1900 2nd Edition

IOWA SEED COMPANY, DES MOINES, IOWA. 29.

[image] IMPROVED EARLY MASTODON.

IT PAYS TO THINK. Just Consider This For a Minute. The corn crop of Iowa averages 300,000,000 bushels, worth $75,000,000.00. If our improved varieties were grown exclusively the crop would have been fully 20 per cent more and worth 10 per cent higher market value, making a difference of $24,000,000.00. No Matter Where You Live, Whether in Maine or California, Canada or Mexico, it will pay you to plant Iowa Seed Co's. Choice Seed Corn This Year.

[image] LENOCHER'S HOMESTEAD.

LENOCHER'S HOMESTEAD.--Well known in Iowa from having won the Iowa Homestead prize of $100.00, yielding 345 bushels on three acres with ordinary culture. It was also awarded a diploma at the World's Fair. This variety originated with Mr. G. F. Lenocher, one of the most practical farmers and corn growers in the state. Color dark red with light colored cap; grain deep and hackled. Ear somewhat above the average size; cob small and dries out rapidly, so that it has never been caught by frost. We believe it to be a safe corn to plant, makes excellent corn for feeding, although its color is objectionable for marketing. Our seed has been carefully selected for seed purposes by the originator. Per pk. 50c, bu. $1.75, 2 bu. or more @ $1.60, 10 bu. or more @ $1.50.

Nov. 25, 1899--Your Lenocher's Homestead Corn is out of sight. My neighbors bought all I could spare for seed purposes, and I had hard work to keep seed enough for my own use.--Frank Degnan, Seneca Co,. Ill. Nov. 24, 1899--I was well pleased with the Lenocher's Homestead corn purchased from you last spring and shall put in a larger acreage of it next year than any other corn that I am raising. It matured ten days earlier than my other corn.--E. T. Warne, DuPage Co., Ill. Nov. 30, 1899--Your Lenocher's Homestead corn grew nicely with me, and I can highly recommend its drouth resisting qualities. We have always found your seeds to be good.--Oscar Janssen, Howell Co., Mo.

EARLY LONGFELLOW DENT.--For several years one of our growers has been at work originating this new sort, the object being to obtain a variety fully as early as Pride of the North, with much larger ear. He succeeded so well that we take pleasure in introducing it. The accompanying engraving was accurately made from an ear of the corn and well shows its shape, which is different from any other sort in existence and suggested its name. We recommend it highly to our many customers in northern Iowa and Minnesota as the best early corn offered. We have now been selling this variety for five years, and it has greatly pleased our customers everywhere, yielding more than most of the ordinary varieties. It is so early that the crop is perfectly matured long before there is a thought of frost, thus making it a variety that it will pay to "tie to." Stalks are of medium height, strong and not easily blown down. Ears are 10 to 14 inches long, and have 12 rows. Grain is rather shallow, but it is the corn of corns to sell on the market, as a wagon load of it is as pretty as a picture. Per pk. 50c, bu. $1.50, 2 bu. or more @ $1.35, 10 bu. or more @ $1.25.

The Longfellow Dent Corn is a No. 1 variety and it did remarkably well for me. The seed bought of you produced large, heavy ears weighing 1 1/4 pounds. John Osborne, Meeker Co., Minn.

IMPROVED EARLY MASTODON.--For about fifteen years past Clark's Early Mastodon corn has been a prominent variety, owing to its wonderful productiveness and large sized ear. In the celebrated American Agriculturist's corn contest in 1889, the Early Mastodon outyielded every other yellow corn in America, Mr. Alfred Rose, of New York state, raising 213 bushels of shelled corn to the acre. It was, however, rather late, and was frequently caught and greatly injured by an early frost. For eight years past, however, one of our most careful, painstaking seed growers in central Iowa has been selecting it to obtain the earliest maturity possible and still retain its large sized ear and great productiveness. His success has been remarkable, and we now have an improved variety with mammoth ear, much smaller cob and deep grain. The butt of the ear is not so disproportionately large, it dries out quickly and ripens easily in 110 days, while it required 130 days for the old variety. Ears are quite even in size, and four of them weighing 6 3/4 lbs. took first prize at fair. Farmers who delight in a handsome, large eared variety, will be pleased with the Mastodon, and when the crop is harvested no one can fail to be delighted with the yield. The corn has a strong, rapid, vigorous growth, and is also desirable for fodder purposes. Per pk. 50c, bu. $1.50, 2 bu. or more @ $1.40, 10 bu. or more, $1.25.

