you
H, H, MOHRBACHER,
GALVESTON Co., TEx., April 2, 1898.
Thompson's Sons:
Please give me your price on 4 000 Strawberry plants—Lady Thompson. I could get them around
here, but am so pleased with your plants and packing that would rather pay more ye on them.
. ANIZAN.
DUBUQUE Co., Iowa, February 24, 1898.
Thompson’s Sons:
Please send me your Catalogue as I want to get some more plants. The plants I got from you last
fall grow nice. ALEX. HODEL.
WYTHE Co., VA., April 8, 1898. .
Thompson’s Sons:
The Strawberry plants arrived in good condition the 5th. The Carrie, which are the finest plants
Teversaw. * * J. ‘1. GRAHAM,
BURLINGTON Co., N. J., May 7, 1898.
Thompson's Sons:
I receivedmy plantsin goodshape It is raining so they ought to live as they had such fine roots.
The *‘ Darling”’ I think is rightly named, as they had the longest roots lever sawon plants. *
CuHas. S. BUTZ.
PortTAGE Co., OHIO, April 6, 1898.
Thompson's Sons:
The plants came all O. K., but we are having freezing weather since arrival. I never had better
plants. L. M. TRACY.
HILLSBOROUGH Co., N. H., April 11, 1898.
Thompson's Sons:
The plants ordered of you were received to-day in good condition, for which accept thanks.
AUGUSTUS W. CORNING.
RANDOLPH Co., ILL., April 12, 1898.
Thompson’s Sons:
I beg tu inform you that the plants came through in good shape, and are indeed fine as ] ever
saw * * J. M. TEMPLE.
NEw LONDON Co., Conn., April 16, 1898.
Thompson's Sons:
The plants arrived in good condition. ‘‘The Earliest’? and Howell are especially Yon me
A. M. GRAY.
SENECA Co., OHIO, May 5, 1898.
Thompson's Sons:
The plants came in good condition, and are now growing very nicely.
Mrs. G. A. HISEY.
MCPHERSON Co., KAN., May 9, 1898.
Thompson's Sons:
The Strawberry plants received from you have exceeded expectations, and are doing finely. This
being a club order we set out 200 and have only lost 4, which is more than satistactory. Hoping
our success May bring you additional business from this section. JAS. B. DARRAH.
WAYNE Co., OHIO, July 12, 1898.
Thompson's Sons:
‘Please give me prices on 50 each of your Big G No.2. I have lots of your Strawberry plants that
I got from }ou when you were in Ohio (9 years ago), and they are all nice ones. Rae
. BATDORFF.
Yes, our friends. after they buy our stock know whatitis. Some Cheap John offers them some
cheaper, bu cheap plants never hold customers. Owing to the large increase of our business
the past year, this year we are obliged to issue one-third more Catalogues than ever before. ~
Lack Co., Pa., July 28, 1898.
M. T. Thompson:
« * Carrie isa dandy. I wish I had set many more of them last spring.
E. J. HULL.
Carrie is certainly an improvement, both in size and firmness, of its parent, the Haverland.
A. 1. Root.
Yes, friends, we told you this years ago, even before we introduced Carrie But there is alwaysa
class of peop e who object to paying a good price for a good thing, and will jump at anything that
ischeap ‘Those who bought Carrie oi us when first seut out did well. Some will buy Carrie this
year aid getstuck. There is not enough Carrie to half fillthe demand. Every plant we have could
have been sold last fail, so better send your orders early.
