./V^brd to theWise is Sufficient 
/HE question of when to buy becomes one of real importance to all 
/ purchasers of merchandise in such a period of business readjust- 
ment as we are now going through. Are prices established ? If 
not, are they likely to go up or are they likely to go down ? 
It has been the practice of most seedsmen to put a notice in their 
catalogues year after year reading, “Prices are subject to change without 
notice and stock on hand unsold.” This year we feel that in fairness to 
those who trade with us we should call attention to this notice with 
particular emphasis. 
Seed catalogues go to press far in advance of their date of issue. 
Even in normal times it is impossible to establish prices that will rule 
for months in advance. Seedsmen, for instance, can never guard 
against crop-failures. Under existing conditions, to establish prices 
much in advance of sales is truly a very great problem, due to inter¬ 
national currency relations, changing tariffs, quarantines, and em¬ 
bargoes. In fairness to the merchants from whom they buy, the public 
must give consideration to these matters, fit must be recognized 
that the major forces of supply and demand are again in the ascendancy, 
and that bargain sales of almost worthless merchandise, and the dump¬ 
ing of distress merchandise of real quality are on the wane.^ 
It has ever been our policy to maintain our established standards. 
If in the past we have been unable to secure adequate supplies of the 
highest quality merchandise, we have never bought second-quality 
merchandise in its place just to fill orders. 
As this Catalogue goes to press we feel fairly safe in saying that a 
reduction in prices during 1934 seems unlikely. In fact, we consider 
it most probable that we will be forced to increase our prices on a 
considerable number of items as the season advances, due to the 
fluctuating dollar and to various other factors that are, at present, dis¬ 
turbing the normal course of business. It is our well-considered 
opinion that those who place their orders early will secure their 
requirements at the lowest prices of the season. We have no intention 
whatsoever of increasing our prices unless forced to do so, but we repeat 
that there is every indication that revisions upward will be unavoidable. 
We are, of course, members of the NRA; in fact, we were among 
the first to sign the President’s code. 
We wish you to read the inside back cover of this Catalogue. It 
explains in detail our methods of shipping and our terms of sale, and 
it clearly outlines our free delivery service in greater Boston and 
certain surrounding towns. If our customers will read this page, it 
will save all concerned a great deal of misunderstanding, as well as 
delay and annoyance. 
Regardless of fluctuating prices, regardless of any and all con¬ 
ditions over which we have no control, regardless of everything, 
Breck’s quality will be maintained. 
Joseph Breck & Sons 
LUTHER A. BRECK, President HAROLD S. ROSS, Vice-President and Secretary CARLTON N. CHANDLER, Treasurer 
PETRUS J. VAN BAARDA, Nursery Manager RUSSELL O. GARDNER, Seed Department Manager 
NEW ENGLAND’S LARGEST SEED MERCHANTS • ESTABLISHED 1818 
FARQUHAR BRANCH STORE: 
85 Franklin Street 
MAIN STORE and GENERAL OFFICES: 
85 State Street, Boston, Mass. 
Telephone connecting all Departments: HUBbard 1662 
NURSERIES: Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, Mass. Telephone, LEXington 1700 
COPYRIGHT I9'3'4, BY JOSEPH BRECK AND SONS 
WAREHOUSES: 
15-24 Lewis Wharf 
