SB 413 .S9 S9 Copy 1 TRIAL GROUNDS. OF SUNSET SEED & PLANT CO., SAN FRANCISCO. KEY TO FIGURES REPRESENTING STANDARD OF ECKFORD'S '96 AND 97 TRADE INTRODUCTIONS *Kig:. I - -Alice Eckford. H?ig. 2- -Countess of Shrewsbury *Fig. 3- - Little Dorritt. *Ki». 4- - Captivation. *FiSf. 5- -Countess of Aberdeen. tKiST. 6- - Prima Donna. tKiST. 7- - Lovely. *KiR. 8- -Mikado. tKig. 9- - mars. tKijf. io- - Royal Rose. tKig. ii- -Coquette. *Kig. 12 -Crown Jewel. * Eckford's Trade Introductions for 1896. t Eckford's Trade Introductions for 1897. >WEET Peas HSTES PR5jv\ThE TRIAL GR2UND5. OF SUNSET SEED & PLANT CO, SAN FRANCISCO. KEY TO FIGURES REPRESENTING STANDARD OF EGKFORD'S '96 AND 97 TRADE INTRODUCTIONS *Kig. i — Alice Ecltford. i fig. 2 — Countess of Shrewsbury. * Kijf . 3 — Little Dorritt. •Fig. 4 — Capti-vation. *Kig. 5 — Countess of Aberdeen. IFiR. 6-Frinia Donna. 1 KiS. 7 — Lovely. *Kig. 8 — Miltado. tKig. o — Mars. IFiR.io-Royal Rose. t Fig. ii — Coquette. * Fig. 12 — Crown Jewel. Fia.lZ. SWEET PEA REVIEW BY THE V SUNSET SEED AND PLANT CO. H SAN FRANCISCO 1896 THE MURDOCK PRESS A brief, definitely-worded Review of Sweet Peas must prove interesting to the horticultural world. Accuracy has been aimed at, and our conclusions, derived from the broad plane of practical experi- ence gained in our own seed-growing domain, are trustworthy. Copious notes and endless comparisons in our fields are here condensed into convenient and practical form, and, while not, perhaps, perfect in every respect, they will be found peculiarly convenient. It is our effort, by co-operation, to still further ennoble the charming Sweet Pea, and in pursuance of that end the present little publication, the fruit of recreative moments snatched from a busy life, is respectfully tendered to flower lovers by the Pioneer Sweet Pea Growers of California. October, J 896. S^ COPYRIGHT 1896, Q BY THE SUNSET SEED AND PLANT CO. 5°\ SWEET PEA REVIEW. Arranged in color-groups and classified according to type, the highest grandi- flora forms appearing first (other points being equal) in each group; with recommendations for the expulsion of the least desirable sorts. Critical notes made during Sweet Pea growing season, 1895-6. PURE WHITE. Blanche Burpee. — Pure white, of superior substance, large, finely formed; the true Eckford grandiflora type, producing three or four (seldom less) flowers on slender yet strong stems of good length. Growth vigorous; a profuse though some- what late bloomer, but its lateness is offset by continuity of bloom late in the season, and without deterioration — a strong point not possessed by all the higher types. Vitality of seed, weak at time of introduction, has, through California culture, been materially strengthened, and we now find ger- mination satisfactory. Deserving of high rank. Emily Henderson. — By far the best of the old-type whites; not so finely formed as Blanche Burpee; of pure color and good substance, bearing two or three (sometimes four) medium to large, bold, expanded flowers, on exceptionally long, stiff stems. Early, medium vigorous, medium florif- erous. Like Blanche Burpee and white-seeded varieties in general, its seed was at first of weak germination, but one year's growing in California appears to have wholly over- come lack of vitality. 4 SWEET PEA REVIEW. Mrs. Sankey. — A black-seeded white of fine form, and, when carefully selected, of pure color and remarkable substance, equal, if not superior, to any white, but unfortunately inclined, under certain conditions, to take on a pinkish hue. Stems often have four flowers — rarely less than three; a vigor- ous grower; profuse and medium early bloomer. Distinct from other whites in its pedicels being of a reddish tint. Alba Magnified. — A rather small-flowered white of the old type; standards explanate with notched apex; flower of fair sub- stance; stems of medium length and rigidity, often producing four flowers. An improvement over Queen of England, but inferior to the first-named varieties. Medium early. Queen of England. — Smallest and poorest of the whites; gen- erally bears three-flowered (frequently two-flowered) stems. Not a desirable variety, but one showing, by contrast, the won- derful advance made in Sweet Peas in the last decade, as brought up to the grandiflora type of to-day. It is suggested that the three last-named varieties (i. e. Mrs. Sankey, Alba Magnifica and Queen of England} be discarded from first-class lists, since the first two (i. e. Blanche Burpee and Emily Henderson) embody all desirable qualities to be found in the Sweet Pea. Growers are recommended to concentrate their attention on the still further improvement of the two whites named. APPRO ACHING SHADES OP YEL,L,OW. Mrs. Eckford. — Of perfect form, not quite so hooded as Blanche Btirpee; color delicate primrose tint, most effective when bunched. Stems often four-flowered, but shows to better advantage, we think, when three-flowered. Medium early; a good grower, not quite so profuse as Primrose, but in every other way its superior. Cannot be too highly recommended. n o > 73 > < M en H C U -1 O SUNSET SEED AND PLANT CO. 5 Primrose. — Inferior to Mrs. Eckford, in form principally, the objectionable notch on standard being more or less promi- nent. Standards explanate, sometimes slightly reflexed; size medium large. Perhaps a shade deeper than Mrs. Eckford, but by careful selection we believe a deeper tint can be obtained for Mrs. Eckford, and as it already possesses good form, we would suggest the expulsion of Primrose as soon as this is accomplished. SHADES OF PI]*K:. ■\Prima Donna. — If one season's growing be a criterion, we would accord this variety first place among pinks. A large, perfect flower, of elegantly hooded form, and finely propor- tioned; a shade deeper than Royal Robe, but of clearer color and of best substance. Stems three and four-flowered, in almost equal proportions. Vines of a spreading habit — the secret, perhaps, in part at least, of its perfect development. A good grower, fairly profuse; medium early. Blushing Beauty. ) — Closely allied and of equal worth; color rich, Royal Robe. ) yet delicate blush-pink, blending with faintest lilac, barely noticeable in the latter variety. Of good size and improved hooded form. Stems slender and of good length, generally bearing three flowers; medium early and prolific. f Lovely. — We are not yet ready to place this ahead of the two preceding varieties, though it possesses qualities found in no other Sweet Pea tried by us. A shade deeper than Prima Donna, wings of a delicate rose, lightly suffused at the throat of standard and at base of wings, gradually softening toward the margins, the whole fading as the flower ages. Remark- able in the high percentage of its four-flowered stems, which are extra long. Flowers inclined to double, which we con- Eckford's Trade Introductions for 1897. 