1896

46. SEED CATALOGUE AND GARDEN GUIDE.

[image] THE EARLIEST TOMATO IN THE WORLD EARLY MINNESOTA

TOMATO. One ounce will produce about 2,500 plants. Sow early in hotbeds or seed boxes and when plants have four leaves transplant to four or five inches apart. Give plenty of air and endeavor to secure a vigorous growth. When all danger of frost is past transplant to the open ground, four to six feet apart each way. Well manured, light, sandy soil is best, but it must be remembered that a surplus of manure stimulates leaf growth to the detriment of fruit. BOND'S EARLY MINNESOTA.--This handsome new variety which we now offer to our customers is, we verily believe, the earliest in existence. It originated in Minnesota but has been thoroughly tested elsewhere for two years with surprising results. Vines vigorous with rather small leaf. When quite small begin producing fruits which are of fair size, of good shape, smooth, dark red color. They ripen evenly, remain solid a long time and never crack. Thos. H. Brinton, who grows about 100 varieties of tomatoes, has originated several of our best sorts, and who may be called the best posted man on tomatoes in the United States, writes us: "Bond's Early Minnesota is the best early tomato I have yet tried." Per pkt. 10c, oz. 35c, 1/4 lb. $1.25, lb. $4.00.

[image] FINEST OF ALL TOMATOES PICTURE ROCK.

CRIMSON CUSHION.--Very large, about double the size of the Matchless, but rough like all other large sorts. The peculiarity about it is its unusual solidity, more so than any other sort we know of. Seeds are few and near the outside, leaving the center solid pulp, which ripens evenly throughout before the outside appears ripe. It is an elegant sort for slicing or putting up. Our seed was saved from select specimens grown on our own place, flavor excellent. Per pkt. 10c. PONDEROSA.--Very large, and is highly commended in many localities. Like all other mammoth sorts, however, there is a considerable proportion of misshapen fruits, and some with hard green spots around the stem. Our seed is pure. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 30c, 1/4 lb. 85c. NEW PEACH.--This peculiar variety, introduced by a Philadelphia firm, is a decided curiosity. The tomatoes in color are a deep rose and golden amber, blended in an indescribable manner, all covered with delicate bloom like the bloom or furz of fine peach, making it almost impossible to recognize the detached fruits as tomatoes. Do not fail to try it. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 30[c], 1/4 lb. $1.00.

[image] MATCHLESS.

PICTURE ROCK.--Our tests of the past year have again proved this to be one of the best varieties on the list. They are of good size, in fact rather large and run so even and perfect in form, after the first few fruits, that they have the appearance of having all been made in one mould. They are smooth, of bright scarlet color, solid and of excellent quality. See more full description on second page of cover and don't fail to try it. Per pkt. 10c, oz. 25c, 1/4 lb. 75c. OPTIMUS.--Vines medium sized, and productive, bearing fruit in clusters of five. Fruit medium size, oval, very smooth, exceedingly bright, rich, crimson-scarlet color, very free from cracks and rotting less than any of the seventy varieties which it has been compared. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 25c, 1/4 lb. 75c. LIVINGSTON'S BEAUTY--Originated with Mr. A. W. Livingston, of Franklin county, Ohio, and is one of the best ever introduced. Its beauty, size, shape, color, flavor, durability, and productiveness mke it desirable to all classes of tomato growers, being of a very glossy crimson with a slight tinge of purple. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 20c, 1/4 lb. 60c. TURNER'S HYBRID OR MIKADO.--Very large solid fruits, but usually too rough for general use. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 20c, 1/4 lb. 65c. MATCHLESS.--Well worthy of its name for in beauty of coloring and symmetry of form it is indeed without a peer. The vines are of strong, vigorous growth, well set with fruit. They are entirely free from core, of a very rich cardinal red color, and not liable to crack from wet weather, of largest size, and the size of the fruit is maintained throughout the season, the healthy growth of the foliage continuing until killed by frost. Had we to confine ourselves to one variety it would be the Matchless, for certainly no other tomato will produce extra large fruits so smooth, handsome and marketable as the Matchless. The skin is remarkably tough and solid, and ripe specimens picked from the vine will keep in marketable condition for two weeks. Solid, of fine quality and a long keeper. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 20c, 1/4 lb. 70c.