Wm. Hester, of Dallas Co., Iowa, says: I consider the Improved Early Mastodon the best and most productive variety of corn to grow both for market and feeding. It produces a larger crop than any corn I ever had.

ROTARY HAND CORN PLANTER.--If you have only a small field it will pay you to use one of these. Every farmer should have one ready to use for replanting in case of failure from any cause. Each $1.50. "HANDY" CORN SHELLER--Nice for shelling seed corn, popcorn, etc. Each $1.50.

[image] EARLY LONGFELLOW DENT.

30. SEED CATALOGUE AND GARDEN GUIDE

[image] FLINT.

[image] NEW EXTRA EARLY FARMERS' RELIANCE CORN.

FARMERS' RELIANCE CORN.--A novelty for 1900; the earliest variety of corn in existence; a week to ten days days earlier than Pride of the North and a much better cropper. This new variety of corn is the result of a scientific hybridization made fourteen years ago, by a practical seed corn grower, and this has been followed by careful selection each year since, the object being to obtain the earliest corn in the world, and his success has been remarkable. The corn is of a very stong, vigorous character, growing more rapidly than any other variety from the day that it is planted. Its quick growth really surprises one with the speed with which it hurries on to make ears. The stalks usually have from 9 to 11 blades, while most ordinary corn has 13 blades. These blades are quite broad, of dark emerald green healthy color. This corn has been planted as late as June 26th, and yielded a splendid crop two weeks earlier than Pride of the North, which was planted at the same time. While our claim is that it will mature any year in 80 days, still we have known it to mature perfectly in 75 days. The ears are much larger than Pride of the North, not as rough or hackled, thus making it easier to handle, and the yield is from 25 to 35 per cent more than Pride of the North under the same conditions. An average bushel of 70 pounds will make 60 pounds of shelled corn. It has for years been selected from stalks which set the ears about three feet or less from the ground, and this has a tendsncy [tendency] to make it earlier. Fully 40 per cent of the stalks produce two good ears. It has never before been offered by any seed dealer, but the originator has taken the first prize for early yellow corn at every fair at which it has been exhibited. Don't fail to plant at least a small quantity, and thus obtain your seed for another season. Per lb. 40c, 3 lbs. $[?] post paid. By freight or express, 1/2 peck 60c, peck $1.00, 1/2 bu. $1.75, bu. $3.00. EARLY YELLOW FLINT.--An eight rowed yellow flint variety with ears from 10 to 15 inches long, 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 inches in diameter, and are well filled out to extreme end of cob. The cob is small and the kernel large and broad, ripens in 75 to 85 days. This corn is well adapted to the northwest, and is said to produce 200 bushels of ears to the acre in Massachusetts. Has given excellent results in Minnesota and other northern states. Excellent for ensilage and is often used here for replanting. Per pk. 75c, bu. $2.00, 2 bu. or more @ 1.75.

The seeds bought of you last year were first-class. The Yellow Flint Corn was the best ever seen here. I had ears measuring 13 inches and from the one quart of seed planted I gathered 25 bushel baskets full of ears and have sold it all to my neighbors for seed.--Joachin Doll, Otter Tail county, Minn.

