Allen's book of berries for 1944

Historic, archived document

Do not assume content reflects current
scientific knowledge, policies, or practices.

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BOOK or BERRIES

FAIRFAX

Finest
quality

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GOOD PLANTS FOR 1944

Along with greetings to our many friends and customers, we have a timely mes-
sage about strawberry plants for setting this spring, 1944. Four things stand out in the

present plant situation.

The quality of plants available is excellent.

The total supply is very small and the price high.

i
2
3. Many varieties will not be available ai all this year.
4

Two new U. S. Department of Agriculture varieties are being

cffered in small quantities.

The thin plant beds have allowed plenty of room for the full development of individual plants. Plenty
of fall rains, following the summer drought, have resulted in very strong crown and root growth. What

plants we have are extra nice.

The drought this summer was not as long as that of 1930. It was more severe because it started earlier
and more of it was during the hot summer months—together with severe drying winds. Anyway, the result
has been that from about the same acreage as last year, we have about 15% as many everbearers and 25%
as many standard varieties as we actually sold last year, not counting about forty acres that we had left for

fruiting. Our supply is as good or better than the average.

So the conclusion is inevitable—that there

will not be enough plants to go around. Remember the early bird—and do not delay sending in your order!

Of the varieties we usually grow in small quantities, several cannot be offered at all this year. These

include Klonmore, Klondyke, Missionary, Maytime, Northstar,
Roosevelt, Julymorn, Green Mountain, Champion,

Daybreak, Hebron, Massey, Aroma, Eleanor

Gemzata, and Wayzata. Others including Fairmore, Am-
brosia, Senator Dunlap, Gem and Mastodon are offered in smaller quantities than usual.

In line with our policy of having the best new varieties just as soon as they are available, we are

offering small quantities of Midland and Fairpeake.

These were originated by the U. S. Department of

Agriculture and were chosen for introduction after years of selecting and testing. Worth trying.

Some of you have sent us just one order, others many orders, during the years since Mr. W. F. Allen

started our business way back in 1886. To all we say many thanks.

you need more plants. For all we pledge good

plants, extra good this year.

From all we ask for more orders as

Our suggestion about ordering

early is not to scare anyone, but to tell you about the real shortage of plants and to help you avoid dis-

appointment if you really want plants this year.

Please let us hear from you.

A fruiting bed like this will be a real moneymaker this year.

$4 STRAWBERRIES PAY $$

PRICES HIGH? ?—Here’s Why—BIG DEMAND—small supply! !

That is our eight word story about strawberries for 1944 and 1945. A review of the
facts and circumstances makes the story seem logical and reasonable.

Prices were high in 1943—many berries selling as high as 40 to 50c per quart and whole truckloads
as high as 25 to 35c. Even with increased costs growers can make a good profit at these prices. In addition
to the fact that the masses of people have pockets full of money to buy what they want, all the factors of
supply and demand which made prices high in 1943 are present again--stronger than before. The only
question mark in the picture is the possibility of unreasonably low price ceilings.

Supplies of berries will be short again shorter than last year because the acreage is less and fruiting
beds in commercial areas are generally poor. In spite of the urgings of ourselves and others who sell
plants, the short supply will continue into 1945. Most old beds are not good enough to be very productive
if carried over for another crop. New plantings will be small for several reasons.

1. There aré not enough plants available to set a large acreage.
2. The high price of plants this year will discourage some.

3. Labor will be even less plentiful than last year — the armed services have taken many and high
industrial wages have attracted many more from the farms. This includes not only workers but many
who would otherwise be growers of berries.

4. Uncertainty about labor as well as actual labor shortage will cause some to turn to crops which
require less labor and less investment risk per acre even though the probable income is also
much less.

5. Many of the berries that are grown will. not reach the commercial markets—-they will be produced
‘In small victory garden plantings for home use and local distribution.

6. Acreage reduction will be most drastic among the larger growers. Pickers are not available. Large
acreages must be reduced or growers will see many berries rot in the fields.

BERRIES TO SELL

You can’t make any money out of strawberries, no matter how high the price, unless you have some ‘to
sell. The best way to have some to sell is to get plants this spring and get aom in EARLY. In March or as
early in April as weather permiits.

There will be a big demand for all the strawberries produced in the next few years. Everybody likes them
and the civilian demands for fresh berries have not been fully met in the last year or two. Preservers and
cther processors have had very short supplies. More berries are needed or the armed forces and for ship-
ment in ce’d pack or preserve form to our allies and liberated countries. It is predicted that the use of
preserved fruits or spreads will help increase the use of cereals (breads) and thus simplify the feeding of
great numbers of people. This will be even more important if the present shortage of butter continues. In
the long run strawberries will create their own demand because they are delicious to eat, nutritious, healthful
and are being more and more recognized as an imporiant source of Vitamin C. But for the next year or two
the big demand is there—piled up and waiting. Growing strawberries is not only profitable for you—the fruit
is badly needed as FOOD FOR VICTORY.

Keep in mind the picking problem and don’t overload—but grow all the berries you can for yourself and
for your country. It’s pleasant It’s profitable! ! It's patriotic! !!

VICTORY GARDENS

STRAWBERRIES stand head and shoulders above any other fruit crop for your VICTORY Garden.

No fruit is better liked: Every Member of the family will be crazy about fresh strawberries, the kind
you can grow with our improved modern varieties.

STRAWBERRIES come into bearing more quickly than any other fruit crop.
STRAWBERRIES are easy to grow—-any good garden soil is suitable.

STRAWBERRIES are not only delicious to eat, they are good for you, being one of the best of all
sources of Vitamin C.

STRAWBERRIES ripen early—-coming on in spring before many other garden crops are even planted.

STRAWBERRY GARDENS provide fresh fruit for the table,
the ‘‘makings” for strawberry shortcake and other delicious
dishes, including preserves, jellies and marmalades. Those
who are fortunate enough to own or rent freezing units may
have fresh strawberries for Christmas.

STRAWBERRY GARDENS provide also the ideal crop for
extra money. No fruit crop is more healthful or interesting to
grow, more attractive or easier to sell, more profitable or
satisfactory to handle.

STRAWBERRY GARDENS fit in with so many conditions.
Small areas often return large profits. A good crop to
encourage young people. To employ part time profitably.
Where older folks can help out. Think of it! With one crop
you can get some exercise, take in some sunshine, make some
money, feed your family healthfully, conserve ration points,
ease the family budget and help with the war effort. Decide
now to start a strawberry garden this spring and order your
plants quickly, because there are not enough plants this
year to go around.

VICTORY GARDEN
LETTERS

® California. Mendocino Co., Calif., October 8, 1943.
order of plants from you, 25 plants each of four different varieties which were Dorsett,
Fairfax, Gem and Mastodon. I honestly do not believe that any plants in the world, even
if grown across the road could have done better than these plants did. They have heen
the finest part of our garden, and we have picked. quart after quart from all varieties.
Gardening is just a hobby (although a rather profitable one these days) with us, but one
_ which we enjoy greatly, and the strawberry bed is really the most enjoyable part of it.

