THE HOUSE OF ABEL... ano ITS MESSAGE TO YOU

Time marches on, For fourteen years we have been issu- ing this catalog for your help and guidance in selecting your spring and fall plantings. Each year we not only endeavor to list the new offerings in the seed world, but to include infor- mation which will be of assistance to the planter.

As a part of our service, we extend to each and every cus- tomer the privilege of calling upon us with their planting problems. We endeavor to solve all the problems presented, regardless of how difficult they may be. Should we be unable to supply the information immediately, it is ever our pleasure to do some research work for the benefit of our customers. All of which is offered FREE.

Our aim has always been, and always will be, to serve well all those who help to contribute to our suecess—our custom- ers. All orders, and all requests, large or small, receive our very best attention.

In SEEDS, BULBS, and SUPPLIES, we offer you ouly the highest quality obtainable, because we only deal with rep- utable growers and manufacturers, so that their guarantee augments our own.

Thanks to all our customers for their liberal support and patronage, for they have made possible this thirteenth catalog. If you have been well served by the HOUSE OF ABEL, your neighbors and friends will welcome a word from you not only about ABEL’S QUALITY SEEDS but also about ABEL’S SERVICE. These two, quality and service, we have united for better business through you. Accept, please, our grateful

appreciation. he lkexPAL Ltfel

ORDER EARLY

We will appreciate it if our customers will send us their orders for seeds, plants, bulbs, ete., during January and February. Your order can be filled at once and held for shipment when you wish same. No charge is made for boxes or packing, except for two bushel bags which are charged at cost and may be returned to us for credit.

SHIPPING INSTRUCTIONS

Always state by what method you wish goods forwarded, otherwise we will ship according to our best judgment.

HOW TO SEND CASH

We prefer that you send either Post Office Money Order, check or Express Money Order for amounts above 50c and stamps, Money Order or check for less.

NON-WARRANTY

Wilbert N. Abel of Abel’s Seed House gives no warranty, express or implied, as to description, quality, productiveness, or any other matter of any seeds, bulbs or plants they sell and will not be responsible for the crop. If the customer does not accept the goods on these terms they are at once to be returned and the amount paid for them will be refunded.

The war has created a severe shortage of many varieties of seeds. Some seed replacements will be

impossible to obtain, while others will be at much

higher prices. Therefore, we suggest you order your seeds early. Due to conditions existing beyond our control, prices are subject to change without notice.

The photographs show several trial patches on ABEL’S ACRES.

[t's The Crop That Counts

—is what we have been heralding ever since we started in business over fourteen years ago.

With the idea of serving our customers better, we are now conducting a series of experiments yearly at ABEL’S ACRES, located near Stonersville, Pennsylvania. Here new varieties of seeds are tested for adaptability to our soil and climate, and only the best are selected and offered to the trade. Also seeds more familiar to us

are experimented with in the hope of find- ing some procedure by which the crop can be increased.

These experiments enable us to become more familiar with the best seeds for this locality, proper treatment of soils, and give us authentic information which we can pass along to you.

Our aim has always been to purchase seeds for you of the highest quality and

vitality. Now we know definitely what ABEL’S SEEDS should do for you through our experiments.

In purchasing ABEL’S SEEDS you get the best and they cost no more than or- dinary seeds. You know that the cost of good seed is small, if you get a BETTER AND LARGER CROP, which brings us right back to our opening sentence—IT’S THE CROP THAT COUNTS.

“It’s the Crop that Counts”

ABEL’S SEED HOUSE, READING, PA.

Abel’s Quality Vegetable Seeds

Martha Washington

ASPARAGUS

MARTHA WASHINGTON RUST-RESISTANT ASPARAGUS. A variety bred up by the U. S. Department of Agriculture, at Washington, D. C., from a careful selection of plants of the Washington variety, and is now more popular and more widely grown than any other. It produces large, beautiful, straight, dark green tender shoots of the most delicious flavor.

Large Two-Year-Old Roots of Genuine Martha Washington. Doz. 40c; 50 roots, $1.35; 100, $2.00; 1,000, $12.00.

Martha Washington Seed—Can have a light cutting in 3 years. Pkt. 5c; oz. 15c; YWlb. 40c; Ylb. 70c; lb. $1.25.

BEANS

Plant beans after all danger of frost is passed, in warm, dry, well prepared soil. the seeds covered 14% to 2 inches deep. Thin the young plants to 8 to 6 inches apart in the rows.

The rows should be 2 to 3 feet apart and

Shallow cultivation should be frequent until blossoming; then stop to avoid injury to the roots. (Root injury causes the blossoms to fall off.) For succession plant every 2 weeks until mid-summer. Frequent picking of the crop insures long bearing. One quart of seed sows 100 feet, and 60 pounds sows 1 acre.

BUSH BEANS

NOTICE In most every case a quart of beans equals two pounds.

GREEN-PODDED

ABEL’S TENDERGREEN. Height 15 inches, dark coarse vines. Six inch round string- less green pod. Season 56 days to table. Apt. 15c; pt. 25c; at. 45c; pk. $3.00; bus. $10.00.

ABEL’S PLENTIFUL. Similar to Bountiful, except the pods are slightly thicker, a trifle longer and a little darker green. The seed is black

and the pods are straight and string- less. Season—50 days. IApt. 15¢; pt. 25c; qt. 45c; pk. $3.00; bus. $10.00.