You remember what we told you about Rio when we first introduced it, that it was the best early
Strawberry ever introduced at that ttme. Wekvew what it was; we know to-day whatitis, but
it took «ur dear friend A. i. Root, of Medina, Ohio some years to find it out. But we will give you
2 few lines of what he says in Bee Culiure this year:
26
ANOTHER SURPRISE. Yes, and this is a happy one too, even if it does run against the one above
somewhat. On page 407 I gave you a glimpse of my plan of hill culture for Strawberries. Well, in
erder to test all the different varieties worked in this way we have to put in one or more rows of all
the kinds we coula get hold of; and Iam watching with very much interest the behavior of the
different plants, with runners kept off, and constant cultivation in spring as well as fali. Well,
yesterday, after speakii.g of the Nick Ohmer’s earliness, I went up through that hill-culture patch
to see how the others were behaving. All at ouce I was startled by seeing a great big Strawberry,
ripened ail over, then another and another, until I noticed there were six rows of berries with quite
& good many ripé ones right out in the open field. Now, there were a few other kinds that had
begun to turn just a littie, but nothing like the six rows. What were they? Why, as sure as you
live it was our old friend Rio. Michel’s Early was near by in another patch in a matted row, but
there was not one berry colored in the lot. The Earliest and Darling had just begun to color, but
they were planted rather later than the Rioin the same patch. I really do not know why the Rio
should be ahead of everything else in hill culture, unless such constant stirring of the ground suited
the Rio better than it did any of the otherkinds. That is not quite it either, for the other kinds
are making most tremendous growths of foliage and runners. Yes, the greater part of them are
putting out runners, even before the fruit has colored. But this constant cultivation seems to have
hurried the Rio forward, and did not the others—not even the Earliest and Darling. The Rios
are great strong thrifty plants with stoutrunners already out, besides a very fair cropof fruit itis
going to bear. Now, this thing illustrates a point: Under a special system of cultivation the Rio is
the earliest good-sized berry we know of. And by the way, friends, there is going to be an enor-
mous crop of berries on that little plantation put out last fall. They were all potted plants, how-
ever; or if not potted they wereset out with our new strawberry-transplanter that I have described
and illustrated; and this experiment demonstrates one thing to my satisfaction : With the right
kind of culture you can grow an enormous crop of berries from potted plants in only nine or ten
months after they occupy the ground.
We endorse what our friend Root says, but when you get to picking berries that sell, and the
market bare. for home market we will take the Darling over a!l other berries now introduced. If
we want to ship to distant market we will plant ‘‘ Earliest’’ for early, because these two berries are
gone when the prices fall. But both ‘‘ Darling’’ and ‘‘ Earliest’? are more productive on two and
hree year old beds. Please bear this in mind.
MIDDLESEX Co., MASS., May 6, 1898.
Fhompson’s Sons:
The plants are received allright. Thanks.
W. M. Warp.
ALBEMARLE Co., VA., August 15, J898.
Fhompson’s Sons:
The plants came to hand in good eondition.
Wm. BLACK.
EssEx Co., Mass., September 23, 1898.
Thompson’s Sons:
I have a good stand of healthy and vigorous Strawberry plants from the four varieties received
from you last spring, and they look very promising, and | am much p.eased with them.
W. C. LITTLE.
HOWELL Co., Mo., June 6, 1898.
Fhompson’s Sons:
The ‘‘ Earliest”? werefreceived by mail to-day in good condition. They are nice-looking plants.
HOWARD FRUIT FARM.
This gives our customers some idea how late we can send plants safely from Rio Vista. We ad-
vise all our friends to get their plants as early as possible, but we send them nearly every week of
the year safely to all parts of the United States.
LETTUCE PLANTS—BIG BOSTON.
Big Boston Lettuce plants. By mail, 100, 50 cents; per 1,000 by express, $2; 5,000 lots, $8.
OSAGE HEDGE PLANTS.
@ne-year, $2 per 1,000; two-year hedge plants we consider worthless,
CALIFORNIA PRIVET.
This makes one of the most beautiful hedges around lawns, yards, parks, &c., &c., and is getting
raore popular every year. We havea large stock of this, and make the prices very low—$3.00 per
100, $25.09 per 1,000, by freight or express.
PEACH-TREES.
