■fo OUk F^r^ds a r\d Patrons : 
GAIN we have the pleasure of present- 
ing to you a new edition of our cata- 
logue. The words that stand at the 
head of this introductory — “ To Our Friends 
and Patrons”— we are glad to say, express the 
truth — our patrons are our friends. 
This is shown by the many kind words of 
commendation often written at the end of an 
order, telling how well the plants have done, 
and expressing the pleasure they have given. 
Many of these kind notes we would answer 
personally, but in the intense strain of a busy 
season we are often prevented from doing so ; they 
are, however, not less welcome and appreciated. 
We have always aimed, by closest attention to our busi- 
ness in all its details, to serve our customers faithfully. Our 
large and increasing trade testifies that our efforts to please 
have been appreciated, but we feel that much of our success is 
due to the kind recommendations of our friends and patrons. 
For our part, we are resolved, where possible, to treat our cus- 
tomers better than ever ; and on your part, we ask a continuation 
of the favors so freely bestowed in the past. Of the hundreds of 
new readers who will see our catalogue for the first time, we ask 
for it a careful examination, feeling sure that it offers many good things that will 
prove either a pleasure or a profit to plant, and in hope that our reasonable prices 
and the assurance of our careful attention to their wishes will bring us at least a 
trial order from many who have not previously bought from us. 
In filling the orders of so many hundreds of customers.it is to be expected that 
errors will sometimes occur in such a varied business; but we wish to say to any 
customer who has found that any part of our stock has not proved as represented — 
kindly mention it when you forw'ard your order for this season, and it will be made 
entirely satisfactory to you. 
Relying upon the healthy condition as well as the genuineness of our stock, it 
has been our constant aim so to deal with our customers that they may continue to 
favor us with their orders, as w'ell as recommend us to their flower-loving friends; 
and they may certainly rely upon our efforts to give satisfaction in every instance. 
In other words, we propose to send out none but perfectly healthy plants, true to 
name and packed in the most careful manner. As further proof of our desire to act 
conscientiously and justly, we request to be notified immediately of any error on our 
part, that we may rectify it without delay. 
We have reduced our system of packing plants to go by mail to such perfect 
order that we can safely fill orders from any part of the United States and Canada, 
and guarantee that plants shall arrive in excellent condition. Our mailing-size plants 
are strong and well-grown, and will start at once without coaxing. When our cus- 
tomers can afford it, it is better to have plants shipped by express, as we can often 
send larger plants and put in more plants gratis to go by express instead of by mail. 