BURPEE’S GREEN STRINGLESS. Pods round, slightly curved, stringless, 5 inches long. Very productive; 54 days from planting to table.

Apt. 15c; pt. 25c; at. 45c; pk. $3.00; bus. $10.00.

GIANT STRINGLESS. Round, nearly straight, stringless, light green pods 6 zngnes long; 56 days from planting to table.

Yypt. 15c; pt. 25c; gt. 45c; pk. $3.00; bus. $10.00.

BOUNTIFUL. Pods semi-round, straight, stringless; sweet flavor. 7% inches long. ppt. 15c; pt. 25c; at. 45c; pk. $3.00; bus. $10.00.

. LANDRETH’S STRINGLESS GREEN POD.

Pods 6 to 7 inches fairly straight, round,

dark green, stringless. Season 54 days.

Yept. 15c; pt. 25c; gt. 45c; pk. $3.00;

bus. $10.00.

SHELL

RED KIDNEY. A drawf grower and very hardy. Pods 5 to 6 inches long. Season 62 days.

Yept. 15¢; pt. 25c; at. 45c; pk. $3.00; bus. $10.00.

WHITE KIDNEY. white-seeded. Apt. 15c; pt. 25c; qt. 45c; pk. $3.00; bus. $10.00.

WHITE MARROWFAT SOUP. Extra-fine Shell Bean. Pods large, flat, and straight, with 5 to 7 pure white seeds in each pod. Yapt. 15c; pt. 25c; qt. 45c; pk. $3.00; bus. $10.00.

DWARF HORTICULTURAL (Bird Egg). Used both as Snap and Shell Beans. Pods 4 to 5 inches long, thick, flat, stringless. Apt. 15c; pt. 25c; at. 45c; pk. $3.00; bus. $10.00.

ROBUST PEA BEANS (Navy Beans). Small, white baking Beans of extra-fine quality. lypt. 15c; pt. 25c; qt. 45c; pk. $3.00; bus. $10.00.

Same as above, only

WAX or YELLOW-PODDED

BURPEE’S BRITTLE WAX. One of the earliest of all Wax Beans. Vines are 15 inches high. Pods 5% inches long, round, slightly curved, stringless, deep yellow; 62 days from planting to table. inpt. 20c3) pt. 30c; at. 50c; pk. $3.25; bus. $11.00.

BURPEE’S ROUND-POD KIDNEY WAX. Very productive. Round pod, stringless. Apt. 20c; pt. 30c; qt. 50c; pk. $3.25; bus. $11.00.

BURPEE’S GERMAN BLACK WAX. Extra- fine, 6% inch round yellow pods. Seeds black, kidney-shape; 59 days from plant- ing to table. pt. 20c; pt. 30c; qt. 50c; pk. $3.25; bus. $11.00.

ABEL’S BOUNTIFUL WAX. An entirely stringless variety, with long, 6% inch flat handsome pods. A good yielder and

one of the best wax sorts. Matures in about 45 days.

i pt. 20c; pt. 30c; qt. 50c; pk. $3.25; bus. $11.00.

POLE BEANS

GREEN-PODDED Sow 1 quart to 150 hills

KENTUCKY WONDER. Pods so fleshy that they are greater in thickness than in breadth, being deeply creased and saddle- backed, very meaty, stringless when young and of finest quality, 7 to 9 inches long. Yept. 15¢c; pt. 25c; gt. 45c; pk. $3.00; bus. $10.00.

LAZY WIFE. A late variety excellent for snap-shorts or shelled. Pods about 6 inches long, thick, meaty, with fine flavor.

Apt. 15c; pt. 25c; gt. 45c; pk. $3.00; bus. $10.00.

SCARLET RUNNER. Mostly used as an or- namental climber but edible and may be cooked in same manner as other Snap Beans.

Apt. 15c; pt. 25c; qt. 45c; pk. $3.00; bus. $10.00. :

ABEL’S MAMMOTH HORTICULTURAL (Wooster Pole). We have an exceptionally fine, choice, large-seeded, large-podded, high-colored stock of these beans. They are the true old-fashioned type, hard to be found. : pt. 20c; pt. 30c; qt. 50c; pk. $3.50; bus. $12.00.

TENNESSEE WONDER (Egg Harbor Pole). A moderately prolific green podded sort, very similar to Kentucky Wonder, though earlier. The blossom is purple. The pods are extremely fleshy, twisted, and about 9 inches long. Without doubt one of the best vining varieties.

Apt. 15¢; pt. 25c; qt. 40c; pk. $2.75; bus. $9.50.

WAX-PODDED

GOLDEN CLUSTER. Sweet, tasty, brittle pods, 6% to 7% inches long; perfectly straight and flat, of fine quality.

Ippt. 20c; pt. 30c; qt. 50c; pk. $3.50; bus. $12.00.

KENTUCKY WONDER WAX. Pods 8 to 9 inches long, thick, almost straight, of a light yellow color and very good flavor. Iypt. 20c: pt. 30c; gt. 50c; pk. $3.50; bus. $12.00.

Abel’s Plentiful

Page one

ABEL’S SEED HOUSE, READING, PA.