Our trade in peach-trees has grown immensely every year—far beyond our expectation—so
much so that we could not furnish half the demand. People begin to realize that Virginia-
grown trees succeed everywhere better than those from any other State. It seems to be the
natural home of the peach. They grow faster, are freer from disease, end we cannot for the
life of us see why people will grow so many worthless varieties when they can get three kinds
that are worth a dozen others. We make a specialty of June-budded. The freight is less, they
cost less, and make much better trees in two years, and are longerlived. Getyour peaches from
us while you can—viz., Elberta, Champion, and Crosby. We will send you 3 June-budded of
either kind, by mail, for 30 cents, or 12 for $1 ; 100 by express for $5. We have some larger trees,
2 to 3 feet, by express, 12 for $1.50, 100 for $10, 500 for $40. Ourtrees grow, and these small trees
are better than large ones,
TOBACCO DUST. of
For market gardeners, truckers, and others who raise early cabbage, radishes, cucumbers,
melons, etc., this dust we find indispensabie. It is also most excellent for the cabbage maggot
for those who are troubled with this insect. Wehave seen cabbage look most beautiful, and
all at once the warm sun would come out, and the cabbage would hang down like an old bag,
and upoer pulling them up have found from ten to twenty-five maggots at the root. Insections
a re
ee
27
where this maggot exists, we advise putting a good handful of the dust right around each plant,
then keeping the dirt well hoed up to the cabbage. We have used from 1,000 to 2,000 pounds per
acre, and have never failed to get good cabbage. It may seem expensive, but the loss of an
acre of early cabbage means hundreds of dollars. Before we knew the use of tobacco dust, we
planted out one season a large piece of early Wakefield cappress paid $6 per thousand for the
plants; did not go near them for two or three days—supposed they were all right—and when
we did go, found the little black flea had completely eaten them up. Uponinquiry we found
that a friend of ours had purchased some tobacco dust at $25 per ton. He said that if we used
that it would keep off these little rascals. We reset, and watched very carefully every day, and
when the dew was on we always tried to get on our dust, and it stayedon better. But, dew or ho
dew, when these little chaps get on, put on a little dust—a small handful will do a number of
plants. When small, we advise for this purpose to use about one-fourth air-slaked lime,
thoroughly mixed with the tobacco We have used this tobacco during very dry spells—when
cabbage sometimes get covered with white lice—with excellent results. Our tobacco is almost
as fine as snuff and dry. Itis better to have some on hand, ready when these little fellows
come. So, don’t put off your orders too late, asin the spring there is a demand for much more
than we can furnish, and orders have to wait until we can get some from the factory.
In packages of 100 pounds, $1; or in 1,00 or 2,000-pound lots, $18 per ton. Tobacco stems, put
up in 100 pound bales, $1; or in ton lots, $15. A number of our customers have clubbed together
and bought in 1,000 and 2,000-pound lots, whjch is best. Always say how you want it—by ex-
press or freight; otherwise we send by freight from Richmond, Va.; and also say by whatroad,
if youknow. Your agent will advise you which is the most direct line from Richmond, Re-
member to make all post-office orders payable at Richmond. Our freight and express offices
are Richmond, Va.
TOBACCO AS AN INSECTICIDE.
For one purpose, at least, tobacco is useful—that is to killor drive away noxious insects from
plants. Mr. Joseph Meehan, of Pennsylvania, the well-known writer on horticultural topics,
tells the virtues of the weed, as follows, in the Praine Farmer. i
“ Tobacco is a great insect destroyer, and can be used where the poisons above named are
objected to. It has been in common use by florists for years past, being applied in dust form
and as aliquid and smoke. It is detested by insects of all kinds in any shape whatever, and the
knowledge of this has led to 1ts use by vegetable growers to destroy insects inthegarden. Itis
not practicable to use the smoking method out-of-doors, aSis done in greenhouses, so either the
liquid or the dust process must be adopted. To use it in aliquid form itis the custom to pro-
cure tobacco stems from some cigar manufacturer, placing a handful, or two of them, into a
bucket of water and leaving them to soak for a day or two until the water is well discolored.
The liquid is then ready for being sprinkled over the vegetables or bushes with acommon hand
syringe. Itis astonishing how quickly all soft-bodied insects show their dislike of this treat-
ment. The cabbage worm succumbs at once, as does the currant and gooseberry worm. This
treatment is more quickly applied than the dusting, yet by many the latter seems to be pre-
ferred, as it is thought the dust adheres to the body of the insect better.”’
For currant and gooseberry worms this is better than Paris green, put dust on when the dew
ison. The past season in planting our new strawberries, we experimented with one piece
where there were white grubs. After marking out the rows we scattered right in the row at the
rate of 500 pounds per acre, and we lost no plants by the grubs or cut worms, and the plants made
a most beautiful growth. ,
SWEET POTATO SEED.
We have a nice lot of Seed Potatoes. Prices on application.
TOMATO PLANTS.
We raise hundreds of thousands of plants. Acme, Stone, and Livingston’s Beauty. Ready
April 15th to July ist. 100 by express, 40 cents; 1,000 lots, $2.50.
Top Dressing of Strawberries after Fruiting and Killing of Insects, White Grubs, &c.
