4 
W. S. Todd, Greenwood, Delaware 
it has proved to be one of the most popular varieties for either the home garden 
or for commercial growers. 
This is one of the largest berry sections for commercial purposes in the 
United States, and fruit brokers from all sections gather here to buy the berries. 
For several years the brokers have not only paid more for Ridgely berries than 
for any other variety ripening with it, but they have advised growers to plant 
largely of it because it has the size, color, quality and firmness that is necessary 
for a commercial berry. Truckers who haul the berries to very distant markets 
tell me the berries carry in splendid condition, and always look well when opened 
for market. 
It is a seedling of unknown parentage but looks so much like Gandy that it 
is undoubtedly a Gandy seedling. The plants are splendid growers, large and 
healthy, with tall, coarse, bluff foliage and heavy rooted. It is one of the most 
productive varieties, and the fruit is large, with a large green calyx, very firm, 
and the color is a rich glossy red, and last but not least, it is unexcelled for flavor; 
in fact I think it has the best flavor of any strawberry I have ever eaten. I have 
never seen any variety where the fruit is of more even size and shape, and I 
have never seen any variety look prettier when packed for shipment. It will keep 
for several days after being picked without losing its color or flavor. In ripening 
it is only a few days later than Premier. While the fruit looks much like Gandy 
it is a firmer and prettier berry. Wherever sold the berries always bring the 
highest market prices and it is a money maker for the grower. Under normal 
conditions the Ridgely is a great plant maker. Do not allow the plants to become 
too thick in the beds, plant them on any soil that is not too sandy, give them 
good cultivation and you will be surprised at the large quantity of large, hand¬ 
some berries the plants will yield. Many who tried this variety the first year of 
its introduction are now sending regularly for Ridgely plants which is proof 
enough of its popularity and last year I did not have plants enough to fill many 
late orders. 
W. S. TODD, Washington Co., Ark., Feb. 25th, 1935. 
Dear Sir:—I am enclosing my order and check for. the 90,000 plants you had 
booked for me. A Company from another state is offering plants here sixty 
cents per 1000 less than your price, but I had rather pay the difference and have 
your plants. 
Respectfully yours, IRA GRAHAM. 
W. S. TODD, Campbell Co., Ky., March 11th, 1935. 
Dear Sir:—I enclose my order for Ridgely plants. I have been using your 
plants for many years and they are the finest I get from anyone. They always 
reach me in splendid condition, fresh and green, and make splendid plant beds. 
Respectfully yours, JOSEPH RITTER. 
W. S. TODD, Jackson Co., Ill., March 21st, 1935. 
Dear Sir:—I am sending my order for 14 varieties of plants that I wish to 
try here. My father has ordered plants from you several times and says you 
are a good one to deal with. 
Yours truly, F. B. SANDERS. 
W. S. TODD, Buchanan Co., Mo., March 19th, 1935. 
Dear Sir:—I am enclosing my order for plants. Three years ago I bought 
my plants of you and they were fine plants and produced wonderful berries. 
Respectfully yours, PHILIP KNEIB. 
W. S. TODD, St. Louis Co., Mo., Feb. 26th, 1935. 
Dear Sir:—I enclose my order and payment for 5500 plants. We have always 
had good luck with your plants although we have had lots of hot and dry 
weather here the past years. 
Yours truly, WM. SCHNELLER. 
W. S. TODD, St. Louis Co., Mo., Feb. 28th, 1935. 
Dear Sir:—My neighbor who says you have good strawberry plants loaned 
me his catalog and I am sending you my order for plants. Please send me one 
of your catalogs. 
Very truly yours, 
ARTHUR J. BOENZLE. 
