HS 



WM. C BECKERT, ALLEGHENY, PA. 



TOMATO. — Continued. 



Dwarf Champion. 



Since we introduced this 

 tomato it has been grown 

 in every section of the 

 country, and if we are to 

 judge from the very 

 numerous favorable re- 

 ports we receive, it must 

 have given almost in- 

 variable satisfaction. In 

 fact, it has proven all we 

 claim for it, and can now 

 be accepted as a variety 

 whose merits have been 

 thoroughly established. 



Entirely distinct from 

 any other sort, and, as its 

 name indicates, is dwarf 

 in habit. The plant grows 

 stiff and upright, with 

 very thick and short 

 jointed stems It can be 

 planted as close as three 

 feet, and still allow suffi- 

 cient space to gather the 

 fruit without inconveni- 

 ence. The foliage is a 

 very dark green in color, 

 thick and corrugated, and 

 differing in form from 

 that of other sorts. It is 

 remarkably early, ripen- 

 ing fruit as early as July 

 1st. From a plot contain- 

 ing 51 10 plants two bushels 

 of ripe fruit were gathered 

 July 4th, when other 

 varieties, grown under 

 exactly similar condi- 

 tions, barely showed signs 

 of ripening. It will yield 

 double the quantity of 

 extra early fruit per acre 

 that can be obtained from 

 any other tomato. This 

 is an important item, con- 

 sidering that the very early fruit always realizes high prices, 

 as all market gardeners know— a pe'ck being often worth 

 more early than two bushels later. 



Productiveness As a cropper the Dwarf Champion is unsur- 

 passed ; it will, owing to the small space required between plants, yield 

 more to the acre, if not even more stalk for stalk, than any other 

 variety. When at their best, many plants contained one-half bushel of 

 full grown fruit, and the plot of 500 plants before mentioned, which 

 yielded two bushels of ripe fruit July 4th, still produced fortv bushels of 

 good fruit per week as late as September 12th ; and when nipped by the 

 frost, later m the season, many plants still contained one peck of fruit; 

 and these results in face of the most unfavorable and trying season 

 experienced in many years. The plant, as here illustrated", was taken 

 from a photograph. 



Description of Fruit. In form and color it closely resembles the 

 Acme; it is always smooth, symmetrical and attractive; the skin is 

 tough and the flesh solid; ripens well close round to the stem, and is not 

 so much subject to crack as some other sorts. When the plant reaches 

 a fair development, the fruit gets large and holds its size and solidity to 

 the end of the season. Pkt, 5 cts.; oz., 25cts.; ^ lb., 75 cts. 



Volunteer. New; of large size, averaging six to ten 

 ounces. Round, very smooth and perfect in form; color 

 bright red; no core; very early; quality very superior for 

 table use and canning. Pkt., 5 cts. ; oz., 25 cts. 



Golden Queen The yellow varieties are sweeter and 

 superior in flavor to others. The Queen is perfectly smooth, 

 of a fair size, and fine and distinct in flavor. Pkt , 5 cts. ; 

 oz., 25 cts ; \ lb., 75 cts 



Fejee Improved. (Beefsteak.) One of the best; solid 

 and productive; leaves of a silvery green ; greatly improved 

 over former days. Known as Beefsteak Tomato. Pkt., 5 

 cts.; oz , 25 cts.; \ lb., 75 cts. 



Dwarf Champion Tomato. 



Yellow Plum. Very productive and of fine flavor; used 

 for preserves and pickles. Pkt., 5 cts.; oz., 30 cts. 



Red CUerry. Small and early; the size and shape of a 

 cherry; used for pickling Pkt., 5 cts. 



Peach. Almost identical with some forms of peaches, 

 both in shape and color. The fruit is of second size, solid, 

 with a red interior, with red, pinkish and green bluish outside; 

 vine compact in habit and very productive. This variety will 

 be found valuable as a preserve, being very curious. Pkt., 

 5 cts. 



Strawberry. (Winter or Ground Cherry.) A distinct 

 species of fruit, enveloped in a husk; has a pleasant straw- 

 berry-like flavor; excellent for preserves. It may be flavored 

 with lemon juice and preserved like plums, Pkt., 5 cts. and 

 10 cts. 



Grape, Cherry or Currant. Fruit borne in clusters; 

 size of fruit, half-inch in diameter; very desirable lor pickles 

 or preserves; ornamental. Pkt., 10 cts. 



Lorillard. (New.) A fine variety for forcing; fruit solid 

 and of fine flavor; color, vermillion; compact and erect in its 

 growth. Pkt., 5 cts.; oz., bO cts. 



Prelude. (New.) Very prolific, and bears its fruits in 

 large clusters; fruit nearly round, very solid, and in quality 

 equal to the best. Very early and of medium size. Pkt., 5 

 cts.; oz., 40 cts. 



All Seeds free by Mail at Catalogue prices except where noted. 



