142 ECKFORD S WORK 



and as easily grown as the ordinary Sweet Peas are in 

 England. It is believed that for warmer countries the 

 Yarrawa strain will absolutely supersede all others. They 

 bloom in two or three months from sowing and by planting 

 them in succession a supply of blooms can be had during 

 the greater portion of the year. 



THE LATE HENRY ECKFORD 



The work of Henry Eckford in England in crossing 

 Sweet Peas began in 1870 or a little later, and can never be 

 overlooked in any account of the history of this beautiful 

 flower. Eckford worked steadily upon his crosses and 

 selections until he had one that he thought good enough to 

 introduce to commerce. This he named Bronze Prince, 

 and it was first offered in 1882. Thereafter, from year to 

 year his introductions were looked for, and so successful 

 was he that latterly he was called the " Sweet Pea King." 

 He entered into business for himself at Wem, Shropshire, 

 where his son still conducts a seed trade. Among the 

 best known of Eckford's earlier varieties were Captain of 

 the Blues, Prince of Wales, Apple Blossom, Mrs. Sankey, 

 Lottie Eckford, Dorothy Tennant, Blanche Burpee, Prima 

 Donna, Black Knight and Lady Grizel Hamilton. It can 

 be said that Henry Eckford was instrumental in perfecting 

 the grandiflora type, which probably reached its highest 

 perfection in the beautiful white variety Dorothy Eckford. 

 In his namesake he also gave us the first of the orange- 

 colored Sweet Peas. Moreover, it was said to have been 

 a sport from Lottie Eckford that gave Zvolanek a plant to 

 cross with Blanche Ferry, out of which came Christmas 

 Pink. He was honored by the Royal Horticultural Society 

 of England, which awarded him the coveted Victoria Medal 

 of Honor. He died in December, 1905. 



