TWO AMERICAN BEAUTIES. 



Shown on Colored Plate. 



Japan has given us so many floral gems that all eyes, have of late, been turned to the 

 Orient for acquisitions to the floral world. But of all the beautiful flowers that have come 

 to us from that favored land, none surpass the two shown upon the accompanying colored 

 plate. We feel not a little pride in introducing these two American beauties to the public, be- 

 cause both are such profuse bloomers and are of such sturdy habit they will succeed every- 

 where, and without petting. Both grow freely from seed, (Pink Beauty flowering the first 

 season), and although both are herbaceous perennials, growing more beautiful from year tc 

 year and of the easiest culture, both are entirely hardy without protection. Both are en- 

 tirely distinct from anything in cultivation— not simply varieties of well-known flowers— 

 purely American, and described by botanical authorities as distinct species 



PINK BEAUTY. 



(Kosteletzkya Virginica). 



It is with sentiments resembling pride 

 that we are enabled to offer this charm- 

 ing flower, and give it our unqualified 

 recommendation as one of the best 

 floral novelties that has ever appeared. 



The plant is a hardy perennial of 

 sturdy habit; but bloonis freely the 

 first year from seed. When attaining 

 their full growth, which is not until the 

 second season, the plants attain a 

 height of three to four feet and a spread 

 of eighteen to twenty-four inches and 

 so floriferous the entire summer and 

 autum?! months as to present a solid mass 

 of pink. The individual blossoms are 

 two to two and one-half inches in 

 diameter, perfectly flat and almost as 

 regular and round as silver dollars; of 

 the most tender, bright rosy- pink imag- 

 inable with delicate veinings upon the 

 petals; the reverse of the petals being 

 silvery-rose or La France Rose color 

 and cheerful lemon-yellow pistils and stamens, producing a harmony of color truly poetical. 

 The colored plate gives no correct idea of its charming color — 710 picture can. 



It is of the easiest culture, succeeding equally well in moist or dry situations and 

 always growing vigorously. The seed germinates quickly; the plants ^beginning to bloom 

 when a foot high, continuing without interruption throughout the season. In fact, wherever 

 plants of the Kosteletzkia stand, a beauty spot is produced and maintained from early sum- 

 mer until frost. In addition to the interest that always attends the advent of a distinct and 

 really beautiful hardy herbaceous plant, the history of the Kosteletzkya is especially enter- 

 taining. It is genus that was described by Linniaeus, and long since lost. For many years 

 botanists searched for it. Some three years ago a writer in the Botanical Bulletin^ again 

 called attention of botanical collectors to it, suggesting it might be found in the region of 

 the original discovery. Acting upon this suggestion, Mr. Frank Bassett, made a special 

 journey to the locality, and after a long and weary search, was rewarded for his enterprise, 

 toil and energy, by the honor and delight of re-discovering it. V\'e purchased of him the 

 entire supply of both seeds and plants of it and now first offer it in commerce. Seeds, 25c. 

 per packet; 2 packets for 40c. Plants, one year, ea., 25c.; 3 for 50c. 2 years old, ea., 35c; 3 

 for 75c., {large for mailing). 



