60 
MAY'S CATALOGUE OF NORTHERN GROWN SEEDS, BULBS, PLANTS AND FRUITS. 
A FEW WORDS ABOUT OUR FLOWER SEEDS. 
All flower seeds sent free by mail on reeeipt of price. Full cultural di- 
rections are given on back of each package, and if such instructions are fol- 
lowed out, success is certain. 
f&l^C^A'/k^l After many years experience in growing and handling flower seeds, in 
which time we have tested thousands of varieties, discarding a great many 
as worthless, we present herewith a list of choice sorts, such as we know 
are of easy growth and well fitted for successful cultivation by amateurs. 
Each year we add new varieties and discard old ones, and by this selection 
keep constantly before our customers choice stocks. Our seeds are all test- 
ed and we are positive that none but those of high germinating qualities 
and purity of type go to our patrons. - 
For the information and guidance of our customers we have plainly marked the class to which each variety belongs, so 
that at a glance anyone can tell whether they are annuals, biennials or perennials. 
Annuals bloom and die the first season from seed. Biennials are varieties which produce leaves the first year and bloom the 
following season; hotvever, a large number, if the seed is sown early, will produce an abundance of flowers the first season. 
Perennials are varieties that last year after year and blossom annually. . . 
CULTURAL, SUGGESTIONS.— In following closely the brief hints given below on sowing and cultivating flowers, amateurs 
can succeed in raising flowers from our seeds to their entire satisfaction. One thing must always stand predominant in 
the minds of those who really want to be successful in their efforts to raise flowers, viz: the fact that all flower seeds must 
be carefully treated according to the condition of their nature; if this principle is rigidly adhered to, success will be assured. 
THE SOIL, — This is one of the most important things to be considered and strict attention should be paid to its preparation. 
For flowers a light loam is best, mixed with a small proportion of sand, sufficient to render it porous; it should be deeply dug 
and thoroughly pulverized, fertilizing it with an abundance of well-rotted manure, according to the character of the plant 
to be raised, some doing better in poorer soil, but for the general run of flowers, well tilled and well manured soil brings the 
best results. 
SOWING. — Too much attention cannot be paid to sowing seeds with proper care, for herein, in many cases, lies the secret of 
the successful gardener. Too light or too heavy a covering of seeds often produces the most disastrous results. For exam- 
ple: a customer of ours complained that his Lobelia seed failed to make even an appearance of growth; upon inquiry we 
found that he had sown and covered it with two inches of soil'; "we pointed out his error, and gave him more seed, instruct- 
ing him to scatter it merely on top of the soil, and to press smooth with some flat instrument. The result was just exactly 
what we expected. He wrote, stating that he never had such a fine growth in anything before. A simple rule to follow is, 
never sow fine seed deeper than half an inch; extra fine seed on surface only, pressing the soil firmly; coarse, heavy seed 
from one to two inches; water lightly and often, until the seeds are started, then ntght and morning will be sufficient. 
TRANSPLANTING. — To procure strong and healthy plants, transplanting is a process which should never be neglected. It 
gives the plant strength, symmetry and beauty, and renews its life to a marked degree. Transplant from seed bed when 
plants are two inches high, into pots, boxes or whatever place intended; if the plants seem to go back, and wither a little, 
don't think they are about to die. A few days will suffice for them <to lift their heads, when attention and due care will do 
the rest. 
READ THIS! 
Purchasers remitting « l.OO may select flower seeds in packets at catalogue prices amounting to SI. 3©. 
Purchasers remitting |2.00 may select flower seeds in packets at catalogue prices amounting to $2.60. 
Purchasers remitting » 3.00 may select flower seeds in packets at catalogue prices amounting to $3.90. 
Purchasers remitting JS4.00 may select flower seeds in packets at catalogue prices amounting to &5J&0. 
^jy-This discount does not apply to any of our Special Offers. 
ABROBRA VIRID.IFLORA. — Perennial. A charming, quick 
growing, half hardy climber with rich dark green foliage and 
bright scarlet fruit. The vine presents a most graceful ap- 
pearance, but seldom grows to a height of over eight feet. It 
is valuable for trellises or small arches. Pkt. 5c. 