EARLY WHITE FLINT.--Quite similar to above except color; stalks usually bear 2 or 3 long ears having 8 or 10 rows of creamy white kernels, which are quite hard and flinty. Per pk. 75c, bu. $2.00, 2 bus. or more @ $1.75. PRIDE OF THE NORTH.--This variety has been grown and improved in the extreme northern part of Iowa. The ears 8 to 10 inches long with small cob and kernel; seventy pounds of ears will generally make sixty pounds of shelled corn; color, bright orange, and very uniform. Will ripen in ninety days and mature in this latitude when planted in June. Per pk. 50c, bu $1.40, 2 bu. or more @ $1.25, 10 bu. or more @ $1.15.

I purchased from you 10 bushels of Pride of the North Corn for planting and am very much pleased with the variety and its yield. I had a splendid stand and believe that it pays to buy seed corn from you, as it is more carefully selected and cared for than most of the farmers can do.--S. W. Callanan, Kossuth county, Iowa.

IOWA YELLOW DENT.--We always advise farmers to choose the best named varieties in buying seed corn, and believe it pays them in the long run. This is a cheap corn, however, and quite popular some years. Ask for special prices in lots of 25 bushels or more. Per pk. 40c, bu. $1.00, 2 bu. or more @ 90c, 10 bu. or more @ 80c. ORDER EARLY. There is sure to be a great demand for seed corn this year and it will pay you to send your order early.

[image] PRIDE OF NORTH.

[image] PRIMITIVE OR HUSK CORN.

PRIMITIVE or HUSK CORN.--It is from this wild variety that all of our cultivated stock have sprung. The ears are of fair size, and each individual kernal [kernel] or grain is covered with a husk and all enclosed in an outer husk like common corn. In some of the wild and uncultivated parts of Mexico the Primitive or natural corn can still be found growing wild. It is quite curious and valuable for exhibition purposes, and attracts great attention wherever seen. Some stalks bear as many as 20 ears. Large pkt. 5c, 1/4 lb. 15c, lb. 50c, post pd.

STAR LEAMING.--The Leaming corn, which originated with Mr. Leaming, of Ohio, was always a good variety, but it had some serious faults for culture in this state, and we have refrained from giving it our endorsement. A few years ago we found an extra fine lot in the hands of an enterprising Iowa farmer, who had been selecting it for many years. We were greatly pleased with it, but were not willing to offer it to our customers without still further selection. We now have a cor [corn] which is a great improvement on the Leaming, but it retains all the valuable characteristics of that variety, so that instead of giving it a new name, we call it Star Leaming to distinguish it from other strains. The ears are large and handsome, with deep large grain of rich deep orange color, on a medium to small cob. It grows to medium height, setting the ears about four feet from the ground, husks easily, and the corn is snug on the cob, thus making a very solid, heavy feeling oar [ear]. Surface is quite smooth for dent corn. It is very productive, and it is the ideal variety for selling in the ear. We sold many thousands of bushels of this variety last season, and expect to exceed the record this spring. Don't plant common corn when you can obtain this grand variety so cheap. Per peck 50c, bushel $1.25, 2 bu. or more, @ $1.0[?], 10 bu. or more @ 95c. WONDERFUL PRE-HISTORIC CORN.--Several years ago we were offered this variety by a corn grower who claimed that it was "grown from some kernels of corn which were discovered buried in sealed vessels far underground where it had laid 3,000 years." We did not believe it, therefore did not "bite" and it was sold to an eastern seed dealer who has advertised it largely. The corn is mainly of most peculiar dark brown color and looks "mummy-like" which probably gave the introducer the clue to the fairy tale which he has woven to fit it. Although it will never become a profitable market variety still it has some very good points which will induce stock farmers to plant it. The stalk is large, juicy and sweet, being quite similar to sugar cane in this respect, the leaves are long, broad and very numerous and are greedily eaten by all kinds of live stock. It is especially valuable for milch cows and should be largely planted by dairymen and in fact by everyone who has even a single cow. It yields one to five ears to the stalk and there are some reports of over 100 bushels per acre. Ears are of good size, grain is soft so as to be easily digested, but color is objectionable to many. We advise our readers to try at least a small amount of it. Per large pkt. 10c, lb. 35c, 3 lbs. 85c postpaid. By freight per peck 85c, bu. $2.50.