6 SWEET PEA REVIEW. sider a serious defect; but experience has shown us that such tendencies may appear in one generation only, or, rather, not appear a second season. Mrs. Gladstone— & meritorious variety, and one of the best of its type. In its prime a delicate, rich rose-pink, of good size, standard nearly round and explanate, with rather a prominent suture, slightly deeper in tint, running down its center; stems long and slender, usually three-flowered and well arranged. Early to medium-early flowering; a very profuse bloomer. Slightly marred in California by our hot sun, which sometimes impairs substance as season advances; while, on the other hand, a few days of cold weather induce new and generous blooming. Katherine Tracy. — Evidently a selection from Mrs. Gladstone; an improvement over that variety in size, but at the sacri- fice of one flower per stem, only two as a rule appearing, which gives boldness of character, but, we think, detracts from its gracefulness; however, its broad, expanded standard sets off its bright, rich pink to fine advantage. As soon as developed to average three flowers on a stem, Katherine Tracy will probably supersede Mrs. Gladstone, the former being, in our opinion, of better substance. Isa Eckford— Smaller flowered than Mrs. Gladstone, shading between it and Peach Blossom, both of which are its superior. Because of its tendency to sunburn during the hight of sum- mer, we would recommend discarding it. SHADES OE ROSE. Lady Penzance. — Color a rare and beautiful tint of delicate rose; standards large and well formed, the silken, thread-like lacing adding not a little to its elegance. Produces long stems, usually three- (sometimes four-) flowered; a good grower and abundant bloomer; medium early. Unfortunately, its delicate SUNSET SEED AND PLANT CO. 7 color suffers under a hot sun, but a slight protection at noon- day may partly overcome this fault. Ovid. — A fit companion to Lady Penzance, possessing all its good qualities, and, in addition, holding its color better. A rich rose color, retained unfadingly throughout the season. Stan- dards hooded in such a manner as to give the apex a more pointed appearance than in Lady Penzance. Her Majesty. — For size and general good qualities this variety takes high rank. A large, clear rose pink, shaded crimson, of improved form, bearing three or four well-arranged flowers on each of its long stems, very uniform and vigorous, and pro- fuse in its growth and blooming qualities. Splendor. — Similar to Her Majesty, but a pale shade, deeper and not so bright colored, nor flowers quite as large, though well formed. A free bloomer, of vigorous growth; but, on account of its great similarity to Her Majesty, it is not needed. We recommend its elimination. Novelty. — Brings us back to older type, with explanate standards, slightly notched at apex, size medium large. Color, bright rose, suffused with just a little orange, wings shading to rose mauve, margined with purer rose. Not a tall grower, but vigorous, and a good bloomer. Miss Hunt. — Similar to the preceding in size and form; a shade paler, assuming more of a pinkish cast. Medium early. Could well be spared because we have Novelty, its superior. Adonis. — Even less desirable than Miss Hunt — always small and inferior in form; substance poor, sunburns and becomes dis- torted on small provocation. Although early and a free bloomer, we believe it should by all means be discarded be- cause of its impoverished character. Oddity. — We place at the end of rose shades because we are not yet ready to give it position. It seems to have only color to recommend it — rose carmine, prevailing, however, in better 8 SWEET PEA REVIEW. forms. Its short, thick stems and irregularly rolled and fluted standards and wings are insufficient in departure to give it prominence as an oddity, nor has it with us held true a fair per cent. Stems three or four-flowered; a quite profuse bloomer; medium early; foliage pleasing deep green; a rather dwarf grower. SHADES OF SCARL.ET. Firefly.— Foremost of the brilliant scarlets, which, thus far, have not been fashioned to the improved hooded form of the true grandiflora type. A bold, expanded flower, with erect, almost round standards of good size. Color intensely brilliant scarlet self; stems three-flowered, and of good length; not a tall grower, but fairly profuse bloomer. Cardinal.— Probably the parent of Firefly. Not so large or well formed; standards inclined to reflex, and sometimes assume an ugly, marbled appearance along the inner upper margin. Stems three or four-flowered; medium early; very vigorous. Not needed, because Firefly is similar, and preferable. Scarlet Invincible. — Flowers small to medium; scarlet standards, wings tinged with rose; medium, vigorous, and fairly profuse. Should be discarded. SHADES OF CRIMSON. f Mars.— Most intense and best formed of all the reds. A gorgeous flower, of large size and perfect form. (See Fig. 9, which shows its regular outline.) A deep, pure crimson in its prime, deepening with age to deep purple; stems long and slender, bearing gracefully three or four flowers. A strong grower, medium early, and one of the most liberal bloomers of Eck- ford's latest introductions. Eckford's Trade Introductions for 1897, SUNSET SEED AND PLANT CO. 9 Ignea. — Before the advent of Mars this variety properly headed the list of its color-class. All the general characteristics attributed to Mars apply to Ignea, from which it is evidently a careful selection; like Mars, it successfully resists the hottest sun, and, were it not for the presence of its more recent and meritorious rival, we would favor its retention. SHADES RANGING BETWEEN SCARLET AND CRIMSON. Princess Victoria. — A good flower, with broad, open standards; three flowers on average stems; light scarlet standards; wings shading to crimson; the whole more or less suffused with rose; medium early and vigorous; abundant bloomer. Duchess of Edinburgh. — Similar but inferior to Princess Victoria, both in size and substance, showing objectionable marbling, especially along the upper margins. Season of bloom rather short. We recommend its expulsion. SHADES OF MAUVE (BLUISH). Celestial. — We are confident will be approved by all lovers of this shade. In our trials, it has proven itself foremost in delicacy of tint and generosity of form. Its early blooms were not so striking, but, as the season advanced, its perfect form and pure azure-blue became more and more pronounced, until all traces of the pinkish-mauve appearing in the bud disappeared. Stems long and slender, generally producing three (some- times four) flowers per stem. Medium vigorous and free flowering; medium early. Princess May.