We have aspecial Tobacco Dust made on purpose for the above. Itis guaranteed to contain from
9 to 10 per Gent. potash, besides ammonia and phosphoric acid. It has the best effect on Straw-
berries of anything we have ever tried. As an experiment we will send each of our customers
bags containing 150 pounds for $1.50. This should be sown right on the plants as soon as through
fruiting, at the rate 0% 2,000 pounds per acre. It is worth much more than we ask for it, but we
want our friends to try it with the understanding they report to us not later than November Ist the
effects they then find. It can be used in the spring with even better advantage. Scatter it along
the rows and mix with the soil where you plant your Strawberries, Raspberries, Blackberries,
Cabbage, &c.
LIMA BEANS (BUSH).
No vegetable is more relished than Lima Beans, but so many neglect their culture, owing to
the trouble of having to use poles, but the last few years the Bush Limas have nearly super-
seded this. Our Bush Limas are not so large aS many, but much more productive; fully two to
three weeks earlier, and continue in bearing until killed by the frost. The dry beans make an
excellent dish in winter as wellas when green. One pound by mail, postage paid, for 20 cents.
which is sufficient for any ordinary family planted in hills 3 by 2, 4 or 5 beans in each hill.
THE NEW HARDY JAPANESE HYDRANGEA.
One of the Finest Hardy Shrubs in’ Cultivation.
This is a grand plant; exceedingly showy and attractive; lasting in bloom for months; per-
fectly hardy in the coldest parts of the United States; needs no protection; can be planted as
soon as the frostis out of the ground. We have a hedge about 800 feet long on the side of our
driveway, planted about two feet apart, and it certainly draws the attention of all who see it.
We sold more of these plants last year than all other years combined. These are large plants
cut back. By mail 40c. each, three for $1. We will send by express 25 large plants for $5, or 50
for only $8. They love plenty of water. Soapsuds on washdays is most excellent.
28
Our Rose Collection, No. 1, for $1.00.
One Yellow Rambler—climbing.
One Crimson Rambier—climbing. ~
Marion Dingee.—-Deep, briliant crimson, one of the darkest, if not the very darkest, richest-
colored Tea Rose in existence. Be sure and try it.
Dinsmore —It is a vigorous, healthy Rose, of dwarf, branching habit, andis simply loaded with
flowers all summer long, being even more profuse than most of the tender ‘ever-blooming”
Roses. The flowers are large, perfectly double, and of a dazzling scarlet-crimson color, and
have the rich, spicy fragrance peculiar to the best Hybrid Roses.
Rainbow —A beautiful pink Rose, streaked with crimson. Oneof the leading cut flower Roses
in San Francisco. :
Marechal! Neil —A beautiful deep sulpbur yellow, very full, large, and exceedingly fragrant.
It_is the finest yellow Rose in existence. We have thousands of this magnificent Rose in
splendid health and fine condition for shipping South.
Sunset.—The color is a remarkable shade of rich, golden amber, elegantly tinged and shaded
with dark, ruddy copper, intensely beautiful, and resembling in color a splendid ‘ after-glow.”
_ Madame Lambard.—Color a beautiful shade of rosy bronze, changing to salmon and fawn,
shaded with carmine, buds and reverse of petals a deep rosy crimson.
Perie des Jardins.—Canary or golden-yellow, flowers large and beautifully formed. Handsome
in every stage of development. :
La France.—No variety can surpass it in delicate coloring—silvery rose shades, with pink. It
has a Satin sheen over allits petals. It is universally regarded as the most useful of Roses, for
itis hardy beyond question. It blooms continuously.
Rudbeckia, or Goleen Glow.—A hardy, perennial plant. growing from 6 to 8 feet high, branching
freely and bearing by the hundreds, onlong graceful stems, exquisite double blossoms of the
brightest golden yellow, and as largeas cactus Dahlias. Blossoms here in July, and lasts for two
months. Itis admired by every one. The plant must be seen to be appreciated Hardy every-
where. Strong plants that will bloom this year, 20 cents each; 4 for 50 cents; 12 for $1.00; 3u for
$2.00; 100 for $6.00.
DAHLIAS.
One of the most beautiful flowers in cultivation. Should be in every home that has a garden.
We have a large stock of_yellow, with an occasional white one. Mixed in, 10 cents each root;
$1.00 per i2, by express. If sent by mail, 10 cents additional root.
VARIEGATED DAHLIAS.
To those who want something beautiful and grand and specially admired by every one, this
is the finest we have ever seen. Different colors on the same stalk. A great bloomer, and long
stems. 25 cents each, by mail; $2.00 per 12, by express.
