1895 2nd Edition

4. SEED CATALOGUE AND GARDEN GUIDE.

BEETS. One ounce sows 50 feet of drill; 4 to 6 pounds for one acre. For early, sow as soon as the ground can be worked and about the middle of May for general crop, in drills fifteen inches apart and one and a half inches deep. As the plants grow thin to six inches in drills. The young plants make excellent greens. The seed will germinate more freely if soaked in warm water twenty four hours before sowing; but care should be taken not to plant soaked seed in very dry ground. The soil should be a deep, rich loam.

[image] MARKET GARDENERS' BEET

IOWA SEED CO.'S MARKET GARDENERS' BEET. [logo]I.S. CO[\logo]--Undoubtedly one of the best novelties ever introduced, and it receives much praise from our customers each year. Its shape is well shown by the accompanying engraving. It is very symmetrical, with small tap root and but few fibrous roots. Unusually small tops. Although on some soils the Egyptian can be marketed a few days before the Market Gardeners, still within a week it will be found larger than the Egyptian, while it continues to grow until late in the fall, attaining a large size, and making a good eating and selling beet for winter. By the first of October they measure eight inches in diameter and average six pounds each in weight. One sowing only is necessary to produce early beets for market and main crop for winter use, which is not the case with any other variety. Color deep blood red; fine grained and unsurpassed in quality. Summing it all up, we find in it the best beet for early market, and the best beet for winter use. 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. Mr. E. S. Goff, of the Geneva Station says: It is a short, conical variety, of large size and quick growth. Wm. Henry Maule says: I consider it the best general purpose beet in cultivation. Per pkt. 10c, oz. 20c, 1/4 lb. 65c, lb. $2.00.

CROSBY'S IMPROVED EGYPTIAN.--We believe this to be the earliest variety in existence. It was originated by Josiah Crosby, a leading market gardener for the Boston market, and is a great improvement on the old Egyptian, being thicker, handsomer, and more regular in shape, smooth, with very small tops and small tap root. It is of perfect shape when small thus making a good beet for bunching, and is very popular with the Des Moines market gardeners for this purpose. Try it, and we know you will be pleased. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 15c, 1/4 lb. 40c, lb. $1.25.

EXTRA EARLY ECLIPSE.--Remarkable for its wonderfully rapid growth, the smallness of top, and extra fine quality and is about as early as the Egyptian. Roots smooth, round, intense blood-red skin and flesh, fine grained and sweet. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 20c, lb. 65c.

[image] CROSBY'S IMPROVED EGYPTIAN.

CAULIFLOWER. One ounce will produce about 3,000 plants.

This is acknowledged by all to be one of the most delicious of vegetables. Any soil that will grow cabbage will grow cauliflower, as their requirements are very similiar; but as the product is more valuable, extra manuring and preparation of the soil will be well repaid. Culture same as cabbage, except that they need a cool and mosit atmosphere and should be watered during dry weather. As the flower heads appear, the large leaves should be broken down over them to shield them from the sun and rain. Out stock of seed is the best obtainable. Don't fail to try it. These are the very best varieties.

HENDERSON'S EARLY SNOWBALL.--Throughout the country this is considered not only the earliest of all cauliflowers, but it is more certain to make a head than any other sort. Its dwarf habit and short outer leaves allow it to be planted as close as eighteen to twenty inches apart each way, thus making it especially valuable to market gardeners. Dr. E. L. Sturtevant says that this variety stands at the head in his test of the thirty-eight kinds, forming first head in ninety-seven days, and above the average in size. Our stock is extra choice and cannot be excelled. It is grown in the locality where this variety originated by a grower whom we believe to be the best in the world. Per pkt. 20c, 1/4 oz. 75c, oz. $2.50.

EXTRA EARLY DWARF ERFURT.--Valuable for forcing. A very popular variety in Europe and with eastern gardners. First quality. Per pkt. 15c, 1/4 oz. 60c, oz. $2.00.

EARLY PARIS.--Well known. Per pkt. 10c, oz. 50c.

LENORMAND'S.--There is considerable call in this market for a late variety of cauliflower, and in the Lenormand's we have just what is wanted. It is of large size and produces well formed heads of excellent quality. Per pkt. 10c, oz. 75c.

CAULIFLOWER PLANTS.--See list Vegetable Plants.

[text box] SIZE OF ORDER. Order just what you want, even if only a single packet. We believe, however, that if you look carefully through our list you will find many that you want. You can select either flower or vegetable seeds in packets amounting to $1.25 for only $1.

