WM. HENRY MAULE, PHILADELPHIA, PA. 
MY policy of over thirty years ago, when I started in business in 1877, was the same as it Is 
today, and I think the following extract republished from the introduction of our 1878 
catalogue (published in the latter part of 1877) will be interesting, as it well illustrates the 
principles of the house at the present time: 
Vegetable Seeds—73 

‘We exercise the greatest care to have all our seeds fresh and genuine, and of the highest possible excellence. We can 
confidently claim that for purity and reliability the seeds we offer this season are unsurpassed, and will give general satisfac- 
‘tion. The many flattering testimonials received from our customers this fall are ample evidence that they appreciate our 
honest endeavors to excel in the quality of our seeds, while our prices will compare favorably with those of any other reliable 

house. 
It is our aim to sell the best quality of seeds at moderate prices, within the reach of all, so there need be no excuse 
for anyone planting inferior or worthless seeds bought of venders or small retailers, who are careless as to the quality.”’ 
The above statement was made in the 1878 catalogue, a little catalogue that cost only one 
penny to mail, and contained fifty-one small illustrations; but that catalogue was the starting 
point for the establishment of this business. 

Mammoth Silver King Onion. 























































= \\\ \\ NWA 
Fe oth 
Twenty-five years ago I started to boom this mammoth onion, and 
have had a wonderful demand for it in Small quantities ever since, for 
it is acknowledged the largest white onion today, as it was 25 years 
ago. I do not recommend it except for the home garden, but there it 
always gives satisfaction, and excites the astonishment of all visitors. 
The skin is of a beautiful, silvery white. The flesh hasa particularly 
mild and pleasant flavor, and is so sweet that it may be eaten raw like 
an apple. No other white onion attains such mammoth size, nor will 
any other white variety crow uniformly so large. The bulbs are of an 


Silver King Onion. 















































The 
attractive shape, flattened, but thick, but it is a poor keeper. 
average diameter of fully grown Mammoth Silver King onions is from 
5 to 7% inches. I have a record of one of these onions weighing 4 pounds 
and9 ounces. Thousands of letters and postal cards have reached me 
containing words of the highest praise of the wonderful size, early 
maturity and good quality of this famous onion; and the fact that these 
voluntary testimonials come from all parts of the country proves the 
adaptability of the onion to a wide range of soil and climate. 
Packet, 15 cts.; ounee, 40 cts.; 14 pound, $1.25; pound, $4.00. 
