84 
GERMAIN SEED AND PLANT CO. 
PLANT DEPARTMENT 
CONCERNING TRANSPORTATION. 
'ill plants sent by express at the expense of the purchaser, unless specially ordered otherwise; or, where in 
our judgment, the expressage would be too costly. We earnestly request our customers always to have 
their plants sent by express (except, perhaps, in the case of heavy balled shrubs or trees, or where 
express charges are very high), as our system of light packing makes the charges comparatively low, 
and they almost invariably arrive in perfect order when thus sent. In the case of small plants we 
will send by mail if desired, but larger and finer plants can be sent better by express than by mail, 
which will more than repay the expressage. Express companies give special rate on boxed plants , 
which is one-third less than ordinary merchandise rate. When prepaid there is a special rate of 8e per 
pound to any point in the United States. 
DECORATIVE PLANTS. 
Anthericum vittatum variegatum.— (See cut.) Elegant 
house plant from the Cape of Good Hope; has foliage of 
a bright grassy-green color, beautifully striped and mar¬ 
gined with creamy-white. In variegation and habit it 
closely resembles Pandanus Veitchii, but is of more rapid 
growth and easy cultivation. Each 25c to 75c. 
Aspidistra lurida. — Native of China, remarkable for pro¬ 
ducing its flowers under the surface of the earth. The 
leaves of this variety are long, broad, shining dark green. 
A splendid house plant. There is absolutely no other that 
will stand more ill-treatment, such as dust, dry air, want 
of light, etc. Each 35c to $3.00. 
A. elatior variegata. — The foliage of this variety — green 
with broad stripes of white — contrasts finely with orna¬ 
mental foliaged plants. For the production of well- 
marked plants, the pots in which they are grown should be 
small, and the soil liberally mixed with sand. Each 50c 
to $2.00 
Asparagus Sprengeri.— (See cut.) This is one of the 
most distinct of all the indoor species of Asparagus; the 
cut conveys a faint idea of its exquisite beauty and it is 
simply impossible to overpraise it. It is not at all like 
Anthericum. ‘ the other species offered. Its plume-like growths, of a 
fresh light or apple-green hue, are thrown up in a free 
manner to a length of 3, 4, or even 8 or 10 feet, drooping gracefully and naturally from pot or 
hanging basket. It remains fresh all the year round, and in winter adds the charm of numerous red 
berries. For all indoor decorative purposes it is invaluable. In water it will remain quite fresh for 
6 weeks after cutting, and we have had it remain fresh on the walls perfectly dry for two weeks. 
Everybody should grow it. Each 35c. A fine assortment in 8-inch pots, 75c. Larger, $1.00 to 
$2.00. Wire baskets, $1.50; earthen baskets, $1.25. 
A. plumosus. — A beautiful climbing plant with dark 
green, graceful foliage, surpassing Maiden Hair fern in 
grace, delicacy of texture and richness of color. The 
fronds are 12 to 15 inches in length, flat in form and 
taper to a point from a width of 12 inches. It is one 
of the handsomest of all foliage plants. Commonly 
called Asparagus Fern. Each 25c to $1.50. 
BAMBOOS. 
The genuine Bamboo should be grown by every farmer. 
The time will come when these giant reeds will be 
found as useful here as in other countries, where they 
are considered necessities. They grow to perfection in 
well-drained, deep, rich soil, and are very ornamental. 
Many of the varieties are now quite common. There 
is, however, some confusion concerning their nomen¬ 
clature, hence many varieties are known under several 
names. This class of plants are very different in their 
habits, some growing to great heights, while others 
make canes but a few feet long. 
Bambusa gracilis. — A most graceful kind, some 18 
" feet high, and a mass of feathery foliage; fine for 
lawns. Each 75c to $1.50. 
B. nigra. (Black). Stems of a jet black color; ht. about 
15 ft. Each 50c to $1.00. 
Asparagus Sprengeri. 
