1888

IOWA SEED COMPANY, DES MOINES, IOWA. 39.

German, or Golden Millet- Much superior to common millet, producing more and larger leaves and a more nutritious stalk, the seed is richer and the heads are larger. For hay it should be cut as soon as well headed; 48 lbs. per bu.; one bu. per acre; per lb. 35c; pk. 50c; bu. $1.60. Hungarian Grass- This is a species of millet, growing less rank, with smaller stalks, often yielding two or three tons of hay per acre; 48 lbs. per bu.; one bu. per acre; per lb. 30c; pk. 50c; bu. $1.50. Johnson Grass- A perennial grass belonging to the sorghum family, a rapid grower, very nutritious both for hay and grazing, comes very early in spring and will grow till cut down by frost. Two or three crops can be cut in a season. Sow one bu. per acre; per lb. 60c; 3 lbs. $1.50; pk. $1.50; bu. $5. Teosinte-(Reana Luxurians)- A Central American forage plant, in leaf and stalk somewhat resembling corn, leaves longer and broader. It stools like oats, and is very sweet and nutritious; per pkt. 10c; oz. 25c; 1/4 lb. 75c; lb. $2.50. Durra, or Sorghum Vulgare- It is a valuable forage plant, growing from eight to ten feet in height and yielding an abundance of grayish-green foliage greatly relished by stock. It is frequently grown for grain for poultry and yields largely; per lb. 40c.

MIXTURES FOR PERMANENT PASTURES. "One thing is certain: that good pasture land is the foundation of the riches of a farm."-SINCLAIR. Farmers, as a rule, in preparing their mixtures of grasses to be used in the laying down of permanent pastures, confine themselves to too few varieties, thus failing to arrive at the most profitable results. The chief properties which give value to a grass are nutritive powers, produce, early growth, and reproductiveness (i. e., the property of growing rapidly after being cropped.) Our patures have heretofore been sadly neglected, so much so that in many instances the word "pasture" is become synonymous with the poorest land of the farm. Successful dairying and stock-breeding, however, demand better grazing. There is a vast margin for improvement and increased profits, between the three to five acres per cow of some of our older states, than the two to three cows per acre of Holland. While the expense of making a pasture is considerably more than the common timothy and clover pastures so prevalent in this state, still it must be remembered, that by using this mixture the pasture is kept green throughout the season and furnishes good grazing the year around, except when covered with snow, not only for one year, but if the land is properly cared for, it will remain in good condition for fifteen or twenty years without further sowing and produce double the amount of fodder, while the ordinary sowing has to be repeated every three or four years; thus in the end costing four or five times as much as our mixtures. All grasses have there [their] season, and their [there] is not a month from April to September in which some of the following do not attain their full perfection. Those for spring pasture we have marked *; for summer, †; for autumn, ‡.

Table showing the Proper Quantities to sow on an Acre of Light, Medium, or Heavy Soils, for Permanent Pasture. [table] [column headings: KIND. No. 1. Light Soils. No. 2. Medium Soils. No. 3. Heavy Soils. No. 4. For Orchards and shady places. *†Timothy. 3 lbs. 3 lbs. 4 lbs. 3 lbs. †Red Top. 4 [lbs.] 4 [lbs.] 6 [lbs.] 3 [lbs.] †*Orchard Grass. 8 [lbs.] 6 [lbs.] 4 [lbs.] 6 [lbs.] †*Meadow Fescue. 2 [lbs.] 2 [lbs.] 1 1/2 [lbs.] -- [lbs.] ‡Hard Fescue. -- [lbs.] 1 [lbs.] 2 [lbs.] 2 [lbs.] ‡†Tall Fescue. 2 [lbs.] 2 [lbs.] 4 [lbs.] 1 [lbs.] ‡†Kentucky Blue Grass. 5 [lbs.] 4 [lbs.] 2 [lbs.] 5 [lbs.] ‡Rough Stalked Meadow. -- [lbs.] 2 [lbs.] 4 [lbs.] 6 [lbs.] †*Perennial Rye Grass. 2 [lbs.] 3 [lbs.] 3 [lbs.] -- [lbs.] *Meadow Fox Tail. 1 [lbs.] 2 [lbs.] 2 [lbs.] 2 [lbs.] ‡†Crested Dogstail. 2 [lbs.] 1 [lbs.] 1 [lbs.] 4 [lbs.] *Sweet Vernal. 2 [lbs.] 1 [lbs.] -- [lbs.] -- [lbs.] ‡†White Clover. 4 [lbs.] 4 [lbs.] 4 [lbs.] 5 [lbs.] ‡†Alsike Clover. 1 [lbs.] 1 [lbs.] 1/2 [lbs.] -- [lbs.] ‡†Medium Red Clover. 2 [lbs.] 3 [lbs.] 3 [lbs.] 3 [lbs.]

