MfVMM 



I BEG leave to offer to the pub- 

 lie my new Catalogue for 



i8S6, and respedlfully a,sk 

 your perusal of its contents. My 

 facilities for collecting rare plants 

 are unsurpassed ; I have collec- 

 tors in all parts of the world, and 

 will have many rare plants and 

 fruits to offer another year. 



PLEASE READ BEFORE 

 ORDERING. 



Terms 'Casli with order, or 

 will send C. O. D. by express on orders ex- 

 ceeding $5, if one-fourth of order is remitted. 

 Remit by Money Order on Pinckney- 

 viLLE, Illinois ; Registered Letter, Draft or 

 , Express Money Order. ■ Don't' send private 

 check. Postage Stanips taken for fractions -of a dollar. 



Packing is done in the best possible manner, so as 

 to carry safely to any part of the world. . ' 



Care of Plants. On arrival, take immediately from 

 the package, and if they are freeg, dip the roots in thin 

 mud iTiade of clay'ahd water; and if you are not ready to plant, . 

 " heel them in " carefully. If they are plants and are in the least 

 wilted, place the roots in a pan of cold water for an hour or so, 

 then carefully pot them, apd keep shaded for a few days. Never 

 poiir water on apackage ; it may cause the plants to heat and spoil. 

 True to Name. Everything Xvarranted true to name. 

 Labels. In shipping I u'se hone but printed wooden labels, se- 

 curely wired on — a great improvement on the,old plan. 



Plants by Slail. On all orders amoiintin^g to less than I3, add 

 25 cents each for postage. ' ' ' 



Safe Arrival Guaranteed, by mail or express. I will willingly rectifjr all 

 mistakes — we all make them sometimes^f notified of them immediately on arrival • 

 of goods. ' ' 



Very Important. Send your orders in as soon as possible after receipt of 

 catalogue. The stock of many sorts is limited, and the, early orders will get them, 

 tin'd will also, get more select plants. 



A Special Kequest. I am anxious to obtain the addresses of a,ll fruit 

 growers, m^rliet gardeners, florists and those' having private greenhouses, who buy 

 trees or plants. If you will send the nameS of such soon, and mention the matter 

 when you order, T will see that you are well paid for your trouble. ' ' 



Orders Filled in Rotation. Shipping season commences about the ist 

 of March. Tender plants will not be sent out until near planting tiirie, unless other- 

 wise ordered. ^ 



References. To those unacquainted with me, 1 respectfully'refer to Hon. 

 Wm.' K^. Murphy, ex-member State Legislatui'e, and president of the firm of Murphy, 

 Wall & Co., bankers, Pinckneyville, Ills. ; also to Captain Wm. Adair, Express 

 Agent, Swanwick, Illinois, and to my Postmaster. 



I am open to offers from hybridizers and priginators of new fruits and plants of 



sorts and will willingly test such with a view to their dissemination if found worthy. 



In conclusion I will be pleased to hear from my customers at any time ^ind will, 



willingly answer any questions they rnay wish. Please always give your full name 



and address every time you write, and address all letters plainl^f to 



MARTIN BENSON, 



SwANwICK, Perry County, Jllinois, U. S. A. 

 Telegraph Office, Swanwiek, Illinois. 