[image] LIVINGSTONS BEAUTY TOMATO.

IGNOTUM.--It is five days earlier than Dwarf Champion and superior to all other standard sorts. Very large, smooth, extraordinarily solid, seed cavities the smallest of any tomato; only averages one-half as many seeds as the ordinary sorts. Very productive and uniform, the last pickings being scarcely inferior to the best of the season. It is of a very deep red color, ripens perfectly up to the stem, and remarkably free from cracking and rotting. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 20c, 1/4 lb. 60c.

[image] IGNOTUM

IOWA SEED COMPANY, DES MOINES, IOWA. 47.

[image] CARDINAL AND GOLDEN QUEEN SLICED TOGETHER.

YELLOW PLUM.--Good for preserving and pickling; plum shape, solid and smooth. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 30c, 1/4 b. $1.00. FAVORITE.--Large, smooth, and very prolific. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 15c, 1/4 lb. 50c. RED CHERRY.--Perfectly round and smooth, about the size of a cherry, handsome and fine for pickles or preserves. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 30c, 1/4 lb. $1.00. RED CURRANT.--Quite ornamental, resembling long bunches of currants. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 30c, 1/4 lb. $1.00. PERFECTION.--Somewhat larger than the Acme, ripens all over and through at the same time, is free from rot at the blossom end. We consider this one of the best tomatoes of its class. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 15c, 1/4 lb. 50c. CARDINAL.--A large grand tomato. The fruit is smooth, of a deep cardinal color, with flesh of the same rich hue, without a green core, very thick and solid, ripens evenly, has no green spots or ends, is a good keeper, and hence is a good shipper, matures at the same time as the Trophy, a vigorous grower and very productive. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 20c, 1/4 lb. 70c. GOLDEN QUEEN.--We have tested many yellow tomatoes, of which the Golden Queen has proved decidedly the best. The tomatoes are of large size, handsome, round shape, very smooth, free from ridges, and ripen up evenly, mature early and are very productive. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 25c, 1/4 lb. 85c. STRAWBERRY.--See Ground Cherry, page 30. Pkt. 5c. PURPLE HUSK.--See description on page 30. Pkt. 10c. MIXED TOMATOES.--For the advantage of some of our customers who would like to try all kinds, we have prepared this mixture of all kinds named above and several others. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 30c. SLICED TOMATOES.--Alternate slices of red and yellow tomatoes make one of the most ornamental dishes that can be put on a table. The Cardinal and Golden Queen are especially nice for this purpose. Try them this year.

[image] SEED TESTING AND TRIALS.

DWARF CHAMPION. Its habit of growth is peculiar, for not only is it dwarf and compact, but the stem being thick, stiff and short jointed, it is actually self-supporting when laden with fruit. In productiveness it is unsurpassed. It is also very early. The fruit is of a purplish pink color, always smooth and symmetrical, and the flesh solid and of fine quality. Can almost be called a tree tomato. The best variety to grow for plants for sale as they are so stocky. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 25c, 1/4 lb. 75c. ATLANTIC PRIZE.--Very popular with some market gardeners on account of its extreme earliness. Some of our Des Moines market gardeners say that this is the only variety they have ever grown which produced a good crop from the first set of blooms on plants, thereby netting them high prices. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 25c, 1/4 lb. 75c. ACME.--Early, medium size, smooth, solid and productive. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 15c, 1/4 lb. 50c. TROPHY.--One of the largest and best, fine quality, medium early, heavy and solid, great favorite. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 20c, 1/4 lb. 65c.

[image] DWARF CHAMPION.

TESTING SEEDS. We make it a rule to carefully test all seeds as soon as received from the grower, or as soon as they are brought in from our seed farms. Frequent tests are also made during the spring season of any varieties which are liable to decrease in vitality, so as to be certain that everything is first class before it is sent out. We also carry on extensive trials on our grounds by which we are enabled to offer only those strains of seeds which come up to the standard of purity and excellence, and are of the highest vitality. These tests are very satisfactory to us and to our customers. Our method of testing attracts considerable attention in our store, as all the seeds in the tester are in sight and our customers can see any which fail to germinate as well as those which are of strong vitality. We know of no seed firm in America which is so careful and critical with their seed testing, and the result is that we very rarely have complaints as our CHOICE IOWA SEEDS are sure to please.