Connecticut New Haven Co., Conn., March 3, 1943.
Premiers, Catskill and Gems did wonderfully and
last year I sold $40.00 worth of strawberries from a
plot 20’x45’'. The berries were so beautiful, and so
good, the demand exceeded by far my ability to
supply it. That is the most I have ever received from
such a small plot. I lest only a few plants and that
was due to my inexperience with setting out the
plants. Your stock surely is wonderful.
; Mr. George H. Sablitz

Maine Knox Co., Maine., April 27, 1943. Your plants
have done better with me than any others that I ever
had. Down here on the coast of Maine the 600 plants
gave me clear, 200 Premier $30.00, 200 Fairfax $15.00,
200 Catskill $16.00. Mr. Allen M. Conary

Maryland Baltimore Co., Md., March 8, 1943. I
bought 250 Catskill plants. The second year I picked
550 quarts of berries. Those berries were beautiful,
and the best that I have ever grown. In this section
most people like Catskill berries because they have
such a wonderful flavor and are lovely table berries.
They will sell at all times. Mr. Howard E. Tates

Missouri St. Louis Co., Mo., April 12, 1943. The
plants arrived in very good condition. They are nice,
healthy plants. Last year I had a wonderful crop
of Catskill berries. They were the largest and pret-
tiest berries I have ever seen. We had a long
picking season. Mr. A. F. Kreutzer

New Jersey Essex Co., N. J., Sept. 17, 1943. My
little strawberry patch was a source of great satis-
faction this year, providing me with berries for jam
and canning that I could not have possibly obtained
even if I had cared to pay the 55c to 60c per quart
asked by the stores here. And now I am especially
interested in the fine behavior of the Gemzata ever-
bearing plants set in the spring. I have been get-
ting quite fine berries from my few plants.
Mrs. Daniel H. Bender

New York -Monroe Co., N. Y., Sept. 9, 1943. My
friend, Mrs. Frank Stein, of New York, wants me to
tell you that the plants she purchased from you last
year, were a grand success. She had over a hun-
dred quarts and they were quite the highlight of
her victory garden. Mrs. Esther M. Brock

North Carolina Buncombe Co., N. C., Feb. 22, 1943.
Enclosed find check for $1.10 for fifty Mastodon
everbearing strawberry plants The 400 plants which
I got fromm you last spring have done wonderfully
well Mrs. E. B. Hemphill

Three years ago I bought a very small

Mr. R. M. Parker

@ Ohio -Hamilton Co., Ohio., Feb. 1, 1943. Last
summer 1942, I picked a fine crop of berries. I
had purchased the plants from you the year before.
I had the largest berries grown here in this district.
When taken to market buyers fought each other
trying to buy them first. Mr. James Stranzins

@ Oregon Lane Co., Oregon, March 27, 1943. Plants
received promptly on March 10th. They arrived in
perfect condition and were the finest I have ever
seen. Every last one is growing, and seem to like
our mild Oregon climate. Thought you might like
to know how they came out.

Mr. V. J. Nugent

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Va. eee Pete ae

Future Victory Gardener
(Erie Co., Penna.)

@ Pennsylvania Erie Co., Pa., April 26, 1943. The

Dorsett and Fairfax plants came in fine shape and
I don’t think I lost one plant. Also want to thank
you for the extra 25 Starbright plants, am watch-
ing them to see results. If they are any superior
to Dorseit or Fairfax (I mean your Dorsett or Fair-
fax) they will have to go some. Am sending you
a small Kodak picture, part of the field, set them 3
ft. by 18 in. Will set new ones 4 ft. by 24 in.
Mr. Arthur L. Sears

® Virginia-Culpeper Co., Va., June 9, 1943. I pur-

chased 150 strawberry plants from you the spring
of 1942, fifty each Fairfax, Catskill and Redstar. I
have picked to date 185 quarts with more to come.
All three varieties are loaded down with berries.
The Redstar probably bore fewer berries, but this
is more than made up by their extremely large
size. I also find them a most excellent berry.
Mr. L. Seigner

PREMIER

27 YEARS! 27 CROPS! !
The Safest Berry You Can Plant! ! !

Premier is a sure cropper because the blooms are so very hardy and because there
are enough to make a crop even though frosts or insects should kill half of them.

More records for high yields and big profits have been made with Premier than
with any other variety. It is adapted to all the middle and northern states, and on
higher altitudes as far south as North Carolina and Tennessee.

In plant growth, Premier is healthy, moderately vigorous and extremely productive. Berries are of good
size and appearance, quality and firmness, but they are brighter, firmer and of better quality from Pennsy]l-
vania north than they are in the lower middle states.

The weakest point about Premier is a result of its strongest point. The plants set so many perfect
berries that later pickings become rather small in dry seasons unless they are irrigated or the crop reduced
by frost or insects.

Proof of Premier's popularity is the fact that for years we have sold twice as many Premier plants as
any other variety. We cannot do that this year because we haven't got the plants— but what we have
are nice.

gy \ Premier is also known as Howard 17.
\ This is the original name and is still
\ largely used in New England where the

_ variety originated. Whichever name you
ae ys \ use, Premier or Howard 17, the variety is

'y ; “true-blue,” safe, steady, sound and sure.
Price list, page 23.

Premier berries—record breakers
tor yield and profit.

Nice cluster
of Dorsett
berries

DORSE

AT ITS BEST
THERE IS NO BETTER

Dorsett is usually at its best in the
latitude of Virginia, Maryland and
New Jersey. Even farther north on
the New England coast and in the
Hudson River Valley, as well as in t Vg’ ‘
states as far west as Missouri, some bg *
growers rate Dorsett as one of the ’ :
best.

Where it grows well there is plenty of reason to put it at the top. The plants are more vigorous and
just as productive as Premier. The berries run larger in size, are brighter and more attractive in appearance
and will outsell Premier on most markets. Dorsett berries are extra fine in quality, better than any except
Fairfax and Starbright, and about equal to them as a dessert berry. Dorsett is excellent for home garden and
local market and is firm enough to ship if picking is kept up reasonably well.

In spite of being better in so many ways, Dorsett will never be universally popular because of two
weak points. It is not as hardy as Premier, Catskill or Fairfax. When planted far north or on cold frosty
sites it is more susceptible to injury from winter cold and from late spring frosts than most other good
varieties. Also, Dorsett is a fairly weak pollenizer. It is so vigorous that it often sets far too many plants
which not only cuts down the size and yield of fruit by excessive competition for water and plant food,
but also by making damp, shaded conditions where proper pollenation is difficult.

_ Fairly well thinned beds enable Dorsett to set the tremendously heavy crops of which it is capable.
Growers who can produce Dorsett at its best are really “sitting pretty.’ Price list, page 23.

MIDLAND

A new early variety just released for introduction by
the U. S. Department of Agriculture. Midland (U.S.D.A.
#1812—-Premier X Redheart) is recommended for trial
for the general market from Virginia to Southern New
England, and westward to Arkansas and Iowa-— the
northern part of the Blakemore territory and the south-
ern part of the Premier region.

Midland is a vigorous grower, making plenty of
plants and large strong ones. The plants are quite
productive and ripen early—-about with Premier. The
berries are of excellent quality—-better than Premier
but not as good as Dorsett and Fairfax, being somewhat
more tart. Slightly raised bright red and yellow seeds,
with shiny skin make the berries very attractive. The
ripe berries are bright red—later peas oo but not
as dark as Fairfax.

Midland is good enough and seen enough for a
home garden berry but it should make a dandy shipping
berry because berries are so very firm and average so
large in size. It has been widely tested since 1931 and
certainly merits a trial, although plant stock this year

On time with
ac New Variety pe _is limited. Price list, page 23.

\

Taste, flavor

: 7 and sweetness
are blended in Fairfax to form the most delightful berries to eat that ever made your
mouth water for more! THEY ARE REALLY GOOD!

Fairfax is the one variety that MUST be in your Victory Garden-or else you won't have the best.
Fairfax generates more enthusiasm among those who raise them in home or Victory Gardens than any berry

we have ever had. Here's a sample letter.

Montgomery Co., New York, July 31, 1943.
berries this June.

the ground well and looked forward to a good crop of berries.
I thought the picture had been made to induce people to buy. But such berries! They
All our neighbors who saw them said they never saw

picture in the catalog.
were even larger than the picture.
or tasted such berries.

It isn't just talk, either.
centage of our total sales have been Fairfax.

A year ago this spring you sent seventy-five plants of Fairfax berries.

