CATALOGUE OF FLOWER SLEDS. 
83 
Xo catalogue, or even book, can possibly convey detailed 
particulars as to how success may be had in the planting and 
maturing of flowers. The skilled gardener who has every 
appliance necessary,often fails in his efforts; while the little girl who 
has no knowledge of the art, but loves flowers, will frequently surprise 
not only herself but the older folks, who are not so much interested, 
with the results obtained by her labor and love. “ The Norwegians 
have a pretty and significant word, ‘ Opelske,’ which they use in 
speaking of the care of flowers. It means literally ‘loving up ? or 
cherishing them into health and vigor.” 
Mrs. Celia Thaxter, in her beautiful book, “ An Island Carden," when touching this subject says- “ You may 
gl ve them all they need of food and drink and make the conditions of their existence as favorable as possible and 
they may grow and bloom, but there is a certain ineffable something that will be missing if you do not love them ” 
This was her experience, and from it mhy be gathered the fact that something besides a skilled prepara¬ 
tion of the ground and sowing the seed is needful. Of course it is well to know that Poppies delight in a 
rich, sandy loam, that F.schscholtzias will do best in a poor soil; or of Pansies, give them abundance of old 
manure, the richest earth you can find, plenty of water and partial shade; that you need not be anxious if it is 
not convenient to carry water for Nasturtiums in a dry time, for their habitat is dry Chili, and they will thrive 
in a dryer soil and atmosphere than almost any other plant; or that Zinnias like a heavy, cool clay; Sweet Peas 
a deep, rich soil and plenty of water, while such gross feeders as Roses, Sunflowers, Hollvhocks, Dahlias, and 
Asters cannot be planted in too rich a situation; yet, 
“ To raise your flowers, various arts combine, 
Study these well, and fancy’s flight decline; 
If you would have a vivid, vigorous breed, 
Of every kind, examine well the seed; 
Learn to what elements your plants belong, 
What is their constitution, weak or strong; 
Be their physician, careful of their lives, 
And sec that every species daily thrives ; 
These love much air, these on much earth rely. 
These, without constant warmth, decay and die; 
Supply the wants of each, and they will pay 
For all your care through each succeeding day.*' 
EXPLANATORY. 
Our General List of 1 -lower Seeds, it will be found, is divided into the following groups, viz.; Annuals, 
Perennials and Biennials; Climbers; Greenhouse Plants; Everlastings; Ornamental Grasses, etc. T! e botan¬ 
ical and common names are arranged in alphabetical order, and a very complete index will be. found in the 
front of book. Following the botanical name is a brief description of the plant — its color, habits, etc. In 
the first column at the right, the hardiness and duration is given ; in the second column, the height of plant; in 
the third column, the price of seed per ounce; and in the fourth column, the price of seed per packet. To this 
arrangement and the following abbreviations we have given the most careful attention, and we trust that its 
simplicity will not only find favor with our customers, but prove valuable to them as a handy reference, to be 
used in all matters pertaining to floriculture. 
KEY TO ABBREVIATIONS. 
A designates Annuals — Lasting but one year. 
Biennials — Lasting two years. 
Perennials — Lasting three or more years. 
This sign, where affixed to B or P, indicates Biennials or Perennials, which, if sown early, flower the first season. 
Ilardy Annuals — Seed may he sown in early spring or late in fall. 
Half Hardy Annuals — Seed should be sown about middle or last of May. 
Tender Annuals — Seed must be started in artificial heat, and transplanted to open ground about June 1st. 
hB or hP designates Ilardy Biennials or Perennials— Plants stand the coldest winter without protection. 
hhB or hhP “ Half Hardy Biennials or Perennials— Plants requiring to be well protected during winter. 
tP “ Tender Perennials — Plants requiring greenhouse protection during winter. 
Hard, and Dur. signifies Hardiness and Duration; Trai., Trailing; H’g’t, Height; and Var., Various. 
B 
P 
t 
hA 
hhll 
tA 
Descriptions of New and Special Varieties will be found on colored pages. 
