THE CHASK NURSERIES. 
TO OUR PATROXS. 
Every year we have many new varieties of fruits brought to our attention, 
believed by their owners to be something superior. Tlie great majority of these, 
we find upon investigation to be of no particular value, or at least no improve- 
ment on the varieties we already luive. Realizing, however, that with many of 
our fruits there is ample room for improvement, and that the true course is 
"onward and upward," we aim to examine as carefully as practicable any fruit, 
that is brought to our attention. 
We first consider the fruit as to its quality, appearance, season of ripening, 
&c., to see if it equals or excels the varieties we already have ripening at the same 
time. If the field it would liave to occupy is fully filled with sorts, in every re- 
spect giving perfect satisfaction, we are apt to follow the old adage "let well 
enough alone." On the other hand if the fruit has some striking characteristic 
that forces itself on our attention, and appears to have real and distinctive merit, 
and apparently is a decided acquisition, we at once try to inform ourselves as to 
the habit of the tree or vine. It must be a vigorous grower, hardy, healthy, be- 
long to a healthy, long lived race, and must be an early and an abundant bearer. 
Many a fruit of fine quality is worthless for general cultivation owing to the weak 
constitution of the tree or vine. 
The general planter, the great mass who are putting out fruits for profit, re- 
quire sorts with iron constitutions; those kinds tliat will thrive in a great variety 
of soils and situations, and yield some fruit under neglect. 
Wlien we do meet a new variety that appears in all respects to fill the bill, to 
be a fruit of real merit, one more important consideration presents itself Though 
apparently a good thing, has it sufficient elements of popularity to warrant us in 
going to tlie great expense consequent to the getting up a stock of the same and 
properly bringing its merits before the public? The investment will run into 
hundreds, perhaps thousands of dollars, and it will be from two to five years be- 
fore we can expect substantial returns. 
Need we say more? Need we add that on this question of new fruits, we 
cannot afford, from a financial point of view, totoucli a thing 111 at we are not fully 
satisfied has merit? In conclusion on this point we will repeat that planters of 
fruit for profit cannot afford to put out any but the most valuaMe sorts. The first 
outlay is but a trifle in comparison to the final results. In nothing can a man be 
more "penny wise and pound foolish" than in planting cheap trees regardless of 
the varieties. 
It takes no more time, ground or care to set out a good variety than it does a 
common kind, and if one is any better than another, the better kind is the one to 
plant, for the only e.xtra expense is the difterence in the first cost. 
A WORD ABOUT OUR CANVASSING AGENTS. 
With few exceptions our canvassers belong to our regular force of salaried 
employees, and seH inleiest, as well as regard for the public, prompts and compels 
us to employ only men that we have good reason to believe to be honest and trust- 
worthy. By dealing with us through them, you are assured of receiving your 
stock ih good condition, and our oft repeated '^pleane, give your orders to our 
agents," is intended as much for your benefit and satisfaction as for ours. 
Very respectfully, 
R. G. CH^SJE <£ CO. 
"A word to the wise is sufficient:" — From the Rural New Yorker: "Do not 
allow a lower price to influence you to purchase of men whose trustworthiness 
you have the least reason to doubt. A penny thus saved at the time of purchase 
will ofttimes be found to be dolluis lost years hence.'' FriMU the American Agri- 
culturist: "By all means ))Urehaso of reliiihle nurserymen, that you may be sure 
of good stock and true to name." From the Country GentlevKin: "Buy your 
trees of a nurseryman who has estalilished his reputation." From the Farm 
Journal: ''It never pays to buy a second-class tree because it is cheap." 
