1884

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THIRD EDITION SPRING 1884

DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF NEW SEEDS CHOICE PLANTS, BULBS, TREES

And Everything for the Flower and Vegetable Garden.

" INQUIRE WITHIN."

PAGE & KEISEY, SEEDSMEN AND FLORISTS,

622 Seventh St., Des Moines, Iowa.

MillS & CO., DES MOINES.

Last edit about 4 years ago by Iowa State University Parks Library
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[Table] CONTENTS. PAGE. Dollar Collections. Second page of cover. Introduction. 1. Flower Seeds. 3. Winter Blooming Bulbs. 7. Greenhouse Plants and Bulbs. 8. Cut Flowers. 14. Russian Mulberry Trees. 14. Trees, Plants and Shrubs by mail. 15 . Fruit Trees, Small Fruits, etc., by express. 16. Vegetable Seeds. 17. Important Reduction. 25. Miscellaneous List. 26. Implements. 28. Sundries. 30.

DOLLAR COLLECTIONS.

No discounts will be made or premiums allowed on these collections.

To meet the very popular demand for $1 collections, we have arranged the following which will be sent by mail post paid on receipt of price. It will be seen that where persons are not well acquainted with different varieties, so as to enable them to make judicious selections, these sets offer great advantages for cheapness, and parties will usually get as good selections as they could make themselves, our aim being as far as possible to satisfy every customer that favors us with an order. The choice of varieties must be left entirely to us, as we positively cannot afford, at these collection prices, to permit customers to select them, and the collections cannot be divided or changed. We recommend them to our customers, and feel sure that they will please you. Price $1 for each collection. For discription [description] of varieties see general list. No. 1-15 Choice Basket Plants, assorted. [No.] 2- 2 Begonias, 2 Fuchsias, 3 Geraniums, 2 Heliotropes. All different. [No.] 3- 4 Achryanthus, 6 Coleus, 3 Centaureas. [No.] 4- 3 Ageratums, 3 Allyssum, 3 Alternantheras, 6 Verbenas. [No.] 5- 1 Begonia Rex, 2 Flowering Begonias, 1 Fern, 1 Campsidium, 2 Coleus, 1 Pilea. [No.] 6- 3 Carnations, 2 Abutilons, 2 Lantanas, 2 Salvias, 1 Rose. [No.] 7- 2 Smilax, 3· Tradescantias, 2 Lobelias, 2 Sedums, 2 Parlor Ivies, 2 Vincas. [No.] 8- 2 Lemon Verbenas, 2 Chrysanthemums, 2 Echeverias, 2 Fuchsias, 2 Lobelias. [No.] 9- 3 Geraniums, 3 Heliotropes, 2 Salvias, 2 Hibiscus. [No.] 10-12 Pansies, 6 Verbenas, 2 Geraniums. [No.] 11- 5 Tea Roses, 2 Abutilons, 3 Salvias. [No.] 12-12 Gladiolas, 6 Tuberoses. [No.] 13- 2 Caladiums, 1 Amaryllis (Atamosco), 1 Dahlia, 1 Canna. [No.] 14- 1 Amaryllis (Formosissima), 4 Tuberoses, 1 Dahlia, 3 Maderia. [No.] 15- 3 Carnations, 2 Bouvardia, 2 Cupheas, 1 Ivy, 2 Roses. [No.] 16- 4 Foliage Geraniums, 2 Peristrophes, 1 Primula, 1 Rose. [No.] 17- 4 Begonias, flowering, 4 Heliotropes, 1 Clerodendron, 2 Allysum. [No.] 18- 3 Everflowering Roses, 2 Dahlias, 1 Lantana, 8 Verbenas. [No.] 19- 1 Euphorbia, 1 Calla Lilly [Lily], 1 Stevia, 1 Hoya Carnosa, 1 Hydrangea, 1 Libonia, 1 Torenia. [No.] 20-10 Hardy Roses. [No.] 21- 6 Roses (Everflowering,) 2 Dahlias, 2 Tuberoses. [No.] 22- 3 Fuchsias, 2 Begonias, 2 Salvias, 1 Amaryllis, 2 Ageratums, 1 Rose. [No.] 23- Our selection of 12 splendid house plants. [No.] 24- Our selection of 15 splendid bedding plants. [No.] 25- Our selection of 12 splendid climbing plants. [No.] 26- Our selection of 16 splendid foliage plants. [No.] 27- 6 Geraniums, 5 Roses. [No.] 28- 3 Carnations, 2 Salvias, 1 Lantana, 6 Geraniums, (double or single). [No.] 29- 2 Double Petunias, 12 Verbenas, 6 Pansies. [No.] 30- 4 Scented Geraniums, 4 Silver or Bronze-Leaf Geraniums, 8 Verbenas.

