■aScs*- 



k«^ 



DREER'S 

 Reliable Flower Seeds. 



Success with Flower Seeds. 



House Frames. 

 No. 1, llxU ins., 75 cts. each. 



PROVIDED the soil is in a proper state, flower seeds may be sown in the open border in April, 

 May and June. The seeds should be sown as soon as the soil becomes dry and easily 

 crumbled, after the spring frosts have disappeared. They may also be sown in prepared beds 

 of light, rich soil, and transplanted into the garden. The former is the more simple method, 

 but not always as satisfactory. The better plan is to sow all fine seeds under glass in a green- 

 house, hotbed, or in the house. As to the depth to which seeds should be covered, the best 

 general rule is to cover fine seeds very lightly, just enough to protect them from the sun ; and 

 in dry weather a sprinkling of damp moss is very useful. With very fine seeds it is best to sow 

 on the surface, and press then lightly into the soil. We are convinced that one of the most 

 frequent causes of failure is in sowing the seeds too deep, and seedsmen are unjustly censured, 

 when the fault lies with the cultivator. 



For sowing seeds, shallow boxes, or house frames, 2 to 3 

 inches deep, and covered with a light of glass, are best. 

 (These we keep in stock all ready for use.) The best soil is 

 a mixture of equal parts of sand, leaf-mold, and light, rich 

 garden loam, which should be thoroughly mixed and passed 

 through a coarse sieve; then fill your pots, pans, or boxes 

 within half an inch of the rim ; press the soil firmly and 

 evenly. If the soil is dry, it is best to water freely a day or 



ttwo befoie sowing the seed, to enable the surplus water to drain off. After they are sown cover 



slightly with fine soil; carefully water with a fine rose or spray. When they are designed to be 



grown in the house, the temperature should be as near CO degrees as possible ; place them in a 



light window facing south or east. 



The importance of uniform attention to watering may be best learned by expeiience and ob- 

 servation, but the inexpe; ienced cultivator may be reminded that to omit a single wateiing and 



allow the young plant-germs from seed to remain in a parched state, or a too frequent indiscnnii- 



mate watering, usually leads to the eventful loss of the whole. 



As soon as the plants are large enough to handle, transplant them into other boxes or pots, placing them about 1 inch apart each 



way ; they must be shaded for a few days from the sun, until they are established. When large enough they can be potted in small 



pots, and kept until the proper season for planting in the garden. 



COLLECTIONS OF OLD=FASHIONED FLOWERS. 



The flowers that were favorites in the gardens of a century ago are again coming into favor — and how beautiful many of them 

 are! We offer below a collection each of Annuals, or such varieties as will flower the first season from seed, and of Hardy Peren- 

 nials, some of which do not flower liefore the second season, but when once planted are permanent. 



Collection of Old=fashioned Annuals. — Containing a packet each of Cornflower, Flora's Paint Brush, Four-0'Clocks, 

 Love in a Mist, Larkspur, Mignonette, Pot Marigold, Poppy, Snapdragon, Sweet Scabious, Sweet Sultan and Youth and Old Age. 

 12 varieties in all for 50 cts. 



Collection of Old-fashioned Perennials. — Containing a packet each of Baby's Breath, Canterbury Bells, Columbine, 

 t-oreopsis. Cowslip, Forget-Me-Wot, Foxglove, Hollyhock, Larkspur, Pinks, Sweet Rocket and Sweet William. 12 varieties in 

 all for 50 cts. 



Collections of Choice 



FLOWER SEEDS. 



These are composed of the 

 best and most popular varie- 

 ties — sorts that always succeed, 

 and which will produce a fine 

 display of flowers from early 

 summer until frost. 

 No. L 12 choice varieties $ 50 

 " 2. 18 " " 75 



" 3. 25 " " 1 00 



- 4. 50 '. " 2 00 



Imported Collections of Asters, Balsams, Dianthus, Hollyhock, Larkspur, Marigold, Phlox, Nasturtium, etc., etc., will be 

 foiin^l offered under their respective heads. 



The full worth of their money to all is the broad principle in which we always deal, and we refer to our reputation as evidence that w« 



live up to the precept 



(63) 



