[inside front cover]

We have gone to considerable expense this year in order to show our customers the exquisite beauty of these roses which will be found represented on our front cover. They are of such superior merit that we desire that every flower lover should have them. They are the roses which we believe will suit the popular taste, and no one can fail to appreciate their charming beauty.

METEOR—This splendid rose is one of the brightest colored of all, and must be considered among the very best for bedding and general planting, as well as for growing in pots and conservatory. The color is a rich velvety crimson, exceedingly bright and striking, and the flowers are large and regular, fully double and borne on nice, long stems. It is a quick and constant bloomer, and quite fragrant. Never fails to please. It is one of the richest colored roses in existance [existence], and no collection would be complete without it. Each 25c., 5 for $1.00.

DWARF MARECHAL NEIL—(Our Perle)—Poets never tire of singing the praises of the Marechal Neil, the most famous of all roses, and its magnificent golden yellow buds are worn the world over and the people always delight in it. We have seen greenhouses devoted to a single plant of this climbing variety, from which 500 to 2,000 rose buds are cut every day the year around. Why then don’t every one grow it. Simply because they are difficult to grow properly in the northern states, and there are many even among the florists who do not succeed with it. But this grand dwarf variety is of the easiest culture and sure to succeed for every one. It is a sturdy vigorous grower, strong and healthy, but shows no inclination to climb. The flowers are produced in the greatest profusion and it blooms almost continuously the year around if well cared for. The buds are of the most beautiful golden yellow perfectly formed and handsomely pointed, and of the largest and most massive size, the petals being slightly reflexed. They keep a long time after cutting and are therefore the best flower imaginable for evening wear. They are handsome at every stage of development, from the smallest bud to the full open flower which is very full and double and of immense size. The color always has a peculiar softness and delicacy not observed in any other variety. Unusually fragrant. We believe it to be unequalled for either pot culture or bedding, and every flower lover must have it. Price 25c. each, 5 for $1.00.

LA FRANCE—One of the most beautiful of all roses, and is unexcelled by any in its delightful fragrance, very large, very double, superbly formed. It is difficult to convey an idea of its beautiful coloring, but the prevailing color is light silvery pink, shaded with silvery peach. It blooms continuously throughout the season, often blooming so freely as to check the growth of the plant, in which case a portion of the buds should be removed; stands first among the roses of our climate. In addition to this, it is entirely hardy with a slight protection of leaves, and most delciously [deliciously] fragrant, thus combining in a marked degree all the qualities of a perfect rose. Each, 25c., 5 for $1.00.

CLOTHILDE SOUPERT—A decided novelty, and one which should be in the collection of every lover of roses. It originated with one of the largest firms of rose growers in Europe, by a hybridization of a Tea and Polyantha rose, thus giving it the large flower and strong growth of the Tea class added to the profuse flowering of the Polyantha. It makes a handsome symmetrical bush, 15 to 18 inches high. The flowers, are large, very double of perfect shape, the outer petals are pearly white, shading to a center of rosy pink. It is fragrant and a constant bloomer, sure to become a favorite, either for pot plants or garden bedding. See illustration on cover of catalogue, and be sure to include at least one of these charming plants in your order. Each, 25c., 5 for $1.00.

COLLECTION—One strong plant each of the four choice roses named above postpaid for 75c.

HARDY DOUBLE RUSSIAN VIOLET—The representation of this on front cover of catalogue does not do it justice. It is a splendid hardy plant, and will be found more fully described on page 70. Each 15c., per doz., $1.35.

(Illustrated on back cover of Catalogue.)

We take pleasure in calling the attention of our customers to this splendid variety, as the best variety of black grapes for home culture. While it is not a novelty, still it is one of the older sorts which has never been largely advertised or pushed. It is the grape of all others for those who only have space for a few vines and grow them for their own use. It will be found adapt itself to a very wide range of soils from deep black loam to clay, and is a strong, vigorous grower everywhere. It is perfectly hardy. requiring no protection whatever, and is undoubtedly the best grape for arbors or covering verandas in the whole list, thus giving it an added value for the family garden. The foliage is a bright pleasing green, while the under side of leaf is a beautiful golden yellow. The bunch is medium to large, and of the best possible shape, seldom shouldered. Berry larger than Concord and ripens earlier. Very productive. Flavor decidedly the best of all the black grapes, very juicy, tender and delicious. Moreover it is a long keeper, and can be left on the vine two or three weeks after ripe and still retain its delightful flavor and color. The berries seldom burst open, and thus the bunches always look well. Can be kept until Christmas in good condition. Adheres firmly to stem. Skin thin but tough. W. M. Bomberger, one of the best posted grape specialists in this state, classes the Cottage as the best variety for family use in existence and the most satisfactory grape to sell fruit of to his retail trade. as wherever he sells a basket of grapes he is almost sure of an order for a dozen vines. Everything considered it is the most satisfactory variety in the entire list. If you have room for only one to a dozen vines, or if you want 5,000, take the Cottage and order early, as stock is limited. Price for strong two year vines 25 cents each, $2.00 for 10, $4.00 for 25. Write for prices by the 100 and 1,000.