Vegetable Seeds

LIMA BEANS BUSH

Sow 1 quart to 150 feet of row

Abel’s Nu-Green Lima. The new Bush Lima that is different and has real merit. Entirely new and different. Strong, stocky bush with big root- system. Small pod like a Baby Lima but Bean large, thick, Potato type. Will stand cold and wet weather in the spring much better than other large-seeded Limas. Will stand ex- treme heat in summer much better than other large-seeded Limas. Green-seeded, retaining a green tint when cooked. Dry seed small and shriveled, like a sugar pea, requiring less seed for planting than other large-seeded lLimas. By weight, larger percentage of Beans and less percentage of pods than other large- seeded lLimas. Unusually sweet flavor, different from any other Lima.

t Very prolific. pt. 20c; pt. 30c; at. 50c; pk. $3.50; bus. $12.00.

Fordhook Bush. Pods borne in clusters of 4 to 8, each measuring 4 tu 5 inches by 1% to 1% inches wide, and quite often % inch thick, with 4 ao 5 sweet, delicious Beans to a pod. .

Y% pt. 20c; pt. 30c; at. 50c; pk. $3.50; bus. $12.00.

Burpee’s Improved Bush. Pods enor- mous (5 to 6 inches long by 1% inches wide), borne abundantly, and well filled with Beans larger and thicker than most Bush Limas and fully 8 days earlier. Matures in 85 to 95 days from date of sowing. apt. 20c3; pt. 30c; qt. 50c; pk. $3.50; bus. $12.00.

Henderson’s Bush. A _ small-podded, very early Sieva or Butter Bean of the South, growing in bush form. Apt. 20c3 pt. 30c; qt. 50c; pk. $3.50; bus. $12.00.

Dreer’s Bush. Dwarf form of Dreer’s Improved or Challenger Lima. ppt. 20c; pt. 30c; at. 50c; pk. $3.50; bus. $12.00.

Italian Fava. A bean similar to the English broad beans and very popular among the Italian trade. They are very late and produce a fine crop of dark green pods seven or eight inches long. They are much hardier than other beans and should be pianted early in the spring. Average four to six beans to a pod. lb. 15c; Ib. 25c; 5 lbs. $1.00.

POLE

Sow 1 quart to 150 hills

Dreer’s Pole. In some sections this variety is called Challenge or Potato Lima. Plants strong, medium late and very productive. Pods contains 4 or 5 thick light green beans, and shells out more beans from a given number of pods than any other pole lima bean. pt. 15¢; pt. 25c; gt. 40c; pk. $3.00; bus. $11.00.

King of the Garden. Pods contain 4 or 5 Beans of excellent quality, easily shelled and of handsome appearance. lApt. 15¢; pt. 25c; at. 40c; pk. $3.00; bus. $11.00.

Burpee’s Giant-podded. One of the largest-podded Pole Limas, meas- uring 7 to 8 inches long and 1% inches wide. Beans extra large, of superb flavor. Vines grow 10 to 12 feet high.

Apt. 15c;3 pt. 25c; qt. 45c; pk. $3.25; bus. $12.00.

BROCCOLI

SPROUTING

Calabrese. Italian Green Sprouting Broccoli makes a large head of bright green, tender sprouts, which are cooked like Spinach or Brussels Sprouts and have a most delectable flavor. Sow the seed in May and harvest in August. .

Pkt. 10c; oz. 25c; oz. 40c; 4 ozs. $1.15; Yalb. $1.80;. lb. $3.25.

WINTER

St. Valentine. Large, white-headed varieties of splendid appearance and finest quality. Looks like Cauliflower but it requires a long season and cool weather.

Pkt. 10c; oz. 25c; oz. 40c; 4 ozs. $1.20; lb. $2.20; Ib. $4.00.

BRUSSELS SPROUTS

Oue ounce of seed will plant a ak 200 feet long and make 2000 to 3000 plants

Fordhook Bush Lima

Long Island Improved. A choice variety grown extensively on Long Island for the New York market, where it always brings a good price. Compact plants. 20 in. tall, with solid heavy sprouts measur- ing 1% to 1% in. in diameter.

Pkt. 10c; oz. 35c.

Page two

Berk’s Favorite

BEETS

Sow 1 ounce to 50 feet of drill; 5 to 6 pounds per acre

Seed should be sown at the rate of one ounce to 100 feet of row. The rows should be spaced 18 to 24 inches apart. Work the soil well and cover the seeds about an inch deep. A rich sandy loam is most favorable but nearly all types of soil will produce beets if sufficiently fertilized and properly tilled.

When the seedlings are about an inch tall it is well to thin them to about one-half inch apart. Then they can be allowed to grow 5 or 6 inches when the alternate plants in the row may be pulled and used for greens. This practice can be repeated as often as the roots touch in the rows or until they reach good table size. Beets are usually most tender and succulent when about 2 inches in diameter.

By planting at intervals of two to three weeks until July a regular supply of greens and beets may be had until late fall. The roots from the later plantings may be stored and kept for winter use.

Abel’s Early Wonder. Roots nearly globe-shaped, of uniform size with little foliage. Skin deep red; flesh dark red with little zoning Pkt. 10c; oz. 20c; Ylb. 65c; YWelb. $1.25; lb. $2.25.

Berk’s Favorite Beet. 56 to 58 days. A pedigreed stock, the result of many years of pure-line breeding; unsurpassed in earli- ness, uniformity, and in depth of interior color. Tops medium, erect, uniform in size and color. Roots semi-globular, deep red, smooth, with small neck and tap root. Flesh purplish red with zones of slightly lighter shade; tender, and of excellent quality.

