1888

Iowa Seed Company Des Moines, Iowa.

18th Annual Catalogue 1888

[images] IOWA SEED CO. GROWERS, IMPORTERS AND DEALERS IN VEGETABLE, FLOWER & FIELD SEEDS, BULBS, PLANTS, IMPLEMENTS, &C.

WINDSOR & PAGE

STORE 809 WALNUT ST. DES MOINES, IOWA.

150 ACRE SEED FARM 4 MILES WEST OF STORE.

PROFIT FIELD CORN

INTRODUCTION. Office of Iowa Seed Company, Des Moines, lowa, January 1, 1888. With pleasure we again greet our many old customers and friends, as well as the many new ones which are constantly coming to us, and whom one year's trial of our superb Iowa Seeds, usually persuades to stay by us. We can refer with pride to the many testimonials we are almost daily receiving from the most critical market gardeners in the country, as they tell more of the superior value of our seeds than anything we could say, and a perusal of them will convince all that our motto "ONLY ONE QUALITY, THE BEST," is well taken. We are taking special pains to grow and supply the very best vegetable, flower, field and grass seeds that can be produced, and we consider our efforts well rewarded by the universal verdict of our customers, and the rapidly increasing popularity of our Choice Iowa Seeds. We are located in the garden spot of the country, the center of the United States, where soil and climate are especially adapted to the raising of seeds. Our home seed farm consists of about 150 acres, and on this we have our experimental grounds, where we test all varieties of seeds sold by us, as well as most of the novelties which are offered each year, and also grow quite a large number of varieties of vegetables, all under the personal supervision of the senior member of our firm, Mr. H. C. Windsor. Aside from this, many of our seeds are grown for us under our direction in Adair, Dallas, Cass, Audubon and Polk counties. In this way we are certain of the purity and high quality of the seeds we offer, and only request that you give them a fair trial. At the Iowa State Fair, held in this city in September, 1887, there was a very large exhibit of the products of our seeds, and they attracted much attention. Next fall we expect to make a still larger display aud shall be pleased to meet any of our customers there at that time. And here we take the opportunity to thank you all for your liberal orders and kind expressions of confidence, and solicit a continuance of them for the future.

SUGGESTIONS TO CUSTOMERS. The Importance of Good Seed- Cannot be overestimated, and we are certain that after a trial all our customers will agree that our seeds are the purest and best to be had. Still when it is considered how many are the contingencies on which the success of any crop depends, our customers will readily see that it would be sheer folly for any one to warrant them to produce a perfect crop, and we want it distinctly understood that we sell no seeds with warranty either express or implied in any respect, and will not be in any way responsible for the crop. But, however, we have so much faith in them that we hereby agree to refill any retail order for vegetable or flower seeds free of charge should they prove otherwise than as we represent them.

[image] SEEDS BULBS ONLY ONE QUALITY THE BEST PLANTS TOOLS

Our Prices- Our constant aim is to make the highest quality the first consideration, and next to put our prices as low as good reliable seeds can be sold. In considering he prices or comparing them with others, please bear in mind that we deliver all Vegetable and Flower Seeds (except Peas, Beans and Corn) to you postpaid. Order Early- Because your orders are sure to be promptly filled and we are sure to have what you want, which might not be the case late in the season, and you will be ready for planting when good weather comes. Charges Prepaid- All seeds and plants, except those noted, are sent prepaid by mail or express, by quickest and most direct route, unless ordered otherwise, and we guarantee their safe arrival. Shipping Directions- In ordering please state whether it will be convenient for you to receive your goods by express, and if so, name your nearest express office, as all orders weighing two pounds and upwards, will be forwarded by express if possible. Send Money with Order- Either by draft, money order, registered letter, or any manner convenient. We accept postage stamps as cash. We keep no book accounts in our mail order department, and the expense of sending goods C. O. D. is quite large. Testing- All seeds are carefully tested and nothing sent out which we do not believe to be good in every respect. Guaranteed- We guarantee the safe arrival of any goods which we send out. That your order will be filled promptly and well. 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 or over, the expense of sending money may be deducted from amount sent. Discounts-On all seeds in packets amounting to $1 or over, twenty per cent. For other discounts see heading of the respective classes of goods. Each year we put up a great many packets of seeds for free distribution among our customers by adding liberally of them to orders. Clubs- We want a good live agent or club raiser in every town and community. If you desire to work for us write for special terms to agents and we will start you in the business. We will be obliged to any of our customers who may favor us with the names of their friends and neighbors that are interested in gardening, and we will mail a copy of our new catalogue to them with pleasure. To Market Gardeners and other large purchasers we shall be pleased to send our special prices on application. 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 the same we respectfully refer you by permission to the Valley National Bank, of this city. Respectfully soliciting your orders and correspondence, we remain, Yours, Very Truly, H. C. WINDSOR, M. L. PAGE. IOWA SEED COMPANY

Novelties for 1888, and VARIETIES OF SPECIAL MERIT. We present the following list of the newer varieties of vegetables to our customers this year, which have been carefully selected from the many which are offered by the seed trade, and we have used great care in choosing only such as we believed would be desirable acquisitions, and prove of great value to our customers. They are not merely novelties, whose only value is in their rarity, but they possess qualities of decided merit, and are far superior in their respective classes, to the older and better known varieties, and will undoubtedly, when they become more generally known, supplant many of the now standard sorts. We especially would call yonr attention to the novelties of our own introduction, which are illustrated on the outside cover of this Guide. We can recommend them all as possessed of real sterling merit, and it will pay you to try them. On all seeds in packets the purchaser is entitled to select twenty-five cents worth extra for each $1.00 sent.

