*1Ue Plant Situation. . . 1946 
Greetings and best wishes for the post war years to all oux 
old friends and to the new ones we hope to make. It looks 
as ii there were several good years just ahead for straw- 
berry growers. With our 61 years of experience in grow- 
ing strawberries and strawberry plants we should be able 
to help in some way those who want to continue growing 
or to start growing strawberries. If you have any questions 
about strawberries, not answered in this Berry Book, please 
write us. We will give you the answer ii we know it. 
Supplies. After two very dry growing seasons (1943 
and 1944), it's a relief to be able to say that 1945 weather 
was much more favorable. In spite of the fact that short- 
age of labor and plants kept the acreage down and three 
weeks of continuous rain in July and August ruined some 
fields or parts of fields on low land, there are more plants 
available than last year. A few varieties will be short but 
supplies of Premier, Fairfax, Catskill and other leaders will 
be fairly adequate. Of the everbearers, Mastodon is short- 
est, with Gem and Evermore (Minnesota No. 1166) more 
plentiful. 
Prices. For all growers, this year's crop has been produced and plants will be dug 
and shipped at the highest cost per acre in history. Nevertheless, the increased yield has 
made possible some reduction in prices. More important is the fact that most varieties 
can be had in quantities which automatically carry a lower price per thousand. 
Varieties. There are no brand new varieties this year to seriously challenge Premier, 
Catskill, Fairfax, Redstar and a few others for the leadership. Of the newer kinds Midland 
and Fairpeake are outstanding. If Midland continues its 1945 performance, room for it will 
have to be made not* near, but AT the top. The largest and firmest berries ,we ever saw 
were our 1945 Midlands. In the Everbearing list Minnesota 1166 (now named Evermore) 
has been more widely tried and has generally done very well in the Northern States. 
Plants. We are sending you this Berry Book with the hope that if you need berry 
plants this year you will buy them from W. F. Allen Company. We believe our 61 years 
of experience, our long list of customers, satisfied year after year, our valued reputation 
for accuracy and moderation in describing varieties, and the dependability which charac- 
terizes our plants as well as our statements — we believe these things amply justify you in 
sending us your orders. It will pay you— to USE ALLEN'S DEPENDABLE PLANTS. 