[image] STAR LEAMING.

NOVELTIES. Don't fail to try the great NEW CENTURY WONDER Corn described on page 49, and the Profit Corn shown on page 34 of this catalogue. SMALL ORDERS. We will furnish packets of any variety of corn at 5 cents each, six for 25 cents. Any variety unless otherwise quoted at 25 cts. per lb., 3 lbs. for 60 cts., postpaid.

IOWA SEED COMPANY, DES MOINES, IOWA. 31.

[image] EVERGREEN SWEET FODDER CORN

EVERGREEN SWEET FODDER CORN. We consider this one of the most valuable fodder plants in existence and stock farmers should all devote some land to it. The stalks are sweet, rich, juicy, tender and very nutritious. The leaves which are very numerous, are large, broad, succulent, and greatly relished by all kinds of stock being far superior in every respect to all other kinds of corn. On strong soil it will grow 10 to12 feet high and produce an almost incredible amount of fodder which, when well cured, is quite equal to hay, besides being wonderfully cheaper. It is claimed by dairy farmers that this fodder will increase the milk and cream production greatly and keep the animals in the best condition. It has the further merit of being so sweet and palatable that cattle eat every part of the stalk and leaves. As a green fodder for cutting in the summer one acre is worth as much as eight acres of ordinary pasture. Of high value also for the hogs and an excellent plant to plow under for soiling. Sow thickly in drills or broadcast at the rate of two bushels per acre. Per peck 50c, bu. (measured) $1.50, 2 bu. or more @ $1.40. EARLY FODDER SWEET CORN.--Will make feed much earlier than the above and is very nice to feed when in roasting ear. Not as large a yielder. Per peck 50c, bu. $1.50, 2 bu. or more @ $1.40.

JERUSALEM CORN. Claimed by many to be an improvement on Kaffir Corn as it is a surer crop in unfavorable seasons. Produces a large crop of fodder which is of very good quality. Seed is white and nearly flat. Yields a good grain crop also. Three to four pounds will plant an acre. Per pkt. 5c, lb. 25c, 3 lbs. 60c. By freight per peck 75c, bushel (50 lbs.) $2.00, 2 bu. or more @ $1.75.

EARLY AMBER CANE. Dairy farmers say that this is the most valuable fodder plant in existence for their use. Notwithstanding its great adaptability as a food for live stock, it is only quite recently that the real value of sorghum (or sugar cane) has attracted general attention. Its great merit is now beginning to be appreciated and the demand is increasing about ten fold every year. It is profitably grown anywhere from Manitoba to Mexico, on any good corn ground, and does not appear to be affected by drouth. As a fodder plant it is the most economical plant in existence, and of the very best quality, being sweet, tender, nutritious, and greedily eaten by cattle, horses and hogs. Dairymen find that the cows will give more and richer milk from its use, and it is claimed that as high as 50 tons of the green fodder have been grown per acre. It can be cut several times during the season if not allowed to get too high, and makes a good sweet hay. Sow 100 lbs. per acre for best results. Is a profitable crop also to grow for the seed which is excellent for feeding poultry, and is frequently ground and substituted for buckwheat flour. Per lb. 20c, 3 lbs. 50c. By freight, 10 lbs. 50c, 25 lbs. 85c, 100 lbs. $2.25, 500 lbs. $9.50.

[image] JERUSALEM CORN.