A FEW USEFUL BOOKS.
Jenkins’ Art of Propagation.—A very useful book. 31 pages. 3 cents.
Grape Culture. by J. H. Tryon.—How to prune and train the Grape. 23 cents.
Pruning and Training the Grapevine. by E. Williams. 10 cents.
How to Grow the Egyptian. or Winter Onion, by M. T. Thompson. 5 cents.
Will send the above four books or pamphlets to one address for 50 cents.
Richmond being a very historical city, a great many would, no doubt, like to know something
of it. For 10 cents we will send a book of the county, which contains a small map of the battle-
fields, St. John’s Church, where Patrick Henry made his great speech, ‘‘ Give me liberty or give
me death,” etc., etc.
Virginia Farms.
A great many write me about small
Farms, what they are worth near Rich-
mond. The only way to find out what
land is worth around Richmond, is to
come and see them. I often have farms
from five to hundreds of acres for sale,
and if you will come here I will have
some one show you all around the city.
In that way you can select just what will
suit you, but I have not timeto write long
letters, for I cannot explain all you wish
|
i i ; to know, so write, and come and see, and
I willtry and please you.
My postoffice is five miles from Rich-
mond postofiice.
Address
Cc. H. THOMPSON. RIo VisTA, V4
{I
in
PRIZE WINNERS OF 1898.
Six Largest TRIUMPHS in 1897
Weighed 420 Lbs.
Six Largest TRIUMPHS in 1898
Weighed 550 Lbs.
J. L. Mrirer, Wellridge, S. C., pulled from one Triumph
melon vine in 1898, 4 melons weighing 75, 74, 66, and 58 lbs.,
total from one vine, 273 lbs.
W. R. Mannine, Lake Park, Ga., pulled from one Triumph
melon vine in 1898, three melons weighing 9544, 75, and 70
lbs.; total from one vine, 24014 lbs.
S200 IN CASH PRIZES!
IL offer $200.00 in Cash Prizes for ten largest Triumph Watermelons, grown in 1899, from Seed
bought of me or my agents, as follows:
First prize for largest Triumph grown in 1899..............875 09
Second prize for next largest Triumph grown in 1899 ..., 385 0)
Third prize for next largest Triumph grown in 1899...... 25 00
Fourth prize for next largest Triumph grown in 1899.... 20 00
Fifth prize for next largest Triumph grown in 1899...... 15 00
Sixth prize for next largest Triumph grown in 1899......§10 00:
Seventh prize for next largest Triumph grown in 1899.. 7 50
Righth prize for next largest Triumph grown in 1899... 5 00
Ninth prize for next largest Triumph grown in 1899..... 5 00
Tenth prize for next largest Triumph grown in 1899.... 2 50
GIANT BEGGAR W BED.
THE GREATEST FORAGE PLANT AND LAND RESTORER IN THE UNITED STATES?
I have hundreds of testimonials as to the great merits of this wonderful plant.
I give
two here which will be suflicient:
Wuart THE CoMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE OF I'LorIDA Says OF
THIS VALUABLE PLANT.
Beggarwood has been to Florida, what clover has been to
Tennessee and Kentucky, and pease to Georzia and Alabama;
but it is superior to either, in that it will thrive on much
poorer land, never requires reseeding, and certainly is more
fattening to stock than any forage plant known. Besides,
it improves and enriches the land on which it grows each
year, and this without the expense of turning it under with
the plow. I certainly, without hesitation, can advise every
farmer in the South to give this valuable forage plant a trial.
L. M. WOMBWELL, Com’r of Agri. of Fla.
Wuart U.S. Senator Pasco Has to Say oF It.
Beggarweed has certainly been a blessing to the farmers of
Florida. It hasenriched their lands, and furnished at the same
time the best forage known in the South for all kind of stock.
Hogs, cattle, mules and horses alike thriveand fatten onit, and
it has never been known to produce hoven or bloat in cattle, as.
clover, pease,and alfalfa are so apt to do. S. PASCO.
WRITE FOR CATALOGUE GIVING FULL PARTICULARS TO.........
W. M. GIRARDEAU, Mionticello, Fia.
HILL’S
RHEUMATISM AND GOUT CURE.
Greatest of all Remedies.
ONE BOTTLE witt cure vou.
