Foreword 
It is with a great deal of pleasure that we announce to our customers and the public that 
we have purchased the Fruitland Nurseries formerly owned by the P. J. Berckmans Company. 
These nurseries were established in 1856 by the late Mr. P. J. Berckmans, and have been 
operated by his sons up to the first of this year. 
Although we are located in what is considered southern territory, many of the trees, plants, 
and shrubs propagated here are adapted to northern climatic conditions. Many of our trees and 
shrubs have been sent to Canada, and our customers report that the so-called “tender” trees 
from our nurseries are sufficiently hardy to withstand the low temperature of northern winters. 
Fruitland Nurseries are particularly known for the production of the finest fruit and orna¬ 
mental trees and shrubs. The nursery lands lie along the border line of climatic and soil 
conditions that give the freedom of growth and luxuriant foliage of the South, as well as the 
sturdiness and vigor induced by the lower temperatures of the North. Probably no other 
southern nurseries are so advantageously situated as those at Fruitland for growing trees which 
combine these important elements. The soil on our farms varies from stiff clay to loose sand, 
enabling us to grow trees and plants in that best suited to producing specimens with great 
masses of fine, fibrous roots which insure strong, sturdy growth when transplanted to orchards 
or home grounds. 
Mr. Tarnok, who will have charge of the nursery and landscape department, is a graduate 
of the University of Stuttgart, and of the School of Landscape Architecture of Budapest. He 
is a native of Switzerland, and is a practical nurseryman, horticulturist and landscape archi¬ 
tect. He has had experience in Europe, and America for twenty-three years. 
We wish to assure our customers that we intend to continue the nursery along the same 
lines as our predecessors, and to uphold the reputation for honesty, integrity and fair dealings 
that they have made all over the* United States. Wherever the name of Berckmans is men¬ 
tioned, one immediately thinks of that which is best in plant life. 
In taking over the Fruitland Nurseries we have retained the corps of experienced men who 
have helped to build up this reputation and we assure you that your wants will have our 
very best attention. 
The Nursery is located on the Washington Road, about four miles from the city, and is 
about a mile and a half from the terminus of the Lake View car line. The roads leading to 
the nursery are in good condition and parties in autos will find this one of the most pleasing 
trips they can make. Visitors will be welcomed at all times ,and every opportunity offered 
to give them a thorough inspection of the grounds. 
