By Way of Introduction 
E TAKE pleasure in submitting- herewith our descriptive cata- 
logue and retail price list for the spring of 1909. We are grate- 
ful for the liberal patronage which we have enjoyed in the past, 
and return sincere thanks to our numerous customers, and we 
hope, with Increased facilities and a complete line of stock of 
our own growing, to merit a continuance of the same. To those 
who have never dealt with us we extend a cordial invitation 
to get In line and let us trv to help you on the way to produce 
the best fruit in the world — viz: IOWA GROWN. 
Seventeen years ago we commenced the growing of nursery stock 
on less than one acre of ground here in Linn County. By honest 
dealing and an earnest endeavor to please our customers, we 
have been able to increase our planting year by year until now 
we have forty-five acres planted to trees, vines and plants for 
our increasing trade. While we have been building up our nur- 
series we have also been planting experimental orchards con- 
sisting in importance as in order named: Plum, Apple, Cherry, 
Peach and Pear, with various plantations of small fruits of 
which we grow large quantities for market. Of those intending to purchase 
nursery stock we ask to make a careful examination of our descriptive list. 
It is based on practical experience and describes our stock truthfully, with- 
out confusing the buyer in announcing every variety as the best, offering 
only varieties that we know to be of value. If requested, we will gladly 
help you select varieties suited to your locality, or to aid you in any way 
with our experience in growing fruit for market. We have no secrets. Write 
us at any time. 
IMPROVING BY SELECTION — We follow the old rule 'like produces like," 
so endeavor lo cut every bud and scion we use In propagating from young, 
vigorous, healthy trees that bear good annual crops of fine fruit. Careful 
experience has taught farmers that they must plant the best seed, If a 
profitable crop is expected. If propagating wood is cut from sickly and 
unfruitful trees, we must expect to grow trees like their parents. In every 
orchard are trees of the same variety which differ greatly; there are trees 
of Wealthy which have better crops of better colored fruit than do trees 
of the same variety in the same row. What causes this difference? The 
difference In the individuality of the trees, we believe, accounts for the dif- 
ference in the habit of fruiting. This is the case In animal life. The Jersey 
is a good dairy breed of cows, and yet not every Jersey is a good cow. 
It is the individuality of horses which makes the get by one sire bet- 
ter than the get of another. It is this characteristic which makes Improve- 
ment of breeds possible. Now, the best orchardlsts of the country are recog- 
nizing this difference in the Individuality of trees. Nursery trees propagated 
from bearing trees of known value, which bear regular crops of good fruit, 
are sought after bv the most thoughtful planters. Every farm boy early 
learns the trees in his father's orchard which bear the best fruit every 
year: the close observing boy often learns even the branch on that tree 
which bears the verv choicest of fruit. Why not propagate from this tree 
and from this particular branch, and thus get other trees like it? 
This is the work we are carrying on and our growing stock has been prop- 
agated from scions cut from selected trees. The time is coming when every 
one will appreciate the value of these trees; now is the time to start an 
orchard of this character. 
Our shipping feason usually begins early in April and continues as long as 
stock can be safely handled. 
A Certificate of Nursery Inspection, certifying: flint onr nurseries hnve been 
examined nnd found to be free from all Insect pests, Is nttnebed to every 
order tlint lenves our nurseries. 
Directions for Ordering 
SHIPPING DIRECTIONS — Customers should always state whether stock is 
to be sent by Freight, Express or Mail, and by what route If there Is a 
preference. In absence of instructions we use our best judgment. The nec- 
essary amount for postage must be Included when stock Is ordered mailed. 
SIZE AND PRICE of stock should be carefully specified. All mistakes of 
ours will be corrected as soon as possible. 
REMIT bv P. O. Order on Center Point, Registered Letter, Bank DrAft, Ex- 
press Money Order or fractions of a dollar in stamps. Our terms are cash 
or satisfactory security In all cases before shipping to strangers. 
FOR PACKING or Drayage there is no extra charge. We use the greatest 
care to have stock packed so It will reach Its destination in the very best 
condition. 
LOCATION — Our delivering grounds and headquarters are just south of the 
Rock Island Station in Center Point. Please bear this in mind when com- 
ing after stock, as no trees will be delivered at the farm as heretofore. At 
the new location we have erected a commodious packing shed and cellar, 
which is strictly up-to-date in every particular. This enables us to handle 
our stock in due season and In the best manner possible. 