HILL MEDICINE: CO,
36 E. 19TH STREET, NEW YORK, N.Y.
SEND FOR CIRCULAR.
Established (30 Years) 1868.
BACLT DTD Re RSomN se eo,
General. Commission - Merchants,
167 and 169 Scott St., Buffalo, N. Y.
Agents for Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association. Thirty Years’ Experience.
RESPONSIBLE, RELIABLE, and PROMPT.
To Fruit and Produce Shippers:
Desiring our share of your consignments, and not having time to spare to leave our
Susiness here, we take this method ot respectfully soliciting your favors.
Although, perhaps, unnecessary to say much with regard to the Responsibility, Relia-
bility, and Promptness ot our house, the same being already so well established, we would
remind you of these additional facts—viz: Our long and active experience certainly is a
great advantage to our consignors. We know our trade thoroughly, we know the de-
mand and supply. the sources and outlets of our markets so well that we have no fears,
but by the constant and personal attention to every shipment, small or large, we can and
do secure the best possible results obtainable in Buffalo.
Refer to the Third National Bank, Buffalo, N. Y., or Berlin Heights Bank, Berlin
Heights, Ohio.
We have been shipping to this firm for years, and have always found them the prempt-
est house we ever shipped to — [HOMPSON’S SONS.
OUR HORTICULTURAL VISITOR!
Yes, we have seen it, and are so well pleased with it we
haveits visits come regular.
Any Fruit Grower can secure a Sample Copy oO U Pad VISITOR
ST STS
by sending their name on a postal card to
SUapestilieel wets ack, webs Box T. S., KINMUNDY, ILLINOIS.....-..-------
~
The ordinary size Victor Incubator hatches as many chickens as 20hens could hatch.
and does it when hens can’t be induced to set. A Victor Incubator is the greatest
Prort bringer Lil the poultryman or farmer can em ploy. It represents the highest
step in artificial hatching. Being scientifically perfect in
its ap a regulates itself—
SSeaft .™, VICTOR Incubator
' gig pei SR priced. Itis most economical to buy and to operate, most profit-
able in the results itattains. A written guarantee goes withevery Victor in-
cubator that it will do everything claimed for it—or money refunded. Catalog 6c., circular free.
GEO. ERTEL CO., Quincy, Ill., U. S. A. Established 1867.
—s
GRAY HAIR DARKENED ! 22.°5;|Our Specialties...
will restore Gray Hairto its "Natural Color, sat
Beauty and Softness. Prevents the hair from
falling out. Cures and Prevents Dandruff.
Will not Stain the Skin, is not Sticky or Dirty. for Spring, 1899. are valuable and
bp]
Contains no Sulphur, Sugar Lead, Litharge, @ i i
Nitrate Silver, or any Mineral Poisons. Is} @&B reasonablein price. Send for de-
Purely Vegetable. Package makes One Quart. [; OAS 2
PRICE, 25 CENTS, BY MAIL. “f scriptive circular. Among them
LUI. DUBY DRUC CC., Rolla, Mo. ‘i are the new Winter Pear, the
Henry, Superb Apricot, Cobden
pen Free. fasten ATENTS teeters Write for Sie S Queen Strawberry, Egyptian
Raspberry. Thereare others also
S. H. Hike thas a in F Street, Witemeeo. D.C.
E. G. Mendenhall, Prop.
DONT You want a Big Crop of Park Nursery, KINMUNDY, - - - ILLINOIS.
WH E AT | 66 HICKS, 1) THE QUEEN OF GRAPES.
The Concord of the 20th Century
THE ODORLESS PHOSPHATE is the | SILVER MEDAL and 100 Points for Size, Beauty,
strongest* cheapest fertilizer ever used and Quality at the Omaha Exposition, 1898.
JACOB REESE, 400 Chestaut $t., Philad’a,Pa.| ore TP!" ySeoo ae nanarea, 92:00 and
Sold under Seal and Contract only.
HENRY WALLIS. WELLSTON, MO.
and SPORTING G00D§.,/ wen a cow
SEND STAMP FOR LARGE FORGETS TO BREED, we &
Illustrated Catalogue. DON’T KILL, ae
G. W. HARDER, But Cure Her. @
WILLIAMSPORT, PA. Book of Hints Free.
MOORE BROS, Albany, N, V.
