FAIRFAX ROSES FOR 1917 
The Aristocrats of Rosedom 
name of Fairfax — famous for two centuries as the home of exclusiveness — never has been 
used more appropriately to denote aristocratic refinement than when applied to the Roses 
of Fairfax County, Virginia. Every condition of soil and climate is so favorable that Fairfax 
Roses become truly superb. 
My Rose nurseries are in the heart of the best Rose-growing section of the United States. 
The seasons are long and mild, yet cold enough to provide the essential “dormant period” 
in which the bushes may rest and gather energy. The growing period is so long that 
Fairfax Roses two years old are much larger and stronger than those of equal age grown 
farther north. 
Bear in mind that my Roses are as hardy as need be — customers in Canada are using 
them with entire satisfaction. One reason for this is that they are grown right out in the 
open, with no protection. Plants grown under glass are liable to be “soft” and not hardy. 
The vitality of the Rose plants you buy is another exceedingly important matter. Some unscrupulous growers 
will force Roses for blooms all winter, and then sell the exhausted plant in the spring. My Fairfax Roses are not 
that sort. My plants are all heavy, stocky and vigorous, grown on their own roots, except where noted. 
My mailing-size plants are large. All are one-year-old, from 3-inch pots, and most of them are ready to begin 
blooming at once. It is best, when possible, to have plants sent by express, as I can often send larger plants and put 
in extra plants free of charge, — which I do w'henever possible. 
Terms. Cash with order. Requests for credit must be refused, as they have to be looked up, which takes time, 
especially in the busy season, delaying packing, shipping, etc. In fairness to all of my customers I make this request. 
Remit by post office money order payable at Oakton, Virginia, by express money order, draft or personal check. 
If currency is enclosed, the letter must be registered; otherwise I cannot be responsible for it. Please do not send 
stamps. 
Guarantee. I guarantee all plants to reach the customer in good growing condition; if they do not I will replace 
them free, if notified immediately. 
1 pay postage on all plants hy mail, and guarantee that everything sent out will reach you in perfect 
condition. Express shipments, of course, go at customer’s expense. 
Errors. I use every precaution to guard against errors, but in the press of business they sometimes will occur. 
I always wish to know of anything not satisfactory, so 1 may correct the error. 
Always use order sheet, as it enables me to fill orders with despatch and accuracy. 
No orders for plants received for less than 25 cents unless 10 cents be added to pay for packing. 
I am only twelve miles from Washington, D. C., and have direct connection with all railroad lines leading from 
there. 
When sending your order, if you will send the names of a few of your friends who are plant-buyers, I will 
send you something extra for your trouble. I will send you many fine plants extra if you will get your friends’ 
orders and send themjwith yours, so that all may go by express to you. 
Large Roses for Immediate Effect. I call special attention to the two-year-old plants offered, as they are 
very heavy, fine plants, and the prices are low. I keep them in cold houses during winter — entirely dormant, so 
they are in best condition for immediate blooming. 
Visitors Always Welcome, I am right at Oakton Station, on the Washington, Arlington and Falls Church 
Electric Road, Cars leave Washington every hour from Pennsylvania avenue and Twelfth street; Oakton is a fifteen 
mile ride. 
I want to make you a customer this year if you are not already growing some of my plants. If you are, then 
you will still be interested in my attractive offerings. In either case, let me hear from you with an order — I will make 
every effort to merit your further patronage by supplying such plants as will produce thoroughly satisfactory results 
for you. I guarantee my own personal efforts in that direction. Should you desire any information about varieties 
of Roses best suited to your location, or advice as to caring for Roses after planting, write to me; I will be glad to 
help you grow the best Roses possible. 
W. R. GRAY, Oakton, Fairfax County, Va. 
SPECIAL 
ALL TKANSPOKTATION CHARGES PAID 
I take pleasure in announcing that owing to new express rates which are very much lower 
than they have been in the past, and the opportunity of shipping many orders by Parcel Post, 
I will prepay all transportation charpes on any plants ordered from this catalog and 
guarantee that all plants reach you in good growing condition. This in effect eliminates distance, 
makes us neighbors and gives you the opportunity of buying your roses from a specialist who 
grows them in immense quantities, without cost or risk of shipment. 
NATIONAL CAPITAL PPCSS. INC., WASMINOTON, 0. C. 