[image] HENDERSON'S EARLY SNOWBALL.

[image] DEWING'S IMPROVED.

EGYPTIAN TURNIP--Very deep red, tender and delicious. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 20c, lb. 50c.

DEWING'S IMPROVED BLOOD TURNIP.--An improvement on the old Early Blood Turnip. Shape is well shown by our illustration; deep blood-red color, fine form and flavor, desirable for main crop; good keeper. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 20c, lb. 60c.

BASTAIN'S EXTRA EARLY RED.--Per pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 20c, lb. 60c.

EXTRA LONG DARK BLOOD.--Standard winter; smooth, tender and sweet. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 20c, lb. 50c.

SWISS CHARD.--For greens only. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 25c, lb. 75c.

I intend to make an exhibit at our county fair this fall of the products of your seeds which are A 1 this year.

W. A. FOX. Portage, Wis.

IOWA SEEP COMPANY, DES MOINES, IOWA. 5.

[box] MANGEL & SUGAR BEETS FOR STOCK Extensively grown in all parts of the country for feeding stock. Sow in April or May, in drills three feet apart, and thin to ten inches in the row. If your soil is deep and mellow, try the long varieties; if shallow the round kinds will do better. No crop pays the farmer or stock raiser better than mangels; 1,000 bushels to the acre is an ordinary yield, while, with good culture, 2,339 bushels have been grown to this amount of ground. It costs, counting labor, use of ground and everything, less than $50 to raise an acre of mangels and gather and store them. This, for an ordinary yield, is a cost of only five cents per bushel. These make the cheapest of foods for all kinds of livestock--horses, cattle, sheep, pigs, chickens, etc. Easily grown and they help to keep stock in good condition and free from disease. Dairymen claim that a bushel of mangels and a bushel of corn are worth more than two bushels of corn. Careful analysis has demonstrated that 400 lbs. of mangels are equal to 100 lbs. of hay. Use 5 lbs. seed to an acre. [\box]

[pictures] Various size beets. MAMMOTH GOLDEN GIANT IMPROVED MAMMOTH LONG RED GOLDEN TANKARD CHAMPION YELLOW GLOBE DIGNITY A MOST VALUABLE ACQUISITION A NOVELTY OF STERLING MERIT. [\pictures]

DIGNITY.--An improvement on the Mammoth Long Red by careful selection of a number of years. It stands head and shoulders above all other varieties of mangels; unequaled for yielding and feeding qualities. Grows to a very large size, weighing from 30 to 50 lbs., and will yield 50 tons per acre with good cultivation. Thousands of western farmers have grown our Dignity mangel and call it the most profitable farm crop they ever tried. If you want large crops of large mangels of good quality, don't fail to try the Dignity. It is very uniform, smooth, and of good shape. Should be grown on deep, loose soil. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/2 lb. 20c, lb. 50c. By express, not prepaid, 5 lbs. $1.75, 10 lbs. $3.00.

MAMMOTH GOLDEN GIANT.--An improvement on all other yellow mangels, being of considerably greater size, more than half above ground and of a more grayish or rather russet yellow color. Remarkably even in shape, rather elongated, of vigorous growth; it has a fine neck and a very smooth skin. Flesh white, firm and sweet, much liked by cattle. In short, a magnificent root, easily lifted from the ground, producing enormous crops. Excellent keeper, yields 40 to 60 tons per acre. Pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 20c, lb. 60c. By express, 5 lbs. $2.25, 10 lbs. $3.75.

MAMMOTH LONG RED.--Very popular sort. Grows to an immense size and has produced sixty-five tons to the acre. Shape is well shown by our illustration. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 20c, lb. 50c. By express, 5 lbs. $1.75, 10 lbs. $2.75.

GOLDEN TANKARD.--Best for dairy farming. Considered indispensible among English dairy farmers; it is stated by them they are able to obtain a higher price for milk when feeding cows on Golden Tankard. Sheep thrive on it. Other mangels cut white, circled with yellow, but Golden Tankard is of a rich, deep yellow throughout. Early, hardy and a heavy cropper, for on account of its shape the roots can be left standing close in rows. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 20c, lb. 55c. By express, 5 lbs. $2.00, 10 lbs. $3.25.

CHAMPION YELLOW GLOBE.--(Kinver)--Finest type of Yellow Globe in cultivation. Roots immense size, fine shape, small tap root, neat top. Flesh being very firm and fine-grained, renders it an excellent keeping variety. Well adapated to shallow soils. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 20c, lb. 55c. By express, 5 lbs. $2.00, 10 lbs. $3.25.