— Hot as delicate as Celestial, nor as large as Countess of Radnor, but holds its color better. Of good sub- stance; medium-sized flowers, of more or less hooded form,, often bearing four-flowered stems, which are of medium! length. Medium late; otherwise of good habit. IO SWEET PEA REVIEW. Countess of Radnor. — Of shade deeper than the preceding, and inclined to take on a reddish or light purple tint on the one hand, while on the other its rich mauve fades in streaks, giving it an ashy-striped appearance, not at all attractive. The past season, however, seems to have been especially favorable for choice bloom, since both in trial grounds and in general culture the type has been excellent. Vigorous in growth; a medium free bloomer; season of bloom intermediate. It may not be out of place to here state that a twenty- foot test row sown the past season to seed from Eckford's original packets produced bloom inferior to California selected stock, whole plants from Eckford's seed in some cases very closely approaching Dorothy Tennant in tint. SHADES OF REDDISH MAUVE. Emily Eckford.—ln size and form like Countess of Radnor, but of a distinct purplish mauve, usually described as a reddish mauve; of good substance when carefully grown, and as it ages it approaches blue. A vigorous grower and good bloomer, usually producing three perfect flowers on extra long stems; quite early blooming. Dorothy Tennant — Very similar to the above, not quite so hooded, a shade deeper, and becomes darker with age. One of the longest to continue in bloom in our trials, showing no deterior- ation to the last, though in some seasons it has approached Countess of Radnor ; from which it is evidently a color variation. MAGENTA SHADING. * Captivation. — A new self-shade. Magenta, very delicately suffused with purple; of good size; form to our idea not perfect; standards shell-shaped, as described by originator, which we * Eckford's Trade Introductions for 1896. SUNSET SEED AND PLANT CO. II take to mean like a saucer, with slightly detorted surface, giving the edge an irregular outline. (See Fig. 4.) As the season advanced, the bloom improved in size and substance, adding much to its credit. Sketch represented in Fig. 4 was made in mid-season, before blooms had reached their best. Not a tall grower, but a profuse bloomer, bearing usually three (sometimes two) flowers, on long stems. Medium early. SHADES APPROACHING BLUE. Captain of the Blues. (Synonym Grand Blue.) — This, to our mind, most nearly approaches a true blue in general effect. On first opening, it is easily mistaken for Waverly, though it has a slightly more bluish cast, which gradually develops until about the third day, when it reaches its prime. A large flowering variety, producing three or four flowers, on good stems. Very vigorous; free bloomer: medium early. CLARET SHADES. Duke of Clarence. — First-class, ranking with the best in size and substance. Color, deep rose-claret, bordering on the maroon, of Stanley shading — not so intense; but larger and better formed. Stems often extra long, producing three or four flowers, sometimes rather closely arranged. A vigorous grower; early to medium-early; produces an abundance of bloom. Monarch. — In shading and form, approaches Waverly, but is much darker. We recognize a tinge of indigo, with a slight bronze effect on standard; wings of velvety purple. Avery vigorous grower, producing three , (sometimes four) flowers, on good long stems. With us it has proved an exception- ally profuse bloomer. Medium early. Indigo King. — Has a shade or two more of indigo than Mon- arch, which makes it darker, especially the wings. Sides of 12 SWEET PEA REVIEW. standard deeply sinuated, as in Butterfly, causing the upper half of standard to hood. Should, in our opinion, be dis- carded. Purple Prince. — Standards purple, shaded maroon; wings mauve, lightly suffused with purple. Old type; medium large; ex- panded (sometimes reflexed) standards. A very profuse bloomer, bearing three or four flowers on long stems; late blooming, but vigorous. Its color does not commend it. We would recommend its expulsion. SHADES OF DEEP MAROON. Stanley — Darkest and most intense of all Sweet Peas. Deepest burnt carmine; standards glossy, finely laced with deeper shade; wings velvety, shading to purple-lake; expanded form; standards large to very large, sometimes measuring thirty-five millimetres across ; broad, almost circular; explanate. A fine, bold flower, producing long, slender, usually three-flowered stems; pedicels tinted deep maroon, long, setting flowers well out from stem; calyx large and free, more prominent than in other varieties. A good grower and free bloomer; early to medium early. We are at a loss to know why this variety is generally de- scribed as a maroon, of which color we find no trace in our blooms, excepting on the outer side of pedicel. Boreatton. — From which Stanley is a careful selection, differs from it only in form, the standards being more or less reflexed laterally, which gites them a narrow, elongated appearance; shade perhaps not quite so dark as Stanley, especially in the wings. Produces three or four flowered stems of good length. A profuse bloomer, early to medium early. A good flower in its day, but not needed, now that we have Stanley — and for such a reasonable price. SUNSET SEED AND PLANT CO. 13 DISTINCT BLENDINGS. * Crown Jewel. ) —These beautiful varieties from among Eckford's t Coquette. ) latest novelties, not yet given to the American public, we consider two of his grandest creations, the rare and delicate blendings, fine form and large size, being in no other variety so fully developed. We especially admire the soft, quiet tones in the surface-coloring. Crown Jewel we have placed first, though it is difficult to choose between the two sorts. Standards delicate creamy rose, deepest on the dorsal surface, and at its suture on the inner surface; a slight clouded effect is noticeable when the flower is in its prime, carrying with it a trace of violet. The wings a delicate, yet rich, creamy blush, suffused with a pronounced primrose tint. Its three (sometimes four) flowers are finely arranged on long, slender stems. Foliage unusually large, and deep green; a vigorous grower and profuse bloomer, but, unfor- tunately, a variety that will require, like other thoroughbreds, very careful handling to hold true to type. Coquette's color is a delicate creamy flesh with a faint purplish rose tinge in standard; wings rich creamy primrose. A strong, vigorous grower, usually producing extra-long three-flowered stems. For types of standard of these two varieties, the reader is referred to Figs, n and 12 which show their true grandi- flora form, the one hooded and the other expanded. Venus.