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STOKES— Pioneers in Better Tomatoes 



Seeds and Plants for 1954 



The Stokes organization have been breeding and growing tomatoes for a great 

 many years. Historically, the record goes back to 1881 when Johnson and Stokes 

 entered the seed business in Philadelphia. From the earliest days tomato was an item 

 of great importance. 



In more recent years Stokes introductions have included Stokesdale and Valiant, 

 to be followed within the last ten years by development of hybrid tomatoes of which 

 the Stokescross strains have made an important contribution. 



For the past five years this company has made special progress because of pro- 

 ducing two generations per year, one in New Jersey and one in the Province of Santa 

 Clara, Cuba. These two crops per year have speeded the hybrid results and have 

 been a further check on the type purity factor of the standard varieties. 



The folder you are now reading brings the Stokes effort up to date as of Decem- 

 ber 1, 1953. We would make it very clear that the descriptions and days to maturity 

 in this folder supercede the more formal booklet which is again sent you for cultural 

 assistance. You will be guided accordingly. 



In compliance with the request of the U. S. Department of Agriculture, we are 

 abandoning the term F 2 hybrid, and replacing it with the slightly more descriptive 

 phrase F 2 of the hybrid. The Department has graciously allowed us to continue the 

 use of any printed matter still on hand. 



The tomato is by all means the most important vegetable in the United States. 

 Its economic value at the farm continues to exceed $200,000,000. The Stokes 

 Company takes satisfaction in having pioneered many type improvements. 



FRANCIS C. STOKES COMPANY 



Vincenrown, New Jersey Phone: 701 1 



