14 



PETER HENDERSON & CO.-SEEDS OF SPECIAL MERIT. 



COPYRIGHTED 1884, BY PETER HENDERSON &.C0. N.Y 



HENDERSON'S WHITE PLUME CELERY. 



. Last year we introduced for the first time our White Plume Celery, and although the seed was sold only in 

 packets, yet it was so extensively grown that it fully carried out the claims we made for it. Our reports from dif- 

 ferent sections of the country are so satisfactory and glowing that we are satisfied it must become a permanent addi- 

 tion to our list of Celeries. In some sections there was a little disappointment with the White Plume Celery last 

 season owing to the unprecedented dry and hot weather experienced in September, which prevented the whitening of 

 the centre to the extent that naturally would occur under the conditions of an ordinary favorable season. We would 

 add also that this variety never whitens in a young state, and usually only begins to show its self-blanching character 

 when the growth begins in the cool weather. For those who did not see our description of the White Plume last 

 year, we repeat here the merits and advantages which this most distinct variety possesses. 



The peculiarity of the Celery known as "White Plume" is, that naturally its stalk and portions of its inner 

 leaves and heart are white, so that, by closing the stalks, either by tying them up with matting, or by simply draw- 

 ing the soil up against the plant and pressing it together with the hands, and again drawing up the soil with the hoe 

 or plow, so as to keep the soil that has been squeezed against the Celery in its place, the work of blanching is com- 

 pleted ; while it is well known that in all other kinds of Celery, in addition to this, the slow and troublesome process 

 of high " banking " or earthing up with the spade is a necessity. 



Another great merit of the "White Plume " Celery is, that it far exceeds any known vegetable as an ornament 

 for the table, the inner leaves being disposed somewhat like an ostrich feather, so as to suggest the name we have 

 given it of "White Plume." 



It is well known that one-half the value of a Celery, particularly in our best hotels and restaurants, is held to be 

 its fitness as a table ornament, and for this purpose this new variety is admirably fitted. In addition to this, its eating 

 qualities are equal to the very best of the older sorts, being crisp, solid, and having that nutty flavor peculiar to the 

 "Walnut" and some of the red sorts. Altogether, we cannot find words sufficient to describe its many merits as it 

 deserves. 



The great bugbear in the cultivation of Celery, by those engaged in growing it for market, has been the labor 

 ■entailed in the " banking " to whiten or blanch it ; and with the unskilled amateur growing a few hundred for private 

 use the troublesome process of " banking " has usually been a detriment sufficient to prevent him from trying. Now 

 he can grow this new self-blanching sort just as simply as any other vegetable. 



One of our largest Celery growers on Jersey City Heights, N. J., grew one-fourth of his whole Celery crop in 

 " White Plume " the past season, and realized for it Si. 50 per dozen bunches, while the Golden Dwarf, giving twice 

 the labor in banking, sold for only $1.00 per dozen. Next season he will grow half of his whole crop of upward of 

 100, 000 roots in " White Plume." 



Price, 25 cts. per packet; five packets for $1.00 ; $1.75 per half oz.; $3.00 per oz. 



We marketed the first Cabbage here on 31st May. 



Brownstown, Ind. .June 6th, 1881. 

 It was your Selected Early Jersey Wakefield wintered over in cold frames. 



Wm. Schwein. 