— Another variety of rich, delicate blendings— a mingling of pink, salmon and rose-buff, difficult to describe faithfully. Flowers large and finely formed; standards very much in- rolled, at times even more so than Fig. 6; flowers gracefully borne in threes or fours, on long slender stems; a very vigor- ous grower, blooming abundantly; medium early. Its only * Eckford's Trade Introductions for 1896. t Eckford's Trade Introductions for 1897. 14 SWEET PEA REVIEW. drawback is its inclination to run into a delicate pink, border- ing on Blushing Beauty or Royal Robe, but generally not until past mid-season. * Countess of Aberdeen. — In giving this '96 novelty of Eckford's this position, we do not refer to the general stock as it came from his original packages, but to the very small percentage (less than 10%) which grew true to description. This variety is of rather novel shading. A very pale pink, edged with delicate rose, of good size and form, and an attractive depar- ture when at its best, but one we believe hard to hold to its true type, for we have several times selected a similar sport, to lose it following seasons. Eliza Eckford. — Deserves high rank, because of its refined gen- eral make-up; of good size and form; the standards flaked and suffused with a delicate rose, deeper on the reverse side; wings lightly blushed. Generally bears three flowers, some- times four, on good, long stems. Vigorous, profuse, and early. Apple Blossom. — Like Eliza Eckford, except that its tint is a shade or two deeper and more evenly spread; wings as deli- cate as Eliza Eckford. A fine, large, hooded flower, borne in threes or fours on long, strong stems, which sometimes come double, when they produce five, six, seven and even eight blossoms, — a freak of nature we have never succeeded in causing a repetition of, but which quite frequently dupli- cates itself on its own account. We do not consider this doubling a desirable feature. f Royal Rose. — The last and deepest-tinted of the three varieties just named, is a beautiful, large, almost self-colored flower, very much on the plan of the two preceding, — the three form- ing a perfect series of elegant gradations. Flower a rich, * Eckford's Trade Introductions for 1896. t Eckford's Trade Introductions for 1897. SUNSET SEED AND PLANT CO. 15 rose-pink, barred on standards with deeper rose, deepest- tinted on center of reverse of standard, and becoming gradu- ally lighter towards the margins; wings a softer hue; bears three or four flowered stems of good length and sub- stance. A free bloomer and vigorous grower; medium early. One that, like many others of Eckford's creations, will require careful selection to keep up to type, being more or less in- clined to run into a deep rose-self as the season advances. Lady Beacons field. — A distinct and pleasing blending, difficult to describe. We can do no better than use the originator's de- scription, which, however, does not convey a satisfactory idea of its truetintings: "Standards salmon, tinted with rose "; to which we would add: a suspicion of purplish pink, most noticeable in center of standard, laced and netted in delicate relief; wings a pronounced creamy primrose-yellow of fine substance, old form; standards of medium-to-large size. A vigorous grower, profuse; medium early. ^Countess of Shrewsbury. Of same general plan as the preced- ing. Flowers, with expanded old-form standards ; apex notched; of medium to medium-large size. A blending of pink and purple, difficult to describe; wings shading to pink, faintly suffused with lilac; stems three-flowered, rarely four, a strong grower and abundant bloomer; medium early. We cannot say that this variety has especially impressed us this first season, and we place it after Lady Beaconsfield for the present. Bronze King. — Not only lacks form, but size as well, and is quite an ordinary flower all around. Standards reddish coppery bronze, but lacking the brilliancy needed to render such a tint effective; of poor substance, and inclined to sun-burn in t Eckford's Trade Introductions for 1897. 16 SWEET PEA REVIEW. hot weather. A vigorous grower, moderately profuse. A little later than the average. We think it can well be spared from our lists. Peach Blossom. — Has always appeared to us a pleasing variety. Of medium large size; of the older type; standards rich creamy pink, with a whitish flake or cloud in the upper half, just pronounced enough to be noticed; wings a softer pink, shading to delicate carmine immediately at the throat; gener- ally bears three-flowered stems of good length. An average grower and fair bloomer. * Alice Eckford. — Our first year's growing of this variety leads us to consider it, in its present stage, unworthy of introduction. With us it has proven anything but striking. Its rich, deli- cate (apricot, perhaps it may be called) coloring is a pleas- ing departure, it is true, but with such utter disregard for size and form, we do not believe it will become popular, and we think it would be well for Mr. Eckford to give it added size and better form, else we had better withdraw it from our lists. It is early blooming, but first to finish flowering; in fact, its season with us has been shorter than that of any other variety in our trial grounds. A very profuse bloomer while it lasts; moderately vigorous; early. Figure i shows reverse side of standard with its prominent, looped apex folding laterally, as in Delight. We trust that another season may show it up to better advantage. Crown Princess of Prussia. — A fit companion to the preceding, and, like it, of small size and poor form, though its coloring is exquisite; a very light ground, suffused, in delicate grada- tions, with a creamy pink, ranging from a soft tint at the margins to a much deeper hue at the throat, an admixture of * Eckford's Trade Introductions for 1896. SUNSET SEED AND PLANT CO. 1 7 pink and salmon difficult to describe; but its small surface shows it at a great disadvantage. Deserving of attention to bring to a better size in standard; wings normal. Medium, vigorous, profuse; medium early. Lottie Eckford — brings us to another color-class, "with porcelain effect," as some one has well described it. White ground, lightly suffused with heliotrope, deepest near the margins, the edges of both standard and wings a clear, deep heliotrope- blue, setting off the whole with splendid effect; of fine hooded form and good size; stems usually three-flowered and of good length; a vigorous grower and abundant bloomer; earlier than the average. Butterfly.