Twentieth Year 



BETTER BERRIES 



BUILT OUR 



BUSINESS 



"JACK" 

 H. J. W. RAYNER 



"BOB" 

 S. H. RAYNER 



7b our growing list of friends 



Twenty-five years ago we began growing berries for market on 

 our farm near Salisbury, Maryland. Reared on a farm, and used to 

 the feel of a plow since early childhood, we had at last realized our 

 ambition to start in business for ourselves and try some of the ideas 

 we had long dreamed of. 



Berries were selected because our section was particularly kind to 

 them. Located in the center of the Maryland, Delaware, Virginia 

 Peninsula between the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay, 

 nature seemed to bestow just the benefits needed for bumper berry 

 crops. 



But we had observed that most berry growers stuck to certain 

 popular varieties of plants, and as a consequence a major part of the 

 crop often ripened for market at the same time. Then, when weather 

 was unseasonable or other conditions unfavorable to these limited 

 varieties, everyone suffered from short crops. 



We resolved we would not put all of our eggs in one basket. With 

 the assistance of State and Federal agencies and other horticultural 

 advice, we began to try new varieties and crosses adaptable to vary- 

 ing soils and conditions. 



Our reward was realized in earlier crops and longer crops spread 

 over a longer harvesting season, with berries to meet market de- 

 mands over a wider area — berries that combined good appearance 

 with long-carrying qualities. 



It was only then that we decided to share this experience with 

 others. Our nursery business was started in a modest way by selling 

 plants to nearby growers. Since issue of our first catalogue in 1926, 

 this business has continued to expand. Old customers continue to 

 depend upon us for the best in tried and proven plants, and their 

 commendations bring us many new customers each season. 



Today we are still berry growers, constantly testing and trying 

 new varieties, new ideas so that we can bring you the very best in 

 berry plants and berry culture ideas. Better berries have built our 

 business. We shall look forward to serving you in 1946. 



Jack and Bob Rayner 



RAYNER BROTHERS 