Total number of pounds. 38 lbs. 39 lbs. 41 lbs. 40 lbs. Price per acre. $8.00. $8.50. $9.00. $9.00.

When desired we can put all the kinds up in separate packages.

IOWA SEED CO.'S EXTRA CHOICE MIXED LAWN GRASS- The essentials for a fine lawn are proper drainage, a careful preparation of the soil, thorough rolling and a selection of the seeds of such grasses as will present a luxuriant verdure from early spring till late in autumn; and then frequent cutting with a lawn mower. We have prepared a mixture of such grasses as will, if properly cared for, produce an elegant green carpet from early spring till covered by the snows of winter. One quart will sow 300 square feet. Sow at the rate of 3 to 4 bushels per acre; 15 lbs. per bushel; per qt. 20c; 4 qts. 75c; pk. $1.25; bu. $4.00. If to be sent by mail, add 10c per quart.

See Lawn Fertilizrs [Fertilizers] on another page.

Only One Quality, the Best. SWAN, IOWA, August 29, 1887. All your seeds did extra well this season. I think that every one grew, and all were true to name. J. S. WEAVER.

What Our Customers Say. EARLHAM, IOWA, August 30, 1887. The seed I received from you gave good satisfaction. I expect to patronize you again. T. A. MACY.

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SEED CATALOGUE AND GARDEN GUIDE.

SEED CORN.

[left column] The value of the corn crop in Iowa alone would be increased two million dollars by an average increase of only one bushel per acre, and it has been demonstrated that five to seven bushels can be added to the average crop by planting the improved kinds--while in many cases the crop can be nearly doubled. The necessity of planting the very best varieties is plain. All seed corn is very carefully tested, and none sent out that we are not certain will grow well. Samples mailed when desired. THE PROFIT--This corn, which was first introduced by us, is the result of cross-fertilization and over ten years of the most careful culture in Iowa. In this way we have succeeded in fixing a type superior to any variety with which we are acquainted, and we believe the most profitable for the farmer--and profit in corn raising, as we understand it, means the largest yield of shelled corn (not cobs) maturing in the shortest time, and of the best quality, and these are the points we claim for this variety; it will shell more than any other variety with which we are acquainted; has the deepest grain and the smallest cob, in proportion to the size of the ear; it is medium early, very straight rowed; the color is variegated from light sulphur to bright orange, being agreeably diversified, making it particularly striking in appearance of having been driven in. The cob is very small in proportion to the size of the ear. Measurements of three varieties, averaged sized ears of each, resulted as follows: PROFIT, circumference of each ear, seven and one-quarter inches; of cob, three and three-quarters inches; solid corn, three and one-half inches. LEAMING, circumference of ear seven inches. We believe we have been fully sustained in our claim that the Profit will produce more bushels of shelled corn per acre under like conditions than any corn yet introduced. It will pay every farmer to give this a trial; per lb. 40c; 3 lbs. $1; pk. 90c; bu. $3. Pride of the North--This new variety has been grown and improved in the extreme northern part of Iowa, and is the earliest yellow Dent corn we know of. The ears are eight to ten inches long, with small cob and deep kernel; seventy pounds of ears will make sixty pounds of shelled corn; color bright orange and very uniform. Will mature in this latitude when planted in June; per lb. 40c; 3 lbs. $1; pk. 65c; bu. $2. Leaming--The Leaming in character is somewhat of a Dent variety; ears are of good size, set low down, and nearly always two good ears to each stalk. Small, red cob, with a medium deep, long grain, of a rich golden color. The Leaming has produced in this section some of the largest and handsomest crops we have ever seen. C. E. Herring of Adair county, Iowa, writes: "I have tested twenty varieties in the last seven years, and find the Leaming by far the best." Per lb. 35c; 3 lbs. $1; pk. 65c; bu. $2. Angel of Midnight--The Rural New Yorker says of this corn: "Begins to ripen August 5, and is the earliest we have ever tried. Longest ears, 14 inches, 8 rows, over 60 kernels in a row. Kernels large, broad, yellow, flat. Plants six feet high only; very leafy at bottom--slender top, ears low, often two large ears to a stalk; stalk small, shanks long, cob small. This will certainly ripen, judging by this season, anywhere that corn will ripen; per lb. 40c; 3 lbs. $1; pk. $1; bu. $3. Compton's Extra Early Flint--The earliest known yellow field variety, ripening in 76 to 85 days. It is a handsome, ten to twelve rowed yellow variety; very productive, and will ripen planted as late as the first of July; per lb. 40c; 3 lbs. $1; pk. 75c; bu. $2.50. Champion White Pearl--An early medium sized pure white, deep grained, small white cob corn, especially adapted for milling; per lb., 40c; 3 lbs. $1; pk. 75c; bu. $2.50. Sweet Corn for Fodder--Especially valuable for feeding hogs and milch cows; commence feeding as soon as it will do for roasting ears, and continue till the corn becomes too dry which will not be till