— Edged like Lottie Eckford, but showing less tint in standards and wings— almost white. Its sinuous standards, as in Indigo King, though very objectionable in other varie- ties, in this case are quite acceptable, because of peculiar coloring, and makes the name most appropriate. Stems usually three -flowered; a vigorous grower and abundant bloomer; season of bloom intermediate. Violet Queen. (Synonym Princess Louise.) — Pink standards, veined with purple rose; wings heliotrope; round, erect; medi- um-sized standards; rarely seen at its best, because of poor substance; easily affected by hot sun, which bleaches and de- torts the flower much, and for this reason we recommend its expulsion from the lists. Captain Clark.— One of the few tri-colored varieties. Though not an elegant flower, we admire it for its unique markings * White ground, delicately blushed with carmine-pink, lightest towards the margin; beginning at the throat and running par- allel with the mid-suture, are finely penciled lines of deepest purple, gradually changing to deep carmine, which need close examination to detect their full beauty. Wings large, edged with clear blue, as in Lottie Eckford, lessening as it goes l8 SWEET PEA REVIEW. into the body of wings. A vigorous grower, and one of the most profuse bloomers we have; usually bears three-flowered stems. Medium early. Delight. — Medium to small-flowered; wings almost as large as standard; the whole a faint pinkish- white blush, with suture of standard made prominent by its soft carmine tint; also noticeable along upper edge of standard, thence running along suture on reverse side; the odd fold and lap in top of standard, noted in Alice Eckford, is especially prominent in this variety. Vigorous, moderately profuse and quite early, somewhat inclined to sunburn in our climate, and for that reason, it would perhaps be well to discard it. Meteor. — An improvement in size over Orange Prince, from which it is probably a selection; standards a rich, bright orange- salmon; wings of a pinkish hue; a fine flower at its best, but more or less affected by too hot sun. When grown in the partial shade of trees, which brings it to perfection in slow stages, we have noted extra large standards, which showed inclination to hood; and with such form once attained, with added substance, Meteor will stand well up in the list. Usu- ally three-flowered stems, well arranged. A vigorous grower; moderately profuse; medium early. Orange Prince. — We have noted flowers equal to the preceding, though averaging smaller. Like its offspring, of remarkable rich coloring; standards form almost a true circle, and expla- nate. The fine, delicate lacing on standards is worthy of notice. General habit of Meteor. Rising Sun. — Like all of the Laxton type, this variety is of small size and of rather dwarf growth, but we see much to admire in the general effect of some of the intense colorings. Small, round, explanate standards; a delicate gradation of brightest carmine and orange, suffused with rose, of soft tone, deepest at the throat, and becoming fainter toward the edges, until it SUNSET SEED AND PLANT CO. 19 assumes a pale, creamy-white tint; the wings of lighter shade, sometimes tinged with rose. Should be closely inspected to be appreciated. Moderately profuse. We regret it sunburns easily. Etna. — Flowers medium to small; same form as Rising Sun; an intense, clouded garnet, shining in the sunlight, and becom- ing lighter towards the upper edge. Usually three-flowered, on slender, rather short stems; a dwarf grower; bloom rather spare; medium early to medium late. Not a desirable variety, though its shadings are interesting. Vesuvius. — Comes between Etna and Carmen Sylva; a more pro- fuse bloomer than either, and tints of more flaked appearance, a coloring not popular in dark sorts. Medium vigorous; very profuse; a rather late bloomer. We think it might well be spared from our lists, especially if Etna and Carmen Sylva be retained. Carmen Sylva. — Another tri-colored variety, perhaps the least popular of Laxton's introductions, because of lack of har- mony in its coloring, and because of its small size; to which defects may be added a deeply notched standard, more or less reflexed. Color an admixture of garnet, purple and car- mine in standard, deepest at the throat; wings lavender-blue. An odd coloring, but not generally liked. CONTRASTING SHADES. (Standards and wings in separate tints.) *LUtle Dorritt.— Much as we have always appreciated Blanche Ferry } and still do so, we consider this new comer slightly its superior in elegance; the tone in standard seems to us clearer, comparing as a fine steel engraving to a good wood-cut, if * Ecltford's Trade Introductions for 1856. 20 SWEET PEA REVIEW. such a parallel may here be applied. Standards large, broad and expanded, notched at apex; color, a sharp, crisp car- mine-pink; wings well-proportioned, almost white; suffused very lightly with a delicate pink, hardly noticeable until the season advances. Stems long and slender, usually three- flowered and well set apart, which shows them off to good advantage. Remarkable for its long season of bloom, at this date (September 15th), perfect flowers still remaining without irrigation at any time, while all our other varieties are now harvested. Its weak point this season was the poor germina- tion of the original Eckford seed, but this shortcoming, we have no doubt, has been overcome by one season's growing by us, as has been the case with similar varieties before this. Not a tall grower, but vigorous and moderately profuse; medium early. Blanche Ferry (Synonyms Blushing Bride and Improved Painted Lady).