No. 31- 4 Moss Roses. All different. [No.] 32-30 Pansies. [No.] 33- 12 Begonias, 8 sorts. [No.] 34-16 Allysum. [No.] 35-24 Verbenas, our selection. [No.] 36-14 Heliotropes. [No.] 37- 1 Packet each 25 varieties Flower Seeds, splendid Annuals. [No.] 38- 1 Packet each 12 varieties Flower Seeds, extra choice Annuals. [No.] 39- 1 Packet each 20 varieties Flower Seeds, Biennials and Perennials. [No.] 40- 1 Packet each 25 varieties Flower Seeds, consists of the most popular sorts of Annuals, Biennials, Perennials, Ornamental Climbers, Ornamental Grasses, and Everlastings. [No.] 41- 8 Apple trees, 4 sorts. [No.] 42- 3 Pear trees, 3 sorts. [No.] 43- 3 Cherry trees, 3 sorts. [No.] 44- 2 Pear trees, 2 sorts, 2 Quince, 2 sorts. [No.] 45- 5 Peach trees, 5 sorts. [No.] 46- 1 Pear, 2 Peach, 2 Apple. [No.] 47- 1 Apple, 1 Pear, 1 Cherry, 1 Quince. [No.] 48- 8 Grape Vines- 2 each of Concord, Hartford, Ives and Rogers' Hybrids. [No.] 49-10 Grape Vines, 5 sorts, entirely our choice. [No.] 50-20 Raspberries-4 each of Mammoth Cluster, Doolittle's Improved, Brandywine, Turner and Cuthbert. [No.] 51-25 Raspberries, 5 sorts, our choice. [No.] 52- 8 Currants-2 Cherry, 3 La Varsailes and 3 White Grape. [No.] 53- 18 Choice Strawberry plants-5 James Vick, 5 Old Ironclad, 5 Jersey Queen, 3 Big Bob. [No.] 54-42 Choice Strawberry plants-2 James Vick, Bidwell, 5 Satin Gloss, 5 Manchester, 5 25 Sharpless. [No.] 55-75 Strawberry plants-25 each of Sharpless, Crescent and Wilson. [No.] 56- 2 Grapes, 2 Currants, 4 Raspberries and 20 Strawberry plants. [No.] 57- 5 Sweet Chestnut, 1 Spanish Chestnut, 1 Butternut, 1 Black Walnut and 1 Maderia Nut. [No.] 58- 75 Catalpa Speciosa, perfectly hardy and rapid growers; very durable timber. [No.] 59- 40 Sweet Chestnut trees. [No.] 60- 1 Spruce, 1 American Arbor Vitae, 1 Pyramidalis, 1 Irish Juniper, 1 Retinospora.

Last edit over 1 year ago by lelfrank
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INTRODUCTION.

OFFICE OF PAGE & KELSEY, Des Moines, Iowa, January, 1884.

To all lovers of beautiful flowers and good palatable vegetables, we present this our first Annual Catalogue of Seeds, Plants, and everything needful for the flower and vegetable garden, and in doing so we give cordial, friendly greeting and are resolved by earnest, honest effort, for our mutual benefit, to merit and receive your lifetime friendsbip and patronage. It has been beautifully said that the seed is that link in the chain of vegetable existence which connects the old and new plant; were this destroyed, were nature to fail in her operation of perfecting the seed, what a change would the earth soon exhibit! One year would sweep away the whole tribe of annual plants; beautiful flowers, medicinal herbs, and our most important grains for the sustenance of man and beast, would vanish for ever. Another year would take from us many of our most useful garden vegetables, and greatly reduce the number of our ornamental plants. Year after year the perennials would vanish, until the earth would present one vast scene of vegetable ruin. The ancient pines and venerable oaks, instead of the smiling aspect of ever renovating nature which they now witness, would stand alone in solitary grandeur, the mournful remains of a once beautiful and fertile world. "Lo! on each seed, within its slender rind, Life's golden threads in endless circles wind; Maze within maze the lucid webs are rolled, And as they burst, the living flame unfold. Grain within grain, successive harvests dwell, And boundless forests slumber in a shell." We will do our part to prevent so sad a scene as our earth dismantled of vegetation. The three conditions of success, are, first good seed; second, good soil and cultivation; third, vivifying sunshine and refreshing showers. The first we are bound to supply, for the second we look to our patrons, and for the third to an overruling providence. Thus God ordains; t'is beautiful, sublime, Our mutual efforts, interests to combine, In work so blessed human and divine. We start out this season with one of the choicest and best selected stocks of Flower and Vegetable Seeds, that has ever been offered by any Seed House. Our stock is entirely new, we have not an ounce of old seed in the bouse, and consequently onr customers can be doubly sure of being pleased, and satisfied with those purchased of us. You will readily see that, besides the principle at stake, we cannot afford to sell you anything of a doubtfnl character, because our reputation would suffer thereby. As is well known, Des Moines is one of the principal railroad points of the West, there being 13 railroads centering here, and our shipping facilities are unsurpassed. While our store and greenhouses are near enough to the post-office and depots so that we get our mail several times a day, and can fill all orders promptly, still we are saved an enormous expense in rents, etc., by being a little remote from the business center of the city, and, therefore, we can afford to, and do, sell seeds and plants at a less profit, and cheaper than others can. Our greenhouse trade was established in 1875, by Mr. Kelsey, who is a practical florist, not only in the growing of plants, for the local trade, but also in the mail plant trade, and in all branches of Floral Work and Decorations. We have this season erected a suitable building for a seed store, and put in a full supply of all kinds of Flower, Vegetable, and Field seeds. This department will be conducted under the supervision of Chas. N. Page, who has had seven years experience in all branches of the seed business, in the largest seed store in this State.