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winter sets in. For milch cows it should be cut and wilted from twelve to twenty-four hours before feeding; per pk. 75c; bu. $2.25. Large White Field--Per pk. 60c; bu. $2. Pop Corn--See page 18 of Vegetable List.

BROOM CORN. Our broom corn seed is all saved from carefully selected hurl brush. Price given is per measured bushel. Please remember this in ordering, as a bushel according to the legal weight of Iowa equals only about two-thirds of a bushel by measure: Wilson's Improved Evergreen--Grows about eight to ten feet high, stands up well, and is entirely free from crooked brush; the fibre is long and fine. Its greatest value to growers is in the fact that it will not get red in the field before it is cut, but is strictly a green variety of brush and will always command the highest price; per lb. 40c; 3 lbs. $1; pk. 75c; bu. $2.75. Japanese Evergreen--Mr. A. L. Doud, of Van Buren county, writes me that his crop of the NEW VARIETY was the finest he ever grew, brush fine, even, good color and of the very best quality; per lb. 40c; 3 lbs. $1; bu $3.50. Black Spanish--Grows six to eight feet high with long, fine, straight brush of a light green color; per 1 lb. 40c; 3 lbs. $1; pk. 65c; bu. $2.50. Tall Evergreen--A standard variety, brush green; per lb. 35c; 3 lbs. $1; pk. 65c; bu. $2. Dwarf Everygreen--Similar to tall except in height; per lb. 35c; 3 lbs. $1; pk. 65c; bu. $2. California Golden--Long brush, which, when ripe, is a bright golden, yellow color, straight and handsome; per lb. 40c; 3 lbs. $1; pk. 75c; bu. $2.25.

FARM GRAIN, ETC. American Triumph Oats--A hybrid of remarkable vigor, stiff straw, bright plump berry, yielding from sixty to one hundred bushels per acre; per lb. 35c; 3 lbs. 90c; pk. 75c; bu. $2. Welcome Oats--This new oat has produced some enormous yields, and it is by all odds, the heaviest, handsomest and most productive variety we know of, weighing from 48 to 50 pounds per measured bushel. They stool heavily with extra strong, straight straw, standing well. Succeeding in a wide range of climate, and under a great variety of soils and methods of culture; per lb. 35c; 3 lbs. 90c; pk. 60c; bu. $1.50; 10 bu. $11. Improved Saskatchewan Fife Wheat--The yield of this splendid new spring wheat is simply extraordinary, in many cases doubling the general average. Read what the Milling Kings of the world say about it: From Charles A. Pillsbury, of the Pillsbury Flouring Mills (daily capacity, 7,500 bbls., requiring 36,000 bushels of wheat.). "I consider it the best and purest Fife wheat to-day in the Northwest. No such milling wheat has been received at our mills since we have been in the milling business." From Washburn, Crosby & Co., proprietors of the Washburn Mills (daily capacity, 4,000 bbls., requiring 20,000 bushels of wheat.) "After a careful inspection of the Saskatchewan Fife wheat as they have been exhibited to us, we are convinced that this is a remarkable for its purity and also its excellent milling properties. We are glad to add our endorsement to that of the universal opinion among millers here as to its value." Per lb.; 35c; 3 lbs. $1; pk. 60c; bu. $2; 2 bu. $3.50. Winter Rye--Per pk. 75c; bu. $2. Spring Rye--Per pk. 75c; bu. $2. The Manshury Barley--This barley is early ripening, which helps it to fill well; thus it generally fills plump. The Manshury Barley has a strong upright straw that makes it easy to harvest, yields well. The heads of this barley are very long, and contain from 75 to 100 kernels of grain, weighing over 50 pounds to the measured bushel; per lb. 35c; 3 lbs. $1; pk. 75c; bu. $2.25. Highland Chief Barley--A new and distinct two-rowed variety. It is very robust; a vigorous grower and the size of the grain when compared with any other variety is immense. It is less liable to be damaged by wet than other kinds, inasmuch as it is more closely covered with awns or spikelets, yielding from 50 to 60 bushels per acre and usually weighing over 50 pounds to the measured bushel. The stock we offer this season, for the first time, has [continued next page]

41

IOWA SEED COMPANY, DES MOINES, IOWA.