BEANS, CORN AND PEAS IN BULK. These low prices are for purchasers of large lots, they to pay freight or express charges. One-half bushel will be sold at bushel rates and one-half peck at peck rates. Crops are short of some varieties of beans, peas and corn and prices are liable to advance later in the season. Better write for special quotations if you desire a large lot.

[table] [column headings: PK. BU.] BEANS. Henderson's Bush Lima. $2.00. $6.50. Burpee's Bush Lima. 2.75. 10.00. Dreer's Bush Lima. 2.75. 10.00. Jackson Wonder Lima. 2.65. 9.50. Stringless Green Pod. 4.00. 14.00. Early Mohawk. 1.20. 4.20. Refugee, or Thousand to One. 1.25. 4.50. Dwarf Horticultural. 1.70. 6.00. Improved Early Valentine. 1.25. 4.50. Large White Marrow. 1.25. 4.50. Wardwell's Kidney Wax. 1.65. 6.00. Improved Golden Wax. 1.50. 5.75. Black Wax. 1.65. 6.00. White Wax. 1.75. 6.50. Yosemite Mammoth Wax. 2.25. 8.00. Currie's Rust Proof Wax. 1.75. 6.50. California Branch, or Prolific Tree. 1.00. 3.50. Large Lima. 2.00. 7.00. White Dutch Case Knife. 1.80. 6.50. King of the Garden Lima. 2.25. 8.00. Cut Shorts. 2.25. 8.00. Lazy Wife's. 2.25. 8.25. Scarlet Runner. 2.00. 7.50. Mammoth Horticultural Pole. 2.25. 8.00. Old Homestead. 2.25. 8.00. SWEET CORN. Early Sunrise. $1.25. $4.00. Extra Early Cory. .90. 3.00. Early Minnesota. .75. 2.50. Crosby's Early. .75. 2.50. Perry's Hybrid. .90. 3.00. Champion Early. 1.00. 3.50. Shoe Peg. 1.00. 3.25. Egyptian. .75. 2.50. Stowell's Improved Evergreen. .60. 2.75. Zigzag Evergreen. 1.00. 3.50. Improved Ruby. 1.25. 4.00. Mammoth Sweet. .90. 3.00. Black Mexican. 1.10. 3.50. Country Gentleman. 1.10. 3.50. Acme Evergreen. 1.00. 3.25. Fodder Corn (sweet). .60. 1.75. POP CORN. (56 lb. bu.) Page's New Striped Rice. 1.50. 5.00. Monarch White Rice. 1.25. 4.00. Queen's Golden. 1.35. 14.50. Mapledale Prolific. 1.35. 4.50. FIELD CORN. See pages 50 to 54. PEAS. Reed's Early Prize. $1.60. $5.50. Iowa Challenge. 1.40. 5.00. Bergen Fleetwing. 1.50. 5.25. Cleveland's Alaska. 1.40. 5.00. First and Best. 1.25. 4.40. Rural New Yorker. 1.35. 4.50. Bliss' American Wonder. 2.00. 7.50. Premium Gem. 1.50. 5.25. Stanley. 2.25. 8.00. Nott's Excelsior. 2.50. 9.00. Telephone. 1.75. 6.00. Juno. 2.25. 8.00. Bliss' Abundance. 1.25. 4.50. Bliss' Everbearing. 1.50. 5.00. Improved Advancer. 1.35. 4.50. Yorkshire Hero. 1.50. 5.00. Dwarf White Marrow. .90. 3.00. Champion of England. 1.25. 4.00. Stratagem. 2.00. 7.00. Large White Marrow. .85. 2.75. Black Eyed Marrow. .85. 2.75. Dwarf Sugar (edible pods). 2.00. 6.75. Mammoth Luscious Sugar. 2.25. 8.00. FIELD PEAS. See Field Seeds.

