Every Seedsman Supplying the Large 

 Commercial Planter Should Give Some 

 Proof of His Qualifications 



T IS a lamentable fact that a great many persons operating gardens for profit do not 

 take the matter of their seed supply more seriously. There are very few seedsmen that 

 we know of who are actually dishonest, but there are a great many seedsmen who do 

 not fully appreciate the responsibility which they assume when they sell to the 

 market grower. The business of supplying the small home garden with its annual 

 seed supply is not nearly so serious a matter, even though in the aggregate it amounts 

 to a great deal more in volume. It should be the business of every commercial planter to inquire defi- 

 nitely into the matter of the seedsman's knowledge of the stocks w^hich he is offering. The time for 

 taking a long chance on this end of the gardener's work should have passed by now. We make this 

 statement with no ill will to any of our fellow-seedsmen; but, on the contrary, we feel it our duty to 

 sound a note of warning to all planters who are concerned with this most serious matter. In the future, 

 make it a point to find out from your seedsman his qualifications to take care of your seed supply. 

 This is especiall}' true during these war times, when inferior-quality vegetables have absolutely no place 

 on our produce markets. 



The rather critical condition in which practically all classes of planters are finding themselves at 

 this time, after a most depressing year of markets, makes it essential that the work for the following year 

 shall be taken up with the greatest of care. If the present conditions continue, there is slight possibility 

 for brighter market values. At such a time, therefore, quality vegetables, above everything else, will be 

 the great point to work for. Our experience during the season which is just closing proved to us that 

 high-quality goods found a comparatively ready sale regardless of conditions. That the use of 

 pedigreed seeds will do much toward bringing the desired results is our firm conviction, and if we can 

 be of service to anyone at this time, this will be our pleasure. We feel that the coming season will be 

 rather a critical one for the majority of our trade, and we want one and all to feel a very real sense of 

 reliability in us. 



On the 20th of August of this past summer, we sent out a general invitation to our trade to come 

 to a meeting at our Windermoor Farm, for the purpose of analyzing the present market troubles, with 

 the definite idea of next year's work in view. Several hundred persons took advantage of the opportunity, 

 and some very helpful suggestions were made by men who were experts in their individual lines. Our 

 present market system certainly is not ideal, and we believe that no immediate changes are in sight. 

 In the meantime high-quality vegetables, packed honestly and sent to market under efficient manage- 

 ment, we believe will give the very best relief. 



The problems are so varied in different growing sections and in different markets that we feel the 

 great market problem is one which must be worked out by each individual locaHty. Here at Winder- 

 moor we are making a determined effort to know the pedigree of absolutely everything which we are 

 offering, thus making it impossible for any of the usual mistakes to be made. Our ultimate aim is to 

 produce seed which will grow crops so far superior, both in earHness and quality, to the ordinary strains 

 that anyone who places his confidence in us will benefit accordingly. 



By very careful study and investigation of the produce markets, we are analyzing the crying needs 

 of the vegetable-growers, so that within a reasonably short time we may have improved strains and 

 varieties to offer which will alleviate at least one phase of the market problem. We want you all to 

 keep in close touch with the work we are doing here. 



STOKES SEED FARMS COMPANY 



©0U415404 