[left column] [continued from previous page] been examined by eminent agriculturists in bulk and pronounced the finest quality of barley they had ever seen. Nearly all who have experimented with the two, four and six-rowed varieties know that the two-rowed, for this climate, is far preferable. It yields better and can stand longer after it is fit to cut; per lb. 40c; 3 lbs. $1; bu. $3. European Silver Hull Buckwheat--This extraordinary variety originated abroad, is a very great improvement upon the black or grey Buckwheat. Sown the same as the common Buckwheat, it continues to bloom longer, matures a few days sooner, and yields nearly or quite double under the same conditions. The grain is of a beautiful light silvery grey color, varying slightly in shade, and the corners are much less prominent than in the ordinary variety, while the husk is thinner, thereby saving from fifteen to twenty per cent waste in the process of manufacturing into flour, which is whiter and more nutritious; per lb. 40c; 3 lbs. $1; pk. 75c; bu. $2.50. Common Buckwheat--(Selected)--Pk. 50c; bu. $1.40. Early Minnesota Amber Sugar Cane--This popular variety has very nearly taken the place of all other sorts. It is the earliest and makes the finest quality of amber syrup and also makes good sugar; succeeds well both north and south; per lb. 40c; 3 lbs. $1; 10 lbs. or more by express or freight 15c per lb. Seed Flax--It will pay farmers to buy their flax seed and quit the process of raising it under contract for the mills. It is a quick crop to grow and always finds ready sale at a fair price; per pk. 65c; bu. $2. Russian Flax--An improved variety which has been proven to be quite superior to the common; per pk. 75c; bu. $2.60. Beans--Navy--Per pk. 75c; bu. $2.75. Beans--White Medium--Per pk. 75c; bu. $2.75. Beans--California Branch, or Tree--See description on page 14 of vegetable list; pk. $1.25; bu. $4. Field Peas--Valuable for feeding: --White--Per pk. 65c; bu. $2. --Blue--Per pk. 75c; bu. $2.50. Mammoth Russian Sunflower--The planting of sunflower has increased an hundred fold within a few years. It is much used, especially the Mammoth Russian, for fuel, while the seed is superior food for poultry, in fact the poultry yeard should not be without it. It is also said to afford protection against malaria; postpaid per lb. 40c; 3 lbs. $1; by express 10 lbs. or more at 15c. per lb. Common Sunflower--Postpaid lb. 85c; 3 lbs. 90c.

BIRD SEEDS. Fresh re-cleaned seed. Old or musty seed is injurious to birds. If ordered sent by mail, add for postage, sixteen cents per pound for seed and twenty-five cents per box for Mocking Bird Food. Mixed Bird Seed--Per lb, 10c; 3 lbs. 25c. Canary Seed--Per lb. 10c; 3 lbs. 25c. Hemp Seed--Per lb. 10c; 3 lbs. 25c. Rape Seed--Per lb. 10c; 3 lbs. 25c. Maw Seed--Per lb. 25c; 3 lbs. 75c. Millet Seed--Per lb. 10c; 3 lbs. 25c. Millet, White FrenchPer lb. 20c; 3 lbs. 50c. Mocking Bird Food--Per box 50c. Cuttle Fish Bone--Per oz. 10c; lb. 75c.

SEEDS OF HONEY PLANTS. Each year the demand increases for seed of Honey Plants, proving conclusively that it pays to grow them for that purpose. The following list includes all the principal varieties. Prices by the pound include postage: Borage--Per oz. 15c; lb. $1.25. Buckwheat--Per pk. 50c; bu. $1.40. Clover. Honey or Bee--In its flowering season it is literally covered with bees; should be sown by every bee keeper; sow eight to ten lbs. per acre; lb. 65c. --Alsyke--Besides being one of the best for hay, it is very desirable for bees, producing an abundance of honey of the very best quality; per lb. 50c; 3 lbs. $1.25; pk. $2.50; bu. $9. --Bokhara--One of the best of honey plants; also a good forage plant and an excellent soiler; lb. 65c. --White--Per lb. 50c; 3 lbs. $1.25; pk. $3.25; bu. $12. Dandelion--Per oz. 40c; 1/4 lb. $1.25. Mignonette, Sweet--Per oz. 15c; lb. $1.75. Mustard, White--Per lb. 50c. English Rape--Per oz. 10c; lb. 50c. Sunflower, Common--Per lb. 40c; 3 lbs. 90c. --Mammoth Russian--Per lb. 50c; 3 lbs. $1. Seven Top Turnip--Per oz. 10c; 1/4 lb. 25c; lb. 75c.