And such flavor!

I must tell you how delighted we were with our straw-

I had prepared
I did not expect them to be as large as the

Grace O. Kyle

Every year since 1932 when it was first introduced an increasingly large per-
Once known they are always grown.

FAIRFAX PLANTS-—widely adapted in Northern and Middle states—higher altitudes as far south as North

Carolina and Tennessee.

VIGOROUS GROWTH-~as healthy as Premier, making fewer plants but larger, stronger ones.

Plenty

of plants for good fruiting row, but rarely needs thinning.
HARDY stand frost and cold like Catskill as well as any except Premier.
START RIPENING SECOND EARLY, almost with Premier in Maryland-—-becoming midseason with Catski i

as far north as New York and New England.

VERY PRODUCTIVE—not quite as productive as Premier and Catskill, but under favorable conditions

Fairfax has yielded from 5,000 to 8,000 quarts per acre.

FAIRFAX BERRIES—Beauties! When first ready to pick they have a rich medium red color, resembling

Chesapeake.

Prominent golden yellow seeds help protect the berries and add to their showiness. Keep

picked closely to avoid mottled effect of mixing lighter, just ripening berries with dark, though still solid fruit.
FIRM-—Fairfax berries are as solid and will keep as long as Blakemore. However, after several days they

turn dark, almost purple.
no berries will keep.

LARGE First berries are often very large in size.

bringing the whole crop to good marketable size.

Even then they stand up for several more days unless conditions are so wet that

Rich soil and heavy manuring are quite effective in

PROFITABLE—Poorly grown Fairfax sell with other ordinary berries —— but fancy well-grown

Fairfax almost always top the market in price.

Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, April 5, 1943. Enclosed is
a check for more of your wonderful, healthy straw-
berry plants. Three years ago we bought 100 plants
from you and had wonderful strawberries. When
the last plants came the ground was so hard we
could not plant them, so kept them in my refrigera-
tor for a month before we could plant them. We
never lost a plant. The Fairfax is the finest berry,
both for size and flavor we ever ate.

—Mrs. A. B. Stoeckel

Price list, page 23.

Mercer Co., Pa., December 1, 1943. We purchased

from you a year ago last spring 1000 Fairfax straw-
berry plants. The spring of 1941 here was very
dry and we came out with only 800 plants. The
spring of 1942 here was ideal for strawberries. We
think we lost a few of the earliest berries on account
of frost. However, the patch produced 1376 quarts.
The berries were the nicest that I have ever seen,
especially the first half of the crop. Needless to
say we were very much pleased with the plants
and the results that were secured therefrom.
Mr. A. B. Richardson, Mgr.

EARLY
SOLID
PRODUCTIVE

BLAKEMORE

A GREAT
SHIPPING
BERRY

ye ve

fe
1 2

— we

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t, 4° te

LEADS THE WORLD IN ACREAGE—2 TO 1

More than twice as many acres are planted to Blakemore as to any other one kind.
In fact with scores of varieties being grown, 25% of all commercial strawberry acreage
is Blakemore!

Blakemore is the best early shipping berry the Southern States have ever had. It
does well as far north as Maryland, Southern New Jersey and the Ohio Valley. With
few exceptions, it is not recommended farther north. The remarkable popularity of
Blakemore in these Southern and lower Middle States is based on performance alone.

It has revived the industry in many areas. Here are some of the reasons:

Blakemore is a strong, vigorous grower which
makes a good fruiting bed under almost any
conditions.

Blakemore will stand more abuse and neglect in
growing, picking and shipping than any other
variety ever known and still make money, for the
grower.

Berries are very firm—ideal for long distance
shipping.

Berries ripen uniformly all over and have a
bright attractive color which they retain even after
they get. quite ripe.

Blakemore berries are most popular with com-
mercial canners and packers. At times they will
take no other variety. The fact that the berries are

Southern Growers — Set Blakemore for productiveness and profit.

quite tart as well as firm may partly explain this.
As fresh fruit they must have sugar added to
be good.

Blakemore berries are medium to large in size
when beds are not too thick. Some thinning of
plants helps eliminate the small berries which very
thick beds and dry weather tend to produce.

Yellows resistant plants—-Our stock of Blakemore
this year is not large, but it is your best bet for
steering clear of the yellowing which is common
to most Blakemore. Due to the nature of this
yellowing, it is not possible to promise yellows-
free plants. We can say, however, that the field
from which our stock plants were set did not show
any yellowing at all.

Protect your

profits with Allen's Yellows-resistant Blakemore plants. Price list, page 23.

On account of the severe Sumer 1943 drought we cannot ier the following

Sey varieties this year.

KLONMORE
ee MISSIONARY

MAYTIME
NORTHSTAR
DAYBREAK

The BEST MIDSEASON BERRY /

BIG BERRIES These have made Catskill the BIG BOSS of all
midseason varieties.
least three times as many Catskill plants as all
other midseason varieties combined.

BIG YIELDS
BIG PROFITS

Catskill is a native of New York.
Middle States.
higher altitudes even farther south.

For years we have sold at

It is adapted to all Northern, Central and
It does well as far south as Virginia, Tennessee and Missouri and in

Catskill is the perfect running mate for Premier, coming in with a flood of big
luscious berries as Premier begins to taper off both in size and yield. Catskill
normally carries on for a long season and if moisture conditions are favorable will
continue bearing until most good late berries, except Redstar, are about- through.

Here’s why Catskill stays in the lead--

Berries are large.
have ever grown.

Catskill will produce more big berries than any variety we
This is in addition to the many medium sized berries with which

Catskill finishes up its long bearing season.

Berries are firm. They are firm enough for local and nearby markets.
as Dorsett but not as firm as Blakemore for shipping.

As firm
As grown in the north they

are firm enough to stand any shipment strawberries are normally given.

Berries are good.
Dorsett and Starbright.

Berries are attractive.

As good as Premier in quality but not as good as Fairfax,

First berries are sometimes ridged but later ones are

fairly smcoth. An attractive light red color which darkens very slowly on holding

makes Catskill look well and sell well.

Plants are vigorous.

They make a vigorous growth with plenty of strong plants

for a good fruiting bed. A little leaf spot appears as grown in Maryland and farther

South, but not enough to affect the yield.

Plants are productive.
known -here have been Catskill.

The heaviest crops of any variety that we have ever
In New York and other northern states yields up

to 15,000 quarts per acre have been reported several times.

Plants are sure croppers.

Catskill has been almost as hardy and as consistent

a cropper as Premier for the last 11 straight years.

That Catskill is the safe and sure midseason berry for both com-

mercial plantings

experience.
Allen’s Healthy Catskill stock.

“Last year I set out 300 Premier and
300 Catskill strawberry plants. We have
just finished picking and 670 quarts were
harvested.”

Mr. C. J. Hamman

Pendleton Co., Ky.

"T really like the Catskill strawberries.
I grew some of the largest berries last
year we had ever seen. Neighbors went
wild over them. I want to set a new bed
this year.”
Mr. A. T. Newberry
Bland Co., Va.

and Victory Gardens we consider proved by
New ones should be tried—but depend on Catskill and
Price list, page 23.

“Our strawberry patch has been the
delight of both ourselves and our friends,
and the size and beauty of the berries
are the wonder of the neighborhood. We
like Catskill best for all around flavor,
long bearing season and high productive-
ness in good and bad weather. We have
never had a failure, even in a year of
serious drouth, and in a good year we
average over a quart for every original
plant set out. We should like to express
our appreciation for your promptness in
filling orders and the excellent quality
of your plants.”