We take great pride in placing this splendid new plum in the hands of our customers as we are sure it will give the best of satisfaction everywhere.

It is well known that a number of the best varieties of our Native Plums originated in this state, such as the Wolf, Weaver, Hawkeye, Confort, Wyant, etc, and as it is equally well known that in a very large area of the “west,” comprising the rich black loam of our prairies and river bottoms, the native sorts are the only ones that well repay the labor of the planter. The Stoddart originated in North Eastern Iowa, has been tested for about ten years, and for large size, hardiness of tree, good quality and abundant bearing, we think it has no competitor. It stands at the head of the list.

Its discovery was accidental and we believe it has never before been offered for sale. It is of perfect form, and the largest size, many specimens measuring 6½ inches and upward. It is an immense bearer, the trees being fairly loaded with fruit. Color well shown by our illustration on cover. It is the most profitable native plum known. Price, strong well grown trees $1.50 each. Not more than six sold to any one person.

The best variety for family use in the whole list as it is a perfect flowered sort, and bears immensely. We have had reports from all parts of the country, and it gives universal satisfaction.

The plant is robust, free from disease, stooling heavily, and renewing itself sufficiently by strong runners. It is a model in make up; endures the extremes of heat and cold remarkably well. Berry regular, uniformly large, conical, with a neck glossy scarlet crimson; ripens all over; flesh firm, crimson, no hollow core; seeds golden, becoming crimson, prominent, protecting surface in handling; quality excellent. Flowers perfect always setting perfect fruit. which is borne in the greatest profusion, the rate of fifteen thousand quarts to the acre having been gathered. The fruit carries well and brings the very highest price in market. Season medium to very late. Per 10, $1.00. Per 100, $5.50, postpaid.

The Rural New Yorker says of this variety: “We have picked more berries from the 24 plants of Parker Earle than any other 24 plants ever raised here. It stands at the head and all things considered is the best berry on the list.”

The Parker Earle is difficult to propagate and will always remain high. Look out for irresponsible dealers who offer them at low prices,[.]

REED’S EARLY PRIZE PEAS—The best early sort for family use or market. See description on page 21. Per pkt. 10c., ½ pt. 25c,[.], qt[.]75c., postpaid.

IOWA SEED CO’S. SHORT STEM DRUMHEAD CABBAGE—The best cabbage in existence for main crop. See description on page 7 and don’t fail to try it. Pkt. 10c., oz. 25c., ¼ lb. 85c., lb. $3.00.

THREE KING’S ONIONS—These splendid mammoth onions should be grown by every one. See description on page 20. One packet of each for only 20 cents, postpaid.

DIXIE WATERMELON—Every one who loves nice melons (and who don’t), should read the description of this grand variety on page 17 and be sure to try it this year. Per pkt. 5c. oz. 10c., ¼ lb. 35c. lb. $1.25.

PICTURE ROCK TOMATO—One of the best tomatoes in existence. Sure to please all who try it. See description on page 27. In packets only, 10 cts. each, 3 for 25 cts.

VICK’S EARLY SCARLET GLOBE RADISH—We have sold this splendid variety for several years and it always gives such excellent satisfaction that we are glad to call the more especial attention of our customers to it. See page 23. Per pkt. 5c., oz. 10c., ¼ lb. 35c. lb. $1.00.

IOWA PRINTING CO., DES MOINES.

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Ellis T. Pierce, President.

M. Kurtzweil, Vice-President.

Established 1871. Incorporated 1889.

M. L. Page, Secretary.

Chas. N. Page, Treas. and Gen’l Mgr.

OFFICE OF

903-905 WALNUT STREET.

