Good well-rooted strawberry plants will be available for setting this spring — but the supply- 
is far below normal. 
In the spring of 1944, the acreage planted was reduced by shortage of planting stock as well 
as shortage of labor. . Much of what was set could not be planted until very late. As always, 
late setting has still further reduced the stand and growth of plants. 
Another summer drought, shorter but more severe than the 1943 drought, killed out many 
whole beds of plants, especially those on fairly high land, and drastically limited production 
of runners and new plants on the better fields. 
Ample fall rains came earlier than last year to help late runners, as well as early runners 
that survived the drought, to develop fine, strong roots and crowns. We doubt if the quality 
of our plants was ever better than those we have for you this spring. 
To enable us to supply some plants to as many as possible of our friends who want them this 
spridg, it has been necessary to put some limitation on sales. Of the spring varieties, we can 
furnish five to ten thousand or more only of Blakemore, Maytime or Lupton. Up to two thousand 
Premier. One thousand or less of Fairfax, Catskill and other good varieties as listed on price 
page 23. Some excellent varieties like Redstar, Fairpeake, Starbright, Pathfinder, and others we 
cannot supply at all this season. As a whole, Everbearers are even scarcer than spring varieties. 
Those we have are limited to one hundred plants of a variety to each customer. 
With such a situation, if you will check on your order blank whether we may substitute a 
suitable variety of equal value, it will be very helpful in shipping your plants or returning 
your money promptly. 
Sixty years ago, we sent out our first catalog — a small circular of just a few pages. Every year since 
that time we have taken pride in supplying our friends and customers the best strawberry plants we could 
produce. We appreciate the loyalty and patronage of those who, through all these years, have made possible 
the steady growth and progresss of our business. We will appreciate your orders this year, notwithstanding 
all the necessary restrictions and limitations mentioned above. A time will come, when there will be plenty 
of plants for all, at lower prices, too. We hope thai then, as now, when you think of dependable strawberry 
plants, you will think of, and buy, Allen's Plants. 
