Original green metal box housing 26 glass bottles holding seed samples (of 29, three bottles broken), each with printed labels on one side and on lid, inserted in a narrow channel surrounding the perimeter of the box. Approximately 35 dried intact mature grass specimens, each tied and with a printed tag. Printed label on inside of box lid. 

Rare "Cabinet of Desirable and Undesirable Grasses" containing samples of grasses used in agriculture, as animal feed or for the lawns of ornamental and public gardens, and including samples that are not of economic value or interest. The earliest reference for Carters Tested Seeds Ltd. firm is in an 1804 London directory.  They moved their premises to Raynes Park in 1910-1911, where they operated until 1970. In the 1880s, they counted the Queen of England, the Prince of Wales, the Sultan of Turkey the King of Portugal, and the King of Italy among their patrons.