1889

Iowa Seed Co.'s

Grand Assortments for 1889.

[Image: Drawing/Scratchboard Illustration, Roses, branch with buds and blooms, A. Blanc.]

Peerless Collection Roses. 6 varieties worth $1.40 for $1.00. Many varieties are advertised in the east, which, while they are excellent for greenhouse culture, do not do well for general use. These are the best of the entire Rose family for popular culture.

The Bride- Is a pure white Rose of large size and most perfect form. The buds are pointed and the ends of the petals are slightly curved back, giving it a most chaste aud elegant appearance. A free-flowering Rose, either for summer or winter. Price, 30 cts. each.

Wm. Francis Bennett- Its color is similar to that of General Jacqueminot, a rich dazzling crimson; its remarkable fragrance exceeds that of La France; its foliage is large, clean and bright, and, last and greatest, it is wonderfully prolific and of fine size. As a winter forcing Rose it has no equal. 25 cts. each.

Papa Gontier- This was the fashionable Tea Rose in New York last winter, and it is certainly a beautiful variety. It produces long pointed buds of a glowing carmine crimson color. Will keep longer after being cut than almost any other Rose. It is a most profuse bloomer, and is adapted for either summer or winter flowering. 25 cts. each.

Sunset- Of strong and healthy growth; the flowers are of a beautiful saffron color, heavily tinted with orange; they are handsome in the bud and perfectly double when open; a splendid Rose. 20 cts. each.

General Jacqueminot- Rich dazzling scarlet, shaded with velvety crimson; superb, glowing color; large flower and free bloomer; more grown probably than any other Rose. 20 cts. each.

La France- Silvery rose, changing to pink; very large, full and globular; a constant bloomer and the sweetest of all the Rose family; its delicacy of color and exquisite fragrance will ever render it one of the most popular favorites. 20 cts. each. Send $1.00 for the above six varieties.

Bouquet Collection of Geraniums. Eight Choice Varieties, $1.50 for $1.00. A grand collection containing the very best varieties grown. All lovers of flowers should have this collection.

Gloire De France- A grand variety; flowers large and double; center distinct, dark salmon with large border of rosy white. 25 cts. each.

King Olga- A most beautiful single variety; the petals are a brilliant deep pink, white at the base; the trusses are very large and perfect, and it is the freest flowering variety of its color; its strong growth and other good points make it invaluable. 20c. each.

Mary Hill- The richest and purest deep pink; the flowers are of the largest size and of excellent form; trusses very large and spreading; flowering at all seasons most profusely; double. 15 cts. each.

Harriet Thorpe- Delicate blush, shaded with pearl pink trusses, large and well shaped; habit perfect. 15 cts. each.

Francis Arago- Flowers finely formed and produced in the greatest abundance on strong footstalks; a very distinct variety; color silvery salmon shaded peach. 25 cts. each.

Golden Dawn- The color, as the name would indicate, is of a decided golden orange shade; the flowers are of fine large size and perfect shape. The habit of the plant is all that could be desired. 20 cts. each.

20 ... Specialties and Novelties for 1889.

Albion- This magnificent new single variety is undoubtedly the finest single white Geranium in cultivation; the flowers are pure white without a particle of color, and are very large, with heavy, waxy petals; very free flowering. 15 cts. each.

Juliette- A very distinct new color - pink, shaded lavender; large truss; very free flowering. 15 cts. each.

10 Unequalled Chrysanthemums. One plant of each equals $1.50 for $1.00. Will make a splendid exhibit of these magnificent autumn favorites. If purchased in the fall in bloom would cost 50 cent to $1.25 each.

[Image: Drawing/Scratchboard Illustration, selection of 5 different kinds of chrysanthemum blooms.]

Cullingfordii- A very late variety; flowers symmetrical and globe shaped; the brightest in color of all dark Chrysanthemums, being the richest shade of blood crimson; can be held in bloom until Christmas if kept in a cool place. 20 cts. each.

Christmas Eve- As its name indicates, this variety can be kept in bloom until about Christmas; flowers large, clear snow white in color, with curved and twisted petals. 15 cts. each.

Mrs. Cleveland- White, tubular petals, most gracefully disposed, and excites universal admiration when exhibited. It is entirely distinct from all other white varieties. 20 cts. each.

Thorpe, Jr: [Jr.]- An anemone-flowered variety; bright yellow, with distinct cushion-like center of same color; the best of the class, and very attractive in its peculiar and most distinct form. 15 cts. each.

Timbel d'Argent- Snowy white, one of the most beautiful of all Chrysanthemums. 15 cts. each.

President Wilder- A Chinese variety, rich crimson with yellow tips, very fine. 15 cts. each.

White Button- A dwarf variety, with small, pure white, button-shaped flowers, very full and double, a profuse bloomer. 10 cts. each.

Yellow Button- Similar to above, except color, which is a deep lemon yellow. 10 cts. each.