Pkt. 10c; oz. 20c; %4lb. 65c; Yolb. $1.25; lb. $2.25.

Burpee’s Red Ball. Particularly fine beet which is remarkable for its uniform shape, deep colored flesh, and fine sweet flavor. The roots are perfectly globe-shaped, growing to three inches in diameter and having a smooth deep red skin. The flesh is also extremely dark red, free from woody fiber, and very tasty. May be used while still quite young or left to reach full size. The quality is always the finest. Desirable for home or market. ,

Pkt. 10c; oz. 20c; %%4lb. 65c;" Alb. $1.25; lb. $2.25.

Famous Black Knight Beet. Unexcelled in quality, shape and color. Has the color that is desired and that denotes quality—deepest dark red all the way through. In addition to its very desirable deep dark color, it is of very superior quality, richly flavored, and is very smooth, clean, and of a very uniform shape and size, bunch- ing up-attractively. The seed we have for you has been produced from very specially selected stock-seed, bred by years of selection for color, quality, and shape.

Ptk. 10c; oz. 25c; lb. 85c; lb. $1.50; lb. $2.75.

Harrisburg Market. Finest extra-early beet. Dark red color all the way through; tender, highly flavored flesh; smooth clean skin; shape extremely uniform. This is the very best first-early beet. For many years this very excellent beet has been grown almost exclusively by the market-gardeners of all our city markets here for first early, and it has become the leading early beet in many city markets. Ptk. 10c; oz. 25c; lb. 85c; lb. $1.50; lb. $2.75.

Crosby’s Egyptian. An improved strain of Egyptian Beet. Rich dark red flesh, crisp and tender. An excellent early sort. Pkt. 10c; oz. 20c; “lb. 65c; Yelb. $1.25; lb. $2.25.

Detroit Dark Red. Skin dark blood-red; flesh bright red, very tender and sweet. Fine round shape. Excellent for main crop. Pkt. 10c; oz. 20c; %41b. 65c; YWlb. $1.25; Ib. $2.25.

Abel’s New Half-Long. One of the finest half-long Beets on the market Flesh deep maroon-red, approaching black, free from oning.

Pkt. 10c; oz. 20c; Ylb. 65c; lb. $1.25; lb. $2.25.

“When Planting ABEL’S Seeds I know what I'm going to reap.”

Abel’s New Century Beet

“No other strain like it.”

This most excel- lent main crop beet still holds first place among the growers in Berks and Lan- caster Counties as well as the eastern part of Pennsyl- vania for its superb table qualities. The root is turnip or top shaped, tends to show considerable sideroot but not so much as some stock that we have seen of the variety is blood-red interior color, as a rule showing little or no Zonation and cooks a very deep, dark red. The tops or leaves are a con- spicuously green top without a trace of any red coloring either in the leaves or stems, showing considerable foliage and standing somewhat taller than most varieties of garden Pin 20 25c; Yalb Vplb

. Cc; OZ. C; - 85ce5 lb, $1.50; Ib. $2.75. as

Following is a copy of one of the hun- dreds of testimonials we have received.

Abel’s New Century Beet I tried out last year is the best winter beet I ever raised. I still have a good many stored for the market and

they are just as tender as they were in the fall.

MANGEL-WURZEL and SUGAR BEETS

Mammoth Lond Red. Enormous roots, averaging 30 to 50 tons per acre. Pkt. 5c; oz. 10c; Alb. 20c; Yelb. 30c; lb. 50c; 5 lbs. $2.25.

Abel’s New Century Beet

Golden Tankard. Bright yellow; large. Tends to give color to milk. Pkt. 5c; oz. 10c; lb. 20c; Yelb. 30c; lb. 50c; 5 lbs. $2.25.

Mangel-Wurzel

CABBAGE

One ounce of seed will produce about 3000 plants

For early cabbage in the North, plants may be started indoors or under glass as early as March Ist. They should be spaced 3 inches apart both ways when pricked out into boxes and should be gradually hardened off by exposure to cooler outdoor conditions. They may be transplanted in the open as soon as the ground can be properly prepared. In sections of the country where winters are not severe, seed may be planted as late as September. Such plantings will produce heads during the winter and early spring. One of our specialties. No better seed is obtainable than our pure bred strains.

Early Jersey Wakefield. Standard early variety. Conical heads with few outside leaves. Pkt. 10c; oz. 25c; Ylb. 85c; Yelb. $1.50; lb. $2.75.

Early Winnigstadt. Conical heads of very good quality. Pkt. 10c; oz. 25c; lb. 85c; Yelb. $1.50; lb. $2.75.

Abel’s Golden Acre. Similar to the popular Copenhagen Market, but smaller and earlier, with uniform, tightly folded, well-balanced heads.

Pkt. 10c; oz. 55c; 141b. $2.00; Yolb. $3.75; lb. $6.75.

Copenhagen Market. Very early. Round head; short-stemmed. Pkt. 10c; oz. 50c; 441b. $1.75; lb. $3.00; lb. $5.50.