Mrs. Winton Patnode

Il
PATHFINDER

Extremely productive, ranking with Premier,
Catskill and Dresden. Resistant to red stele and
recommended where red stele has_ infested
strawberry soils. Plants large, strong, vigor-
ous, making plenty for good fruiting bed. Berries
medium to large in size, ripen unevenly, poor
quality and soft here in Maryland. Much better in
Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Connecticut and other
states farther north. There plants are not only very
heavy bearers but berries ripen more evenly with
light attractive color and are firm enough to ship
satisfactorily. Some Northern growers swear by
Pathfinder. We have some good plants. Price
list, page 23.

Big Joe, also known as Joe and Joe Johnson, r
makes a strong vigorous plant growth. The indi- is
vidual plants are quite large and usually do not . . ,
need spacing. They are moderately productive Increasing He % é. f
and under favorable conditions may be very pro- popularity in cag, :
ductive. The blossoms are rather susceptible to hes enti oe + , we

frost injury, so that plants should be set on sites
where frost damage is .unlikely.

The berries are large and of very fine quality.
A brilliant red flesh color, prominent red to yellow
seeds and a big green cap combine to make a
very showy and attractive berry. Big Joe is popular
when grown for home use or local market. The
fruit is fairly firm and in this shipping section of
Eastern Maryland they have for years sold well
on local auction markets, outselling Catskill much
of the time.

Big Joe is an excellent midseason berry and still
preferred to Catskill by dozens of good growers all
through the middle and northern states as being
a more profitable berry. Price list, page 23.

Mey

On account of the severe Summer 1943 drought
we cannot offer the following midseason and late
_ varieties this year:

Hebron Eleanor Roosevelt
Massey Green Mountain

Aroma Julymorn

DRESDEN ABERDEEN
Originated in New York. Strong grower. Ex- Very vigorous grower, plants red stele resistant.

tremely productive. Berries soft, poor quality,
worthless in Maryland. Much better berries, better
quality, often quite profitable in New York and attractive, fair quality but quite soft. No good in
other Northern States—-but we think Catskill much

safer and more profitable even there. Price list,
page 23. parts of the Northern States. Price list, page 23.

Very productive. Berries large, light in color,

the south but profitable on heavy soil in some

Chesapeake has always had, and still has, a host of friends who consider it about
the last word in fancy strawberries, in beauty, size, rich color, firmness, attractiveness, i
in all of those qualities which make a strawberry ship well and sell well. But it has i
generally been admitted that Chesapeake is a shy plant maker and not too productive, | i

perhaps because the plants were not there to produce.

Anyway, this is all changed now. The strain of Chesapeake plants we have had

for the last six years has.made plenty of plants. Even in this very dry year our beds
of Chesapeake are just as good as our Catskill, Fairfax, Dorsett and other free-growing

kinds. Yields have been better too, because an ample fruiting row has been made.

Chesapeake is nearly frost proof because it blooms so late in the season.
However, it is susceptible to winter injury in very cole climates and should
be well mulched some time before hard freezing occurs.

Under normal conditions all Chesapeake berries, even the very last ones,
reach a good marketable size. The brilliant red flash color, the prominent
golden yellow seeds and the fresh green caps, make Chesapeake one of
the most attractive of all strawberries. The quality is excellent, differing
from Fairfax but considered by many close to it in taste and flavor. Asa
shipping berry Chesapeake stands out.

It's no wonder Chesapeake berries have for years sold at a higher price
than any other late berries. They are worth more, these Aristocrats of
the strawberry world! Price list, page 23.

L “Beauty is only skin deep,’ but that doesn’t seem to matter
upton much. Lupton strawberries are beautiful, but under the skin

is a flesh that is quite dry and poor in quality. In spite of
this the beauty of Lupton berries, together with their large size and fine
shipping quality, has made Lupton one of the most profitable late shipping
berries. Sold also as “Townking’’ but the varieties are identical. Price
list, page 23. |

U.S.D.A. 2119 ain,

Same parentage as Starbriji~y,
introduced as a sweet, high /¥¢,,
market variety of great beau’, ol,
trial from Maryland to Sov/?t),

Missouri and Iowa.”

Plants are medium in vigor }ah,
are quite healthy. More pr ict,
berries very high, fully as od),
best. Flesh of berries firm, SY,

Being quite late, Fairpeake \€&,
fasciate may limit its value sch ©
of plants is available this y;

lod

\KE

1X Chesapeake

yeveral days later, ‘‘It is
| l1ome garden and general
2 ly and Aroma season, for
Dy England and west to

fiir number of runners and

eItan Starbright. Quality of -

Jiorsett or Fairfax at their

t) ed to the center.

vist soil. Its tendency to
yland. A limited number

le list, page 23.

The Prettiest Berries You Ever Saw

Starbright is a cross of Chesapeake X Fairfax, combining most of the best qualities of both. The berries
are as good in quality as Fairfax, firmer than Chesapeake and handsomer than either of them. They have a
delightful aroma. For the last few years our Starbright berries have sold for higher prices than any variety
on our list, not even excepting Chesapeake. Starbright has everything it takes to command top prices.

The plants have a beautiful dark green leathery foliage which is very healthy and vigorous. Starbright
makes plants more freely than our old strains of Chesapeake, about the same as our new strain.

Starbright is a moderate but not a heavy cropper. On good land it has produced 4,000 to 5,000 quarts
per acre. If Starbright made plants a little more freely and produced as many berries as Premier or Catskill

we would go “all out’ and say that it was the best variety of any season that we had seen in our entire 59
years’ experience with berries.

The berries resemble Chesapeake in many ways but it is slightly
earlier and the berries are sweeter and firmer with a tougher, glossier

skin. The berries will average fully as large as Chesapeake.

“Starbright is being introduced as a midseason commercial and home
garden variety of great beauty. It is recommended for trial from Virginia
to New Jersey and westward to Kansas and Iowa.’’ So states the U. S.
Department of Agriculture official circular. Starbright has real ‘’class’’.
It should be tried. We have found as much profit in one quart of Starbright

as in two quarts of many other varieties. Price list, page 23.

moderately productive. Needs liberal fertilization.
Berries often sell with Chesapeake. Makes plants freely
but needs springy land for big crops. Price list, page 23.

A fancy late shipping berry, large, solid, handsome,
Gandy

14

REDSTAR

The new very late berry. Reports are coming in and it looks like a “WINNER”.

Redstar adds ten days to the season for fancy berries at the time when other
berries are about gone and prices generally highest. Several more days can be added
by planting Redstar on (1) heavy clay soils; (2) higher elevations; (3) north slopes; (4)
with heavy mulching. |

Plant growth of Redstar is outstanding—making plenty of strong vigorous, healthy
plants!

Plants are very productive. They set a tremendous crop of berries and will
mature them to a good large size if sufficient moisture is available. As any late variety
runs more risk of dry weather, good soil retentive of moisture should be used with a
mulch added to help conserve what water is present. Fasciation sometimes occurs but
has not been serious.

Berries of Redstar are large, with the largest ones sometimes ridged as in the
picture. They have a bright red color which does not turn dark. Skin is tough and
very glossy with raised yellow seeds, making a very pretty berry which holds well and
sells well. Dessert quality is very good to excellent. They taste like more.

REDSTAR REPORTS You just can’t overlook Redstar. It's like .

"Tl picked a quart of berries yesterday, August 13th, from

a bed of 100 Redstar set in 1942.” :
Cedric A. Judkins extra ten to fourteen days will enable every

Oxford Co., Maine, Aug. 14, 1943

having two berry seasons each year. The

grower to grow more berries and make more

“Fruited Redstar in 1942 and found it an outstanding profits. Redstar, by extending the season,
variety.”
if Roy C. Gault enables you to handle more berries with

Marion Co., Ind., March 13, 1943 less help. It makes another bright spot in

“Fruited Redstar this summer and were very much im- the Victory Garden too. Price list, page 23.
pressed. First good late berry we have ever seen for this .
climate. Good plant maker, large berries, good yielder.”’
Henry T. Schmidt
Cole Co., Mc., Sept. 20, 1943

“Redstar plants made a magnificent growth and a good
yield. Very good quality. All up to your recommendation.”
Dr. H. W. Haight
Middlesex Co., N. J.

