

Many years ago my father started this business. 
That was in 1876, the Centennial Year of American 
Independence. 
Father was only 18 years of age, and already had 
studied medicine for two years at the University of 
Pennsylvania. He had never wanted to study medi- 
cine but did so because his father and grandfather 
were famous doctors and surgeons in Philadelphia. 
Father could not bear to see people suffer—he loved 
to see things grow. 
At the age of 18 he gave up his study of medicine 
and started in the seed business on Church Street, 
facing Old Christ Church in Philadelphia. 
For the first three years it was hard sledding. 
Then gardeners everywhere began to realize that here 
was a man who was trying to serve them. Mié£illions 
of people came to know my father through his seed 
catalog. They seemed to sense that his first thought 
always was of others. They knew that Burpee’s Seeds were as good as 
father was able to grow them. 
One time, in writing of our business, father said: ‘‘A business that 
has no vision of the future, or the object of which is mere money 
making, would not be worthy a life’s work.”’ 
This business is the result of my father’s “‘life’s work’ and its 
growth is proof that he had a “‘vision of the future.”’ 
The seed business is done entirely on confidence. When you buy seeds 
you are buying a promise that cannot be fulfilled until harvest time. 
The confidence you and millions of other gardeners have in Burpee 
is the greatest heritage I received from my father. 
To serve you well is perhaps the greatest tribute I can pay to him. 
B 
a 
oe 
os 
se 

Where Father began in 1876 
Faithfully yours, 
Sand Qrerhce) 

The present Burpee Buildings in Pidiadslohia® where all o ders for Burpee’s seeds and bulbs are filled. 
We guarantee the vitality and purity of Burpee’s Seeds and Bulbs to the full amount of 
BURPEE GUARANTEE the purchase price. You can have your money back any time within a year If you are 
not satisfied with the results. Even with the highest quality seeds and bulbs, success in gardening depends largely upon 
cultivation, soil, and weather conditions. Therefore, in no case shall W. Atlee Burpee Co. be liable for more than the amount 
actually paid us for seeds or bulbs. All goods are sold under this Burpee Guarantee. W. Atlee Burpee Co:, Philadelphia. 
