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To Our Patrons, Present and Prospective 



In issuing our manual "Everything for the Garden" for 1910, 

 we take advantage of the occasion to thank our old customers for 

 their patronage, and to express the hope that it will be continued. 

 Following our annua] practice wc set forth some of the many advan- 

 tages we claim to possess. These we present, to some extent, annually 

 because we are constantly increasing the distribution of our catalogue, 

 but it is to prospective buyers wc largely address this portion of our 

 remarks, begging the indulgence of our old customers, who, by their 

 continued patronage of many years, give the best testimony of their 

 appreciation of our seeds, etc., also our service. 



QUALITY IS THE QUESTION 



In purchasing seeds the paramount question should be one of 

 quality; what they will produce is the all-important consideration. 



We may be pardoned for saying that the name of Peter Henderson 

 & Company is synonymous with the highest quality in seeds. During 

 the seventy-three years we have been in business, we have been con- 

 stantly improving varieties and methods. Our contributions to 

 horticulture, both in vegetables and flowers, are recognized standards 

 the world over. Our long experience as practical gardeners and florists 

 brings home to us the vital importance of quality in seeds. The first 

 cost of the seeds is only trifling in comparison with the expense of 

 preparation, cultivating and marketing the crop, not to speak of the 

 disappointment and loss if the stock is not of the highest quality, 

 hence we spare no pains to keep our seeds up to their high standard. 



PREPARE TO PRODUCE 



Seven years ago, in our general and special advertising, we in- 

 augurated a campaign of education, showing how the high cost of living 

 could be reduced by people growing vegetables on their own ground, 

 and we are pleased to know that our efforts have been very successful. 

 The World War, which began in 1914, brought home to the people 

 of the country the necessity for producing food and thrift in preserving 

 it, so that we may be said to have anticipated that necessity. 



We now urge again the great need for food production in the 

 present year. It will be as great, if not greater, than since 191.5, and 

 efforts to produce it should not relax — rather they should be increased. 

 All the Government agencies are emphasizing this, and we cannot 

 urge it too strongly upon our patrons. We would particularly 

 advise that more attention be paid to root crops, which can be carried 

 over the Winter. Our pamphlet on Root Crops, which is very com- 

 prehensive, may be had when ordering. 



DELAY IS DANGEROUS 



In this connection we would urge the sending of orders for seeds, 

 etc., as soon after receipt of this catalogue as possible. Do not wait 

 until the Spring rush is on, because the seeds will keep with you as 

 well as with us, and you will thereby probably be spared disastrous 

 delay when you are ready to plant, if you send your order in January 

 or February. Owing to the fact that the ranks of the seedsmen are 

 depleted because of war demands, also because all transportation is 

 slowed up on the same account, it is vitally necessary to send orders 

 as far in advance as possible. 



SPECIAL SELECTIONS 



As many people are sometimes at a loss to know just what varieties 

 to select, we would say that our "Specialty" pages, where we illustrate 

 and describe at length the various varieties offered, both in vegetable 

 and flower seeds, are a safe guide to follow. To further help our 

 customers we offer Special Collections of both vegetable and flower 

 seeds, which will be found throughout the catalogue. 



OUR CATALOGUE COVER 



Following our practice of recent years, we show on the front cover 

 of this catalogue the Custis-Lee Mansion at Arlington, Va., generally 

 known as the Lee Homestead. This grand old house was built in 1802 

 by George Washington Parke ( 'ustis, the adopted son of George 

 Washington. It is intimately connected with the most stirring times 

 immediately following the Revolution, and figured often in episodes 

 during the Civil War, so that it stands as one of the exceptionally 

 interesting historical houses in the L T nited States. 



On the back cover of this catalogue we show a picture which speaks 

 for itself. It typifies the determination, unselfish work and inspired 

 patriotism of the women of the United States. They are indeed 

 "The Hope of the Nation." 



We are pleased to say that the seed crops of the United States 

 were fully up to the average in normal times the past year, so that 

 we are well prepared to execute all orders. There may be some 

 shortage on Peas and a few other items, so that we take the occasion 

 to again urge early orders. 



SOIL SUPREMACY 



The occasion suggests that we allude to the great part played by 

 the tillers of the soil in the United States during the period of the 

 great world war, now happily ended. Without such effort the 

 gratifying result would not have been achieved so early. The country 

 ne3ds a continuance of that effort and we appeal to our patrons to 

 maintain it. 



We extend heartiest greetings to all our patrons, both present and 

 prospective and, on the threshold of this memorable year, we wish 

 them success and happiness. 



Very sincerely yours, 



CHARLES HENDERSON, President, 

 PETER HENDERSON & CO. 



Charles Henderson, President. 



Peter Henderson, Vice-President. 



Allan MacKreli., Secretary. 



Patrick O'Mara, Treasurer. 



Howard M. Henderson, Second Vice-President and General Manager. 



January 1, 1919. 