[image (three story building with ornate brickwork and two horse carriages in foreground)]

[text in image (on top of building): IOWA SEED COMPANY]

With Pleasure We congratulate our customers on another year of prosperity, which we believe has been quite general throughout the country. Our trade has been much larger than it has any other year during our twenty-three years experience in the seed business at this place, and in this, our catalogue for 1893, we desire first of all to most sincerely thank our patrons for their valued orders of the past year, and their many kind letters telling how much they think of our Choice Iowa Seed, We are striving to grow and supply our customers with the best seeds, bulbs and plants that can be grown or procured, and it is pleasant to know that our efforts have been successful and are appreciated.

Our seed crops are not large this year, in fact in many items, especially onion seed, beans and peas, there is a considerable shortage and a prospect of running out before the season closes. Quality is excellent, however. Iowa is truly the garden spot of the United States; the soil and climate are peculiarly adapted for the growing and perfecting of seed crops. There has been much talk in recent years of Northern grown seeds, surrounded with pictures of reindeers, polar bears and icebergs, but it is a fact that there are very few varieties of seeds which will mature to perfection north of the north line of this state, and one of the northern seedsmen recently informed us that many of their “northern grown” seeds they had grown for them in Georgia, where they could be grown cheap, while we have the same varieties grown for us in about the latitude of Des Moines. Many of the best posted and most particular eastern seed firms now have seed grown for them here, and we would suggest to western planters the advisability of ordering DIRECT PROM US, instead of sending east and having the freight both ways added to the cost of their seeds.

Please examine all parts of this book which we aim to make not simply a catalogue, but a garden guide, which will be of service to all. Our list of seeds will be found to contain all that is best for garden and field culture, and we have added many new and carefully prepared illustrations, designed to convey the most truthful conceptions, so that our customers will better understand just what they are buying

Novelties.—So careful and conservative are we in offering new varieties that it is very rarely that we drop any variety from our list unless supplanted by a more recent and valuable introduction, This year we offer quite a number of well tested novelties which will be found under their proper classification in the body of this book, as we have done away with the separate novelty sheet usually printed on colored paper, It being somewhat confusing to the general purchaser. In each department will be found a number of new varieties which we can most sincerely recommend, and these are in most cases accompanied by new large engravings.

FARMERS.—It will pay every farmer to thoroughly examine our field seed department. This is a specialty with us, and we believe that there is no seed firm in the country which pays more close attention to growing and handling farm seeds. We have many desirable new sorts, and it will pay you well to renew your seed corn, oats, etc., with better and more profitable varieties. Don’t fall to examine that department. Iowa grown seeds are the best.

Again thanking you for past favors and respectfully soliciting a continuance of your patronage, we remain,

Your friends,

ORDER EARLY.—The best time to order is just as soon as you receive this catalogue as we can always give your orders more of our personal attention if they come in before the rush of the spring trade. Please use the order sheet, as it makes it more convenient for us in filling orders. Terms are 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. Postage stamps received as cash.

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. There are five express companies and fifteen railroads centering at Des Moines so that quick shipments can be made to any town in the United States.

CHARGES PREPAID.—All seeds, bulbs 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.

TESTING:—All seeds are carefully tested, and nothing sent out which we do not believe to be good in every respect.

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. 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.

DISCOUNTS.—On All orders for seeds in packets the purchaser may select twenty-five cents worth extra for each one dollar sent us. This refers only to seeds in packets, not in bulk.

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, such as are listed as prepaid, if you are willing to have them sent by express or freight at your expense.

WHAT WE GUARANTEE.—That all money sent us for seeds shal [shall] reach us if sent by registered letter, P. O. or express money order or bank draft, made payable to our order. That your order will be filled promptly and well. That goods ordered will reach you safely. Keep a copy of your order. Frequently persons think that they have ordered articles which they have omitted, and blame us for not sending them.

☞NOTICE.—The importance of Good Seeds 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 perfect crop, and we want it distinctly understood that while we exercise the greatest care to have all seeds pure and reliable, and also true to name, we do not give any warranty, express or implied. If the purchaser does not accept the seeds on these terms and conditions, they are to bereturned [be returned] at once, and money that has been paid for same will be refunded[.] No officer, agent or employee of this company is authorized to make any warrantee whatsoever. However, we have so much confidence in our seeds 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.

We know of no responsible seed firm in the world who guarantees seeds any further than this. Compare with other seed catalogues and you will find that we are right.

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, to the post master, and any of the various express companies.

MARKET GARDENERS and others who buy Vegetable Seeds in Bulk to the amount of $5.00 or more, are requested to send for our Market Gardeners’ Price List. This list for market gardeners is intended only for large buyers, and is exclusively for those who order vegetable seeds alone by weight or measure amounting to $5.00 or over. Club orders which call for this amount of bulk seeds altogether are entitled to these prices.