IOWA SEED CO.'S NEW MARKET GARDENERS' BEET. This most attractive novelty which we introduce to our customers this year we claim to be the best in the world. In it we have a variety entirely distinct from any heretofore introduced. Its shape is that shown on the cover of our catalogue, and market gardeners wlil readily see it is sure to become the leading market variety. Nine years ago in a field of Henderson's Pineapple Beet, grown on our seed farm in Madison county, we discovered some differing in shape from that valuable old variety. We have each year kept up this constant selection, keeping in mind this ideal shape, color and size, until this year we think we have as near perfection as can be attained. As will be noticed, it is very symmetrical, with small tap root and but few fibrous roots. Unusually small tops. At the age of the Egyptian it is larger, while it continues to grow until late in the fall, attaining a large size and making a good selling and eating beet for winter. By the first of October they measure eight inches in diameter and average six pounds each in weight. Color outside is deep blood-red; inside layers of blood-red and pure white alternately. When cooked, they are a beautiful dark red throughout, fine grained and unsurpassed in quality. Summing it all up, we find in it the BEST BEET FOR EARLY MARKET, the BEST BEET FOR WINTER USE, and owing to the small tops permitting them to be grown close together, and the peculiar shape of the bulb, it is the MOST PROFITABLE BEET FOR THE MARKET GARDENER and for the family garden of any we know of. We want each one of our thousands of customers throughout this country to give this Beet a trial, and we know they will find we have not given it too high praise. Per pkt. 10 cts.; oz. 25 cts.; 1/4 lb. 75 cts.

KING OF THE GARDEN LIMA BEAN. An improvement on the old Lima Beans. It is a very vigorous grower, requiring but two vines to each pole. They set their pods early, at the bottom of the pole producing a continuous bloom and fruitage to the end of the season. Many of the pods measure from five to eight inches, and contain five, six and seven perfectly formed Beans to the pod, of superior edible quality. Per pkt. 10 cts.; qt. by mail 70 cts.; pk. $2.25.

EXTRA EARLY LIMA BEAN. In this state the season is so short that often Lima Beans do not reach maturity. But this variety is so early, that by growing it all can indulge in this luxury. This desirable and distinct variety has been thoroughly tested by some of the best judges in every section of the eountry, and pronounced from ten to fifteen days earlier than any other. It is of the same size and general appearance as the ordinary variety, remarkably productive, and of extra fine quality. Per pkt. 10 cts.; qt. by mail 90 cts.

THE DEACON LETTUCE. The New York Agricultural Experiment Station in 1885, tested over 700 different kinds of Lettuce from seedsmen and growers in all parts of the world, and in their report now before us, we find the following in regard to this variety: "All in all this is the finest heading variety we have grown. This is one of the dark green, thick leaved sorts, nearly all of which are of good quality. Head compact, roundish, or a little flattened when of full size, in some plants measuring fully five inches in diameter. Outer leaves few in number, which with the perfectly defined head give the plant a very distinct appearance." On our own grounds we have found this variety the slowest to run to seed, and one of the best heading kinds we have ever tested. Per pkt. 10 cts.; oz. 35 cts.

[image] A. BLANC. PHILA. EXTRA EARLY LIMA.

2. SPECIALTIES AND NOVELTIES FOR 1888.

IOWA SEED CO.'S NEW Vine Peach [image] FROM A PHOTOGRAPH.

VINE PEACH. This splendid novelty which we introduced last year, was first called to our attention by one of our customers in Minnesota. The vine on which they are borne is somewhat similar to the musk melon vine, and requires the same cultivation. The fruit is about the size of a large peach, oval-shaped and of a bright orange yellow color somewhat russeted. When it first ripens it is quite hard and has very little flavor, but soon they become mellow and sweet, and have a rich flavor. When ripe the fruit falls from the vine, the flesh is very firm with a small cavity in the center, and when peeled and the seeds taken out they much resemble peaches. For sweet pickles, pies, or preserving they are superb. A few pieces of sliced lemon, or a little lemon essence, adds to their flavor and is usually desirable. We had a jar of them put up in the form of sweet pickles, on exhibition in our store, which have been praised in the highest terms by all who have tasted them. In the west and northwest where fruit is scarce, we feel certain that they will quickly become popular, as they are easily cultivated, wonderfully prolific, and can be used in every way in which you would use a peach, except that they are not usually liked raw, although some consider them excellent simply sliced with a little sugar on. Many of the customers to whom we sold them last season expect to cultivate a large area in them this year, and market gardeners are already having considerable call for them from their customers. Try them, and we know you will be well pleased. Per pkt. 10 cts.; oz. 40 cts. Marshall Wright, of Marshalltown, Iowa, writes: "I would say those seeds I purchased of you were very good. The Vine Peaches are a curiosity here, and they make the nicest sauce I ever saw."