Danish Ballhead Tall Stem or Hollander. A tall stemmed variety im- ported from Denmark. It has an extremely solid head, unexcelled keeping qualities and stands shipping well. Produces very heavy

heads. Pkt. 10c; oz. 50c; Wlb. $1.75; Yelb. $3.00; lb. $5.50.

Danish Ballhead Short Stem. Very round, solid winter sort. A fine

shipper. Pkt. 10c; oz. 50c; Y%4lb. $1.75; Yelb. $3.00; lb. $5.50.

Large Late Flat Dutch. Heads large and solid, with few outer leaves. Pkt. 10c; oz. 30c; lb. $1.10; Yelb. $2.00; 1b. $3.75.

Penn State Ballhead All-America Selections—Award of Merit

Late American Drumhead. Savory leaf. One of the largest and best keeping varieties. Pkt. 10c; oz. 30c; lb. $1.10; Yealb. $2.00; lb. $3.75.

Surehead. A super-heading sort, resembling Large Late Flat Dutch. PEt. 10c; oz. 20c; Ylb. 65c; Yolb. $1.15; Ib. $2.00.

Mammoth Red Rock. The largest Red Cabbage, with more solid heads than others. Pkt. 10c; oz. 55¢; Yalb. $2.00; Yelb. $3.75; lb. $6.75.

Holmes Houser Cabbage. A main crop or winter storage cabbage, developed in Pennsylvania. It has a head varying from round to bluntly pointed, with a distinct type of foliage and a very small core; it is extremely hardy, doing well under difficult conditions; it develops a medium sized head with splendid keeping qualities. Pkt. 10c; 0z. 55c; 14lb. $2.00; Yelb. $3.75; Ib. $6.75.

Penn State Ballhead. This cabbage is the product of Dr. C. E.

Myers of the Pennsylvania State College; it is of the Danish Ball Head type, but is somewhat larger and a trifle flatter than the usual ball-head type; it is a splendid main crop and winter storage cabbage, probably yielding the largest tonnage of any main crop cabbage. Our stock of this variety is certified, being sold in sealed packages with the recommendation of the Pennsylvania State College. Pkt. 10c; oz. 55c; lb. $2.00; Yolb. $3.75; lb. $6.75.

Yellows Resistant Cabbage

“*Yellows-Resistant’’ strains introduced by the Wisconsin Agricul- tural Experimental Station so that cabbages could be grown in localities where infected ‘‘cabbage-yellows’’ soil had prevented non-resistant varieties from producing a crop. If you live in such a locality and have had trouble, try the following varieties.

Early Jersey Wakefield. An improved strain especially selected for ‘‘vellows-resistance.’’ The heads are of conical form, with a broad base and pointed top. Compact plants and very productive. About the first of this group to mature.

Pkt. 10c; oz. 50c; Ylb. $1.75.

Golden Acre. New ‘‘yellows-resistant’’ Golden Acre. Medium size, solid, round heads about six inches across; two weeks earlier than Marion Market. Plants are short-stemmed, of erect uniform growth, and have grayish green leaves.

Pkt. 10c; oz. 50c; %4lb. $1.75.

Wisconsin All Seasons. Bred from All Seasons and has inherited all the good qualities of that excellent cabbage. It is said to be the hardiest of all flat-head variefies and is much in demand for making kraut. Stands hot weather well.

Pkt. 10c; oz. 50c; %41b. $1.75.

Wisconsin Hollander. Developed from the famous Danish Ballhead but requires about 10 days longer to come to maturity. Heads are large, round, flattened on top but quite deep.

Pkt. 10c; oz. 50c; Ylb. $1.75.

Copenhagen Market

Page three

ABEL’S SEED HOUSE, READING, PA.

Chinese or Celery Cabbage

Not a true cabbage; resembles Cos lettuce somewhat. May be served like lettuce, or, when shredded, makes a delicious cole slaw. Boiled, it is far more palatable than ordinary cabbage. Where summers are cool, seed may be sown in spring, but in the vicinity of Philadelphia, seeds sown early in August have proved to give the best results. Makes full-size heads in about 70 days after sowing.

Pe-Tsai. Large, light green outer leaves. The thick, pure white heart is tender, juicy, and has an agreeably pungent flavor. Heads grow 10 to 12 inches tall.

Pkt. 10c; oz. 50c; Wylb. $1.75.

Wong Bok. Short, broad, tightly folded, well-balanced heads 8 to 10 inches high. Excellent quality, crisp and delicious. Pkt. 10c; oz. 50c; %4lb. $1.75.

Chihli. Deserves to be largely planted, as it is an early and sure- heading Chinese Cabbage, growing 18 to 20 inches tall and about 3% to 4 inches thick. The firm, well-blanched, white heads taper near the top. Leaves are broad, smooth and fringed at the edges. For market and roadside sales, Chihli is extensively grown, for the large attractive heads.

Pkt. 10c; oz. 60c; %lb. $2.00.

CARROTS

One ounce of seed will sow 200 feet of row

For several generations the carrot has been one of the common garden vegetables but only in recent years has it become to be recognized as one of the most nutritious and wholesome foods. Health authorities assert that carrots contain in high degree those elements which constitute a nourishing article of diet. The plant has no se- rious insect enemies and is rarely sub- ject to disease. The culture of carrots is easy, being practically the same as that of beets. When practicable it is best to plant them in soil that has been richly fertilized the previous sea- son. Freshly manured soil will often produce divided roots. Plant the seed one-half inch deep in loose, well-pre- pared soil, making rows 16 to 24 inches apart. Cultivate as soon as the plants are well established and thin to 2 to 4 inches in the row according to the size of the variety. Plantings may be made from early spring until mid- June. For winter storage the later date is advisable.