Redstar is a fine berry and a heavy cropper. Had some
to cover entire bottom of quart berry cup.” _
James Stranzins ¢
Hamilton Co., Ohio., Feb. 1, 1943 a

-Redstar, delicious
berries’ after
others have gone.

ALLEN’S

PLANTS PAY

WHAT IS A GOOD PLANT?

It is a plant which is of fair size for the variety with a strong crown and a vigor-

ous, well developed root system.

It is a plant which is true to name and correctly labelled.

It is a plant. which is healthy—free from insects and diseases on both roots and

foliage.

It is a plant which has the vitality to grow vigorously and bear heavy crops. This
vitality must be conserved by carefu! handling and packing to still be a good plant

when it reaches you.

We have had 59 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE in growing, handling and packing good
strawberry plants. We grow and sell no other nursery crop. For these reasons we
have confidence in our ability to supply you better plants than growers of equal ability
who have less experience and who try to handle many kinds of nursery stock.

This year when plants are scarce and high in price, it is most important to get
GOOD plants, DEPENDABLE plants, ALLEN’S plants.

Ogle Co., Ill., March 24, 1943. I have bought
plants for over 40 years from you, and have always
been well pleased. I have entered my 83rd year.

Mr. E. G. Goljenbloom

Marion Co., Ind., March 13, 1943. Your plants
are the best I have ever ordered. Had the biggest,
finest berries last year I ever raised.

} Mr. Joe H. Davidson

Plymouth Co., Mass., March 29, 1943. Order in-
closed. If they are as good as the ones I have
always received from you in the past, I shall be
more than delighted.

Mr. George K. Zipf

Montcalm Co., Mich., April 30, 1943. Your plants
are the best I have ever used, and I have been
growing strawberries 65 years.

Mr. Frank Fishell

Bergen Co., N. J., April 6, 1943. Received plants
in perfect condition.
Mr. F. Haessner

Greene Co., Ohio, March 31, 1943. We have
always bought our plants of you, and have always
been satisfied.

Mrs. E. O. Thompson

Chester Co., Pa., August 6, 1943. For many years
I have been buying from eight to ten thousand
strawberry plants from you each spring, and they
have been very satisfactory.
Mrs. Mary L. Balderston

Alexandria Co., Va., Jan. 22, 1943. I have got
my plants from you for over 30 years, and had
such good luck with them I want to order again.

Mr. Frank Talbott

Fine Cluster of
Mastodon

16

Berries.

>»

~ MASTODON

Chautauqua Co., New York, February 27, 1943.
Last April I ordered Premier, Catskill and Mastodon
everbearing plants. They were all wonderful plants,
especially the Mastodon with which I was more
than pleased. It was surprising and very gratifying
to be able to pick berries from the middle of August
to late fall. I have never seen any larger berries
than the Mastodon we picked the first year planted.
I am enclosing my order for 200 more of the
Mastodon plants, my only regret is that I did not
order more last April._—Mr. A. A. Agnew.

Mastodon is the most popular and widely grown
Everbearer. It does well in all the northern and
middle states as far south as North Carolina and
Tennessee on sites of 100 feet or more elevation.

Mastodon makes a very vigorous healthy plant
growth, with strong robust individual plants. This
may partly explain its ability to come through
under tough conditions. Other varieties may be
better or poorer under varying conditions, but
Mastodon almost never lets you down entirely.

It bears from late summer until freezing weather.
The heavy foliage often protects the berries so
that they continue until long after the first frosts
have come.

Mastodon is a fine midseason berry for the spring
season, entirely apart from its summer and fall
crop. This makes Mastodon a safe variety to plant.

The berries from either crop are large, bright
red, of good quality and firm. enough for local or
nearby markets. Price list, page 23.

Mastodon and Gem plants are VERY scarce this
year—not over 15% of normal. There will not be
enough for all. So we must limit the number of
plants per person and accept orders on a first
come, first served basis. We appreciate your busi-
ness but must warn you to order early for all
plants this year—especially everbearing kinds.

aergr
WERL
eg ASR
g asc E

GEM

Essex Co., Mass., March 6, 1943. I would like
to tell you about my Gem plants last year. They
bore heavily all summer and I picked the last box
on the morning of October 28th. We had had
several hard freezes before that, but the plants pro-
tected the berries so well that they were not hurt.

Mrs. Joseph H. Brooks

While Mastodon is more generally grown, many
growers even in northern states agree with us that
Gem is a better everbearer. Here in Maryland it
produces more late summer and fall berrres.

Gem berries are at least equal to Mastodon in
size, quality and flavor. They are firmer, brighter,
more uniform in size and shape, more attractive
in appearance and sell better on the market than
the Mastodon.

Although Gem is much better here for the late
summer and fall crop, it is nowhere near as good
for the spring crop as Mastodon. This may account
largely for the greater general popularity.

Gem plants are usually not as large and strong
as Mastodon, but the thin beds this year have let
even Gem plants get plenty big. Set Gem plants
early. Once started they make lots of new plants
and berries in abundance.

Due to the severe summer 1943, drought we have
no plants at all to sell of the other Everbearing
varieties.

Green Mountain ©
Wayzata

Champion
Gemzata

GROWING EVERBEARERS
WHY?

@ Everbearing strawberries make a delightful and useful crop for the home garden. They have become
very popular in recent years.

@ You don't have to wait very long. No other fruit crop can touch Everbearing strawberries for quick
returns. Plants are set in March or April. Berries are ripening from August to November of the same year.

@ Strawberries provide one of the best of all sources of Vitamin C (which cannot be stored in the body).
Everbearing varieties make possible a continuing and pleasing source of this vitamin all through late
summer and fall. ;

(4) Although they have been grown for many years, they still have a novelty appeal. Lots of people still
get a real kick out of having nice fresh strawberries from their own vines, so far out of the regular season.

() They have a good record as a money crop. Growers who had fairly heavy yields of berries in small
garden plots found the surplus so easy to sell at good prices that they increased their plantings. Now
many fall berries are shipped profitably even to wholesale markets.

Some everbearing varieties make a very good regular spring crop. This gives the growers a second
chance. If the expected summer and fall crop does not come up to expectations (and fall crops are not
as sure aS spring crops), there is a good spring crop coming along anyway. Mastodon and Green Moun-
tain are the best spring croppers among the Everbearers.

i 0 W? Everbearing varieties are grown
e

just like other strawberries

They have the same soil and moisture requirements, require the same
cultural methods and give the same response to extra care and attention.
Inasmuch as Everbearing varieties during the first few weeks must build
up the strength and vitality to produce fruit as well as to continue growth,
it is especially important that they have the good care which all straw-
berries should have.

Here are a few of the more important things to keep in mind

@ Set good strong plants on well prepared land and set them early. If the plants are not set early your
efforts are wasted as far as the fall crop is concerned.

@) Cut off the spring blossoms as soon as they appear and remove the summer blossom clusters at each
hoeing until about the middle of July.

@ Everbearers are often grown by the hill system, as it is thought the plants produce more fruit if runners
are removed. Where this system is used plants may be set closer together. Plants 18 inches apart in
rows 2 feet apart are not too close for hill culture.

@ Everbearers give a greater response in fall fruit production to liberal applications of stable manure
broadcast before planting than to any one thing we can mention.

@® All the Everbearers have cycles of fruiting. None of them bear every day from midsummer to freezing
weather. In Maryland, Gem and Gemzata stand the heat better and are by far the most productive in
August and early September. Mastodon and Wayzata are at their best a little later and Green Mountain
is the latest to reach its best production. Commercial growers therefore may want several varieties to
assure continuous fruiting.

