14 — Vegetable Seeds 



THE MAULE SEED BOOK FOR 1909 



The Alpha beet is ready for market in 40 to 45 days from 

 date of sowing. It is what I call a finely made-up beet, as 

 shown in the illustration. It is turnip shaped, with a dispo- 

 sition to deepen to the half-long type ; though by no means a 

 half-long beet. It is deeper than Crosby's Egyptian, with 

 more body and more value. The shape of the beet indicates 

 strong individual traits. The flesh is of a dark crimson color, 



The Alpha Beet. 



with lighter rings, and is handsome in appearance, becoming 

 solid crimson when cooked. The top is small, which favors 

 close planting, though this beet, in common with all others, 

 matures most quickly when given plenty of room, say 4 or 5 

 inches in the row. It has a rich, sweet 'flavor when cooked, 

 and is tender and free from fibre or toughness. It is, in fact, 

 by all odds, one of the best extra early table or market beets 



within my knowledge. 

 The Alpha beet is worthy of universal 



trial by gardeners. It is good for the table 



and good for market, and will at once win \ 

 public favor by reason of its earliness and 



public lavor by 

 its excellence. 



Packet, 10 cents; ounce, 15 cents; 

 \ pound, 5© cents; pound, $1.50. 



THE ALPHA BEET. 



NEW SWISS CHARD OR 

 SILVER BEET. 



This grand new and distinct variety is a great 

 acquisition. The stalks are as thick and broad as 

 rhubarb. The plants grow to a height of from 2 

 to 2% feet, and the stalks are from 10 to 12 inches 

 long below the leaf and 1% inches broad. These 

 stalks are delicious when cooked and should b6 

 served in the same manner as asparagus. The 

 leaf portion of the New 

 Lucullus is heavily 

 crumpled or savoyed 

 and is very crisp and 

 tender. The leafy por- 

 tion of the foliage is{? 

 cooked and served in 

 the same manner as 

 spinach. The leaves and 

 stalks, being served as 

 separate vegetables, af- 

 ford two distinct dishes 

 from the same plant at 

 one time. 



Pkt„ 10c; oi., 15c; 

 } 4 ' lb., 40c; lb., $1.25. Lucullus Swiss Chard, 



The Market King Beet. 



While traveling in the County of Essex, England, I stumbled on Mar- 

 ket King by chance, and was immediately impressed with it. So much 

 bo that after considerable trouble I succeeded in procuring a few cwt. of 

 the seed. Planted in my trial grounds at Briar Crest, as well as at 

 Panmure Seed Gardens, my experience with it is such as to warrant 

 me in saying it is worthy of a place in every American garden. 



Market King is a quick grower and soon reaches maturity; but though 

 an early beet it is an excellent keeper. The solidity, fineness and firm- 

 ness of its bright red flesh make it one of the best keeping varieties. 



On the points of flavor and table quality I would lay especial empha- 

 sis, for it is an ideal beet for household use. It can be used at all stages 

 of growth, and it is almost needless to say that a sweet and succulent 

 beet like this is sure to become a market favorite. 



The shape and solidity of Market King favor extra heavy cropping, and 

 I introduce it to my customers in the full expectation that it will be 

 both profitable and popular. Except for my knowledge of its high table 

 quality and great cropping ability, I would not give it so much promi- 

 nence. Pitt., 10 cts.; oz., 15 cts.; % lb., 30 cts.; lb., $1.00. 