Get the Finest and Showiest of '99 -St0ROA” ae" Auruun ter
PAMPAS GROVE NURSERIES, Greenland P. 0., Fla.
or thirteen 2c. stamps for
beth. List free.
We would be pleased if the parties receiving this Catalogue would send us the names of a few
ef their friends who are interested in Small Fruits, and we will send them one also.
Many will receive this Catalogue without ordering it. Some friend, doubtless, was interested
- your welfare, and sent us your name, that you might know where to purchase good plants
eheap.
Be sure and plant our BIC SIX.
%
$O5445
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Ao fe th ho ho ho & Ho 6
abs
SHLSESLEEEESEMSEDHHEEESSEHSEESOEESEEEbESE OS ELE SEO ELE SELEESSHE OO GS:
BS SS SS FS SS STS SSES SSF SS SSS FSIS SSSI FSF SP SFFFS FSF LS PSSSSSS
YELLOW RAMBLER ROSE.
HARDY CLIMBER. SHOULD BE IN EVERY HOME.
OUR FLOWER GARDEN.
Our Rose Collections Nos. | and 2 should be
planted by everyone. Don’t compare this col-
lection of Roses to a lot of cheap trash not
worth planting. For $1 we will send by mail
one each of the following varieties for out-door
planting:
Yellow Rambler (climbing).
Crimson Rambler (climbing).
Paul Neyron (ever-blooming).
Souvenir ce ja Malmaison (ever-blooming),
American Beauty (ever-blooming).
Rainbow (ever-blooming).
Clothiide Saupert (ever-blooming).
Madame Elie Lambe:t (ever-blooming).
Marion Dingee (ever-blooming).
Louis Philippe (ever-blooming).
—O ook ook ooh ood aed od ork ef cod
SWEET PEAS.
Of all the flowers in the garden, we could not
get along without our Sweet Peas. They can
be planted here in Virginia in December. They
should be planted 4 to 6 inches deep, and the
seeds aboutito2inches apart. Wedo not cover
them at once to their full depth, but as they
come up, gradually work the dirt to them, and
as they get higher pull more dirt up to them, and
when they get large enough mulch them with
straw or any old rubbish to keep the ground
moist in case of dry weather. Give them a
plenty of water about twice each week. A good
way we find to plant them isin double rows, say
about one foot apart, leaving a walk between
each double row of about two feet. Thecollec-
tion we offer has all colors, and is the finest
collection that is grown, and is bound to please
everyone.
Small package, 19 cents; large package, 25
cents; half pound, 50 cents; one pound, 90
cents; postage paid.
Plant as soon in the spring as the season will
ailow you to work the garden; frost Goes not in-
jure them.
TUBEROSES.
New Excelsior Double Peari.—This strain is su-
perior to the ordinary Pearl Tuberose. It is
' perfectly double, and nearly twice the size of
the ordinary tuberoses, but of equally delicious
fragrance. 4
Flowering bulbs, 4 cents each, 6 for fifteen
cents, 12 for 25 cents, 25 for 45 cents.
The climate of Virginia and North Carolina
seems to be more suitable for growing these
bulbs than any other section of the United
States, and each year the demand for bulbs
grown here is growing for Shipment all over the
world. We have a large stock of the small
bublets, which we can send by mail, 50 for 25
cents; 100 for 40 cents. We willsend 100 of the
fiowering bulbs for $1, by express. For larger
quantities write us; will do the best we can.
OUR CANNA BED FREE.
No doubt all our friends have seen and ad-
mired a bed of Cannas, and wished they had one.
Years ago one Canna was considered a fine
luxury, but now we frequently see from a dozen
to hundredsin one bed, of different colors. Last
year we raised for our own trade over half an
acre of different colors, and nothing on our
jarm attracted the attention of visitors as our
Canna bed. From the time they commenced to
bloom until frost came they looked like a field
Be plumes of so many different shades and
colors.
We will send by mail, postpaid, at the proper
season, 6 bulbs for 15 cents, 12 for 25 cents, 25
for 45 cents, 50 for 80 cents, 100 by express for $1.
TO EVERY ORDER OF OUR BIG 6 COL-
LECTION, No. 2, OF STRAWBERRIES, we
will send FREE 25 of these bulbs, or, if by ex-
press, 50, SO any lady need never to go without
a bed of Cannas.
BBEE FS ELEC LEE GEESE EEE IEEGREELIE SS Lb be bY bo $$ £5655 65 bE KEO
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