PREFACE 



In preparing the present edition of our Seed Catalogue, our desire has been to 

 give a selection of the most choice flowers, avoiding the long list of names usually 

 given in catalogues, a great part of which are of no value in our climate. 



Having been engaged over thirty years in growing and harvesting seeds — flower 

 and vegetable — we flatter ourselves we can safely select the finest varieties, and 

 such as cannot fail to please amateur cultivators, as it is very difficult for an inex- 

 perienced person to select from the long lists usually given. Being extensively 

 engaged in importing and growing the new and rare plants and florist flowers, it 

 will be readily seen that our facilities for saving seed of the choicest description are 

 unsurpassed; the seeds are of a quality which growers alone can offer. Whilst 

 such articles as it is necessary to import are received direct from the first growers 

 in England, France and Germany. 



We guarantee that all seed sold by us shall prove to be as represented, to 

 this extent, that should they prove otherwise, we will replace them or send 

 other seeds to the same value. But we cannot guarantee the crop any farther than 

 the above offer, as there are so many causes which operate unfavorably in the ger- 

 mination of seeds and maturity of the crop, over which we have no control. Among 

 the causes of failure may be mentioned unfavorable weather, which is one of the 

 most important. The soil may be in proper condition when the seed is planted, 

 but the weather which follows may be cold and wet, which will cause the seed to 

 rot, or it may be hot and dry, which destroys the germ before it shows itself. The 

 soil may also be unfavorable for the variety of seed planted. The seeds may be 

 and are frequently destroyed by vermin of various kinds. And, lastly, changes 

 not unfrequently occur, especially among new hybridized varieties, by which 

 frequent sports are produced which give the planter the idea that his seeds are 

 badly mixed. Such occurrences are beyond the power of man to prevent and for 

 which we cannot be responsible. 



Forward Money with the Order. — Please send money with the order, suffi- 

 cient to cover the whole bill, to facilitate the execution of your orders. During the 

 busy season, to make out bills for customers, mail, charge, and in a few days 

 receive the money, make the proper credit and send receipt, requires more work 

 than we can possibly perform during the great press of business in the spring. 



The safe arrival of all seeds are guaranteed. If a package is injured or lost we 

 will replace as soon as informed of the fact. 



Please Write the Orders Legibly in a list apart from the body of the letter, 

 to facilitate execution and prevent errors ; orders for plants should be on a sepa- 

 rate sheet. 



This Catalogue annuls all former prices. 