FIELD PEAS. For the northern states there is no crop of greater value than Field Peas, and none is more neglected, which can only be attributed to a lack of knowledge as to its merits. They are a profitable crop to grow, in that the peas when threshed are always marketable, and they stand in the front rank as a fodder plant, being very rich in the elements that improve the muscle, bone and nervous system. Like all leguminous crops, peas have the power of extracting nitrogen from the air, and the soil is richer in nitrogen than before the peas were sown upon it. Sow two bushels to the acre or with oats, one bushel of each. SCOTCH BEAUTY.--Best blue field peas. Pk. 60c, bu. $2.00, 2 bu. or more @ $1.75. WHITE CANADA.--More used than any other. Per pk. 60c, bu. $1.75, 2 bu. or more @ $1.65.

[image] EARLY AMBER CANE.

[image] SCOTCH BEAUTY FIELD PEAS.

KAFFIR CORN. An excellent fodder plant, yielding two crops of fodder during a seasen. It grows from four to five feet high, making a straight, upright growth. It has a stalky stem, with numerous wide leaves. The stalks keep green and are brittle and juicy, not hardening like other varieties of sorghum, making excellent fodder, either green or dried, which is highly relished by cattle, horses and mules. The seed crop is also heavy, sometimes yielding sixty bushels to the acre. For the grain sow in rows three feet apart, three to five pounds of seed to the acre. For fodder, sow one-half bushel to one bushel, either broadcast or in drills. Per pkt. 5c, lb. 20c, 3 lbs. 50c. By freight, peck 50c, bu. (50 lbs.) $1.50, 2 bu. or more @ $1.35.

WHIPPOORWILL COW PEAS. The most highly valued plant in the south for fodder and for reclaiming old or worn out land, as it is a leguminous plant of special merit as a fertilizer. The vines when fed green make the best fodder and are very nourishing. The Whippoorwill is the most popular sort and yields a good crop both of fodder and peas. When ripened, the ground peas make the best cattle fattener. Per pkt. 5c, lb. 25c, 3 lbs. 60c. By freight, pk. 65c, bu. $2.25.

KENNEY'S IMPROVED AMBER CANE. Mr. Kenney, who originated and introduced the Minnesota Amber Cane about 25 years ago, has been quietly at work selecting and improving it all these years, and we are pleased to offer seed of his own growing this year. This seed was grown in Central Minnesota and we recommend it as most decidedly the earliest and best cane in the world. It will make the very finest grade of beautiful amber syrup of delicious flavor and many persons will prefer it for table use to either maple syrup or honey. It is said that over 250 gallons have been produced per acre, and when boiled down making over 120 lbs. of sugar. Why not supply your own table in this way, as it is as easily grown as a crop of corn and succeeds well in all parts of the U. S., from Minnesota to Texas. It requires only 4 lbs. seed per acre, and this superior strain of seed is well worth ten times the price we ask for it to the sorghum grower. Per lb. 30c, 3 lbs. 75c. By freight, 10 lbs. $1.25, 25 lbs. $2.50, 100 lbs. $8.00.

[image] KAFFIR CORN.

32. SEED CATALOGUE AND GARDEN GUIDE.

[image] GREAT NEW ZEALAND OATS.

[image] LINCOLN OAT

SEED OATS. It will pay you to renew your seed oats this year by sowing some of our improved varieties and thus greatly increase your yield. Any variety at 25 cents per lb., 3 lbs. 60 cents, by mail postpaid. IRISH VICTOR.--This grand novelty, now offered for the first time, was brought over from Ireland three years ago and has proved far superior to all other sorts, grown in the same locality, in vigor of growth, stiffness of straw, and yield. They were a surprise to every farmer who saw them and to the threshermen. Better put in a field of them this year and be prepared to supply your neighbor with seed another season. Instead of selling these at $2.50 to $5.00 per bushel as most seed dealers do with a new variety, we offer them at the low price of $1.00 per bushel. While we have a fair stock, still it will doubtless be exhausted long before season is over. First comers get them, therefore don't delay in sending your order. Per peck 40c, bu. $1.00, 10 bu. $10.00, 100 bu. $100.00. No discount on any quantity. LINCOLN OATS.--When we introduced these oats to our customers in 1893 they had never been tested in this state, but had done so exceptionally well in Minnesota that we had much faith in them. Seven prizes, amounting to $500.00, were offered for the largest crops grown from one bushel of seed sown, and in our 1894 catalogue we published a list of the awards, the first prize going to a man who grew 174 bushels from one bushel of seed sown, and the average of seven successful competitors was 116 bushels each. What we claim for the Lincoln is that it is a very heavy yielder, is comparatively early, has proven itself to be entirely rust proof, and stands up exceptionally well. On account of its soft nib, heavy meat and thin hull it is unsurpassed for feeding and for making into oatmeal. By freight, pk. 40c, bu. $1.00, 2 bu. or more at 75c, 10 bu. or more at 65c.