— Will always be popular, because of its general good qualities. The earliest of all varieties, excepting the " Extra Early" (early culls from early stock); showed fully opened flowers April 27th, without any special attention, the earliest other varieties being a full week later. Standards a pale shade deeper than Little Dorrilt, and not quite as large; wings almost pure white, sometimes shading to light or pur- plish pink. Stems usually three-flowered, and of good length and strength. Its dwarf growth is gradually giving place to taller vines. Very vigorous with us, and a profuse bloomer; extra early, showing buds April 15th, with a little extra attention. Extra Early Blanche Ferry. — In our trials has proven itself by far the earliest flowering Sweet Pea. Our first blooms appeared March 25th, from seed sown the latter part of December, making it a month earlier than any other variety, under the same conditions. Although germinating well, the young SUNSET SEED AND PLANT CO. 21 plants appeared to have a rather weak, spindly growth, some making but a single shoot, twelve to eighteen inches tall, and then beginning to flower; but, as the season advanced, and assisted by a good rain, the vines began throwing-out laterals, which, considering their earliness, bore abundant bloom eventually. On heavier soil, when they began blooming a week later, they made a moderately vigorous growth from the beginning, and bloomed profusely. Color and form identical with Blanche Ferry. A good variety, worthy of retention. Duke of York. — On the plan of the preceding; standards deeper in color; wings of a pinkish tint, lightly suffused with prim- rose and pale purple. Not so large as Blanche Ferry; stand- ards slightly reflexed, which gives them an elongated appearance; wings large and spreading. Stems of good length, usually three - flowered (sometimes four); medium vigorous; moderately profuse. In bloom May 16th, which we regard as medium early. Sufficiently distinct from other pink-and-whites to render it worthy of culture. Empress of India. — Very similar to Blanche Ferry, but considera- bly later. A good grower and profuse bloomer. Painted Lady (synonym Nellie Jaynes). — Flowers not so broad and expanded as Blanche Ferry. Standards inclined to reflex. The most vigorous grower and profuse bloomer of its class. We believe that the two last-named varieties can readily be spared. VARIEGATED SORTS. Mrs. foseph Chamberlain. — Of extra fine form and large size, possessing all the best qualities of habit, etc. Color: ground white, heavily striped and flaked with deep, clear rose; of good substance; varies slightly in strength of markings, some being more heavily striped and others not quite so much so 22 SWEET PEA REVIEW. as the perfect type; stems extra long, three or four-flowered, finely arranged. The deep rose-tint in the calyx and pedicel we think adds much to the general harmony. One of our most vigorous growers and profuse bloomers; blooming season long. Medium early. Par excellence. Mikado. — Probably a selection from Mrs. Joseph Chamberlain, it having many points in common with that variety and we also having last year selected its identical markings from Mrs. Joseph Chamberlain. Markings just the reverse of Chamber- lain — that is, the deep rose predominates — presenting the ap- pearance of rose ground with white stripes instead of white ground with rose stripes. We like this variety, but it must become thoroughly fixed before it will be generally approved. With us this year it ran less than twenty per cent, true, the remainder being in about equal proportions of Mrs. Joseph Chamberlain and Ovid. The head-piece in sketch "A Modern Type " gives a fair idea of its form. Ramona. — Has proven itself worthy of high rank; a large, per- fectly-formed flower, of fine substance and attractive mark- ings which closely resemble Duchess of York, of which it is probably a hooded form. It appears thoroughly fixed, the fault with Duchess of York being its inclination under certain influences to run to an almost pure white. Color a creamy white ground, delicately striped and barred with a soft pinkish purple, these markings more prominent in some bloom than others. Stems long and .strong, three or four-flowered. A vigorous grower and profuse bloomer. Medium early. Senator. — A fine, large, dark-striped flower; bold, yet finely formed. Standards white ground, heavily striped with choco- late and some little purple. A striking flower with three to four blooms on extra long stems. A very vigorous grower, bearing an immense amount of bloom. Medium early. SUNSET SEED AND PLANT CO. 23 Gray Friar. — A flower distinct in color and markings, and of good size and form; the general effect is gray, and with its fine speckled "pepper-and-salt" variegations, it is certainly odd and attractive. A small percentage runs to Senator, which fault continued careful selection will overcome. A good grower and abundant bloomer. Duchess of York. — Stands high in our estimation though it lacks the hooded form now so popular. It has perhaps the broadest expanse of standards of any variety, specimens measuring thirty-eight millimeters in diameter at the broadest point. Creamy white ground, delicately flaked and striped with soft pinkish-purple; elegant and refined. Stems long and strong, usually three-flowered. A good grower and free bloomer. Medium early. Juanita. — Of good size and form, but we do not especially admire its "washed-out" appearance. Its pale mauve or lavender stripes on light ground are not distinct enough to give it indi- viduality. It looks very much like a striped variety familiar to us for several seasons, into which Countess of Radnor has been deteriorating, and like it varies considerably in its de- grees of color, and is in that regard unreliable. A vigorous grower, usually bearing three flowers on stem, but sometimes only two. Medium early. Gaiety. — Was classed high among the striped varieties previous to the advent of Mrs. Joseph Chamberlain. Much lighter than Chamberlain in effect, because of scantiness of stripes which are bright, rosy lilac, most prominent in center of standard and almost lost toward the side margins; ground white, stems long and stiff, three or four-flowered; a vigorous grower and free bloomer; medium early. Like most of the striped variegations, it varies slightly in the intensity of its darker color. Daybreak. — Standards old-type, with more or less prominent notch in apex; of good size, broad and explanate, with deli- 24 SWEET