Golden John Slater- Golden yellow, changing to amber; incurved. 15c [15 cts.] ea. [each.]

Gloriosum- Light lemon color, with immense flowers, having narrow petals gracefully curved and twisted; quite early, and one of the best. 15 cts. each.

The three above collections of Roses, Geraniums and Chrysanthemums for only $2.60 postpaid.

Dollar Collections. To meet the very popular demand for $1 collections, we have arranged the following. These collections cannot be divided or changed, but will be mailed on receipt of price. Price $1 for each collection, postage paid by us. These prices are net, no discount. Our selection of sorts, all labelled varieties.

[left column]

No. 142 15 Choice plants for hanging baskets or vases, different sorts. " 143 16 Choice Coleus; a variety. " 144 30 Choice transplanted mixed pansies. " 145 20 Splendid Verbenas, 10 diff't varieties. " 146 15 Geraniums, double, single, etc. " 147 2 Begonias, (flowering), 2 Fuchsias, 3 Geraniums, 2 Heliotropes, 6 Pansies. " 148 12 Pansies, 6 Verbenas and 4 Geraniums. A good bedding collection. " 149 4 Tea Roses, 1 Abutilon and 3 Salvias. All different sorts. " 150 12 Roses, good blooming varieties. " 151 Our selection of 15 different house plants. This selection always pleases. " 152 Our selection of 15 splendid bedding plants, all different. " 153 Our selection of 15 splendid foliage plants, consists of 8 Coleus, 3 Achyranthes, 2 Alternantheras, 1 Centaurea, 1 Cineraria.

[right column]

No. 154 20 Summer blooming bulbs, consisting of 1 gold banded Lily of Japan, 6 Gladiolus, 3 Tall Tuberoses, 2 Pearl Tuberoses, 1 Caladium, 2 Cannas, 1 Hyacynthus Candicans, 2 Tigridias and 2 Oxalis. " 155 31 Winter blooming bulbs, consisting of 4 Hyacinths, 12 Tulips, 12 Crocus, 1 Chinese Sacred Lily, 1 Narcissus and 1 Easter Lily, with full directions for cultivation. Cannot ship until about September 15th, but order now so you won't forget it. " 156 Our selection, 33 packets choice flower seed, contains a splendid variety for full flower garden, annuals, perennials, climbers, etc. " 157 Our selection, 33 packets choice vegetable seed. A very nice assortment for family garden.

Announcement, 1889.

Office of Iowa Seed Company, Des Moines, Iowa, Jan. 1, 1889. To our Friends and Customers:- Again we come to you with a Seed-time greeting, and also a hearty" thank you" for the liberal patronage which we have received during the past season, and we trust that you have been as well pleased with seeds and other goods purchased from us as have those from whom we have already heard. It is very gratifying to know that the seeds sent out by us are giving such entire satisfaction, and we can assure you that our efforts are continually directed to obtaining the best of everything in our line for our customers, and their continued and increased patronage shows us that they appreciate our Choice Iowa Grown Selected Seeds. Our seed crops this year have turned out exceptionally well and are of extra fine quality. We devote our entire and undivided attention to this business, and are each year adding to our seed farms, and we take pleasure in having our customers call and see our home seed farm, consisting of 150 acres, situated four miles west of store. You will find our list this year replete with descriptions and illustrations of all the leading varieties of Vegetables and Flowers, as well as many of the best newer kinds which have proved to do well here. Each year we test many varieties on our experimental grounds. Our tests last year numbered over 600 samples, and we are always glad to have our customers send samples of any varieties they may have which are not listed in seed catalogues. Our home seed farm and experimental grounds are 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 other parts of this State, and our peas and beans are grown for us by the best growers in northern New York and Canada. We congratulate our customers on the reduction in postage in the last year, which enables us to prepare postage on all seeds, including peas, beans and corn by the quart.

Suggestions to Customers.

[Image: Box with diamond-shaped logo & text. Text: Iowa Seed Co, Only One Quality, The Best. Seeds, bulbs, plants, tools.]

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 anyone to warrant them to produce a perfcct 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.

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. We are the growers of a large part of the seed we sell, and we are also growing seeds in large quantities for the principal Eastern Seedsmen. It is to your advantage to buy direct from the grower, as we know more of the freshness, the purity, and reliability of our seed than a dealer who buys all of his stock, and you can usually obtain lower prices from us on the same quality.

Charges Prepaid- All seeds and plants, except those noted, are sent prepaid by mail or express, by the 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.

22. Announcement, 1889.

Terms- Invariably cash with order, as 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 thousands of packets of seeds for free distribution among our customers, by adding liberally of them to orders. We will allow you a discount of ten cents per pound on vegetable seeds if you are willing to have them sent by express or freight at your expense. Please order early.

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, H. C. Windsor, Yours very truly M. L. Page. Iowa Seed Company. Chas. N. Page, Manager.