Yields. Everbearing plants set early on good, moist soil should yield one pint or more per plant during
late summer and fall. Much better yields are often obtained. Yields as high as 2 quarts per plant have
been recorded.

17

18

COMMONSENSE METHODS FOR GROWING
GOOD STRAWBERRY CROPS

WHERE WILL STRAWBERRIES GROW?

They will grow successfully in every state in
the country. When they follow common sense
methods, beginners are generally successful.

WHEN DO THEY BEAR? Standard varieties set
in March, April or early May 1944 will bear their
best crop in May or June 1945. Everbearing varie-
ties set in early spring produce berries in late
summer and fall of the same year. Fall setting
is not a good practice in most cases.

WHAT KIND OF SOIL AND LOCATION ARE
BEST? Any soil that makes good yields of garden
or field crops will produce strawberries in abund-
ance, whether that soil is a light sandy loam or a
heavy clay. Here are some pointers. 1—In rolling
country a sloping field gives better air drainage and
less injurious frosts. 2—Run the berry rows across
a steeply sloping field rather than up and down to
help prevent erosion. 3—Following a hoed crop
makes less weeds and grass to contend with in the
strawberries. 4-—Avoid sod land that may harbor
grub worms which cut or injure your plants. 5—
Change the place of the strawberry bed every few
years. It will help keep up the vigor and growth
and reduce the danger of a build up of disease and
insect trouble. 6—-A rank growth of weeds and
grass-on a vacant lot, garden plot or unused field
indicates soil fertile enough to grow good crops of
strawberries. 7—-Most important of all, select land
that holds moisture well because (a) it is naturally
springy (b) it has a low water table (c) irrigation is
available or (d) because lots of organic matter in the
form of animal manures or green crops has been
incorporated in the soil.

HOW SHOULD I PREPARE THE LAND? In late
winter or very early spring the land should be
plowed or (in small plots) spaded to a depth of 6
or 8 inches. Then with harrow or rake it should
be leveled off to form a smooth friable planting bed.

Here are some things which are not necessary—
but which are very helpful in getting bigger, better
crops of berries:

1. Plowing under in late summer a heavy growtn
of green crops such as peas, beans, clover, sowed
corn, weeds, grass, etc. All these rot quickly and
are much more valuable if plowed under while
still green.

2. Early fall sowing of rye or wheat to give a
heavy sod to be plowed under in late winter or
very early spring. This will be easier to handle
if disced up thoroughly before plowing.

3. Applications of horse, cow, hog or sheep
manure at the rate of 5 to 20 tons per acre. This
is the best of all preparation for a fine crop of
berries. Results are almost equally good if one of
these applications has been made for the previous
crop. Poultry manure is better when applied to the
previous crop but is helpful to current crop if full
of litter and only three to four tons per acre are
used. Excessive applications of poultry manure
may cause some burning especially in dry seasons.

For small areas a good guide in the application
of horse, cow, sheep or hog manure is to figure
1 to 2 bushels for every 100 square feet.

SHOULD CHEMICAL FERTILIZERS BE USED? On
very fertile garden soils none is needed. On most
good soils fertilizers will not prove beneficial if
plenty of stable manure of any kind has been
applied. On some soils chemical fertilizers will be
very helpful. 600 pounds per acre of any fertilizer
containing 3 to 6% of organic nitrogen and 5 to
10% of phosphorus may be used. This may be
stirred into the soil down the row before the plants
are set or applied as a side dressing in one or
more applications after growth starts. Inorganic
nitrogen like nitrate of soda or sulphate of ammonia
should not be used in these applications as they
will injure either rcots or leaves if they come in
direct contact. Organic nitrogen materials like tank-
age, fish, dissolved bone, cotton seed meal, dried
blood, etc., are safe to use. Any form of phos-
phorus is O. K.

Whatever the soil preparation and earlier treat-
ment it is well to examine the plant beds in late
August or early September. If the growth is satis-
factory and the leaves have a rich dark green ap-
pearance, no further fertilizer treatment is neces-
sary. If growth is not satisfactory at that time apply
as a top dressing directly on the plant beds about
600 pounds per acre of 6-8-2 or any fertilizer mix-
ture your dealer has containing 4 to 6% of nitro-
gen, 6 to 10% of phosphorus and 2 to 5% of potash.
Apply only when foliage is thoroughly dry and
brush loose material off the leaves at once. This
is important.

An application of 600 pounds per acre means
about 1 pound for each 20 feet of row.

WHAT ABOUT LIME? If other crops, weeds or
grass have made a good growth on the land you
have selected for strawberries, it does not need
lime. However, if you want to get scientific and
have your soil tested for acidity a pH range of 5.7
to 6 is best, 5 to 7 is satisfactory.

WHEN SHOULD PLANTS
BE SET?
EARLY! EARLY! EARLY!

The most important single thing in grow-

ing strawberries successfully is to set the

_ plants EARLY. With no other crop that you
grow is early spring so ALL IMPORTANT.

In the Southern States this means February,
March and early April. In the Middle States,
March and April. In the Northern States April
or the first half of May in late seasons and
in states far North. In all states it means
just as early as the weather permits you to
get the ground ready and the plants set.

A good stand and growth are easy if
plants are set early so they can become
established while the soil is still ccol and
moist. With late setting good results are
very unlikely unless soil and moisture con-
ditions are entirely favorable.

WHAT CARE DO PLANTS NEED? They should

be set promptly on arrival if possible. Dip the roots .

in water and keep them protected when taken to
the garden or field for setting. A hot day is bad
for setting strawberry plants. A hot windy day is
terrible. A cool cloudy day is fine. Sometimes
plants must be kept:a while because the ground is
not ready or for some other reason. Small lots of
plants can be kept in excellent condition for many
days in the family refrigerator if’ there is room.
Burying the crate or package for a while in a
snowbank is O. K.

The very best way to hold plants for a while is
in cold storage at 32 Degrees F. If such storage is
not available, open the bundles and spread the
plants in thin layers along a V-shaped trench about
four or five inches deep. Cover the roots with two
or three inches of soil, leaving the buds exposed.
Wet the soil and plants mer oughly. A light cover-
ing may be necessary.

Incidentally, there is one way to play safe. If
you have cold storage available order your plants
shipped in March while they are still thoroughly
dormant. Even moderate delays in transit won't
hurt them at that time and they will keep per-
fectly in cold storage at 32 degrees F. until plant-
ing conditions are just right.

HOW FAR APART SHOULD PLANTS BE SET?
In general, we recommend setting plants 18 to 20
inches apart in rows 32 to 4 feet apart. This
requires about 7,000 plants per acre. (See table).
Somewhat closer planting is satisfactory in small
gardens where space is limited, for the hill system
as with everbearers, or for late setting where a
good stand is uncertain.

For the small garden order 7 plants for each 10
feet of row you want to set or figure 1 plant for
each 5 square feet. Thus for a plot 10 x 10 ft. you

would need about 20 plants.

WHAT IS THE BEST METHOD OF SETTING
PLANTS? Any method is good which leaves the
roots reasonably straight down in the soil, spread
some if possible, with. the soil pressed firmly
against the roots and the bud just at the surface
of the packed down soil. A good garden trowel
is the best tool for the work in small plots. Others
are a spade, dibble, paddle, a big spoon or in
larger fields a horse drawn transplanter. With
plants that have very long roots clipping them off
to about 4 or 5 inches in length will make it easier
to get a good job of setting. It will not hurt the
plants. No matter how long or how short the leaf
stems, fruit stems or roots may be at time of setting,
the bud must be just at the surface. (See picture.)