I sowed ten bushels of Lincoln oats on the six acres of ground, from which was threshed 498 bushels, or 83 bushels per acre. We had severe drouth this year and other oats yielded only 6 to 10 bushels per acre.--H. M. Dickinson, of Douglas county, Neb. The Lincoln oats went about 25 per cent more to the acre than other white oats on the same kind of ground. I sowed them just as I did the others.--C. F. Herrick, Buchanan county, Iowa.

EARLY CHAMPION OATS.--This grand new variety which was introduced by us in 1898 has given excellent satisfaction to our customers and it gave the largest yield per acre of any variety in the test at the Iowa Agricultural College, and is highly recommended by them. Has comparatively short straw, matures a week to ten days earlier than other kinds, thus largely escaping the liability to rust. Its greatest value lies in its special adaptability as a nurse crop to sow with grass seed, as it does not stool as freely as some other sorts. Will not lodge on rich land. Henry Wallace, editor Wallace's Farmer, says: "I would rather risk sowing grass seed with them than any other variety I know of." Price per pk. 35c, bu. $1.00, 2 bu. or more @ 85c, 10 bu. or more @ 75c. GREAT NEW ZEALAND OATS.--This grand new variety was first introduced by us in 1895 and has given remarkable satisfaction, in one instance yielding 102 bushels per acre while other varieties in the same vicinity yielded only 40 to 50 bushels. It averages a trifle higher than other sorts, has very stiff, strong straw, never known to lodge. About one week later in maturing than the common round head oat, thus giving time to harvest the hay crop. They stool out remarkably well, and thus require less seed to the acre; are almost entirely free from rust on all kinds of soil. Peck 40c, bu. $1.00, 2 bu. or more @ 9[?]c, 10 bu. or more @ 80c.

E. M. Crosswait says: "I have sown this oat for several years and had an extra yield in measure and weight, 36 to 40 lbs. every year. It never rusts or lodges and yields more to the acre than any of my neighbors.' It is first class and ironclad."

TREE AND HEDGE SEEDS. By mail, postpaid. [table] [column headings: PER PKT. OZ. 1/4 LB. LB. BY EXP. 5 LBS. OR MORE @. Apple. .05. .10. .20. .60. .35. A[?] Am. White. .05. .10. .15. .50. .30. Box Elder. .05. .10. .15. .50. .30. Catalpa, Hardy. .05. .10. .25. .80. .45. Locust, Black. .05. .10. .20. .50. .25. Locust, Honey. .05. .10. .20. .60. .30. Mulberry, Rus'n. .05. .25. .75. $2.25. $1.50. Osage Orange. .05. .10. .15. .50. .35. Tree of Heaven. .05. .10. .25. .75. .50.

J. H. Shober says: "The New Zealand oat is the best variety I ever saw and you are safe in assuring your customers an average yield of 25 per cent more per acre than any of the common varieties, and also that they will weigh more to the bushel. They are rust proof, are a surer crop and better adapted to this country than other varieties."

BLACK or NEGRO OATS.--A very popular variety of oats in the south as they are claimed to be almost drouth proof. They have stiff straw, heavy berry, and are very productive. While there are comparatively few black oats grown in this country, still they are said to be fully equal to the white for feeding, and are much preferred in England and other European countries. Better try at least a small field this year, and we feel sure that our customers, in the south especially, will be pleased with the result. Per peck 50c, bu. $1.50, 2 bu. or more @ $1.25.

