HARRISON'S NURSERIES, BERLIN, MD. 



ASPARAGU5. 



Asparagus is equal to a dish of earls' green peas. It makes a better dish when cooked (like peas) in cream 

 thickened with a little flour. The first vegetable of the spring. It is usually planted on a light soil to have it 

 early, though it can be grown in good garden soil. The net income is usually from $100 to $400 per acre. When 

 once set it is good for fifteen or twenty years. In preparing asparagus for market, cut 4 or5 inches under the 

 ground, when from 2 to 4 inches high. When planting asparagus roots set 4 to 6 inches deep, and about 12 

 inches apart in the row, covering with only 3inches of soil at first, and filling in the trenches as the plants grow. 



The asparagus bed is apt to be neglected in the early fall Before the 1st of September the tops should be 

 cut and the bed or field cleared of weeds. It is highly important that all the seed should be taken off , as the 

 greatest enemy the asparagus has in the way of weeds is asparagus, and it is almost impossible to get clear of 

 superfluous plants, when once established. When this work is finished, cover the bed to the depth of 3 inches 

 with coarse manure, which will not only enrich the soil, but will keepout the frost, which is highly essential. 



The first work in spring should be to remove all the covering except the fine manure, which should be care- 

 fulls' forked in, so that the crowns will not be injured by the tines of the fork. Forking the beds should not be 

 neglected, as the early admission of the sun and rain into the ground induces the plants to throw up shoots of 

 superior size. Another step in the right direction is to keep the grouud entirely free from weeds the entire 

 season, as these take from the plants the strength required for their own growth, and the asparagus needs it all. 



Although there is a difference of opinion as to the benefit of salt on asparagus, most of the best growers on 

 Long Island cover their beds with salt as soon as the ground is cleared and the manure forked in in the spring, to 

 the depth of half an inch in some case 1 ;. Although that much may not be required, it certainly does no harm, 

 but an application of salt, so that the grouud appears as if covered with snow is considered by many an abso- 

 lute necessity if the best results are to be expected. 



VARIETIES. 



Two=Year Roots— Extra Strong. 



Columbian Ham moth White— It produces shoots 

 which are white, and remain so as long as fit for use, 

 In addition to the marvelous advantage of its white 

 color, the Columbian Mammoth White asparagus is 

 even more robust and vigorous in habit, and throws 

 larger shoots and fully as many of them as the Con- 

 over's Colossal. Market gardeners, growers for cau- 

 ners, and amateurs should give this great acquisition 

 a thorough trial. Price, 1 dozen by mail for 50c. : $1.00 

 per 100 by express; $5.00 per 1000. Two j'ear. 



Palmetto — Of southern origin, a variety of excellent 

 quality. Early, very large, very prolific, and all who 



Giant Argenteuil — This variety was originally a selection for 

 imported French Argenteuil stock, but has been both acclimated and 

 improved, and is yery much superior to the original stock. It has 

 been grown for several years by some of the leading and most suc- 

 cessful truckers near Charleston, S. C.aud is pronounced far superior 

 to the Palmetto or any other variety in earliness, productiveness and 

 size of stalks produced. 



Mr. W. C. Geraty.oneof the largest truckers in the south, writes 

 regarding same, as follows: "It is superior in every way to the 

 Palmetto, as I have been growing asparagus for thirty years, and 

 have grown both Palmetto and Argenteuil, and there its as much 

 difference between this Argenteuil and the Palmetto as there is be- 

 tween Conover's Colossal and Palmetto, and from my personal expe- 

 rience with Conover's Colossal and the Palmetto, the Palmetto is 

 twice the size of the Colossal and longer lived, and I consider the 

 Argenteuil twice the size of Palmetto, earlier, more prolific and 

 longer lived." 



Messrs. Lowel Bros, and Bailey, large produce commission mer- 

 chants of Boston, state that it sold from $1.00 to $3.00 per dozen bunches 

 higher than any other sort on the Boston market. $1.00 per dozen by 

 mail; $2.50 per 100 by express; $10.00 per 1000. 



Donald's Elmira— This new asparagus has attracted much atten- 

 tion through New York state, where it was originated by Mr. A. 

 Donald, a prominent market gardener of Elmira, He has always 

 realized handsome prices, and although a large grower, was unable 

 to supply half the demand. The delicate green color is noticeable, 

 different from either the famous Barr's Philadelphia Mammoth or 

 Palmetto, while the stocks are more tender and succulent. Its mam- 

 moth size can be realized from the fact that in the whole crops of 

 bunches of twelve stalks will average four pounds in weight. _ It re- 

 quires much less labor in cutting and bunching, thus lessening the 

 expense of marketing. 2-year roots 75c. per dozen by mail; $1.00 

 per 100 by express; $5.00 per 1000. 



have used it pronounce it ahead of any other, 2-year 

 roots, 50c. per dozen by mail; 75c. per 100 by express; 

 $4.00 per 1000 



Barr— Early and large, and when placed on the 

 market its appearance makes a demand for it, while 

 others are at a drag. 40c. per dozen bj T mail; 75c. per 

 100 by express; $4.00 per 1000. Two year. 



Conover — Very large and makes rapid growths, 

 planted mostly by market gardeners. Can be cut quite 

 frequently and brings highest price. Two-year roots. 

 40c. per dozen by mail; 75c. per 100 by express; $4.00 

 per 1000. 



New Jersey, April 13th, 1903. 

 J. G. Harrison & Sons, 



Dear Sirs : — I received the asparagus roots and trees on Satur- 

 day. I am well satisfied with them. 



Yours, etc., 



J. S. Forster. 



Maryland, March 31st, 1903. 

 T. G. Harrison & Sons, 



Berlin, Md. 

 Gentlemen : — The asparagus crowns received all O. K., and in 

 nice order. Respectfully, 



Elizabeth G.Staats. 



