2 
D. M. Ferry &, Co s Descriptive Catalogue. 
These farms are under the management of one of the most experienced and successful grow¬ 
ers in America, and the statement has frequently been made by those fully competent to judge. 
Scene on D. M. Ferry &, Co’s Seed Farm.— WEEDI NG. 
that while they are not the largest they are certainly the best cultivated and most productive, 
seed farms in the country, if not in the world. But to grow all of our seeds on a single tract 
would be impracticable, for we require the product of nearly 800 acres of cucumbers, 650 acres of 
beans, and a proportionate amount of corn, tomato, melon and other seeds ; nor would it be 
desirable to grow all our seeds at one point, for not only is there the danger of mixing the varie¬ 
ties, but often the soil and climate best suited to grow one sort is entirely unfitted to grow 
another, so we make 
Contracts for Seeds to be Cirown for us in localities ranging .from Con¬ 
necticut on the east to California on the west, and from Georgia to northern Michigan, besides 
having special crops grown for us in Canada, England, France, Germany and Italy. These con¬ 
tracts are with experienced growers, many of whom have devoted their entire time and attention 
for years to the production of some special crop to which their location is peculiarly adapted, 
and so have acquired a skill in growing this particular seed which no gardener or even general 
seed grower can hope to equal. But we arc not content to rely solely on their reputation and 
experience, but each crop is visited and a careful 
record kept, not only of its condition and quality, 
but of the facilities for, and pains taken to secure, 
the highest excellence. The stock seed used i' 
in all cases furnished or controlled by 11s, and in 
procuring it we make every effort to secure the 
very best attainable, regardless of cost or trouble. 
In this work we are greatly aided by 
Our Trial (.rounds. These are 
located within the city on Woodward avenue, 
and here we have planted, side by side, and 
treated precisely alike, samples of the stocks from 
different growers, and also samples of any new 
sorts, or improved stocks of old varieties which 
we may be able to procure; and a careful record 
is made of the slightest difference in quality or character, so that we can detect the least tend¬ 
ency to deterioration, or notice and take advantage of any superiority in any particular stock. 
Some idea of the extent of this work may be gathered from the size of our grounds which occupy 
nearly seven acres ; and also from the number of samples planted, which last season was over 
Interior Testing House on Trial Grounds. 