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TREE SEEDS. As tree seedlings make but small growth the first season, seldom over two feet, it is best to plant in rows or beds and transplant to permanent places at one or two years old. Nut bearing trees are an exception to this rule, for while they can be transplanted successfully, if care is taken, they do not recover the check given them for several years. In the latitude of northern Iowa and north of it, it is well to protect the first winter with straw or hay. In planting groves it is best to plant several varieties, as they seem to grow more healthy and rapidly.

POSTAGE PREPAID AT PRICES NAMED.

Alder, European--A rapid grower, especially in rich, damp soils; per oz. 10c; 1/4 lb. 35c; lb. $1.25. Ash, American White--A very valuable timber, adapted to a wide range of soil and climate. Easily grown from seed, transplants with safety and grows very rapidly; per oz. 10c; 1/4 lb. 25c; lb. 85c; 10 lbs. or more, not prepaid, at 60c. per lb. Arbor Vitae, American--Hardy evergreen; per pkt. 10c; oz. 30c; 1/4 lb. 90c; lb. $3. Beech, European--Hardy, well adapted for high, gravelly soils; per oz. 10c; 1/4 lb. 30c; lb. $1. Birch, Yellow--A large tree of rapid growth, wood hard and durable, splendid fuel; per oz. 25c; 1/4 lb. 85c; lb $2.50 Box Elder--Makes a handsome shade tree, also good wind break, as it is a rapid grower. Stands dry weather extremely well; per oz. 10c; 1/4 lb. 30c; lb. 75c; 10 lbs. or more, not prepaid, at 50c. per lb. Catalpa Speciosa, or Hardy Catalpa--This is perhaps the most valuable tree on the list for our western prairies. Mr. Suel Foster, one of Iowa's veteran horticulturists said of it: "My experience for twenty-five years with the Hardy Catalpa assures me that it is by ar the most valuable tree the farmer can plant for post timer, and for almost all the uses timber and wood are used for on the farm or for railroad ties, and for commercial purposes." Grows from seed almost as readily as corn. Cover one-half inch; per oz. 20c; 1/4 lb. 50c; lb. $1.50; 10 pounds or more not prepaid, at $1.20 per lb. Elm, European--A beautiful tree for lawns and streets; a rapid grower; per oz. 25c; 1/4 lb. 75c; lb. $2. Larch, European--The Larch is very valuable for fence posts and poles; per oz. 20c; 1/4 lb. 50c; lb. $1.75. Lime or Linden--Soft wood, of very rapid growth; per oz. 10c; 1/4 lb. 35c; lb. $1.25. Maple, Sugar--A beautiful shade tree in open situations; per oz. 10c; 1/4 lb. 30c; lb. $1.10. Maple, Soft--This is being extensively planted in forests, groves and timber belts on account of its rapid growth. Seed ready about June 1st, and should be planted within two or three weeks; per 1/4 lb. 20c; lb. 60c; bu. $2.50. Mulberry, Russian--Indispensable in silk culture in the north. Easily grown from seed. Its rapid growth, beautiful form and foliage and more than all abundance after the third year, makes it an extremely valuable tree for the northwest; per pkt. 10c; oz. 40c, 1/4 lb. $1.50; lb. $4.50. Plane or Sycamore--One or our native trees, and attains on some of the rich river bottoms, an enormous size; per oz. 10c; 1/4 lb. 30c; lb. $1. Pine, Austrian--Perfectly hardy and a rapid grower; per oz. 20c; 1/4 lb. 50c; lb. $1.50. Pine, Scotch--Very desirable for timber belts; per oz. 25c; 1/4 lb. 85c; lb. $2.50. Pine, White--Per oz. 35c; 1/4 lb. $1; lb. $3.50. Spruce, Hemlock--A very handsome evergreen or rapid growth; per oz. 50c; 1/4 lb. $1.50. Spruce, Norway--A foreign variety. Valuable for timber belts or for lawns; per oz. 10c; 1/4 lb. 35c; lb. $1.25. Tree of Heaven--Introduced from Japan. It has become quite popular in some localities on account of its rapid growth and tropical appearance. Hardy on our prairies; per oz. 15c; 1/4 lb. 40c; lb. $1.25.