ABRONIA. (Sand Verbena.) Annual. Pretty trailing plants 
producing clusters of sweet scented Verbena like flowers es- 
pecially fragrant toward evening and lasting in bloom a long 
time. 
Arenaria. Yellow. Pkt. 5c. 
Umbellata. Rosy lilac, with white eye. Pkt. 5c, oz. 30c. 
ABUTIL ON. (Chinese Bell-Flo wer or Flowering Maple.) Ten- 
der Perennial. Elegant flowering shrubs of strong growth 
and easy cultivation, free-flowering, with various colored, 
beautiful, drooping, bell-shaped flowers. 
Fine Mixed. Of choice varieties and colors. Pkt. 5c. 
Boule de Neige. Pure white. Pkt. 5c. 
ACANTHUS LATIFOLIUS. Hardy Perennial. Fine stately 
foliage plants with broad, ornamental leaves, and long spikes 
of bloom. Pkt. 5c. 
ACHILLEA. (Sneezewort.) Hardy Perennial. Double white 
flowers borne profusely during the summer. Pkt. 5c. 
ACONITUM NAPELLUS. (Monk's Hood or Wolfsbane.) 
Hardy Perennial. Spikes of curiously shaped white and blue 
flowers. Pkt. 5c. 
ACROCLINIUM. Annual. Lovely white or rosy-pink flowers, 
which, in the bud state, can be dried and used in winter 
bouquets. 
Album. White. Pkt. 5c. 
Roseum. Bright rose. Pkt. 5c. 
Mixed. All colors. Pkt. 5c. 
ADONIS. — (Pheasant's Eye.) Showy plants of easy culture, 
with pretty, fine-cut foliage, arid lasting a long time in bloom. 
Aestivalis. — Annual. Scarlet blossoms. Pkt. 5c, oz. 20c. 
Vernalis. — Perennial. Fine yellow blossoms. Pkt. 5c, oz. 25c. 
AGERATUM. — (Floss Flower.) Annual. Free blooming an- 
nuals bearing clusters of round, tassel-like flowers in great 
abundance. Blue, pkt. 5c; White, pkt. 5c; Lasseaux, Rose, pkt. 
5c; Mixed, pkt. 5c, oz. 20c. 
AGROSTEMMA. — (Rose of Heaven.) Annual. Popular flow- 
ers growing about 15 or 18 inches in height. Colors range 
from crimson and deep rose, through the shades of pink to> 
almost white. 
Rose Color, pkt. 5cj Mixed Colors, pkt. 5c, oz. 20c. 
ALONSOA. — (Mask Flower.) Handsome bedding plants, pro- 
ducing scarlet and white flowers in great profusion. Pkt. 5c. 
oz. 20c. 
ALYSSUM. — Golden Star. Hardy Perennial. Dwarf growing- 
rich golden yellow. Blossoms profusely the first year. Pkt. lOcl 
ALYSSUM — Annual. Pretty little plants for beds, vases, bas- 
kets, edgings or rock work. 
Litle Beauty. — White. Of dwarf, compact habit, seldom at- 
taining a height of over 8 inches, and literally covered with 
pure white blossoms. Pkt. 10c. 
Sweet Scented. — The well known common variety. Pkt. 5c, 
oz. 15c, % lb. 40c. 
AMARANTHUS — Annual. Very stately upright-growing or- 
namental plants. 
Caudatus. — (Love Lies Bleeding.) Blood-red, drooping; 3 feet. 
Pkt. 5c, oz. 20c. 
Salicifolius — (Fountain Plant.) Of pyramidal, drooping habit, 
branching close to the ground. Pkt. 5c. 
Tricolor Splendens. — (Joseph's Coat.) An improvement on the 
old sort of more brilliant coloring; a beautiful ornamental 
plant. Pkt. 5c. 
Mixed. — All the above and many others. Pkt. 5c, oz. 10c. 
AMPELOPSIS VEITCHI (Japan or Boston Ivy.) Perennial. 
The well-known valuable hardy climber. Pkt. 10c, oz. 20e. 