Abel’s Golden Rod or Tender-

sweet—Imperator. 77 days. An outstanding type bred for market garden use, and for shipping. Tops medium but strong enough for bunching. Roots have _ sloping shoulders, smooth, deep rich orange.

Uniformly tapered to a semiblunt

end. Flesh rich orange color, fine

grained, tender and of excellent

Pkt. 10c; oz. 40c; lb. $1.50; Yelb. $2.85; Ib. $5.50.

Abel’s Red-Cored Chantenay. In size and shape this is practically the same as the old type but it has a darker, more attractive outside color and is decidedly superior in inside color and quality. It was bred to produce roots with smaller cores having the same deep orange color as the surrounding flesh, and in breeding for these qualities we also produced a more delicately flavored and sweeter Carrot. It is a few days earlier than the parent Chan- tenay.

Pkt. 10c; oz. 40c; lb. $1.50; Ylb. $2.85; lb. $5.50.

Abel’s Nantes. It is unsurpassed in quality, sweet, mild, is long, cylin- drical, averages 7 inches long, 1% inch thick. Color orange scarlet. Core is so undefined that it is called coreless,

Pkt. 10c; oz. 60c; lb. $2.15; Alb. $4.00; lb. $7.25.

Danvers Half-long. Large roots of good quality. Productive. One of the most popular sorts. Pkt. 10c; oz. 40c; Y%lb. $1.50; Ylb. $2.85; lb. $5.50.

Long Orange. The best variety for garden and field crops. Pkt. 10c; oz. 40c; %4lb. $1.50; Wlb. $2.85; lb. $5.50:

Pride of Denmark. A cross between the two well known varieties Nantes and Chantenay, this novelty unites the good qualities of both. Our Pride of Denmark will stand storing and shipping, at the same time retaining flavor and crispness of Nantes. The long obtuse cylindrical roots are, when grown in the proper soil, abso- lutely smooth, of a beautiful scarlet color, and practically coreless. Pkt. 10c; 02. 60c; %4lb. $2.15; lb. $4.00; lb. $7.25.

Page four

Imperator All-America Selectiono— Award of Merit

Vegetable Seeds

CELERY

One ounce will sow about 300 feet of row and produce about 5000 plants

A row of celery in the home garden will supply a family with a delicious vegetable until late in the fall. Its hardy qualities and adaptability to various soils and weather conditions make it a very desirable crop to grow.

Excellent results are obtained from constantly moist, rich, well prepared soil. Celery seed will sprout at comparatively low tempera: tures but requires constant and abundant moisture. It is slow to germinate and even under favorable conditions cannot be expected to start within 2 weeks. For fall and winter use in the North, celery may be planted from March 15th to April 15th. Plantings in other sections can be governed accordingly. The soil for starting plants should be fine and loose and seed must be covered only % inch deep. Prick out about 3 inches apart each way when seedlings have 3 or 4 leaves started. Keep the soil well moistened at all times and transplant to open ground when plants are 75 to 90 days old. Space the rows according to the methods of blanching. 5 to 7 feet are required for soil blanching and 2 to 4 feet for other methods. Set the plants 8 to 12 inches apart to the row. To avoid pithiness or rotting of the stalk do not cover for blanching during warm weather. :

Emperor (Fordhook). Dwarf, stocky variety, with large, light yellow heart; very crisp, good keeper.

Pkt. 10c; %40z. 15c; oz. 25c; oz. 45c; Yalb. $1.60.

Abel’s Golden Plume. Very early, beautiful golden yellow Celery of most delicious flavor. Its fine appearance, earliness, and high quality have made it most popu- lar for home and market.

Pkt. 15c; Yeoz. 40c; oz. 75c; lb. $2.75.

Abel’s Houser. The choice of thou- sands of celery growers as the best green celery. We say un- hesitatingly that Houser Celery is, in our opinion, absolutely the best green celery without ex- cepting any. It is simply deli- cious. You never tasted a green celery that can compare with Houser in its sweet, luscious, rich, nutty flavor. When blanched it becomes a beautiful creamy white, full of hearts, and every stem of it to the outside is delicious. It is not surpassed as a good keeper, and is the leading green celery in every market as fast as it is introduced.

Pkt. 10c; %4,0z. 60c; Yoz. $1; oz. $2; Wslb. $6.

Abel’s Wonderful. An unusually thick-set compact Celery which attains exceptional weigee: We have seen twelve stalks that weighed 72 pounds. It is a week earlier than Paris Golden, has no soft stalks, is free from strings, and is a perfect ship- per. In making our selection, we have not sacrificed the girth in order to lengthen the first joint. Pkt. 10c; Yoz. 15c; Y%oz. 25c; oz. 45c; lb. $1.60.

Salt Lake. Also called Utah. The standard green celery. Green celery is superior to yellow both in quality and flavor. Salt Lake is outstanding in this respect. The stalks are large yet tender and with very little fiber and with a thick well developed heart. There are practically no soft stalks, which is unusual with green celery. This celery blanches quicker than many green varieties and when blanched is pure white, very crisp, brittle and altogether of the finest flavor. The firm hard stalks keep well and we can highly recommend this celery for winter storage.

