*7* Out ^u^tom&u: 



Many customers have been asking us about the eruption in recent years of tall- 

 story nursery advertisements in newspapers and on the radio. There has been con- 

 siderable resentment among home gardeners who realize what is going on. In other 

 circles, we have occasionally heard the firms behind the ads called "smart operators." 



I have no doubt the fairy-tale claims have been effective in getting orders. I doubt 

 if the method is "smart." This country has had in its day sellers of wooden nutmegs, 

 gold bricks, off-shore real estate and many another fantasy and falsification. The 

 business firms that have thrived from one generation to another, however, appear to be 

 those that satisfied, not those that victimized their customers. 



There are reasons why it is easy to be taken in by glib distortions of the facts about 

 garden plants. Many flowers are, in truth, quite wonderful and amazing things. For 

 instance, the way well-grown modern Rose plants keep blooming right along, month 

 after month, all season, is remarkable enough. Other perfectly true facts about Roses 

 often must seem improbable to anyone who has known only the older kinds, or none at 

 all. Plant breeders have done amazing things. The color range and beauty of modern 

 hybrids is so great that it seems absurd for anyone to feel it necessary to exaggerate 

 their charms. Yet the very fact that flowers give so much makes human nature ask 

 for more and more. 



"So who will know the difference, if we make our stories really good?" say the 

 eager exaggerators. Besides, it is so easy to sound enticing when there are no limits to 

 the enticements that may be offered! 



Our business, however, has been going on for a long while and we aim to continue 

 in such a way that it will be serving your descendants, in due time, just as it has served 

 you and many of your parents and grandparents in the past. We happen to believe 

 firmly that it is not only right but smart to make no compromises in claims or in quality. 

 Americans, by and large, don't stay fooled or bemused indefinitely. They pass the word 

 along, from one to another, and awareness spreads. We know that top quality plants 

 are the only real bargains in the nursery trade, and we are confident that all persistent 

 gardeners will discover that truth sooner or later. When they do, we plan to be around 

 to serve them! 



Now, for those of you who already know about the quality of STAR® Rose plants, 

 or those who wish to try them for the first time, here are our offerings for you and your 

 gardens for 1954. 



With all best wishes, 



Sincerely, 



THE CONARD-PYLE COMPANY 



President 



