Origin — A native of South America, the generic name of this plant being derived from the Greek word 

 signifying to bite. This plant was first mentioned by Martyr in 1493, according to Irving's Life of Columbus. 

 His book states that Columbus "brought back pepper more pungent than that from Caucasus," apparently 

 having compared it with the black i)epper of commerce from the oriental countries. There is evidence to 

 show that it was cultivated by the natives in Tropical and South America, long before Columbus' discovery. 

 According to Gerard it was brought into European gardens about 1600. F'irst reference of pepper to be used 

 as a condiment is apparently by Chauca, physician to the fleet of Columbus. Henderson claims that our 

 common garden pepper (Capsicum Annum) is a native of India, but this statement is not substantiated, 

 and inasmuch as the evidence is so strongly in favor of South American origin, we do not believe he is correct. 

 Vilmorin states definitely South America, and Phillips gives it the name of Guinea pepper, which goes to 

 show the prevailing opinion of France and England during the nineteenth century. 



No. 64— World Beater 



Days to maturity, 120-140. The World Beater 

 Pepper has established a solid place fer itself in 

 most commercial plantations. It originated in 

 New Jersey about ten years ago, being a develop- 

 ment of the so-called Ruby Giant type. In size 

 it is about 4^ 2 inches long by 3 inches in diameter. 

 It is mild and sweet, turning from a rich dark 

 green to a brilliant red. World Beater is now 

 produced in carload quantities in various of our 

 southern states. Royal King is a common 

 synonym. Price, delivered: pkt., 10c; oz., 

 35c; 1/4 lb., $i.25; 1/2 lb., $2.40; lb., $4.50; 

 5 lbs., @ $4.35 per lb.; 10 lbs., ® $4.25 per 

 lb.; 50 lbs., @ $4.00 per lb. 



No. 65— Ruby King 



Days to maturity, 110-135. Introduced by 

 Burpee in 1884. For nearly 4.S years this Pepper 

 has taken an important place in commercial 

 Pepper culture. Its continued success is no 

 doubt due to two factors — its prolific bearing 

 habits combined with its remarkably early 

 maturity. Our present stock of Ruby King has 

 an unusually thick wall aqd we offer it with the 

 assurance that it will give an excellent account 

 of itself. Price, delivered: pkt., 10c; oz., 35c; 

 1/4 lb., $1.25; 1/2 lb., $2.25; lb., $4.00; 5 lbs., @ 

 $3.85 per lb.; 10 lbs., (§} $3.75 per lb.; 50 lbs., 

 (oi $3.50 per lb. 



STOKES SEEDS 



World 

 Beater 



No. 66— Harris Early Giant 



Days to maturity, 105-125. While this is not the earliest known variety, we consider that it is the earliest maturing 

 Pepper of any commercial importance. It is comparable in size and general appearance to the older Giant Crimson, 

 but is much earlier and more prolific and bears fruit which has thicker walls. Harris Early Giant is especially 

 recommended to the more Northerly districts where the later varieties sometimes do not mature. 



The medium height vine produces vigorously when properly fed. The fruits, however, are not as large as Panama, 

 World Beater or Ruby King and we do not recommend the variety to customers in the more Southerly districts. 

 Although its usefulness is thus limited, in its place Harris Earlv Giant is a very valuable sort. The flesh is mild 

 in flavor. Price, delivered: pkt., 20c; oz., 65c; % lb., $2.50; 1/2 lb., $4.50; lb., $8.00; 5 lbs., @ $7.75 per lb.; 

 10 lbs., @ $7.50 per lb.; 50 lbs., @ $7.00 per lb. 



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