HOEING, CULTIVATING AND TRAINING. Fre-
quent hoeing and.cultivating make larger, stronger
fruiting beds and a better crop of berries. The
purpose is to keep down weeds and grass and to
keep the top soil loose. Loose top soil helps con-
serve soil moisture and makes it easier for new
runners to take root. Shallow cultivation is best—
1 to 1% inches deep with the hoe or slightly deeper
with horse cultivator.

There are three other important jobs to be done
along with the hoeing work.

(1) Uncover the buds. At the first or second hoe-
ing any of the plants’ buds which have become
covered with packed or caked dirt must be uncov-
ered. Neglect in this is often the greatest single
cause of a poor stand. The outside leaves may

TOO SHALLOW

IS MULCHING NECESSARY?
for winter protection in all the Northern States and
would be helpful in many fields as far South as

remain fresh and green for some time but if the bud
is smothered the whole plant will eventually die.

(2) Cut off the blossoms at each hoeing. The
vitality necessary to mature a cluster or two of ber-
ries is needed by the newly set plant to make a
strong, vigorous plant growth. Blossoms may be
left on plants of Everbearing varieties after July 20th.

(3) Most of the training of new runners is done
at hoeing time. A well spaced matted row is the
best system for getting the largest crops of the
best berries. It will not pay to be too fussy about
exact spacing distances but it should be kept in
mind that 4 to 8 plants per square foot of fruiting
bed is plenty. Any excess is no better than weeds.
Train the first strong, new runners out like spokes
from a wheel and root them until a fruiting row 1%
to 22 feet wide has been formed. When that has
been done as many as possible of the later runners
should be pulled off or cut off.

PLANTS FOR VARIOUS PLANTING DISTANCE

Rows

3. ft. apart
a 3 Pare
3Y2 ft.

3Y2 Ft.
4...

4. fF.

3 ft. 8 in.

In the row
18 inches

Total per acre

9,680 plants
7,260

8,297

6,223

7,260

5,445

7,128

TOO DEEP

Mulching is necessary

JUST RIGHT

Virginia and Kentucky. In addition to giving protec-
tion from ccld, mulching helps to keep down weeds
and grass, to conserve soil moisture and to keep the
fruit bright and clean.

The mulch should be applied in the fall after frost
and light freezes (25 to 28 degrees F) have occurred but
before hard freezing (20 degrees F or lower). It should
be removed (at least partly) soon after growth starts
in the spring.

Wheat straw and marsh grass are considered the
best materials. Rye straw, pine needles, coarse strawy
manure and various kinds of hay are satisfactory. Use
whatever you have or can buy at a reasonable price.

WILL IRRIGATION PAY? If you have irrigation, it
will certainly pay to use it for strawberries, especially
just before fruiting time. However, irrigation is not
necessary. Most of the fine berry crops in this country
are produced on good strawberry soil that holds mois-
ture well because stable manure and green crops have
been added.

DO STRAWBERRIES NEED SPRAYING? When good
varieties are selected and clean healthy plants are
used, strawberries do not need spraying as a rule. If
insect or disease troubles should appear, our FREE
circular on STRAWBERRY INSECTS AND DISEASES may
be helpful in identifying the cause and applying the
remedy.

19

20

Collections Jor your Convenience

FULL-SEASON STRAWBERRY GARDENS

DORSETT —for early berries These are the best! They all

FAIRFAX—second early grow vigorously and produce

CATSKILL—medium to late big, luscious berries in

REDSTAR— extra late abundance.

Collection A— 100 plants— 25 each of the 4 kinds (4 Ibs.).... eee. S 4.00
eo

Collection B-—— 200 plants— 50 each of the 4 kinds (8 lbs.)..0. ee 6.50
@

Collection C— 400 plants—-100 each of the 4 kinds (16 Ibs.)...0. 10.00
)

Collection D—2000 plants——500 each of the 4 kinds (70 Ibs.)..... eee 27.50

These collections are not offered as money-savers, although
there is a small saving with each of them. They are selected
and offered so that those who do not wish to make a study of
varieties can be sure to get the Best without bother.

These collections are designed especially for States in the latitude from Virginia and
Missouri Northward, and in higher altitudes farther South.

Premier, the hardiest variety of them all, may be substituted for Dorsett in any of
these collecticns at ycur request. Premier is recommended as a substitute for Dorsett in
Northern States or on sites where late spring frosts are likely.

Order by collection number: Collection A, Collection B, etc.

These prices are F. O. B. Salisbury, payment with order. Add postage figured from
approximate weight given. Parcel Post table on page 21. The larger collections (400
plants or more) will usually go cheaper by express collect. }

WE HAVE NO AGENTS. If you want to be sure of getting Allen's plants, order direct from this
catalog. Many agents buy their plants where they can get them the cheapest, regardless of quality,

and sell them for as much, or in many cases more, than the cost of the best. To be sure of getting
ALLEN’S QUALITY PLANTS at the best price, MAIL your order to us.

Good plants packed to arrive in good
condition

EARLY SETTING PAYS

Early setting of plants is always helpful in get-
ting a good start. Where late seasons and heavy
soils prevent early setting, equally good results can
be had by having plants dug in March while still
dormant and holding them in cold storage until soil
and season are right. Temperature 32 degrees F.
Storage preferably at or near point of destination
because shipment is then made in cold weather and
because plants can be taken out of storage as
needed according to weather conditions and help
available for setting.

Read Mr. Judkins’ letter below.

MR. JUDKINS SOLVES A PROBLEM
Oxford Co., Maine, June 7, 1943. You ask me to
write and tell you how the strawberry plants which
you held in refrigeration and shipped me grew. The
plants arrived May 28th. Very few of the plants had

INSTRUCTIONS

Terms. Cash with order. Remit by Money Order,
Bank Draft, or Cash in Registered Letter. No C.O.D.
shipments, without part payment.

Packing. No extra charge made for packing at
prices quoted on page 23.

Time of Shipment. We ship plants from November
Ist to May Ist. See paragraph on page 18 “When
should plants be set?”

True to Name. We take every precaution to have
all plants true to name and we will refund your
money if any prove otherwise, but we will not be
responsible for any sum greater than the cost of
the plants.

any green leaves showing and on some the only
signs of life was the new growth on the roots.
These plants were set in the ground on the 28th
and 29th of May. On June 6th I looked over the
bed and found only 3 plants that failed to grow. The
rest have from 3 to 6 good strong, healthy leaves.
On a few plants the blossom bud could be seen
just starting from the crown. The plants have to
date made a very good growth, and are now well
established to stand any weather that we may have.
The plants I purchased from you last year under
the same condition have formed heavy matted rows.
The plants will be in blossom in 10 days to two
weeks. If (and I see no reason why they should
not) the plants purchased this spring do as well as
the 1942 ones, I will be one hundred percent satis-
fied. In past years when I have had plants dug
and shipped around May 20th, the plants would
arrive looking great with lots of leaves and blos-
soms, but cutting off lots of leaves and all blossoms
and careful care, if 25% lived I was lucky. Those
that lived would not make the runners and growth
the refrigeration plants do. If you wish I would
be glad to report on growth of plants this summer.

Mr. Cedric A. Judkins

Oxford Co., Maine, August 14, 1943. The plants
purchased last spring are coming along fine. They
are making runners now, so many that some should
be removed so the rows will not be too dense next
year. There has been less than one percent loss on
plants. The Everbearing plants I set last spring
are now in full blossom. Mr. Cedric A. Judkins

TO PURCHASERS

Late Shipments. All plants ordered shipped after
May lst will be packed and shipped in best pos-
sible condition but at purchasers’ risk.