[image] EARLY CHAMPION.

IOWA SEED COMPANY, DES MOINES, IOWA. 33.

[image]

IRISH VICTOR OATS. A Grand Oat Novelty for 1900. It is probably known to but few farmers that almost all the new varieties of oats originate either in Scotland, Northern Ireland, or New Zealand, and it is to these countries that we are obliged to look for improved sorts. The Irish Victor was brought over from Ireland three years ago and has proved superior to all other sorts grown in the same section, in vigor of growth, stiffness of staw [straw] and productiveness. Our grower in Poweshiek county, Iowa, says his neighbors agree with him in pronouncing it the handsomest oat field ever seen in Iowa. The straw is very stiff, holding the heavy head up well. It is fully as early as the Lincoln and yields more than that very productive variety. The grains are large, plump and heavy. Plant grows to medium height, stools out exceptionally well, is free from rust and yields an immense crop. When we heard of this wonderful variety we at once investigated it fully and purchased the entire crop. Not a bushel of it is in the hands of anyone else except the few bushels which the farmer reserved for his own planting. We have made price so low that no one can afford to do without it this year. We are only sorry that we have not a larger stock, as it will doubtless soon be exhausted. Per lb. 25c, 3 lbs. 60c, postpaid. By freight, per peck 40c, bu. $1.00, 10 bus. $10.00, 100 bus. $100.00. No discount on any quantity.

I have handled a great many carloads of oats both of my own growing and also as a shipper of grain to eastern markets, but I consider your Irish Victor the best ever shipped from this station. I saw the oats growing and the field was beautiful; it stood up straight having a very stiff straw and sprangled head. They far surpass the Lincoln, Swiss, White Russian, Bonanza and all other varieties of oats which have been grown in this vicinity.--H. H. Connell, Poweshiek Co., Ia. Your Irish Victor Oats made the heaviest crop that I ever saw, and they stood up the best of any oats in our neighborhood this year.--Wm. H. Swain, Mahaska county, Ia. The Irish Victor are the best and most productive oats I have ever raised. They have stiff straw and stand up better than any other sort. John J. Doonan, Poweshiek county, Iowa.

Farmer's Reliance Corn. A grand novelty in field corn now offered for the first time, and it is by far the earliest variety of dent corn in existence, and also the largest eared early corn. A more full description will be found on page 30 of this catalogue, but we want to call it to the special attention of farmers in the north where season is short. It will pay farmers all through the central corn states to plant at least a small field of it so that they can have a crop which they can depend on any kind of a season. It is the Farmer's Reliance every year and is not a small ear like so many extra early sorts, but makes an ear of good average size. Don't fail to try it. Per lb. 40c, 3 lbs. $1.00, postpaid. By freight, 1/2 peck 60c, peck $1.00, 1/2 bush. $1.75, bush. $3.00. The originator of the "Farmer's Reliance Corn" says in regard to it: "It is the earliest corn I have ever seen or grown, maturing in 80 days, being ten days to two weeks earlier than Pride of the North, and it will yield double as much per acre. It is very heavy, usually weighing 60 pounds to the measured bushel. Your customers cannot fail to be greatly pleased with it in every respect as I verily believe it to be the most productive early corn in existence."

FILL YOUR CORN CRIBS WITH PROFIT CORN And fill your pocketbook with money Make Your Live Stock Happy By feeding first-class corn. BE THE FIRST In your neighborhood to plant PROFIT CORN and then supply your neighbors the next year with seed. There's Money in it.

[image] THE MOST PROFITABLE CORN FOR FARMERS TO GROW. SURE ROAD TO WEALTH. PROFIT CORN.

