SPRING OF 1896. 
Greeting to all ©ur jfrlenbs. 
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HAVE no apologies to make for this, our modest little Catalogue for the Spring 
of 1896. It is devoid alike of extravagant, highly colored plates and impossible 
descriptions of untried novelties, but it is a true index of our large and well-grown 
stock of plants and bulbs. We depend upon the genuineness and worth of the 
plants we send out each season to increase our trade, and not upon costly chromo 
and extravagant descriptions. We put the money that some firms devote to 
expensive catalogues into our plants, as we find it more satisfactory to our 
customers to send them a small, genteel Catalogue and sell them strong, well-grown 
plants at a minimum price, than to send them “ a $35,000 Catalogue,” with all the 
colors of the rainbow in gaudy combination, and sell them small, weak plants, at an exorbitant price — to 
pay for the Catalogue. We have many thousand friends who take our Catalogue up with confidence, for 
they know we will do as we say ; that we are up with the times, and that no better plants can be procured 
elsewhere for the same or less money. The confidence of our customers is worth many dollars to us. We 
want more Dollars and more Customers. Will you help us to both ? 
The year 1896 comes round under the most flattering circumstances. To meet the large and increasing 
demand for our stock, we have added more greenhouses to our plant and more land to our nursery grounds. 
Our houses are filled with the choicest roses, including the leading varieties in cultivation, as well as a large 
collection of various other plants suitable for house, garden and conservatory. 
Our plants are in prime condition, well-rooted, well-grown and healthy. 
In conclusion, we return our most hearty thanks to those who have so kindly favored us with their 
esteemed orders and many kind letters. We ask for a continuance of such favors, and from those who have 
never given us an order we ask a trial, assuring you that we will do our utmost to please. 
Very respectfully, 
fk. B. DAVIS & SON. 
A FEW IMPORTANT ITEMS. 
We guarantee that all Plants and Bulbs ordered of us shall reach our customers safely and in 
perfect condition, making it entirely safe to order of us, and as convenient for purchasers in distant 
states to buy choice flowers as if they were at our place and selected them personally. 
Our Autumn Catalogue of Plants and Bulbs will be ready September 1st, and will be sent to all 
our patrons without further notice. All others desiring a copy should make application. 
Our Object is to so deal with our patrons that they will continue to favor us with their esteemed 
orders from time to time. In the past season we have added to our list many new names, and by 
supplying good plants and honest dealing, we trust this year to again add largely to our list. No 
matter how large or small the order may be, we give it the same careful attention, and fill with 
varieties that will give satisfaction, and afford much pleasure with their fragrant bloom. 
Low Express Rates. A reduction of 20 per cent, from the regular merchandise rate has been 
obtained on plants. Packages of less than 100 pounds are billed at 100 pound rates. 
Errors. We use every precaution to guard against errors, but in the press of business they 
will sometimes occur, or something be omitted from the order. In any case, we wish to know of 
anything that is not satisfactory, so that we may correct the error without delay. 
We have reduced our system of packing plants forwarded by mail to such perfect order that we 
can safely fill orders from any part of the United States, Canada and Mexico, and uarantee that 
plants shall arrive in excellent condition. Our mailing-size plants are strong and well-grown, and 