[?illegible caps, German] Un unfere deutichen Freunde. Wir merden diefes Tahr unferen Catalog nicht publiziren in der deutfchen Sprache, aber Sie merden den deutfchen Namen der Sorte neben dem englifchen finden. Wir find immer froh, in deutfcher Sprache zu correfpondiren, menn es gefallig ift. Benachrichtigen Sie uns gefalligft, mas Sie begehren und mir merden Thnen die Breife fenden

Kind Words From Our Customers.

[left column] November 27, 1888. The seeds received of you in the spring made a good return. The Vine Peach is a splendid bearer, and fully up to your recommendation. Issac P. Leith, M. G., Salina, Kas.

May 24, 1888. The plants came to my address in good condition and are growing finely. Mrs. A. D. Cass, Afton, Iowa.

April 21, 1888. I have been a customer of your house for seeds for the last four or five years and have been well pleased with the results. J. W. Sanders, Le Grand, Iowa.

November 30, 1888. We were highly pleased with the sample of Market Gardener's Beet we had of you last year. Frank Ford & Sons, Ravenna, Ohio.

April 13, 1888. We are thankful for your kindness in sending extra plants and such nice ones. Mrs. C. A. Shaffter, Eagle Grove, Ia.

March 8, 1888. My Cabbage and Tomato seed received from you all came up and are doing nicely. Many thanks for the extra packets of seeds. C. H. Satchell, Topeka, Kas.

[right column] January 18, 1888. From past experience we find that seeds of all kinds from your state do well here. Jno. M. Woods, Lyndon, Kas.

November 12, 1888. The Japan Lillies I received from you bloomed splendidly this summer and I expect to get more. Mary McPherrin, Oakland, Ia.

April 4, 1888. The seeds I bought of you cannot be beat. I think your early Etampes Cabbage the best I have ever seen. Mrs. Enright, O'Neill City, Neb.

February 16, 1888. The seeds I received of you in 1887 were very good. All grew and gave splendid returns. The extras you sent were very fine. J. C. Wilson, Monango, Dak.

February 16, 1888. I have got seeds farther from home, but hey don't ripen as soon as seeds grown nearer home. Chas. Sackett, Craig, Neb.

January 28, 1888. I am much pleased with the Roman Hyacinths that you sent us last fall. They look very promising. Esther Bourne, Cresco, Iowa.

Iowa Seed Company's Selected List of

Choice Vegetable Seeds. [Image: Drawing/Scratchboard Illustration, assortment of harvested vegetables, A. Blanc, Phila.]

From Good Seeds Only Can Good Vegetables Be Grown. "All the labor of man is for his mouth, and yet the appetite is not filled."-Solomon. This list of Vegetable Seeds will be found to contain all the leading and most popular varieties in cultivation, including all novelties which have proven of merit in this section of the country. We are each year testing a large number of the novelties which are offered, many of which, while they may be of value in the latitude where they originated, are not at all desirable in this section of the country, and we therefore do not offer them. We exercise the greatest care in the selection of our stock, growing all in Iowa, the garden spot of the United States, which we can to advantage, and we are certain that a trial will prove to all that they cannot be excelled in purity and high quality by any. As much as practicable we have put the varieties in rotation, in the order of their earliness, and those varieties in CAPITALS are such as we can specially recommend, and will be found best for general use. Those of our customers who are not acquainted with the varieties cannot go far wrong in selecting these. The testimonials which we are constantly receiving from the largest and most critical Market Gardeners in this and other States are the best evidence that our Garden Seeds are unsurpassed in quality, and our trade-mark "Only one Quality, the Best," is well taken.

Seeds by Mail Postpaid. In comparing our Catalogue with others, please remember that our prices include the prepayment of postage or express charges, on all seeds by the packet, ounce, quarter pound, pound and quart, and thus you have them delivered to your door at prices named in the Catalogue. This includes postage on Beans, Peas and Corn by the quart.

Premiums. On all orders for seeds in packets the purchaser may select twenty-five cents worth extra for each one dollar sent us. This premium applies only to seeds in packets at list prices, and cannot be allowed on special collections or on orders for bulk eeds. Orders amounting to over five dollars for vegetable seeds in bulk may select seeds to the amount of ten per cent of order extra. All who are willing to have their vegetable seeds sent by express or freight at their expense, may deduct ten cents for each pound of seeds which they order. Please see our special list of novelties on the pink supplement to this Catalogue.

Market Gardeners should send for our special Market Gardener's price list.

Hints to Gardeners.- In all garden work it is very desirable to do everything on time. To the vigilant and industrious belong the prize. In the spring of the year weeds grow with astonishing rapidity, and a day's time lost at this season equals much more than at any other. If you want to have a good garden, which you can enjoy and take pride in, commence early, fertilize and work the soil thoroughly, keep free from weeds, and give all crops the best of care. Don't try to cultivate too much ground, but plan your garden so as to have a rotation of crops, and you can often utilize the ground so as to obtain two or three crops each season.

"Get The Best And Grow It Well."

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