PROFIT CORN. The most profitable corn for any farmer who has live stock to feed. Last year we introduced this grand new variety and it gave excellent satisfaction everywhere. It originated from a carefully prepared cross of two well known sorts on the farm of a seed grower in Madison county, Iowa, which is the county that produced our now world famous Iowa Gold Mine. For nearly 20 years this corn has been bred up until now it is claimed to be The heaviest, most solid ear of any variety in existence, and of good average size. It ain't a Handsome Corn, but it's got Money it it! The color of the surface of ear is variegated from light sulphur to bright orange, being agreeably diversified, making it particularly striking in appearance. With some this might be an objection if they desire to sell it in the ear, but when shelled it looks quite uniform in color as the variation is simply in color of the cap or top of grain. The purpose of the originator was to fix a type of field corn FOR PROFIT, superior to any in cultivation, and profit in corn growing, as we understand it, means the largest crop of SHELLED CORN (not cobs) maturing in reasonably short time and of the best quality. Ears of large size, grain is very deep, cob small and dries out rapidly, thus making it a sure cropper. The corn is so solid on cob that the kernels appear as if driven in and it shells out immensely. Will produce a larger crop on poor soil than any variety we know of and with good culture will astonish everybody. It is the corn to plant and we want all our customers to try it. You cannat [cannot] get it elsewhere, as we are not wholesaling it this season. Order early as our stock is limited. Per pkt. 5c, lb. 25c, 3 lbs. 60c, 7 lbs. (sufficient for one acre) $1.00, by mail or express prepaid. By freight per 1/2 pk. 40c, pk. 75c, bu. $2.25, 2 bu. or more @ $2.00.

DWARF ESSEX RAPE. Of comparatively recent introduction in this country, but has proved to be THE MOST VALUABLE FORAGE PLANT IN EXISTENCE for many sections of the country. It is easily grown everywhere, can be sown early with a grain crop, but is usually sown in June or July in a field with corn or potatoes for summer or fall pasture. It produces a wonderful amount of feed, one acre being sufficient for 30 to 40 sheep and lambs for two months, and they gain flesh so rapidly that they soon "weigh like lead." While it is the ideal food for sheep, still it is of equal value for hogs and cattle, as they are very fond of it, and it is extremely cheap, having yielded 9 3/4 tons of fodder from 1/2 acre. It is well to make several sowings during the season, so as to have it from early until late. If soil is rich and clean sow broadcast, but on most land it will pay to sow in drills and cultivate once or twice to keep down weeds. Dwarf Essex Rape is well adapted for a catch crop where other crops have from any reason failed as it makes most of its growth late in the season. Can be sown in stubble after oats, wheat, etc., and makes a fine fall pasture. Our seed is the best imported and cannot be surpassed. Per pkt. 5c, lb. 30c, 3 lbs. 75c, postpaid. By freight, 5 lbs. 50c, 10 lbs. 80c, 25 lbs. $1.75, 100 lbs. $6.50.

Nov. 1899.--I am much pleased with your Profit Corn, as it is remarkable for its vigorous growth, and in spite of the dry weather at earing time and it having no extra cultivation it yielded at the rate of 120 bushels per acre of solid, well filled ears. It beats your Iowa Gold Mine, and this I consider high praise. L. L. Stewart, Peoria, Co., Ill.

California Golden Broom Corn. Omitted from the general list. We consider it one of the best sorts. Color light green turning to yellow instead of red. Makes straight fine brush considered by many superior to the Evergreen, Japanese or any other variety. Our seed is new and nice. Per lb. 25c, 3 lbs. 65c, postpaid. By freight, 10 lbs. 60c, 25 lbs. $1.25, 100 lbs. $4.00.

[image] DWARF ESSEX RAPE

T. J. Kegley, of Ames, Iowa, writes us: "I have been growing Dwarf Essex Rape for the last four years and find it a very satisfactory food for sheep, hogs and cattle. I would not think of farming without a good acreage of it. I plant between potato rows or sow with rye or oats."