RED GLOBE.--Like the above except color. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 20c, lb. 55c. By express, 5 lbs. $2.00, 10 lbs. $3.25.

Collection of Mangels. One ounce each of the above six varieties for 30c, 1/4 lb. of each for 90c, 1 lb. of each for $2.75, postpaid, or $2.25 by express.

This Year Mangel seed is scarce, owing to short crop, but price is not high and it will pay you to put in an acre. Five pounds will be sufficient. You may select one pound each of five sorts at the the 5-lb. rate.

Sugar Beets.

VILMORIN'S IMPROVED SUGAR.--Yields the largest percentage of sugar. Best of the French sugar beets. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 20c, lb. 50c.

DIAMOND SUGAR.--Growin in Germany from beets which tested 18 to 20 per cent of sugar. Best of German varieties; shape well shown by cut. Pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 20c, lb. 50c.

LANE'S IMPERIAL SUGAR.--For feeding stock. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 15c, lb. 40c.

6. SEED CATALOGUE AND GARDEN GUIDE.

[image] EXTRA EARLY EXPRESS

CABBAGE. We pride ourselves on having the best, purest and highest grade of cabbage seed that is offered, or at least it is surpassed by none. Compared with the cost of seed, there is more money in growing cabbage than any other crop and there is nothing which growers should be more particular about. It is of the utmost importance that you should have the best grade of cabbage seed. Each year we select the soundest and most perfect shaped heads from which to grow our seed, and save it from the center stem as experience has proved this to be the best. The cabbage requires a deep, rich soil, and thorough working to insure good solid, full-sized heads. Sow early sorts in hot-beds in February or March, or in open ground as soon as it can be worked. Later or winter crops in May or June, in shallow drills six inches apart. When the plants are four inches high transplant into richly manured ground, the early kinds two feet apart, the fall and winter varieties three feet apart. One ounce of seed will produce about 3,000 plants. Set 8,000 to 10,000 plants to the acre of the early sorts and 6,000 of the large late kinds.

[image] ALL SEASONS

NEW EXTRA EARLY EXPRESS.--Excels in earliness all other sorts, has the shape and appearance of Etampes, but is smaller and eight to ten days earlier; has but a few outside leaves, and therefore may be planted very close and yield large crops. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 20c, 1/4 lb. 60c, lb. $2.00. BURPEE'S ALL-HEAD EARLY.--Our test the past season proved this to be the earliest of all large cabbages, being at least a week earlier than any of the various strains or early summer cabbages, and fully one-third larger. Market gardeners to whom we furnished seed of this for testing were greatly pleased with it, and the cabbages took first premium at the State Fair, and attracted much attention for perfect shape and solidity. Originated with C. L. Allen, who has grown cabbage seed for us for several years, but our competitor, Mr. Burpee, was fortuuate in securing the entire stock of it the first year of its introduction, and gave it his name. However, we can most heartily recommend it to our customers. Set plants 18 inches apart in the row, rows 3 feet apart, and 9,680 plants can be set on one acre. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 25c, 1/4 lb. 80c, lb. $2.75. CHASE'S EXCELSIOR.--Medium early and not excelled for sure, solid heading, which is the highest recommendation for a cabbage which must mature in the trying heat of summer. Another remarkable feature is that it never cracks. Planted the first of July it is an excellent winter variety. Very popular with our southern customers. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 20c, 1/4 lb. 65c, lb. $2.00.

[image] "VANDERGAW" THE BEST MAIN CROP AND WINTER CABBAGE

FINE RED PICKLING.--Deep red color, medium size, solid; unsurpassed for pickling. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 25c, 1/4 lb. 65c, lb. $2.25. SUREHEAD.--Very reliable in heading, good shape and large size. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 25c, 1/4 lb. 75c, lb. $2.25. VANDERGAW.--This new cabbage was procured at ten dollars per pound from a famous Long Island market gardener, whose name it bears. Mr. Vandergaw has been selecting this variety for many years and has sold the seed annually to neighboring growers of cabbage as high as $20 per pound, and never less than $10 per pound. The Vandergaw forms large, solid heads, much larger than Early Summer, and almost as early, while if planted later it makes excellent heads for winter. The quality is very fine, and it is remarkable for its certainty to head. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 25c, 1/4 lb. 80c, lb. $2.50. STONE MASON DRUMHEAD.--Very reliable compact heading, fall and winter variety. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 20c, 1/4 lb. 60c, lb. $2.00. FAULTLESS.--This exceptionally fine new variety, which was introduced by us originated with the well known C. L. Allen, who grows more cabbage seed than any other person in America. In writing us about it, Mr. Allen says: "It is of the early summer type, but far more regular and uniform in time of maturing. It is a rapid grower; have cut heads for market in 40 days after the setting of plants. Has a vigorous constitution, does not drop its leaves quickly, and is a good keeper. By sowing the seed July 1, perfectly solid heads will be formed by the time of trenching for winter. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 25c, 1/4 lb. 75c, lb. $2.25. CABBAGE PLANTS.--See list of Vegetable Plants.