Last edit over 1 year ago by lelfrank
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2. SEED AND PLANT CATALOGUE.

Our Terms.-Cash must accompany all orders, as we do not keep any book accounts in the mail department of our business. No goods will be sent C. O. D., except seeds and implements, and we cannot send these in this manner unless at least one fourth of the bill is remitted with the order as a guarantee of good faith.

We offer the following inducements for the formation of clubs in ordering seeds. The same will, of course, be given to anyone person ordering these quantities, for himself alone.

These premiums apply to seeds in packets only, at catalogue rates.

You may select seeds in packets amounting to... $1.20 for $1.00. [ditto]... 2.50 for 2.00. [ditto]... 3.75 for 3.00. [ditto]... 5.00 for 4.00. [ditto]... 6.50 for 5.00. [ditto]... 18.00 for 10.00. [ditto]... 28.00 for 20.00.

Premiums on flower plants are the same as the above.

We will also give a good premium on all orders for seeds in bulk amounting to $5.00 or over. Market Gardeners and others wanting large quantities of seeds are requested to write for special prices, sending a list of seeds wanted.

Our Responsibility.-As this book will probably go into the hands of many who are unacquainted with us this question will naturally arise, and in answer to same we respectfully refer you, by permission, to the following Des Moines parties: Messrs. John Beckwith, Postmaster; J. J. Towne, President of the Valley National Bank; C. F. Demuth, Agent of the American Express Company, and E. L. Smith, Agent of the United States Express Company.

Finally Remember-That our stock of seed is entirely fresh and reliable, and with proper treatment they will grow and give satisfaction.

That all seeds are carefully tested and nothing sent out which we do not believe to be good in every respect. Our facilities for testing seeds are not excelled by any.

That your order will be filled promptly and well.

That all seeds and plants, except those noted, are sent prepaid by mail, unless ordered otherwise, and we guarantee their safe arrival.

That our prices are as low as good reliable seeds can be sold at.

That we will be responsible that all money sent by Bank Draft, Money Order, or Registered Letter, will reach us. When the order amounts to $2.00 or over, the expense of sending money may be deducted from amount sent. Our patrons will find that the new Postal Notes are quite convenient. Postage stamps (1 cent and 2 cent preferred) taken same as money.

Warranting Seeds.-While we have taken the greatest pains to have all seed sent out by us pure, of good quality and thoroughly reliable in every respect, and it would injure us more than it would the customers to have any prove otherwise, still as there are so many causes for failure besides the quality of the seeds, we want it to be distinctly understood that we do not warrant them, and will not be liable or responsible for any loss or damage arising from their failure to grow and produce a good crop. But, however, we have so much faith in them that we hereby agree to refill the order without charge, should they prove otherwise.

We will be pleased to hear from our customers at any time about their plants and garden. If you are successful we are glad to know it, and if you have trouble with either plants or seeds, write to us and any suggestions or information we can impart will be cheerfully given. Your Friends, CHAS. N. PAGE, JAY KELSEY} PAGE & KELSEY.

P. S.-Please send us the name and address of any persons in your neighborhood who use any flower or vegetable seeds, and we will send them our catalogue. By doing this you will confer a favor on us and them also, which we will be glad to reciprocate.

