H$ter$ 
F QR years we have made the growing of Asters 
a leading specialty, and to day we are (he 
largest producers of seed of these deservedly popu¬ 
lar flowers in the United States, devoting acres to 
their cultivation. The different varieties and 
colors are grown sufficiently separate to insure them 
against hybridization, and all imperfect flowers 
and plants are removed, seed being saved 
from only typical and perfect blooms. We wish 
all our customers could have seen the hundreds 
of thousands of blooms of our Branching Asters 
the past summer, and the fields of Daybreak, 
Purity, Lavender Gem, and Snowdrift, all of 
our own introduction; also many other leading 
varieties. 
The Aster family is divided into numerous classes of 
varieties, all of which arc handsome and worthy of culti¬ 
vation. Asters, as a class, may be compared with Chrys¬ 
anthemums, having all the forms — globe-shaped, with 
incurved petals; various sorts with petals outcurved; 
Vick's Branching, and the Comet, petals curled and 
twisted; Needle Aster, petals stiff and upright,—in fact, 
nearly all the counterparts of the Chrysanthemum ; more¬ 
over, for summer and fall decorations they fill the place 
of this magnificent flower the best of anything we have. 
Our illustrations show several of the various forms. Seeds 
may be sown in the open ground, or started early in the 
spring in the house or under glass. The large-growing 
varieties of Asters, such as the Pa:ony-flowcrcd, the 
Victoria, and the New Rose, need to be set as much as 
a foot apart in good soil, and will quite fill the space. The soil about the plants should be stirred frequently during 
the summer, and a vigorous growth encouraged. The dwarf varieties make beautiful border plants. Annual. 
BALL OR JEWEL 
A beautiful class, selected from the well-known Peony Perfection race, somewhat dwarfer in habit than the 
latter, with shorter fiorets ; flowers round as a ball. Apple-blossom, white, deep rose, dark blue, or 
mixed, each. JO 
BOLTZE’S DWARF BOUQUET ? 
Each plant looks like a bouquet of flowers. Fine for edgings or small beds. About twelve different colors 
mixed. . 10 
CHRISTMAS TREE 
This Aster is of branching habit, pyramidal in form. The plants grow from sixteen to twenty inches high and 
measure eighteen to twenty-four inches at the base. They come into bloom midway between early and late 
sorts, and are very floriferous. The flowers arc quite distinct in form, seemingly a cross between the stiff 
and curled pctaled sorts. The petals arc more delicate in texture, giving the flower a softer appearance 
than that of any other variety. It is well adapted for either pot culture or beds, and an extra good variety 
for potting to sell in the market. Mixed colors. 15 
CHRYSANTHEMUM-FLOWERED 
A desirable class, one foot in height. Late, and valuable on this account, as well as for its great beauty. 
Mixed colors, or white, rose, fiery scarlet, light blue, each. 10 
COCARDEAU, OR CROWN 
Two-colored blooms, the central florets pure white, sometimes small and quilled, surrounded with large 
flat florets of a bl ight color. Plant eighteen inches high. Mixed colors or separate (carmine, violet, blue, 
deep scarlet, each with white center,) each. 10 ■ 
GIANT COMET 
A superb class, differing from others in its long, wavy, twisted florets, which arc formed into a head three 
and one-half to four and one-half inches across. One of the most perfect of Asters, and should be included in 
every collection. 
Separate colors, white, rose, crimson, light yellow, lilac and white, dark violet, rose and white, azure 
blue, azure blue and white, white passing to light blue; the Bride, white passing to rose; any three for 
25 cents ; each. 10 
Mixed colors. 10 
BRANCHING COMET 
A new strain from California. Habit of plant similar to that of Vick's Branching. Carmine, rose-pink, 
white, each. 10 
Mixed colors. 10 
IMBRIQUE POMPON 
Very perfect ; almost a globe, and beautifully imbricated; mixed colors. 10 
BALL OR JEWELL 
At prices quoted, we prepay postage or ex¬ 
press charges, unless otherwise noted, 
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