IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT 



OF INTEREST TO EVERY SEED-BUYER 



In the reorganization of the Stokes firm, we have inaugurated various new methods which should be of im- 

 portance to every thoughtful seed-buyer, a policy which will be entirely different from any now in practice in 

 the seed-seJIing industry in this country. 



Why We Are Moving to Moorestown 



Although our retail store at 219 Market Street, Philadelphia, will still be continued for the convenience of 

 our patrons, we have moved our main office, mail-order department, etc., to our new seedhouse on the farm at 

 Moorestown, New Jersey. We have done this in order that we might have a closer oversight over the growing 

 of our seed. A large part of our stock seed we expect to raise on the farm. The work of selecting and 

 breeding for the improvement of type will also be carried on from this point. While it may be possible to 

 conduct work of this kind from the revolving chair of a city office, we nevertheless feel that our work will be 

 more telling if we are right on the ground with it. 



Reduction in Number of Varieties 



Along with the above change, we are putting our business on a more workable basis; this, by the elimination of 

 all unnecessary varieties, including all sorts which are not distinct in type. We feel that the multiplicity of va- 

 rieties added nothing to the value of our stock. We had two ideas in view in the elimination. In the first place, 

 we wanted to make it easier for our customers to order their seeds; and, in the second place, we believe that a 

 simplified list will make it a great deal easier for us to serve our customers, for we expect to put in operation a 

 system of safeguarding you against any of the mistakes to which you have been exposed under the old methods. 



Keys to Discarded Varieties 



For the aid of our old customers, who may find that certain favorite sorts have been omitted from our new 

 catalogue, we have inserted under each individual vegetable, reference keys. By examining these, you will find 

 other varieties suggested for those which are omitted. While these, in many cases, are not exactly the same, 

 they will nevertheless be similar in type, and in our opinion you will find them to be better in every respect than 

 the sorts which have been discarded. This work of choosing the leading varieties has been done with great care, 

 and we believe that if you follow our advice you will be well satisfied. 



<3» *Zj« • • • o 



When the initials "S. S." (being the abbreviation for Stokes' Standard) are placed ahead of a variety, you 

 may rest assured that the particular strain which is thus offered is one which can be trusted. We are gradually 

 putting our entire business on the Stokes' Standard basis, and though everything we offer is of first-water quality, 

 the varieties so headed may be considered to be covered with a sort of seed insurance. Extra precautions are 

 taken with them in all stages of production, and, although great care is taken with all of our progeny, these may 

 be looked upon as the company's pets. 



Germination Test on Every Package 



After very careful consideration, we have decided to put the germination test on all packages of vegetable 

 seeds which we sell. While there are excellent reasons why this should be done for the benefit of the planters, 

 there is danger, at *he same time, that we will encounter some criticism on certain items whose normal germination 

 is naturally very low. On some kinds of vegetables, therefore, such as spinach, eggplant, etc., no mention is made 

 of the vitality. We are putting this germination test on our seed in order that our customers may be safeguarded 

 in their purchases. We believe our efforts in this direction will be appreciated by the public at large, who we 

 feel will be in sympathy with our plan. 



The Great Advantage of Our Simplified Catalogue 



The main idea which we have tried to carry through in making up this catalogue was simplicity. We wanted 

 to make it an easy book for amateur gardeners to order from, and we believe we have succeeded partially in our 

 efforts. Old customers will find considerable changes over past catalogues, as issued by Walter P. Stokes, but 

 we believe that none of the necessary features are omitted. To all persons who have never used Stokes' Seeds, 

 we would at least urge a trial of the varieties which are identified as Stokes' Standard. You will never regret it. 



STOKES SEED FARMS COMPANY 



okes 



Philadelphia, Pa. November 1, 1914 



Moorestown, New Jersey 



Copyright, 1914, by Stokes Seed Farms Company 



