CATALOGUE OF FLOWER SEEDS. 
85 
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 recommended for 
half-hardy Annuals. 
Tender Biennials (tB.) and Tender Perennials (tP.)—Accord these the same treatment as recommended 
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 dur¬ 
ing 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. —Some of these may be sown at almost any season of the year. Leaf mould, or peat, 
with some fine sand added, is the most suitable soil, and the shallow pots or boxes before recommended can be used. 
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 water¬ 
ing. The seeds should be sown thinly and covered very lightly with finely sifted spaghnum moss. 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 preserving 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 r 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 each, and they will pay 
For all your care through each succeeding day.’ 
EXPLANATORY. 
Our General List of Flower Seeds, it will be found, is divided into the following groups, viz.: Annuals, Peren¬ 
nials 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 abbre¬ 
viations we have given the most careful attention, uid 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—Drsting but one year. 
Hardy Biennials—Lasting two years. 
Half Hardy Biennials — Recpiire 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. crim.—crimson, 
hr.—brown. sul.—sulphur, 
tri.—tricolor. lav.—lavender, 
car.—carmine. pur.—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 