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[text in image: WE PAY THE POSTAGE ]

[text in image: U.S. ]

[text in image: U. S. MAIL ]

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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, but not by the peck or bushel.

Discounts on Packets.—It takes almost as much time and labor to record and fill an order amounting to 25 cents as one for one dollar’s worth or over, consequently to induce the sending of larger orders for packet seeds we offer to send seeds in packets only (not by weight or measure) to the amount of 60 cents for 50 cents; to the amount of $1.25 for $1.00; $2.60 for $2.00; $4.00 for $3.00, or $6.75 for $5.00. This does not apply to seeds in bulk, nor to plants, bulbs, or anything else in our line.

Ger. Bohnen.

One quart will plant one hundred feet of drill.

Dwarf or Bush Beans require no support, bears immensely, and should be planted in drills, an inch and a half deep and drop the beans three inches apart in the drills. Beans are tender annuals and cannot be planted till danger of frost is past. Keep clean, but do not hill up or hoe when wet. A sandy loam is most desirable. The half pint packages will be found very desirable for small families. We furnish pints at one half the quart price.

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PRICE INCLUDES POSTAGE.

See special prices by the peck and bushel at the end of this list.

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[image (self-supporting bean plant)]

[image caption: IMPROVED VALENTINE.]

IMPROVED EARLY VALENTINE.

About ten days earlier than any other strain of this well-known variety. In addition to this it is more robust and vigorous, and produces the true, round, curved pods very abundantly. Unexcelled in quality and in uniformity of ripening, nearly the Whole crop can be taken at one picking, usually within thirty-five days from time of planting. Of great value to market gardeners on this account. Per pkt. 5 cts.; ½ pint 15c; quart 40 cts.

EARLY MOHAWK.—Very early, and will stand more cold weather than most bush varieties. For this reason it is desirable for early planting. It is an old variety of established reputation. Pods five to six inches long. Per packet, 5 cts; ½ pt, 12 cts; quart, 35 cents.

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[image caption: EARLY MOHAWK.]

WARDWELL’S DWARF KIDNEY WAX.—Earlier, better, more productive than Golden Wax; rust-proof; vigorous; pods large; showy; tender and stringless. Excellent flavor and good either for snap or shell. Per pkt. 5c, pt. 15c, qt. 50c.

YOSEMITE MAMMOTH WAX.—The forerunner of a race of giants amongst beans and universally conceded to be the nearest to perfection that nature has yet given us. The pods are solid pulp; absolutely stringless; the thickness of a man’s finger, and 8 to 14 inches in length; they are of a rich golden yellow and cook tender and delicious. Per pkt. 10c, ½ pt. 20c, qt. 70c.

CURRIE’S RUST-PROOF GOLDEN WAX.—It is positively rust-proof. While grown side by side for several years with other Wax Beans, all of them more or less affected by rust, many of them completely ruined by it, this Bean has remained entirely free from it. Exceeding crisp and tender, and of a most delicious flavor. As early as the Golden Wax, and it is, moreover, amazingly productive. The accompanying cut is no exaggeration, but a very faithful representation of the plant as it is usually seen if properly grown. Crop very short this year, Pkt. 5c, pt. 90c, qt. 60c.

[image]

[text in image: KING FOWLE & CO.]

[image caption: CURRIE’S RUST-PROOF GOLDEN WAX]

GOLDEN WAX.—The most popular of any Wax Beans grown. About ten days earlier than Black Wax; pods golden yellow, tender and rich. We consider this by all odds the best of the older varieties for general use. Per pkt., 5c; ½ pt. 15c; qt. 45c.

WHITE WAX.—Pods waxy yellow, very tender. Per pkt. 5c, ½ pt. 15c, qt. 45c.

BLACK WAX.—One of the most popular varieties with all market gardeners. Pods fleshy, waxy yellow, tender. Per pkt. 5c, ½ pt. 15c, qt. 45c.

EARLY REFUGEE, or Thousand to One.—Most prolific green podded sort, thick and fleshy. Per pkt., 5c, ½ pt., 12c, qt., 35c.

LARGE WHITE MAR ROW.—Excellent as a shelled bean; cooks in twenty minutes. Per pkt., 6c; ½ pt., 12c; qt., 35c.

DWARE HORTICULTURAL.—This has all the good qualities of the old Horticultural Pole Bean, and is much easier to cultivate, because of being a dwarf variety. Per pkt. 5c, ½ pt. 30c, qt. 60c.