PEA REVIEW. cate veinings of bright scarlet lake and carmine finely woven into narrow, wavy rays, and set one above the other; ground white, and most exposed along the margin. Reverse side of standard more intense and with less detail. Wings white, penciled with carmine towards the inner edges. A vigorous upright grower, bearing good stems ; usually three, some- times only two-flowered; a free bloomer. Medium early. America. — A crimson-scarlet, irregularly striped variety, running to nearly solid color along the suture in the standards, the white ground showing most toward either side. Wings a clearer carmine, striped. Form old-type; medium large; explanate standards. Inclined to run to Queen of the Isles, from which it is probably a selection. The better blooms are attractive, but America must be carefully grown to distinguish it from the parent stock, which is more evenly marked. A good grower and bloomer. Medium early. Red and White Striped. — Form and size similar to the preceding, but a more distinctly striped variety,— -crimson-scarlet on white ground. Stems usually three-flowered. One of the most profuse bloomers we have; very vigorous and medium early. Queen of the Isles. — Old type, red and white variegated, varying considerably in the intensity of its markings, — some flowers being very finely and closely striped and spattered, others delicately penciled, producing the watered effect found in Daybreak, and some again being deeply blotched and striped, as in America. The reverse of standard heavily clouded; wings but lightly striped. A good grower and free bloomer, but proves in our trials one of the latest to come into flower (May 23d). We consider it a superfluous variety, if the sev- eral similar sorts be retained. Princess of Wales. — Is not intentionally placed toward the end of the list. Of excellent form and size. If grouped as to SUNSET SEED AND PLANT CO. 25 shadings, this variety rightly belongs next to Senator, which it more or less closely resembles; its color, however, is con- siderably lighter, the so-called chocolate shadings being re- placed by purplish-mauve stripes. A vigorous grower and profuse bloomer; stems usually bearing three, sometimes four, flowers; peduncles of good length. We believe that Senator embodies all that is desirable in this unpopular shading, hence we recommend the expulsion of Princess of Wales. DEPARTURES. Cupid (departure in habit of growth). — Perfectly dwarf, hugging the ground very closely; height of vine, five to eight inches; a single plant spreading over an area ten to eighteen inches in diameter. Its procumbent stems (using the term stems in its proper sense) are thick and closely jointed, branching at fre- quent intervals, each lateral bearing three to a dozen or more short, stiff, usually three, sometimes four, flowered peduncles, three to four inches in length. Foliage dense, and deep- green; leaflets small; tendrils stubby. Flowers pure white and of good substance, much resembling Emily Henderson, but not quite as large. A vigorous, compact grower, very floriferous, showing in the height of season more flower than foliage. Began blooming May 23d; the early flowers, how- ever, dropping badly. A few are in bloom at date of writing (September 15th), without having been irrigated. Pot- culture of Cupid, in our experience, has proven a failure; but out-doors its growth is satisfactory. .Red Riding-hood (departure in form of flower). — In striking con- trast to the above is our own introduction for 1897. In this variety we have a fixed type, and an absolutely new departure in form. When fully developed, the standard and wings are a pleasing rosy pink, shading to blush-white at the calyx; the keel, which is almost completely enveloped, being nearly 26 SWEET PEA REVIEW. / pure white. Although unusually robust in habit, it is early- flowering, and in plenitude and continuity of bloom it excels all other existing sorts. The standard is diminutive, and peculiarly convoluted, forming a hood around the wings, which protrude in wavy form, lending a novel and pleasing character to the flower. The fragrance surpasses, in a marked degree, that of other varieties of Sweet Peas. The length and rigidity of the stems are remarkable, some stems the past season having run eighteen inches long and over; and, when cut, the stem and bloom retain their stability for a much longer period than other sorts. SUNSET SEED AND PLANT CO. 2^ A NEW CLASSIFICATION. The classification of Sweet Peas under types of form instead of into color-groups has been advocated, and is in accord with our own views; but such a change presents many difficulties, since forms vary quite as much as color-shadings. We think, however, that an accurate average can much more clearly and faithfully be represented by form than by color. We offer a suggestion in the accompanying Figures, representing the standards of the Eckford '96 and '97 sets, as described in the notes. An average of the largest and most perfect standards was selected, and, laying it down naturally, inner or front side uppermost, a circle was care- fully drawn around it, just touching the extreme edges, and within this circle an accurate outline drawing was made of each type, showing at a glance (and more clearly, we think, than possible by any other means,) the relative size and form of each standard. The diameter of the circles is thirty-eight millimeters, or a trifle over one and one-half inches, and is the true grandiflora size, as we understand it. We have measured exceptionally large standards, and found them forty millimeters in diameter. To illustrate what is (as we understand it) a perfect type, we have sketched "a modern type," which represents a side view of an average flower of Mikado (see headpiece). It will be noticed the furthest projections of standard wings keel and calyx exactly touch the circle of thirty-eight millimeters diameter— an interest- ing coincidence, and one which may assist us in a new classifi- cation. It is not intended that the few sketches here shown cover the whole field, since, as before stated, no two varieties are of exactly the same form; but, for the present, we will say that these repre- sent twelve types, according to which all the varieties in our list may be grouped as follows: — 28 SWEET PEA REVIEW. Fig. I I Adonis — without loop in apex. Alba Magnified — without loop in apex, but with notch. Alice Eckford — from which sketch was made. America — without loop, but with notch averaging larger. Boreatton — with loop (slightly), and notch elongated. Bronze King — without loop, but with notch. Capt Clark — without loop, but with notch, and larger. Cardinal — without loop, but with notch somewhat elon- gated. Carmen Sylva — without loop, but with notch same size. Crown Princess of Prussia — without loop, but with notch same size. Cupid — without loop, but with notch and broader. Daybreak — without loop, but with notch larger and broader. Delight — as near alike as two peas can be. Duchess of Edinburgh — without loop, but with notch in apex larger. Duke of York — without loop, but with notch in apex larger and elongated. Empress of India — with loop (slightly) and with notch in apex. Etna— without loop, but with notch in apex. Fairy Queen — without loop, but with notch in apex. Invincible Scarlet — without loop, but with notch in apex. Isa Eckford— with slight loop, and with notch in apex larger. Miss Hunt— without loop, but with notch in apex larger. Nellie fay nes (Painted Lady)— with slight loop and with notch in apex larger. Orange Prince— with slight loop, notch in apex larger. Princess Louise ( Violet Queen) — with slight loop and with notch in apex. Purple Prince— with slight loop and with notch in apex larger and elongated. Queen of England— without loop, but with notch in apex. Queen of the Isles— without loop, but with notch in apex larger. Red and White Striped— without loop, but with notch in apex larger. Rising Sun— with loop (slightly) and with notch in apex. \ The Queen— with loop, and notch in apex slightly larger. \ Vesuvius— with loop and with notch in apex. SUNSET SEED AND PLANT CO. 2 9 i Countess of Shrewsbury— horn which sketch was made. Firefly — quite similar in size and form. Katherine Tracy — larger. Lady Beaconsfield— quite similar in size and form. Fig. 2 { Lemon Queen — more elongated. Meteor— slightly inclined to hood. Mrs. Gladstone— averaging slightly smaller. Novelty — more elongated. \ Peach Blossom— quite similar in size and form. Fig. 3 I Blanche Ferry — quite similar in size and form. Extra Early Blanche Ferry. Duchess of York — considerably larger. Emily Henderson — considerably elongated. \ Little Dorritt — from which sketch was made. Primrose — not quite as broad. Princess Beatrice — rounder. ^ Princess Victoria — rounder. Fig. 4 j Captivation — from which sketch was taken. Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 / Blushing Beauty — will vary between the two. Celestial — will vary between the two. Countess of Aberdeen — represented by Figure 5. Countess of Radnor — varying between the two. Dorothy Lennant — varying between the two. / Emily Eckford — varying between the two. Juanita — varying between the two. Prima Donna — represented by Figure 6. Princess May — varying between the two. Royal Robe — varying between the two. \ Venus — varying between the two and approaching Fig. 11. Fig. 7 30 SWEET PEA REVIEW. (Captain of the Blues — more hooded laterally. Gaiety — intermediate between Figures 7 and 8, favoring Figure 7. Gray Friar — similar, but not quite so large. Her Majesty — between Figures 7 and 12, slightly more / hooded. \ Lady Penzance — slightly more hooded. Lottie Eckford — more hooded. Lovely — subject of Figure. Monarch — between Figures 7 and 11. Splendor— between Figures 7 and 11. V Waver ly — between Figures 7 and n. / Ignea — between Figures 8 and 9, not quite so large, p- I Mars — represented by Figure 9. and ' Mikado — represented by Figure 8. pj \ Mrs. Eckford— between Figures 6 and 9. Mrs. Sankey — between Figures 6 and 8. Ovid— between Figures 6 and 8. Apple Blossom — same as Figure. Duke of Clarence — between Figures 10 and 11. Fig. 10 \ Eliza Eckford— like Figure 10, slightly smaller. Princess of Wales — smaller and more hooded. Royal Rose — from which sketch was made. Blanche Burpee — between Figures 11 and 12. Captivation — from which sketch was made. Mrs. foseph Chamberlain — between Figures n and 12, not quite so much rolled as Figure 11. Ramona — between Figures 9 and 11. Senator — between Figures 11 and 12. Fig. 1 1 Fig. 1 2 j Crown Jewel— from which sketch was made. Butterfly. ) — Come under an entirely distinct type. A rather Indigo King. ) smaller Fig. 7, with lateral margins sinuate — allow- ing that portion above the clefts to hood more, would perhaps fairly well represent their form. SUNSET SEED AND PLANT CO. 31 DOUBLE SWEET PEAS. We believe all persons who have given the subject close atten- tion will agree with us that Double Sweet Peas are undesirable. In the four or more years that we have worked on the double type, we have had a score of varieties in hand which, it is true, showed some novel and pretty double forms of flower, but com- pared with our modern perfect type, even these lacked that charming simplicity which has made the dainty Sweet Pea what it is. Why, then, waste time trying to establish a disfigurement or, as some seed-firms have done, palm off stock that will not run ten per cent, true double. In our own experiments, we have obtained as high as forty per cent, in Lottie Eckford, Duke of York, Venus, Apple Blossom, Duke of Clarence, Lady Penzance and Senator, the year 1895 being especially productive of doubles; but carefully selected stocks of all of these have run less than fifteen per cent, the past season. We dare say this is the experience of other careful investigators; and, if so, let us drop further efforts in that direction and devote our energies to still further elevating rather than deteriorating this most deserving flower— the Sweet Pea! FOUR "DONT'S." e^* t&* DON'T ex P ect Sweet Peas to thrive in soil too poor for any ===== other culture, or in a sunless location. They need, as nearly as possible, a free clay loam, moderately rich and freely cultivated. TV^ISJ'T sow too shallow. Plant the seeds not less than two — inches deep, and, as the plants become established, bank the soil against them, repeating this two or three times throughout the season. DON'T* over-feed. With a view to obtaining vigorous growth ========== and profusion of bloom, bone, in some form, is the best fertilizer. Nitrate of soda will do for a "hurry-up" stimu- lant, should such be needed; but use it sparingly. ■tn/"^-^^ gather the blooms grudgingly. The more you cut, ========== the longer the vine will continue to flower. Remem- ber, when they go to seed, Sweet Peas will cease flowering. / u LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 000 924 094 9 "Red Riding-Hood" Introduced by Sunset Seed and Plant Co. San Francisco