Our Guarantee. We guarantee all plants ordered
shipped before May lst to reach you in good con-
dition. If they are found to be otherwise, either
through a slip on our part or delay or mistreatment
in transit, notify us immediately so that we can
refill your order. Any claim for poor condition
must be made immediately on receipt of plants as
we cannot be responsible for drought, floods, in-
sects, etc., which may affect the plants after their

21

arrival, as these things are entirely beyond our ~

control.

WHEN TO ORDER—AND HOW TO SHIP

ORDER as soon as you have decided what varieties and how many you want.
get your name and address correctly for prompt acknowledgment of order and delivery of plants.

your County on the order sheet.

Write plainly, so that we can
Be sure to fill in

EXPRESS is generally satisfactory and the best way to ship plants if your order is large, or if the distance is

grea

adjoining and nearby states.

Strawberry plants packed for shipment weigh approximately 4 pounds per 100 plants.

t.
PARCEL POST. Generally cheapest and most satisfactory for small shipments and with larger shipments in

Make up your order,

calculate the approximate weight and if you do not know your zone from Salisbury, Maryland, use distance given

herewith, or ask your postmaster.

With zone rate published here you can easily calculate the amount of postage to send.
BE SURE TO SEND ENOUGH POSTAGE AS ANY EXCESS WILL BE RETURNED.

If sufficient amount to pay parcel post

charges is not sent with the order, the gone
plants will be sent by Express collect, or 2nd .........
by parcel post C: O. D. for the amount of Ath
postage due, as we cannot keep accounts 6th

and send bills for small items of postage. 7th

Othive sce

Each additional

pound

Miles Ist pound or fraction
Se Ha DM OMeES Ol ge ered ce OlCtSeccyacscnerareter dL OVE tse

SOMto PISO... ate es. Slicte resect 1 1/10 cts.
Rap asnrtt WSO to; GOO eres SiC IS neat aeeea ee cts.
oem GOOMON GOO crac CUS ec secrse 1O LACS.
Re ey rece BUD tOWKOOO Ney re CIS sr pnenesee eres One LOLS.
ee ee OOO tORIAOO: ete ees M2iCUS ee ciescecteccstetesens 7 cts.
Beane PA00N OA SCO reece hh S CtS screech cseet eevee cts.
Sree: NS OOK io es eee OL CIB et. Vator ee eteece LL cts.

Copyright, 1944, by W. F. Allen Co., Salisbury, Md.

22

PICKING THE WINNERS:

Early The safe early strawberry. Frost proof. Has produced a crop every

Pp “4 year for 26 straight years since its introduction. Very productive,
remier profitable and popular in all Northern and Middle States.

Best of all in quality. Quite productive. Berries large, firm, beautiful,

e becoming dark when full ripe. Ideal berry for home garden. Very

Fairfax profitable for roadside market, fancy trade. High quality brings
repeat sales. Widely adapted North to Middle South.

A most profitable early berry for us. At its best equals Premier in

Dorsett productiveness. Superior in size, firmness, beauty. Much better in
quality. Avoid very cold frosty sites, far Northh Blakemore light

and quite tart is fine, early shipping berry adapted chiefly from Maryland South.

The safe midseason berry. Ten years without a crop failure. Heaviest
producer of any leading variety—more big berries than any other.

Catskill Good quality, firm, attractive. Adapted from Canada South to

Missouri, and North Carolina. Best midseason berry.

Midseason

° Preferred by many to Catskill—especially in Middle states. It must
Big Joe be good to be among the leaders for so many years. Pathfinder—
very productive and profitable in Northern states. Redstele resistant.

Late The aristocrat of Strawberries. For years highest selling late
berries. Large, firm, very beautiful, fine quality. Considered

Chesapeake shy plant maker but our present strain has always made

plenty of plants. Most profitable late berry in many sections.

Starbright, new, similar to Chesapeake in many ways, but handsomer, firmer and
better quality. Brings top prices. Worth trying.

Very Late The best very late and the latest real good berry. Plant for late
H d S berries and high prices. Good quality. Grow more good berries
2 tar with less labor. Stretch the season for 10 days with Redstar.

Most popular and widely grown Everbearer. A strong grower.
Rerries large, good quality, good shippers, excellent for home

M t d use and most generally used when planting for profit. A fine
as G on spring cropper in addition to summer and fall berries.
Better than Mastodon with us. More productive, more profitable,

Gem berries prettier, better shipper, equal in quality. Not as good as
Mastodon for spring crop.

Everbearing

23

Price List for Fall 1943 and Spring 1944

Description
Page 25 50 100 200 300 400 500 1000
Early Varieties Plants Plants Plants Plants Plants Plants Plants Plants
oy BVUAK EMORE. ....csscseesers S00, SL.00° 51-60 2792-80) , $3.60. - $14:35 $ 5.00 $ 8.00
ORS BLT (2. dcsaccccsischesedesers 1.00 1.65 2.60 4,55 5.85 7.00 8.16 13.00
So UATE 0 HO One 1:65 260, rd b51 15:85 7.00 8.15 138.00
SERRE CAT TILONC sci cseccisesceversseccecnses 1.00 1.65 2.60 — —_ — —— ——
OPO WANG 2 ico isececcccascoed 1.00 1.65 2.60 4.55 5.85 7.00 8.15 13.00
em DIAN DD 1 o..ic.decssessehonsses 1.55 2.50 4.00 7.00 9.00 —— —-
i 32d 84 Oy 8 YO) aa ae a 1.00 1.65 2.60 4.55 5.85 7.00 8.15 13.00
—- Senator Dunlap ................ 75 1.25 2.00 3.50 4.50 5.40 6.25 ——

Midseason Varieties

aL TN byes (212) vee ee 1.00 165 2.60 4.55 5.85 7.00 8.15 13.00
ote AG POE eicscsscsciecessteesetesec, 1.00 165) >, 260 - 455-585 7.00 8.15 13.00
TD CNC (00) ie eines 1.00 165) 2 O05 oS 7.00 8.15 13.00
STE STDERCSESY6 (7 ee ane 1.00 1.65 2.60 4.55 5.85 7.00 8.15 13.00
i PATHEINDER: ....ccc:cc03- 1.00 G50 2:60 294.55 2 5.85 7.00 8.15 13.00

Late Varieties

12 CHESAPEAKE ................. 1.15 1.90 3.00 5.25 6.75 8.10 9.40 15.00
eV ATE oo ccc.caccseccess 1.55 2.50 4.00 7.00 9.00 —— ——— a
Pes PRUMUDGOM Gs s4c.cc.usecscneecetvesessceen 73 1.25 2.00 3.50 4.50 5.40 6.25 10.00
POA RIGHT. .c0.ccseens. 1.15 1.90 3.00 5.25 6.75 8.10 9.40 15.00

Very Late Varieties
SAMO EGSIA Jvccscccccadevsassosecssses 1.00 1.65 2.60

PA ROS T ARR ivi. cciccececteiceeee UL 1.90 3.00 5.25 6.75 8.10 9.40 15.00
eM ATV. scence ssa cedesiieseveanssece 7d 1.25 2.00 3.00 4.50 5.40 6.25 10.00

TPG LOR ois ae Sti ables ZN oe ae
16 MASTODON. jooeecsccccsccscese. 105. 7845) 50007108 75) 11.26 Bieco NES Meme aoa

W. F. ALLEN COMPANY

SALISBURY, MARYLAND

Ordering Early is the best way to be sure of getting the plants you want.

The short supply of plants this year makes it important that you tell us on the order sheet,
whether to substitute nearest variety or to return your money for varieties sold out when your
order is received. 3
If substitutions are made, available varieties best adapted to customers location will be
used. Also, if substitution of a lower priced variety is made, extra plants will be put in to equal
full value of original order.

ALL PLANTS F.O.B. SALISBURY, MARYLAND, AT PRICES QUOTED

Alco-Gravure

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MARYLAND

SALISBURY,