Pkt. 10c; %,0z. 25c; oz. 80c; lb. $2.55.

Easy-blanching. A medium-dwarf sort that blanches very easily. Of good flavor and a fine keeper. Pkt. 10c; 02. 30c; oz. 50c; lb. $1.75.

Giant Pascal. Stalks solid, crisp with golden yellow heart. Pkt. 10c; 02. 25c; oz. 45c; lb. $1.60.

Golden Self-blanching. Crisp, tender, and of fine flavor. Pkt. 15c; Yeoz. 45c; oz. 80c; %lb. $2.75.

White Plume. Valuable early variety that requires very little blanching. Pkt. 10c; oz. 25c; oz. 45c; Wlb. $1.60.

Winter Queen (Schumacher). Very large, solid green winter variety

that blanches well. Pkt. 10c; Yeoz. 25c; oz. 45c; Mlb. $1.60.

CELERIAC (Turnip-rooted Celery)

Giant Prague. Roots of good size, round, smooth, with small tops. Pkt. 15c; Yoz. 45c; oz. 80c.

CHICORY

Witloof, French Endive. Sow in May or June in drills; thin out or transplant 6 inches apart. Cultivate the same as endive. In the fall, hill up, to blanch the bases of the leaves.

Pkt. 15c; 0z. 75c.

Abel’s Fordhook Emperor

“I thought I was saving when I planted cheap seeds.”

ABEL’S SEED HOUSE, READING, PA.

SWEET CORN

Sow 1% pounds to 200 hills; 12 pounds for an acre.

Golden Cross Bantam

ABEL’S HYBRID SWEET CORN

Hybrid corns are of value because of their uniformity of growth and maturity, vigor, high yield and resistance to Stewart’s disease or bacterial wilt. To produce Hybrid sweet corn crosses between an inbred strain and a standard variety or crossing two inbreds must be done each year. Seed saved from hybrids will not come true to type the following year. You must get new seed each year.

Golden Cross Bantam. 85 days. Bred for wilt resistance, high yield and the best quality. Grows 7 to 8 ft. tall. Usually two ears 7% to 8 in. long each with 10 to 14 rows of light golden kernels are produced to each stalk. 1A1b. 35c; lb. 60c; 2 lbs. $1.10; 5 lbs. $2.25.

Abel’s Top Flight Bantam. 83 days. Yellow. Kernels extremely ten- der, flavorful, productive. No corn in this maturity has the com- bination of such high yield and excellent quality. Length of ears 10 in. Stalks 7 ft. in height. 16-18 rows of golden yellow kernels. Alb. 35c; lb. 60c; 2 lbs. $1.10; 5 lbs. $2.25.

Abel’s Tendergold. Several days earlier than Golden Bantam, usually double the yield. Absolute peak in tenderness and succulence. Holds two or three days longer than other corns. Wilt resistant. 12 rows to the cob. Stalks 8 ft. high, ears 8 in. long. About 75 days. 14A1b. 35c; lb. 60c; 2 lbs. $1.10; 5 lbs. $2.25.

Silver Cross Hybrid Bantam. This is the variety of corn that we passed out samples last season and which has made a name for itself. A very sweet white corn, maturity 82 days, length of ears 6% inches long 12 to 14 rows—very high in sugar content, the most outstanding white sweet corn of the Hybrid class.

Alb. 35c; lb. 60c; 2 lbs. $1.10; 5 lbs. $2.25.

Stowell’s Evergreen Hybrid. 90 days. You’ve tried yellow hybrids, now test this variety of the Stowell’s type. Stalks grow 8 to 10 ft. high, ears measure 7% to 8% in. long, with 14 to 18 rows of deep narrow kernels which are tender and sweet.

Y41b. 35c; lb. 60c; 2 lbs. $1.10; 5 lbs. $2.25.

Golden Bantam. America’s favorite Sweet Corn. One of the sweetest Sweet Corns in existence. Has a rich, sweet and buttery flavor. Can be sown a week before any other variety. Ears are 5 to 6 inches long and closely set with deep, broad, luscious, golden yellow ker- nels.

Apt. 10c; pt. 15c; qt. 30c; pk. $2.00; bus. $7.50.

Golden Sunshine. An early yellow variety having splendid ears of excellent quality and flavor. 10-12 rowed, height of stalk 5 to 6 feet. Length of ear 6% to 7 inches. Planting to eating stage, 76

ays. Yept. 10c; pt. 15c; qt. 30c; pk. $2.00; bus. $7.50.

Gill’s Early Golden Market. An early golden variety, producing ears 9 inches long, with 12 or 14 rows. Grains large, sweet, of excellent quality. Two weeks earlier than Golden Bantam.

Yapt. 10c; pt. 15c; gt. 30c; pk. $2.00; bus. $7.50.

Aunt Mary’s Corn. Stalk 8% feet with fairly heavy, very strong, even, broad leaf growth; ears 8 inches, very slender, with a very small cob, generally 8 rows with medium deep, medium broad, pure white kernels, very sweet and tender. Has a very heavy, long, close

husk, and will hold for weeks after becoming fit to eat. Maturity,

95 days. I41b. 30c; lb. 50c; 2 lbs. 90c; 5 lbs. $1.80; 10 lbs. or more at 338c per lb.