EARLY JERSEY WAKEFIELD.--Considered by many gardeners the very best first early variety. It is of large size for so early a kind, and is certainly deserving of its great popularity. Heads hard and solid, and have few outside leaves. American grown seed. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 25c, 1/4 lb. 80c, lb. $2.50. VERY EARLY ETAMPES.--Medium-sized pointed heads, always hard and solid, and of fine quality. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 15c, 1/4 lb. 50c, lb. $1.50. EXTRA EARLY YORK.--Per pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 35c, lb. $1.25. WINNINGSTADT.--Cone-shaped summer sort; if sown late, good for fall and even winter; a sure header and good keeper. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 15c, 1/4 lb. 40c, lb. $1.25. HENDERSON'S EARLY SUMMER.--Ten or twelve days later than the Jersey Wakefield, but much larger in size, and will stand on the ground much longer without bursting open. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 20c, 1/4 lb. 75c, lb. $2.50. ALL SEASONS.--This most excellent variety is as early as Henderson's Summer, and makes considerably larger and harder heads. It is very reliable for heading and of superior quality. It is called "All Seasons" because it is a very suqerior [superior] variety to plant late as well as early, the thickness of the head making it a capital sort to keep through the winter. All should give this excellent cabbage a trial. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 20c, 1/4 lb. 80c, lb. $2.50.

[image] BURPEE'S "ALL HEAD EARLY" CABBAGE

7. IOWA SEED COMPANY, DES MOINES, IOWA.

[image] NEW WASHINGTON WAKEFIELD

NEW WASHINGTON WAKEFIELD.--For many years the Jersey Wakefield cabbage has been the most prominent early sort with market gardeners, and many attempts have been made to improve on it with heretofore but limited success. In this grand variety, which is well shown by our illustration, we have a most superior strain, well worthy of the name it bears. It is a leader, and First in Head! First in Market! First in the Hearts of Gardeners! It is very early, the heads are pyramidal in shape, much larger in size than the Jersey Wakefield and very solid, with few outside leaves. It grows remarkably uniform, the heads being of very even size and shape. Unequaled for either the market or family garden. Don't fail to try it this year. Per pkt. 10c, oz. 40c, 1/4 lb. $1.25, lb. $3.75. [logo] IOWA SEED CO.'S SHORT STEM DRUMHEAD.--Our improved and selected strain of this popular variety has greatly pleased thousands of our customers during the past two or three years, and so greatly has it improved during the seven or eight years we have had it, that in looking over our large field last summer it was almost impossible to find a head that was not solid and well formed. For sureness in heading and regularity of growth it is certainly the finest cabbage extant. It far surpasses any other strain which we have seen, ripening earlier, with very short stem or stalk, and large, thick, solid heads of silky fine quality, and of best keeping qualities. It is almost all head and always sure to head. Per pkt. 10c, oz. 25c, 1/4 lb. 85c, lb. $3.00. MAMMOTH RED ROCK.--A market gardener's strain of unusual size, color and weight, the result of careful and intelligent selection. It must prove very valuable. Its handsome appearance, large size, solidity and good quality will make it very desirable to all who like red cabbage. Color very dark red. It will pay all gardeners to try this. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 25c, 1/4 lb. 85c, lb. $3.00. FOTTLER'S IMPROVED BRUNSWICK.--Excellent for summer and fall use. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 20c, 1/4 lb. 60c, lb. $2.00. PERFECTION DRUMHEAD SAVOY--Heads large and very finely curled. Finest Savoy in cultivation. The Savoys should be more generally grown. They are greatly superior in flavor to the other varieties. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 20c, 1/4 lb. 65c, lb. $2.00. PREMIUM FLAT DUTCH.--This old and well known variety is still the standard winter kind. The heads are large and solid; first class keeper and sure header. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 15c, 1/4 lb. 50c, lb. 1.50. MARBLEHEAD MAMMOTH.--Largest of all; have in some instances grown to a weight of 90 pounds, and the heads of such size that they would not go into a two-bushel basket. It is a good cabbage for exhibition at fairs when grown under a high culture, but as a rule it is too loose headed and uncertain for a main crop. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 20c, 1/4 lb. 60c, lb. $2.00.