CALIFORNIA BRANCH, OR PROLIFIC TREE.—This is quite a valuable variety for field culture; grows about 20 inches high, has stiff, upright branches, and bears immensely, sometimes yields forty-five bushels the are The beans closely resemble the White Navy. Per pkt. 5c, ½ pt. 15[c], qt. 40c.

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[text in image: WARDWELL’S KIDNEY WAX BEAN]

[text in image: HARDIEST AND MOST PRODUCTIVE]

3

Iowa Seed Company, Des Moines, Iowa.

HENDERSON’S BUSH LIMA—Another year adds to our high opinion of this really remarkable variety. It is worthy of all the high praise given it. It grows in compact bush form, and produces enormous crops of delicious Lima Beans, which can be as easily gathered as the common garden bush bean; is at least two weeks earlier than any of the climbing Limas, and produces a continuous crop from the time it comes into bearing (it is fit for table in this latitude by the middle of July) until frost, and being enormously productive. a very small patch will keep a family supplied with this splendid vegetable throughout the season. Pkt. 5c, pt. 20c, qt. 60c.

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[text in image: HENDERSON’S DWARF LIMA.]

DREER’S BUSH LIMA—A dwarf growing form of the old Dreer’s Lima or Potato Lima, which was quite popular a few years ago. It is also called Kumerle’s Bush Lima. Compared with the Hendersons’ this Bean in its green state is fully double as large and yields abundantly. One plant sent in this year had 185 pods on. Does better on dry, sandy soil, owing to its heavy foliage. Is of the best flavor. Per pkt. 15c.

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[text in image: DREER’S BUSH LIMA]

BURPEE’S BUSH LIMA—A dwarf or bush form of the true large Lima, which is of great value. There is no reason now why western farmers should not raise all the Lima Beans they require for their own use as well as for sale. They are of perfect bush form, growing 18 to 20 inches high, of stout and erect growth, yet branching and vigorous. An immense yielder, each bush bearing 50 to 200 handsome large pods, well filled with very large beans of luscious flavor. Does not always mature the dry shelled beans in this latitude, but you are sure of a good crop of green ones. Don’t fail to try it. Per pkt. 15c, ½ pt. 75c.

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[text in image: COPYRIGHTED 1889 BY]

[text in image: W.ATLEE BURPEE & CO.]

[image caption: BURPEE’S BUSH LIMA]

[text within circle]

BUSH LIMAS

ONE PACKET OF EACH

FOR ONLY

25

CENTS

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REMEMBER

We pay the postage on Beans at these prices. Deduct fifteen cents on each quart if to be sent by express.

Ger. Stangen-Bohnen. One quart will plant 100 to 150 hills.

These succeed best on clay loams, which should be liberally enriched with short manure in the bills, which are formed according to the variety, from three to four feet apart; from five to six seeds are planted in each hill, about two inches deep. After planting all beans, be sure and firm the ground, either with feet or roller.

LAZY WIFE’S—The very best late green podded pole bean. The pods of a medium, dark green color, broad, thick, very fleshy, and entirely stringless. The pods retain their rich, tender and stringless qualities until nearly ripe, and at all stages are unsurpassed for snap-shorts, being peculiarly luscious. Each pod contains from six to eight round white beans, which make excellent winter shell beans. They have also yielded well planted among corn. Per pkt. 10c, ½ pt. 20c, qt. 60c.

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[text in image: LAZY WIFE’S]

[text in image: POLE BEAN]

KING OF THE GARDEN LIMA—While the dried beans are about the same size as the common large Lima, the green beans are of unusual size. The pods are very long, and frequently contain four to six very large beans. Per pkt. 5c, ½ pt. 15c, qt. 50c.

LARGE WHITE LIMA—Per pkt. 5c, ½ pt. 15c, qt. 45c.

SCARLET RUNNER—A favorite snap bean in Europe, valuable for table use, or as an ornamental vine. Per pkt. 5c, ½ pt. 20c, qt. 60c.

CUT SHORTS—The old fashioned corn-field bean, which is so popular and often so difficult to obtain. Per pkt. 5c, ½ pt. 20c, qt. 55c.

WHITE DUTCH CASE KNIFE—Good green podded variety. Per pt. 50. ½ pt. 15c, qt. 45c.

YARD LONG—A great curiosity, and withal a bean of excellent quality. Pods three feet long and highly ornamental. Tender and of asparagus flavor. Pkt. 10c.