Golden Country Gentleman (Shoe Peg). Very productive, and one of the sweetest of sweet corns. Midseason variety with ears 7 to 8 inches long and irregular kernels.

Lb. 35c; 2 lbs. 60c; 5 Ibs. $1.25; 10 Ibs. $2.25.

Golden Evergreen. Best and sweetest sugar corn of the late varieties. Better than Golden Bantam, a cross of Golden Bantam and Stowell’s Evergreen retaining the quality of the Bantam and re- markable tenderness.

Apt. 10c; pt. 20c; qt. 35c; pk. $2.50; bus. $9.00.

Whipple’s Early Yellow. Deservedly popular as a large eared second early sort, for home and market garden. Stalk sturdy and erect, ears 12 to 14 rowed. Strong husks, well filled at tips. Kernels golden yellow, fairly deep, sweet and of good flavor. Stalks 6%

% pound equals 1 pint; 1% pounds equal 1 quart

to 7 feet tall—ears 7 to 7% inches long. Days from planting to eating stage, 84. Apt. 10c; pt. 20c; qt. 35c; pk. $2.50; bus. $9.00.

Golden Giant. Cross between Golden Bantam and Howling Mob. Matures a week after Golden Bantam. Delicious.

Yapt. 10c; pt. 20c; qt. 35c; pk. $2.50; bus. $9.00.

Dwarf Extra-early Adams. This is not a Sweet or Sugar Corn, and the distinction should be kept carefully in mind. However, it is of good flavor, quite sweet and tender when young. ypt. 10c; pt. 15c; qt. 30c; pk. $2.00; bus. $7.50.

Early Surprise. An outstanding early white sort. It surpasses others in ear size combined with extreme earliness. Very desirable for market gardeners for the earliest markets. Ears 8 to 12 rowed, well protected with strong husks. Stalks 4% to 5 feet tall—ears 6% to 7 inches long. Days from planting to eating stage, 72. pt. 10c; pt. 20c; qt. 35c; pk. $2.50; bus. $9.00.

Whipple’s Early White Sweet Corn. Stalks 5 to 6 feet high, of vigor- ous growth, with ears produced about 3 feet from the ground, often two to the stalk. Ears about 8 inches long, rather blocky in form, 16- to 18- and often 20-rowed, filled to the end with rather narrow, deep, wedge-shaped grains of pearly whiteness when green, with high sugar content.

Yapt. 10c; pt. 20c; qt. 35c; pk. $2.50; bus. $9.00.

Early Evergreen. Resembles Stowell’s Evergreen but ready for use much earlier and remains in good condition equally as long, Ears grow to a good size—nearly 7 inches long.

Apt. 10c; pt. 20c; qt. 35c; pk. $2.50; bus. $9.00.

White Evergreen. This is a splendid white main-crop Sweet Corn for market use and home gardens, The ears are large, closely set with pearly white grains of rich and luscious flavor. It is a heavy yielder. Has larger ears and is earlier maturing than Stowell’s Evergreen. Our stock is particularly fine. pt. 10c; pt. 20c; qt. 35c; pk. $2.50; bus. $9.00.

Stowell’s Evergreen. Ears 8 to 9 inches long, usually with 16 to 18 rows of long, slender grains, entirely free from glaze. pt. 10c; pt. 20c; qt. 35c; pk. $2.50; bus. $9.00.

Kendel’s Early Giant. A second early variety, several days earlier than Crosby. Ears average seven inches in length, thick through, with ten or more rows of large grains of rich, sugary flavor. lyApt. 10c; pt. 20c; qt. 35c; pk. $2.50; bus. $9.00.

Howling Mob. Ears 7 to 9 inches long, closely set with 12 to 14 rows of large, pearly white, very sweet grains. The earliest choice white corn.

Apt. 10c; pt. 20c; qt. 35c; pk. $2.50; bus. $9.00.

Early Mammoth. A late ripening second-early variety. The ears are of large size, tapering well toward the point; kernels large and very sweet.

IApt. 10c; pt. 20c; qt. 35c; pk. $2.50; bus. $9.00.

Late Mammoth. A large-eared variety, maturing after Stowell’s Ever- green.

Yypt. 10c; pt. 20c; qt. 35c; pk. $2.50; bus. $9.00.

Country Gentleman (Shoe-Peg). Very productive mid-season variety with ears 7 to 8 inches long and irregularly arranged kernels. Apt. 10c; pt. 20c; qt. 35c; pk. $2.50; bus. $9.00.

Black Mexican. Rightly popular for home and market garden use. Ears 8 rowed. Kernels tender, very sweet, white at eating stage, changing to blue black at maturity. Height of stalk 6 feet. Length of ears 7 to 7% inches. From planting to eating stage, 88 days. Apt. 10c; pt. 20c; qt. 35c; pk. $2.50; bus. $9.00.

POP CORN

Monarch White Rice. This is the best Pop Corn for home or market. Select ears. mlb. 15c; lb. 25c; 5 lbs. $1.05; 10 lbs. $1.95.

Queen’s Golden. Stalks grow 6 feet high, with large ears produced in abundance. It pops perfectly white and a single kernel will expand to a diameter of nearly one inch.

Yylb. 15c; lb. 25c; 5 lbs. $1.05; 10 lbs. $1.95.

CAULIFLOWER