NEW ASTRO CUCUMBER.

[image] NEW DIGNITY MANGEL.

Most of the long foreign varieties of cucumber will not do well in this country. But this novelty we have grown on our place several years with the best of success. It is the largest variety we have ever seen. With common outdoor culture growing fifteen to eighteen inches in length and with very few seeds. Excellent for slicing; flesh white and very crisp. In pkts. only, each 15 cts.

IOWA SEED CO.'S IMPROVED GROUND CHERRY. Introduced by us last year, and the flattering testimonials we have received regarding it, as well as our own tests, convince us that it is an acquisition deserving a place in every garden in the country. Our attention was first called to it by an article which appeared in the Home Department of the Chicago Inter Ocean, from a correspondent in Minnesota, who had grown and been improving this little vegetable for over twenty-five years, and we will quote from what she says regarding it: "One thing which with me is one of the most important of all the fruits in my cookery, I do not recollect of ever seeing named in the Home, and that is the Ground Cherry (not the wild one). They grow well on almost any dry soil, are easier raised than the tomato, and are prolific bearers, and oh! such luscious fruit. For sauce they are excellent, and for pies I know of nothing that can equal them in flavor and taste. They are just splendid dried in sugar, and they will keep, if put in a cool, dry place in the shuck, nearly all winter. I have never seen them named in any seed catalogue, and from what I learn from friends in different parts of the country to whom I have sent the seeds, they seem to be very little known. No one after raising them once will ever make a garden again without devoting a small portion at least to the Ground Cherry. Mrs. Amy L. Baldwin." We purchased all the seed that the above lady had, and have this year grown a large crop, so that we could supply all of our customers. It seems very strange to us that a vegetable possessing so many good qualities to recommend it, has not before been subjected to this improvement, and introduced to the public. We have put the price low so that you can try it. Levi Bennett, of Carns, Keya Paha county, Nebreaks, says: "In reference to the tame Ground Cherry described in catalogue, we have raised them, and they are all that they are represented to be." Mrs. H. E. Johnson, of Fairbury, Ill., says: "The Ground Cherry is most excellent for sauce, and made into preserves with sugar, pound for pound, it is fully as good as the strawberry in our estimation." Per pkt. 10 cts.; 1/2 oz. 40 cts.; oz. 75 cts.

[image] GROUND CHERRY.

NEW "DIGNITY" MANGEL. Grows to a very large size, weighing thirty to fifty pounds, and will yield forty-five tons per acre with good cultivation. If you want large crops of large Mangels of good quality, don't fail to try the Dignity. By express 5 lbs. for $3.25; by mail per lb. $1; 1/4 lb. 30 cts.; oz. 10 cts.; pkt. 5 cts.

3 Iowa Seed Company, Des Moines, Iowa.

[image]

New Short-Stem Drumhead Cabbage

THE FINEST STRAIN OF Late Drumhead IN CULTIVATION.

This improved variety, which we offer for the first time, far surpasses the old strain of Large Late Drumhead Cabbage, ripening earlier, with very short stock or stem, forming larger and thicker heads, of fine quality and the best of keepers. Owing to continued selection for several years past, this variety is remarkable for reliability of heading, every one who plants it can expect at least ninety-eight large solid heads from every one hundred plants. It is almost all head, and always sure to head. Per pkt. 10 cts.; oz. 25 cts.; 1/4 lb. 85 cts.; lb. $2.75, postpaid.

[image] NEW ROSY GEM RADISH. This wonderful new radish has won golden opinions in all sections of the country. The illustration is perfect from nature, and will give some idea of their great beauty. It is absolutely the earliest radish in cultivation. Their shape is perfectly globular, with rich deep scarlet top, blending into pure white at the bottom, exceedingly tender, crisp and delicious, never becoming hollow or pithy, equally desirable for either the market or home garden, and should be planted by everybody. Per pkt. 10 cts.; oz 20 cts.; 1/4 lb. 60 cts.

BIRD CANTELOPE MELON. Mr. Bird, of Colorado, claims for his new Cantelope Melon extreme earliness, large size, fine flavor, and good keeping qualities. He states that he obtained the melon by crossing the Montreal and Bay View. The flesh is thick, light green in color, and of fine quality. They have been grown to weigh twenty-two pounds, measuring thirty-four by thirty-eight and one-half inches. Mr. B. F. Battles, of Massachusetts, writes: "It is double the size of the Montreal Cantelope, and fully equal to it in flavor. I would give ten dollars for a package of seed if I could not get it for less." Per pkt. 10 cts.; oz 25 cts.