HEDGE SEED. Osage Orange--Makes a handsome and durable hedge and it altogether the best plant grown for this purpose; per lb. 50c; 3 lbs. $1.25; pk. $1.75; bu. $6. Osage Hedge Plants--$3 per 1,000; 5,000, $12.50; 25,000, $50. Special prices on large quantities. Honey Locust--1/4 lb. 20c; lb. 60c; 10 lbs. and over not prepaid at 35c per lb.

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SEED CATALOGUE AND GARDEN GUIDE.

SEED POTATOES. "Let us raise two potatoes where we now raise one." "What ye sow, that shall ye also reap." We make a specialty of choice Seed Potatoes and are each year testing many of the new varieties that are offered, carefully comparing them with the older sorts, and those which have particular merit we lose no time in offering to our customers. It has been proven beyond dispute that it pays farmers well to plant these new varieties. It is no more labor to raise them than the older, run-out varieties and they often yield, fully double in quantity and far better in quality. An especial case of this is in our new Bonanza, and all farmers should try it. Of the many new varieties of potatoes that are offered to the public, we have selected for this list only a few of the very best new varieties and a few of the old standard sorts, whose merits are well known, believing it better to offer our customers only these kinds, than to present to them a long, confusing list to make selections from. Remarkable improvements have been made in the potato during the past few years and several new varieties of great merit have been brought out, and every gardener and farmer is standing in his own light who refuses or neglects to test them. Buy a small quantity this year of each of a few of the leading sorts, and not only will you find the quality better than the old kinds but the yield will be greatly increased. It pays to use plenty of seed. The average yield for three years of whole Potatoes planted at the Ohio Experiment Station was 246 bushels per acre, that from single eye pieces 130 bushels per acre. The Concave and Curved Seed Potato Knife. Is thin and right shape to cut 1, 2 or 3 eye pieces, fast, and not crack the tuber or injure the germs. Price 35 cts. each, postpaid. All of the following varieties will be found worthy of a place in any garden. At the pound price, we send them by mail prepaid; at the peck or bushel rate, they are to be sent by express or freight at expense of purchaser. All varieties of potatoes except where noted at 40 cts. per pound, three pounds for $1.00 postpaid; or by express 10 lbs. or more assorted varieties at 15 cents per pound. Use Slug Shot for the bugs. New Wide Awake--A NOVELTY FOR 1888. INTRODUCED BY THE IOWA SEED CO. As early if not earlier than the Early Maine which makes it specially desirable for Market Gardeners. They are smooth, of oblong shape, somewhat flattened. Resemble the Early Rose in color and the Snowflake in taste. They yield very large crops and run a fair size; dry weather does not seem to affect them as much as most other kinds and we can recommend them to all our customers without fear of anyone being disappointed. Wm. Babb, a large gardener for the Des Moines market, says: "I have raised the Wide Awake potatoes the last two years with perfect success when other varieties were a partial or entire failure. They are very early and an excellent cropper," per lb. 60c; 3 lbs, $1.50 postpaid; pk. $1.50. Early Maine--By many considered the best variety for earliness, yield and quality. One gentleman after planting them, says: "I would rather pay extra for the Early Maine, than to take Early Rose as a gift." They are not only smoother, more productive, of better quality than Early Rose, but also very much earlier; per lb. 50c; 3 lbs. $1.25; pk. 85c; bu. $2.25; bbl. $5. Early Ohio--Tubers medium size and very even; color nearly white, tinged with purple; oval form; flesh pure white, unusually fine quality. Matures at least ten days in advance of the Early Rose and keeps till July if wanted. We have an exceptionally choice stock of these this year in spite of the drought; pk. 75 cts.; bu. $175; bbl. $4. Early Gem--This is the earliest variety we have ever grown. It is medium size, oval, oblong in form, very smooth, the eyes being shallow and few in number, very light pink or flesh color, flesh white, fine grained and of excellent quality, cooks very mealy; per pk. 80c; bu. $2; bbl. $4.50. Pearl of Savoy--This new variety is a cross of Clark's No. 1 and Extra Early Vermont. Quite as early as the Early Rose, very productive, the vines being very vigorous in growth. The tubers are oblong, fair size; the flesh is pearly white and very mealy; pk. 75c; bu. $1.75; bbl. $4. Beauty of Hebron, Early--Ten days earlier than the Early Rose; yields well, tubers lying very close together in the hill. Its mealy qualities and rich delicate flavor are the highest recommends; per pk. 75c; bu. $2; bbl. $4.50.