MARKET GARDENERS! Our cabbage seed will please you. Don't fail to try it. By the way, while prices named in this list are very reasonable, and in fact low, quality considered, still we issue a wholesale price list for market gardeners and others who purchase garden seed in bulk to the amount of $5.00 or over. Send for it if this means you.

[image] NEW Short Stem DRUMHEAD CABBAGE.

8. SEED CATALOGUE AND GARDEN GUIDE.

[image] CARROTS DANVERS HALF LONG FRENCH FORCING OXHEART SCARLET HORN CHANTENAY IMPROVED LONG ORANGE VICTORIA THE HEAVIEST CROPPING VARIETY IN CULTIVATION

One ounce will sow l00 feet of drill; 3 to 4 pounds for one acre This is an indispensable root for the farm and is deserving of more general cultivation. They succeed best on sandy soil; will also do well on strong clay loams, when perfectly pulverized, well drained and free from weeds. Well managed there is no crop pays better, and most farmers would find an acre or so desirable. Carrots form a nutritious, succulent food in the winter for horses, cattle, sheep and pigs. Cows fed on carrots, alternately with mangels and ruta bagas, give a notably increased yield of milk. In feeding, the roots should be washed, sliced and heavily dusted with Indian meal or bran, together with a proper proportion of salt. They do not require cooking. For horses there is no better alterative, and as a diuretic they are ever worth attention. For early crop sow in spring as soon as the ground can be worked, in drills fifteen inches apart, covering one-half inch; thin plants to three or four inches in the row. For field culture rows should be of sufficient distance to admit of the use of a horse cultivator; sow seed from the middle of April to the first of June. A light sandy loam deeply tilled is best. A fair average yield is 800 to 1,000 bushels per acre. Our seed is saved from carefully selected stocks and is sure to please you.

[image] VOSGES.

EARLY FRENCH FORCING.--The earliest variety; valuable for forcing; excellent quality. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 30c, lb. $1.00. EARLY SCARLET HORN.--Favorite for early crop, but not large. Sold largely in New York markets bunched. It matures eight to ten days earlier than the Danvers, and is sometimes used for forcing. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 30c, lb. $1.00. DANVERS.--It is in form about midway between the Long Orange and the Shorthorn class, growing generally with a stump root. It is claimed that this variety will yield the greatest bulk with the smallest length of root of any now grown. A first class carrot for all soils, and for either garden or field culture. A rich, dark, orange color, smooth and handsome. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 25c, lb. 85c. OXHEART.--This new French carrot is one of the most valuable of recent introductions. Intermediate between the Half-Long and Horn varieties attaining a diameter of 3 to 4 inches at the neck, of beautiful shape and rich orange color. Where other varieties require digging it is easily pulled. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 30c, lb. $1.00. NEW HALF-LONG CORELESS, OR CARENTON.--A new, very early variety without core; excellent flavor for table use. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 30c, lb. $1. IMPROVED LONG ORANGE.--Standard sort for field culture and desirable for table use; roots large and of good quality. Our strain is extra choice, and customers will be pleased with them for feeding cows. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 20c, lb. 70c. By express, 5 lbs. or more at 50c per lb. LARGE WHITE VOSGES.--Enormously productive, grows well out of ground making it easy to harvest. Color light green above ground, white below; flesh rich, white, solid and crisp, heavy yielding. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 25c, lb. 80c. By express, 5 lbs. or more, 55c per lb. LARGE WHITE BELGIAN.--A white field sort liked in some localities. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 20c, lb. 70c. CHANTENAY.--Larger than Scarlet Horn, flesh rich orange color, finest quality, small tops; will give great satisfaction to both market and private gardeners. Medium early. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 30c, lb. $1.00. VICTORIA.--Largest carrot grown, heaviest cropping and most nutritious variety in cultivation; roots remarkably fine, of rich orange color, symmetrical, excellent quality, possessing high feeding properties; heavy cropper on all soils, especially adapted for rich land, grows half as much weight again per acre than ordinary varieties; grows well out of ground, easily harvested. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 30c, lb. $1.00. By express, five pounds or more, 75c per pound.