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IOWA SEED COMPANY, DES MOINES, IOWA.

Novelties and Specialties for 1896.

"WHAT have you that is especially new and desirable this year?" is the first question asked us by many of our patrons. In the following pages on pink paper we give special prominence to some of our most important novelties and specialties for this year. Each is faithfully described from careful observation. All are worthy and recommended by us. Aside from these many desirable novelties will be found listed in various parts of the catalogue as well as the standard sorts which everyone wants for stand-bys.

NOVELTIES ON COVER OF CATALOGUE.

The following seven excellent varieties will be found illustrated in colors on the back cover of this catalogue. We want everyone to try them this year and therefore offer one packet of each for only TWENTY-FIVE CENTS.

NEW ROSE TURNIP RADISH.
There is a greater variety of color in radishes than in any other root crop grown, but a rose-colored variety is, indeed, an acquisition. This is one of the best radishes we have ever seen, and is novel, eminently useful and beautiful. It is similar to the round, forcing varieties in shape and size, and has every feature of good selection, such as a small, compact top and a miniature root. It is very early, requiring only twenty-three days to mature it, and remains in good condition for ten days, even in a trying season. But, undoubtedly, its chief charm is in its color, which is a soft, rosy pink. A most attractive radish in the bunch, and its appearance is incomparable when prepared for the table. Per pkt. 10c, oz. 20c.

WASHINGTON WAKEFIELD CABBAGE.
Last year we furnished seed of this grand new variety to fully ten thousand (10,000) gardeners in almost every state in the Union, and everywhere it has given the best of satisfaction, and is admitted to be the best early cabbage now on the market. See description on page 25. Per pkt. 10c, oz. 30c, 1/4 lb. $1.00, lb. $3.25.

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NEW ROSE TURNIP RADISH.

WONDERFUL SUGAR WATERMELON.
When making a tour among our seed growers during the past summer, we were greatly pleased with this variety, which we found growing in Nebraska. The gentleman on whose place they were growing is an enthusiast on melons, and after testing quite a number of varieties, all persons present united in pronouncing the Wonderful Sugar by far the best. It is a large melon, averaging about 35 pounds each. They are long, rather light-colored, mottled, and irregularly striped with dark green; rind rather thin but tough. Flesh a delicate red, and the most tender, juicy and luscious that can be imagined. Everyone who has a place to grow melons should try this splendid new variety. Per pkt. 10c, oz. 20c, 1/4 lb. 60c, lb. $1.75.

MARKET GARDENERS' BEET.
Without question the best beet for family gardens, both for early and main crop. Description and illustration will be found on page 22. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 35c, lb. $1.00.

EARLY SUNRISE SWEET CORN.
This splendid new variety which we introduced originated with a market gardener in the western part of the state, and for eight years he has been carefully selecting it to an ideal size and shape, and also the earliest maturing. In this way he has finally obtained this variety, which is distinct from all others. The ears are about six inches long and well filled out at the end, the husk covering so completely and being so tight as to prevent the work of worms, which are so bad on the Cory. The grains are fairly deep and are set in straight rows on small white cobs; very uniform and handsome. It is quite productive and of as good flavor as any corn we ever tasted. Don't fail to try it. Market gardeners will find the Early Sunrise a most profitable and satisfactory variety. For price on large lots see page 47. Per pkt. 5c, [illegible] pt. 15c, qt. 50c, postpaid.

NEW MIGNONETTE LETTUCE.
A most unique and attractive new sort. The entire plant measures only seven inches in diameter, and is more solid and compact than any other existing variety. The outer leaves are few, and these cling so closely to the head that it is almost true to say it is all head. The small surface of the leaves which are separated from the head is deeply crumpled as in a Savoy cabbage, and richly colored with russet red and bronze green of varying shades. The cut shown in plate exhibits very truly the character of the plant, which is distinct, not only in its solidity, but also in color. The heart is a charming combination of creamy yellow waved with pale greenish white. It is very hardy, resisting drouth and excessive moisture with equal success -a most valuable feature in our climate. It is fit for use early, which, combined with its long standing character, constitutes it an all-seasons variety in the superlative degree. Per pkt. 5c.

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EARLY SUNRISE SWEET CORN.