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Clark's No. 1--This variety reminds us of the Early Rose in its palmiest days, which it very closely resembles; is a much better cropper; ripens about the same time; cooks mealy, flavor excellent; pk. 75c; bu. $1.75. Early Rose--Standard early sort; pk. 75c; bu. $1.75. Vick's White Rose--A new variety possessing all the qualities of the Early Rose except color. One of the best for either home use or the market. Tubers grow compactly in hill and do not need "hilling up" to keep them in the ground deep enough to prevent sunburning; per pk. 85c; bu. $2; bbl. $4.25. Snowflake--Finest quality for the table. The only fault we can find with it is a tendency to run to small ones; per pk. 75c; bu. $1.75; bbl. $4. Late Beauty of Hebron--Good for main crop; per pk. 65c; bu. $1.60; bbl. $3.75. Late Rose--Similar to Early Rose except in time of maturing; per pk. 65c; bu. $1.60; bbl. $3.75. Magnum Bonum--Medium Early, and in some crops have been known to average one pound each in weight. Very solid and fine grained, resembling the Peachblow in character and quality. Good keeper. Our stock is extra choice; per pk. 75c; bu. $1.75; bbl. $4. Parson's Prolific--An Iowa seedling. The vines are vigorous and rank; with strong roots extending deep into the soil; dark green foliage; tubers medium large (the best market size, not overly large) and very slightly flattened on the sides; eyes very near the surface. They grow compact in the hill; have very few small ones. The yield is among the best. Flesh pure white, fine-grained and splendid flavor; a first-class cooking potato. We have never found a hollow one; per pk. 75c; bu. $1.75; bbl. $4. Burbank Seedling--Produces a large crop of handsome tubers, almost uniform in size, and which always commands a high price in the market; per pk. 75c; bu. $1.50; bbl. $3.75. Dakota Red--A new medium late variety, quality equal to the old Peachblow; tubers large, oblong and of good quality. Not affected by drought and very productive; per pk. 75c; bu. $1.75; bbl. $4. Almo--Grows even in size, white, slightly russeted, smooth, nearly round, fine quality, medium late, the best cropper, and decidedly the best keeper of any we have tried; per pk. 75c; bu. $1.60; bbl. $3.75. Bonanza--See illustration on cover of catalogue. This magnificent new variety which we introduced last year has even surpassed what we claimed for it. Although we knew it possessed so many good qualities we were agreeably surprised to have so many of our customers unite in calling it the best variety in cultivation. It will pay all to give it a trial this year; is a medium late, and is sure to become one of the leading market varieties for a main crop. This year, in spite of the great drought, they yielded an immense crop of good-sized, perfect potatoes. Growing side by side with other varieties with the same treatment, during the past season, they yielded nearly three times as much. Tubers are large, oblong, somewhat flattened, skin smooth, flesh firm, white and fine-grained. Its perfect shape, great productiveness, superior quality, freedom from rot and blight, and its not being affected by drought makes it in every respect a first-class potato. Its strong, robust growth renders it less liable to be affected by bugs, and its upright, stocky habit makes it possible to plant closer than most kinds. Quality the very best, equal, and by some considered far superior to the Peachblow and Snowflake. Cooks dry and mealy, either boiled or baked, without falling to pieces; lb. 60c; 3 lbs. $1.40; pk. $1; bu $2.50; bbl. $5. Mammoth Pearl--A medium early potato which originated in Ohio and was selected as the best of over 2,500 seedlings. Shape somewhat oblong and usually slightly flattened. Very strong grower; per pk. 85c; bu. $2; bbl. $4.25.

SWEET POTATOES. We desire to call especial attention to our facilities for supplying our customers with sweet potatoes for bedding. From long experience we have learned that extreme care in keeping, handling and packing is absolutely necessary to insure their safe arrival at destination. Our facilities for strictly observing these requisites are not surpassed, and, we think, not equaled in this part of the country. Orders should be sent in early and we will ship potatoes soon as weather permits. The Yellow Nansemond and Early Yellow Jersey are the most popular but we can also furnish the Red Nansemond and White Southern Queen, sometimes termed Yams; per pk. 75c; bu. $2; bbl. $4.

TOOLS AND IMPLEMENTS.

