31 
ALLEN’S STRAWBERRY PLANT CATALOGUE. 
The Cou> Pea* 
The assertion that, what red clover is to the North and West, the cow pea is 
to the South, was a dozen years ago strictly true, but to-day it is not the whole 
truth; for the Cow pea has.now proved its worth and great value far beyohd its 
former home, and even in the sections of the country where the red clover is 
grown as a principal forage or manure crop. In by-gone years, its worth and 
cultivation were hardly known north of the Ohio river; but during the last few 
years it has grown and made profitable crops as far North as Conn., Ohio and 
Iowa, and there is now a wide spread disposition to plant cow peas all over the 
country on account of their quick growing habit and their value for hay for the 
silo and for enriching the soil. They will thrive where the conditions favor 
corn, and the yield of green fodder per acre often reaches 5 or 6 tons, and some¬ 
times as much as 8 or 9 tons, ^ow one-half to three fourth bushels per acre in 
rows 2k to 3 feet apart;and cultivate twice is a proper method of cultivation. I 
had acres of them the past summer managed in this way, that in 60 days from 
sowing stood waist high in a solid mass all over the field. Cow peas cut when 
the first pod begins to ripen, make the finest hay that can be grown. It is easier 
to cure than clover, and far superior in feeding quality. The definition of Pea 
hay is, fat stock. I have been growing this valuable plant in quantities of 50 
to *100 acres or more per year fer several years; and if I had to be without any 
one single farm crop, the Cow pea is the last one I would let go. In fact, I don’t 
think that I would know how to farm now without them. The supply of seed 
while some better than last season, will not be large enough to supply the de¬ 
mand, and it would be advisable to procure your seed stock early in the season, 
then you will be sure of it just when you want it, and not get disappointed. I 
have on hand now, between 500 and 1,000 bushels. I am not sure that I will be 
able to get in many more. This stock consists of the Large Southern black eye 
or Ram’s Horn, about 50 bushels very fine, the balance consists principally of 
the Clay, Whippoorwill, Wonderful and Black. Prices will be quoted by mail 
to anyone that is interested. The market fluctuates so that it is not safe to give 
catalogue prices. I shall be pleased however, to correspond with anyone who 
wants seed, and will endeavor to make the price satisfactory. 
Gantaloupes. 
It may be, that many of my plant customers are not aware that here at Sal¬ 
isbury on Allen’s plant farms, the home of the strawberry plant, the largest 
fields of cantaloupes grown in the East may also be found, with a possible ex¬ 
ception of the large plantations in Ga , nevertheless, the fact is well known in 
New York, Boston and other large Eastern Cities by thousands of people who 
eat Allen’s cantaloupes, and at Salisbury where 100 or more men are employed 
during the season to pick, pack and load from two to three cars daily. The 
principal variety grown is the well known Rocky Ford, (Burpee’s netted Gem, 
or Col Gem.) All of which are one and the same. It was originally introduc 
ed years ago as Burpee’s Netted Gem. It was afterwards grown in Col. and from 
the fine quality melons which were grown there, it was branded Rocky Ford, 
and has since been sold under that name more largely than any other. Our 
stock of seed has been saved from select specimens as fine as could be grown, 
and is not seed saved from culls and refuse, which is not fit for market, as is 
often the case. This seed is very fine, there being no better grown. Price, $1.25 
per lb. by mail postpaid. 5 lbs. or over $1.00 per lb. by express, receiver to pay 
charges. No discount on above prices. No orders received for less than one lb. 
THE MODEL.— This variety is similar to the Rocky Ford, except that it is 
twice as large It is very sweet and very popular in-Salisbury, where no one 
would buy anything else when they could get this variety. It is a cross of the 
Rocky Ford and some other variety which I have forgotten the name, and is as 
sweet as sugar. I have had this variety to sell in New York at wholesale for 16 
cts. a piece. My supply of seed of this is very limited. I can spare a few only % 
at $1.00 per one-fourth pound or $3.00 per pound postpaid. 
