To My Friends and Patrons. 
Notwithstanding 1 my announcement of last year of discontinuing the seed 
business I have reconsidered the matter and find it not so easily done as antici- 
pated. First of all. having been in the seed business now for 52 years, and this 
work having taken up my entire time during the winters, was so greatly enjoyed 
that to give it up would seem like parting with the dearest friend, and I fear 
that without it. I could hardly exist. 
Hound by the ties of friendship, it is not easy to break them. Many have 
been the kind expressions, which proved that my labors had appreciated: and 
these were most encouraging and gratifying, tiding me over many dark hours 
and difficulties. 
My life's greatest wish and longing has always been to be instrumental in 
producing something of more permanent value and of lasting benefit, and 1 am 
pleased to state that this has been realized in the production of my perpetual 
fruiting, black-cap raspberry which bears my name. 
Strange indeed, it seems that I also came into possession of a new plant, 
called the “Garden Huckleberry." This, after overcoming a prejudice', will be 
found a very useful, serviceable plant, highly valued by all in need of fruit. I 
am most favorably impressed with it. after thoroughly examining into its merits. 
A lengthy description and directions for using will be found on another page. 
This is to guard against failure and even if your first attempts should not prove 
fully satisfactory, do not give it up. but try it some otner way. This fruit has 
come to stay. 
SEEDS. — As the business has been extended over to the present season, 
the usual care has been exercised to maintain the popularity and high standard 
they have held, by which they have distinguished themselves: to possess full 
germinating qualities, and selected from the best strains of each kind to make 
them the most desirable and reliable, to realize satisfactory results, that with 
confidence 1 can offer them again for the coming season. Thanking my friends 
for former liberal patronage, I trust to be kindly remembered by all in need of 
seeds. If your wants are but small, don't hesitate in sending, as all orders al- 
ways receive prompt and careful attention, and are speedily and liberally filled, 
to the entire satisfaction of the purchaser. 
Wishing all a prosperous season. I remain as ever, 
Most respectfully yours, 
HUGO BEYER. 
New London. Iowa. February. lilOO. 