WE handle a good assortment of the best gardening implements and tools, and as we are not bound to any firm or manufacturer to push their goods exclusively, our customers can depend on our opinion as here given, being unbiased and founded on our own experience, and that of the best gardeners near this city. A good wheel hoe is as much superior to the common hoe for cultivating a garden, as is the mowing-machine to the sickle in the hay field. All of the following tools have been thoroughly tested, and for their own particular class of work have given splendid satisfaction. The soil on which they are intended to be used, as well as the use to which you intend to put them, must be well considered. All in all the Planet Jr. Implements are the most popular with the Iowa gardeners. If you want a tool both for drilling your seed, and tending the crop, either the Planet Jr. or Comstock Comstock Combined Drill and Wheel Hoe will answer the purpose. The Planet Jr. consists of the largest number of combinations, and can be used for a greater variety of work. The Comstock has the advantage of extreme lightness (if that is an object with you) and with the addition of the Scuffle Hoe attachment does almost all varieties of work. The Planet Jr. No. 2 Drill, and the Planet Jr. Double Wheel Hoe, are undoubtedly the two best machines for market gardeners on the list, and when customers can afford to buy two machines, we would most strongly recommend these. As a cultivator for rather heavy ground, there is no tool which will equal the Ruhlman Wheel Hoe. It does as thorough and complete work as any tool on the list, and exterminates all weeds between the rows. No gardener or farmer should be without a Planet Jr. Combined Horse Hoe, Cultivator and Plow. It is conceded by all who have tried it to be the BEST HORSE CULTIVATOR IN EXISTENCE. All of the tools named in this list are good in their respective classes, and we refer you to the description of them given herewith, and to the descriptive circulars of any of them, which will be mailed on application. All tools are packed ready for shipment and will be delivered at express or freight offices at prices named. Five per cent discount on any two tools shipped together. Ten per cent discount on any three or more shipped together. "PLANET JR." AND "FIREFLY" FARM AND GARDEN IMPLEMENTS. The "Planet Jr." goods combine lightness with strength, adjustability with firmness, simplicity with perfection of work, and thorough practical value with beauty of design. Owing to lack of space in this catalogue we give only a condensed description of these implements. A complete descriptive catalogue of these goods, illustrated with over forty engravings, showing the tools at work, and containing practical instruction in the cultivation of garden and field crops, invaluable to beginners and useful to every tiller of the soil, will be mailed free on application to us.

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The Planet Jr. Combined Drill, Wheel, Hoe, Cultivator and Plow. This is the most popular tool we have ever sold. As a drill it is exactly similar and equal to the No. 2, except in size. It holds one quart. As a Plow it opens furrows, covers them, hills, plows to and from, etc. As a Hoe it works safely to and from both sides of the row at once at the critical time when plants are small and weeds abundant, or between rows as plants grow larger, working all rows from eight to sixteen inches wide at one passage. As a Cultivator it is admirably adapted to deep mellowing of the soil. It sows all garden seed accurately at the desired thickness or depth, opening, dropping, covering, rolling down and marking the next row all at one passage, in the most reliable and perfect manner. Each machine is sent out with the tools shown in the cut. Be sure you get the latest style machine, having the rakes for cultivating, price, $12 each, boxed. THE PLANET JR. NO. 2 DRILL. A seed drill to insure satisfactory results must possess a number of important qualities. The seed must be discharged regularly and without injury, the adjustability

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of the dropping device must be simple and positive, the index reliable, the seed deposited in a straight line and covered the desired depth with exactness, and the ground thoroughly firmed over the seed. It should have a good marker and a cleaner for foul ground. All these we have in the "Planet Jr." to perfection. It holds two and one half quarts and will sow with equal accuracy a single paper of seed or a full hopper; with the greatest exactness it will cover, roll down, and mark the next row at a single passage; price, $9 boxed. The "Planet Jr." Double Wheel Hoe, Cultivator and Plow. Will do the work of from six to ten men with the common hand hoe among market garden and root crops, nursery stock, etc., and is especially adapted to onion culture. It is light, firm, strong, quickly set and easily managed. Each one is sent out with all the tools shown in the cut; all the blades are tempered and polished steel. Nothing can exceed the perfection and variety of work it performs. The hoes cut from six to sixteen inches wide, and can be used to throw to or from the row, working both sides of the row at once. The four cultivator teeth work beautifully among larger plants, mellowing the soil thoroughly. The plows are useful in weedy crops, in opening furrows and covering, and in hilling large plants. The wheels are adjustable in height, and can be set seven to ten inches apart, or for working between crops as a Single Wheel Hoe at four inches apart. This tool has been improved for 1888 by the addition of a pair of cultivating rakes and a pair of leaf lifters; price, $8 boxed.

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