♦ 
TO OUR CORRESPONDENTS. 
In submitting this new revised, improved find enlarged edition of our Catalogue to our numerous 
amateur friends and cultivators, we do so with the highest gratification; for we have spared no 
time or expense in its preparation, and believe it will at least equal, if it does not surpass, any 
work of the kind ever published. We can therefore well claim it to be what we designate it, “ a 
Guide to the Flower and Vegetable Garden.” With the rapidly increasing taste for flowers has also 
increased the desire to know more about them; and it is to supply this useful information that we 
have so greatly augmented our Catalogue, until it has become a valuable work to all who are inter¬ 
ested in the delightful occupation of horticulture. 
It will be noticed that we have continued the same arrangement as in our last edition; in all 
cases the common name is given, as well as the botanical one. This will facilitate a selection, while 
to those who wish to know, it will enable them to find the correct name. In addition to this, we 
have added tho Natural Order, not so important to the experienced cultivator, but highly useful to 
the inexperienced. All plants are divided into natural groups. Thus the Aster and Coreopsis be¬ 
long to the Composite order (Composite ); and all plants of this order bear some resemblance to them. 
The best idea of an unknown plant is obtained from a knowledge of its natural group. 
As Specialties, to which we give undivided attention, and which have made our choice seeds 
known to all lovers of flowers, we name the French and German Asters, Double Zinnias, Ca¬ 
mellia Balsams, Double Hollyhocks, Double Portulacas, Double Sweet-Williams, Pan¬ 
sies, Verbenas, Petunias, &c.; and, among greenhouse and hardy flowers, the Pelargonium, 
Cineraria, Calceolaria, Lily, &c., — all raised in our extensive collection of these superb plants. 
These arc also imported from the best growers in Europe. 
We also invite attention to our collections of German seeds, comprising all tho most choice 
assortments to be found in Europe, selected expressly for us by the most successful cultivators in 
England, France, Germany, and Prussia, of an excellence unsurpassed, and the same as those which 
have heretofore given such universal satisfaction to our customers. 
Of Novel ties, we pride ourselves upon being the first to possess every thing new, rare, or choice, 
and only refer to our list as evidence of this. 
It has not been our habit to enlarge upon our own success in the growth of the most beautiful 
flowers; but, iu the now prevailing custom of doing this, we embrace the opportunity to state, that, 
during the last thirty years, we have been awarded upwards of three hundred first-class 
Prizes by the Massachusetts Horticultural Society. The first prize for German Asters has been 
awarded to us every year but four for twentj'-five years; the first prize for Double Zinnias, in 1868 
and 1869; and numerous first prizes for Verbenas, Petunias, Carnations, Sweet-Williams, Annuals, 
Phloxes, Herbaceous Plants, Cut-flowers, &c.; the Silver Medal for seedling Japan Lilies: the 
Gold Medal for seedling Camellias; and Certificates of Merit for Iris and Palafoxia Hookeriana; 
also eight Silver Cups by the Ncw-York State Agricultural Society; ten Silver Cups by the 
American Institute; Prizes for flowers and plants by the Cambridge Horticultural Society, and for 
German Asters by the Rhodc-Island Horticultural Society. This, we trust, will show* at least our 
interest in the culture of the finest flowers of all kinds. 
To the department of Vegetable Seeds we invite your especial attention. It is, we believe, the 
most complete list ever offered. 
Bulbs, Trees, Plants, &c., from our extensive nurseries at Cambridge, carefully packed for all 
climates, and forwarded by express, or in any way directed by the purchaser. 
Our Illustrated Catalogue of Greenhouse and Bedding Plants will be issued March 1, and sent 
to all applicants on the receipt of 25 cents. 
Address, IIOVEY & CO., 53 North Market Street, 
Roston. 
TFo have no connection with a, seed-firm in Chicago, doing business under the 
name of JLlovcy «£* Co, 
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Boston: 
Press ok Rand, Avery. & Co., 117 Franklin Street. 
