THE SEASON'S CATALOGUES.

Otago Witness, Issue 2370, 3 August 1899, Page 8

THE SEASON'S CATALOGUES.

NIMMO AND BLAIR'S CATALOGUK. The long-expected catalogue of this firm has turned up at last, and in appearance eclipses those of former years. After looking through its numerous pages I can &afely say that it is tho finest publication of the kind in the Southern Hemisphere, and is not excelled by any in the northern. A perusal of its pages will prove interesting to both amateur and gardener. Those who study it will find offered many rare attractions, both in flowers, vegetables, and fruits. The fir.sfc 32 pages will probably be read with the mo&l eager interest by those -\vlio arc enthusiastic lovers of choice vegetables and flowers. All the best varieties which have stood the test of years and many novelties which are highly spoken of in the .leading horticultural papers of the day are here described, and most of the newer ..sorts illustrated. Cultural hints and garden calendar are included, and thsse will prove useful to many. A general list of flower, tree, and "shrub seeds follows this, and the next few .page? give a list of agricultural seeds. The best strains of clovers, grasses, root crop seeds, and a few especially good forage plant, seeds are offered, which will prove -exceedingly valuable to farmers ; 32 pages we devoted to nursery

stock, roses, fruit trees of every description. Begonias, greenhouse and other plants are here- offered in great variety ; and there is something to interest every one whether they like flowers or not. As gardening cannot be carried on without proper implements, Nimmo and Blair offer all the necessary tools and horticultural requisites which the gardener may require. Another good feature of the catalogue is that everything offered has the price attached, so that intending purchasers may know the cost of their seeds or requisites before ordering.' The firm are sending this catalogue to old' and regular customers without charge To others a charge of Is is made, to partly cover cost. This is refunded in value to all who send a cash order for seeds. The cost of printing, engravings, and. other incidental expenses is a considerable item, and I think that the p|p«asure and advantage demed from its pages, J which contain a deal of information beyond names and descriptions, are -well worth the small charge of Is. G. Brownlee and Co., Oamaru, are sending out their seed catalogue for the present season. The firm deal largely in agricultural seeds, but they offer both Vegetable and flower seeds, in great variety, also trees; shrubs, and all horticultural requisites. More attention is given to improving standard varieties than dealing in novelties. This catalogue gives 'cultural directions and recipes for the destruction of insect and other pests which infest our gardens and orchards. A useful work of reference ; and free on application. Howden and Moncrieff.— This well-known Dunedin firm have been circulating their seed catalogue lately, and although it is not quite so attractive as some with larger pages or illustrations, nevertheless, it contains lists of a. great variety of agricul- | turn], vegetable, and flower seeds, including many novelties -which have beeix tested/ in the old country and found worthy of cultivation. This and the plant catalogue sent out earlier in the season are both well worth a perusal, and may be had gratis on application. J. GEBBIE. Public Gardens. Oamaru.