Last edit over 1 year ago by lelfrank
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FLOWER SEEDS.

As this is one of our specialties, we have given it the first place in this list. The varieties have been selected with the greatest care, all being discarded except the best and most popular, and our customers will find that there is not one unworthy or undesireable variety included. Our Flower Seet is from the best and most reliable European sources, and is unsurpassed in quality.

The following general hints on the raising of flower plants from seeds, we have endeavored to give in as plain and concise a manner as possible. If there is some clay with it the colors will be brighter.

Make the surface as smooth and fine as possible; sow seet in rows covering each sort of seed in proportion to its size (a good general rule being to cover twice the diameter of the seed) and press the soil down firmly over it. Do not plant any seed when the ground is wet. Many varieties should be sown early in shallow boxes in the house, in soil consisting of equal parts of fine sand and rich mellow loam, well mixed together and sifted to remove all gravel and lumps. Sow as before directed. Covering the box with glass helps to retain the moisture and keeps the temperature more even. Be careful not to keep them too wet, and as soon as they are large enough to handle, transplant into boxes, from one to two inches apart, where they are to remain until time to transplant to permanent beds. Many think that the seed will germinate better if kept completely shaded until it comes up, and then gradually bring to the light.

We will always be glad to answer any questions from our customers, relative to the cultivation of any kinds of plants.

Beautiful Chromo Illustrations of the flowers, and complete directions for cultivation are printed on most of the packets. The common name of many varieties will be found immediately following the proper name.

ANNUALS. Under this heading we include not only the true Annuals, that is those plants which grow from seed, blossom and die in the same season, but also some Biennials and Perennials, such as Pansies and Daises, that flower the first season, and then live on for a year or more.

The figures at the right of the column show the price of seeds per packet.

[left column start] Abronia, Umbellata - A quite handsome trailing plant, bearing clusters of sweet scented Verbena-like flowers; beautiful for baskets, vases, and bedding; color rosy lilac, with white eye 5

Adonis, Aestivalis - Plants with fine, graceful foliage and brilliant scarlet flowers. Grows well in the shade; continual bloomer 5

Ageratum - Very desirable for bouquets, blooms throughout the summer. -Mexicanum - Flowers light blue 5 -Mixed Colors 5

Agrostemma - Attractive, free-blooming plants with flowers which resemble a single pink. They make a fine display when grown in masses. -Mixed Colors 5

Alyssum, Sweet - A favorite flowers with every one, for bedding, bouquets, and all kinds of flower-work. Has very pretty fragrant, small white flowers, continuously in bloom throughout the summer, and can be taken up and cut back for winter blooming. Do not let the flowers go to seed on the plant as they sap the vitality, and stop the blooms 5

Amaranthus, Caudatus (Love Lies Bleeding) - Produces long drooping "chains" of very brilliant flowers, color is brighter if plants are grown in poor soil, and kept dry 5 -Tricolor (Joseph's Coat) - Foliage brilliantly marked, scarlet, yellow, and green 5 -Salicifolius (Fountain Plant) - One of the best foliage plants for center of a bed; graceful drooping habit; choice colors and shading 10 [left column end]

[right column start] Anagalis - Pretty for rockeries and vases, produce a profusion of rich colored flowers. -All colors mixed 10

Antirrhinum (Snapdragon) - One of the most desirable of flowers for its great variety of color and succession of bloom. -Tall - Mixed colors 5 -Dwarf - Mixed colors 5

Asperula - A small flwoer finely adapted for button-hole bouquets; color light blue 5

Asters - Universal favorites which stand in the first rank, for thier variety of form and color, and great profusion of flowers. -New Rose - Mixed colors 10 -Truffant's Peony-flowered Perfection - Magnificent large flowers, many colors 15 -New Crown - Persons who saw our bed of these last year, pronounced them to be the finest colors of Asters they had ever seen. The center of each flower is pure white, with the outer petals of bright colors 15 -German Quilled - Mixed colors 5 -Dwarf Pyramidal Bouquet - The foliage is sometimes completely hidden by flowers 10 -Mixed Varieties and Colors 5

Balsam - One of the most popular of all the annuals; produces gorgeous masses of beautiful flowers rivaling the Rose and Camelia in beauty. Can be stemed [stemmed] on wire and used to good advantage in bouquets. When grown on rich soil which has some clay mixed with it the flowers will be mostly very double and the colors more brilliant. [right column end]

Last edit over 2 years ago by Hbutler2325
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