EARL E. MAY 
Founder 
1888 to 1946 
Our Nursery Guarantee 
FIRST: We guarantee our Nursery stock to be absolutely TRUE-TO- 
NAME, If it proves otherwise, you can have your choice of Re- 
placement Free or a Full Refund of the entire purchase price. 
SECOND: We guarantee our Nursery Stock to be strictly high qual- 
ity, exactly as described in this catalog. We further guarantee it 
fo reach you in good, live, thrifty growing condition. If you are 
not completely satisfied when you examine it on arrival, return it at 
once at our expense and you can have your choice of Replacement 
Free or a Full Refund of the entire purchase price. 
THIRD: Our Nursery Stock is strong, heavy-rooted and vigorous. it 
is dug and handled and packed with the utmost care. But, if it 
fails to grow for you, we will replace it at half-price the following 
season. We can’t control weather conditions and other factors which 
might affect its growth, but we will share the loss with you and 
meet you half way. You must report your losses to us by October 
1, 1948. 
Below is a picture of the Certificate of Nursery Inspection showing that our 
Nursery Stock is fuily inspected and that our raspberry plants are doubly 
inspected for virus diseases. This Certificate and our Nursery Guarantee, 
above, are your assurance of real Quality and Complete Satisfaction. 






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STATE OF IOWA 
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 
OFFICE OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST 


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ee: earned 
CERTIFICATE OF NURSERY INSPECTION 
This certifies that the nursery premises and growing nursery stock consisting of _Genaral line of nursary 
lGieslggheneeke for. sec aggnree e som rg a-snd_-clade 
ies, raspberries, ornamental shrubs, ete. etc.) |. 


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~~~—EARL Ea MAY SEED COs, Shenandoah, Iowa 
E have been inspected by a duly authorized nursery Inspector ax provided by “The Iowa Grop Pest Act” Ghapbw BOLL, Gade 
named nursery to sell and ship (1) stock of hi which u 
Searldasgerceatets Jevious inset pats sad’ plant Savane, ot if dine, 
other sources approved by bt provided 
eae Printed, is attached to each package bundle bare box or car load 
This les only to stock which has been officially inspected for the year endin; 1, 19. 
expires on that dan date, t may be revoked Setar the State Entomologist at any time for cause, year i September AB, and 
Eat 
Secretary of bai 







etl See 
spection has either been —s 
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t a tag on a ry o! 
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IE PLANTING HEADQUARTERS FOR THE NATION 


Dear Friends: 
emir? 
we 
epee 
For many years in this space it was my father’s habit to, first of all, say, “Thank _ 
You” for the orders you had sent to him. I certainly want to do that, too, and it can 
be a big “thank you” because we have had the best year in the company’s history. 
I am especially grateful and proud since it is the first year we have been without 
the advice and counsel of my father, founder of this business. His principles, the 
things he stood for, are the guide posts we all follow. He was a stickler for Quality. 
He believed in giving Honest Value. And I have heard him say many times that it 
is a fine thing to sweeten Quality and Honest Value with F. riendly Service. All of us 
seed house folks are hewing close to those lines as we carry on. 
As the new season for planting and seeding opens up, we have ample stocks of 
most everything. But, the long drouth of late Summer cut production of some things 
and we don’t know when we will have to start saying “sold out.” So, we urge our 
friends to order early. It is the one sure way of getting exactly what you want. 
» 
And there is an even better reason for you to send your order right away. The 
earlier you plant your trees and bushes and nursery plants, the sooner they get 
started. They gain extra weeks of growth and development. They reward you with 
earlier fruiting and larger, more abundant bloom. We reward you, too, for early 
Nursery Orders as you can see by the fine premiums across the page. 
A Promise Repeated 
You can be sure we will do everything possible to deserve the orders you send 
us. Our guarantee of your complete satisfaction stands just as it has stood for over 
a quarter of a century. We want your business, and your good will and hope you will 
recommend us to your friends and neighbors. 
And remember you help us to give better service and you help yourself to 
earlier growth and development of the nursery stock you plant... when you order 
early. 
Sincerely, 
EDWARD MAY 
See the fine premiums for early nursery 
orders across the page and don’t miss the 
extra premiums for your garden seed or- 
ders listed on Page 25. 




Zs 
plete tides? |. | 
VEGETABLE GARDENING BOOKLET 
You will find complete instructions on how to Prepare, plant, 
and cultivate your vegetable garden in this 32- -page booklet. 
Sound, practical help. Lawn and Flower Seed culture are also 
given. Sent free with your order for Vegetable Seed, Flower 
Seed, or Lawn Grass Seed. (Extra copies are 10c each.) 
NURSERY PLANTING BOOKLET 
Radio Station KMA 
Every week-day, the year ‘round, 
KMA brings you a world of infor- 
mation on the planting and care of 



Flowers, Fruits and Vegetables. 
This 32-page booklet brings you practical, easy-to-follow in- Tune to KMA, 960 in the center 
structions on the planting and care of Shrubs, Perennials, of your dial, for programs especial- 
Bulbs, Berry Plants, Shade and Fruit Trees. It is sent free I 1 a hel h 
with your order for nursery stock. (Extra copies are 10c y plann to help you have more 
FARL E MAY SEED CO- 
SHOINANDOAH® Hawa 
cach, ) beautiful lawns and yards ... 
more fruitful orchards and gardens. 


Copyright Earl E. May Seed Co. 1948 
