CATALOGUE OF FLOWER SEEDS. 
85 
bloom the first year. All, however, may be sown in the open border in August or September; in which case 
it is a good plan at the commencement of frost to give them a light covering of straw, leaves or dry litter. 
When the frost is out of the ground in spring remove the covering, loosen the soil around the plants, and 
when large enough transplant them to where they are permanently to remain. 
Half-Hardy Biennials (hhB.) and Half-Hardy Perennials (hhP.).—These may be sown in the open bor¬ 
der as directed for hardy Annuals, but, when practical, it is generally better to start them in-doors, as re¬ 
commended for half-hardy Annuals. 
Tender Biennials (tB.) and Tender Perennials (tP.).—Accord these the same treatment as recom¬ 
mended for tender Annuals. 
Those to whom a greenhouse or hot-bed is not available will meet with good success by placing the 
boxes or pots in the open sunlight in the windows of the dwelling house, and keep the temperature from 65 
to 75 degrees during the day and 10 degrees less at night. If the soil was in proper condition at planting 
time, a slight sprinkling once a week will be sufficient until the plants begin to grow nicely. 
Greenhouse Seeds.—Leaf mould, or peat, with some fine sand added, is the most suitable soil for sow¬ 
ing. The smaller seeds of greenhouse plants are somewhat difficult to germinate unless extra care be taken 
with them; they require to be slightly watered occasionally, and sheltered from the hot sun until large enough 
to transplant. Press the soil firmly down into the pot or box and make perfectly level, so that no unequal 
settlement takes place through watering. The seeds should be sown thinly and covered very lightly. A pane 
of glass placed over the pot or box until the little plants get well started is of decided benefit, but care should 
be taken to air occasionally, when excessive moisture is shown by water globules on the under side of the 
glass. When the young plants have two leaves they should be transplanted into a similar soil, in other pots 
or boxes. To do this do not pull them out one by one, but, if in a pot, remove the entire contents and break 
up gently; if in a box, loosen by running a trowel around the side and take out a mass at a time, thus pre¬ 
serving the little roots which are so essential to their future welfare. After transplanting, keep in a shady 
part of the greenhouse and water sparingly until established, when they may be removed to the light. 
It is well to know that Poppies delight in a rich, sandy loam, that Eschscholtzias 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, Hollyhocks, 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 see 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 eacn, and they will pay 
For all your care through each succeeding day.** 
Explanatory » 
Our General List of Flower Seeds comprise the following, viz.: Annuals, Perennials and Biennials; 
Climbers; Greenhouse Plants; Everlastings; Ornamental Grasses, etc. The botanical and common names 
are arranged in alphabetical order, and a very complete index will be found in front of book. The dash (—) 
designates the repetition of the name above it as applying to the variety to which the dash is prefixed; 
the first column , following the name, denotes hardiness and duration; the second column , height in feet; the 
third column , color or predominating colors; the fourth and fifth columns show the price per ounce and packet 
respectively; the sixth column gives brief descriptions or special notes on culture. To this arrangement and 
the following abbreviations we have given the most careful attention, and we trust that their simplicity 
will not only find favor with our customers, but prove valuable to them as a handy reference. 
Key to Abbreviations , 
hA designates Hardy Annuals — Lasting but one year. 
hhA 
tA 
hB 
hhB 
hP 
hhP 
tP 
t . 
Trai. 
Var. 
Half Hardy Annuals — Lasting but one year. 
Tender Annuals — Lasting but one year. 
Hardy Biennials — Lasting two years. 
Half Hardy Biennials — Require protection during winter. 
Hardy Perennials — Lasting three or more years. 
Half Hardy Perennials — Require protection during winter. 
Tender Perennials — Lasting three or more years, but require greenhouse protection during winter. 
Biennials or Perennials that if sown early will bloom the first year. 
Trailing Habit. 
Various. 
The abbreviations of colors are— 
blk.—black, 
br.—brown, 
tri.—tricolor, 
car.—carmine. 
crim.—crimson, 
sul.—sulphur, 
lav.—lavender, 
our.—purple. 
var.—variegated, 
scar.—scarlet, 
strip.—striped, 
ver.—vermilion. 
In some Instances when the flower is of two colors, these are indicated by the initial letters only,—for example, b. & w. —blue 
and white; s. & y.—scarlet and yellow; w. & p.—white and pink. 
For Flower Seed Novelties see pages 76-83 