48. SEED CATALOGUE AND GARDEN GUIDE.

TURNIP. One ounce will sow 150 feet of drill; two pounds will sow one acre. For early, sow in April in drills half an inch deep and twelve inches apart, thin to six inches apart in the drill. For main crop sow broadcast during July and August and just before or during a showery time if possible. Often by sowing an early variety as late as September 1st, a good crop can be obtained. The Purple Top Milan is excellent for this purpose. The soil should be rich and mellow and kept free from weeds. EXTRA EARLY PURPLE TOP MILAN.--This splendid new turnip is one of the earliest sorts in cultivation. The bulb is very flat, of medium size, quite smooth, with a bright purple top; leaves few, short, and of light color, growing very compact and making an exceedingly small, strap leaved top. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 25c, lb. 75c.

[image] THREE TABLE TURNIPS EXTRA EARLY MILAN EARLY SNOWBALL GOLDEN BALL

EARLY SNOWBALL.--A perfect globe-shaped, white-skinned turnip. It is exceedingly productive. The flesh is fine grained, firm, and of very delicate flavor. It is one of the best keeping of the white fleshed sorts. Very early, and particularly adapted for family or market use. Pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 25c, lb. 75c. GOLDEN BALL, OR ORANGE JELLY.--A very beautiful and bright yellow turnip of medium size and of universally sweet and delicious flavor. It is hardy and one of the best of keepers. Flesh extremely firm and solid. Always brings a good price in the market. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 20c, lb. 65c.

NIMBLE DICK.--It is extra early and produces handsome, fair sized turnips in a very few weeks from time seed is planted. The color is a clear, translucent white, flesh crisp and of excellent flavor. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 25c, lb. 85c. EARLY WHITE EGG.--Very early and particularly desirable for the table; flesh firm and fine grained, sweet and sugary, and of snowy whiteness, egg-shaped. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 25c, lb. 75c. PURPLE TOP STRAP-LEAVED.--The standard for this part of the country. Superior for early or late planting. Round, flat, good sized, small top with but few leaves; flesh very fine grained; flavor good. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 20c, lb. 55c, 5 lbs. or more, not prepaid, 40c per lb.

[image] GOLDEN BALL OR ORANGE JELLY.

PURPLE TOP GLOBE.--Similar to above, except shape. This is the largest yielder of any turnip on the list, and very desirable for table use or stock. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 20c, lb. 55c, five pounds or more, not prepaid, 40c per lb. LARGE WHITE GLOBE.--Fine for field culture and very productive. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 20c, lb. 50c. EARLY WHITE FLAT DUTCH.--Of quick growth, juicy, mild flavor, and excellent quality. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 20c, lb. 60c. BREADSTONE.--While of the Ruta Baga type, they are of such extra fine quality they deserve to be classed with the best table turnips. They are of medium size, very quick growing, and the roots are smooth and white. The flesh is perfectly white, fine grained, and cooks in only fifteen minutes, remarkably tender and very sweet. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 25c, lb. 80c. YELLOW ABERDEEN.--Excellent for cattle feeding. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 20c, lb. 50c. SCARLET KASHMYR.--A handsome new variety which everyone should try. See description with novelties. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 15c, 1/4 lb. 40c, lb. $1.25. MIXED TURNIPS.--All the table varieties of turnips mixed in equal proportion. A desirable mixture for family use. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 20c, lb. 75c.

RUTA BAGA. Ruta Bagas or swedes should be sown not later than June, in drills two feet apart, and thin out to eight inches in the row. MONARCH.--This grand, new and distinct form of the ruta baga is, we believe, by far the best of all. The bulbs are of tankard shape, with very small neck, skin dark red above ground and yellow below, flesh rich yellow, fine grained and best quality. For earliness, quality and weight it is superior to any variety in cultivation, producing from two to seven tons per acre more than any other swede, whilst the large percentage of saccharine matter contained in the root makes it very palatable and nutritious to stock fed on it. Monarch swede is of handsome shape and distinct appearance. Only variety succeeding on our prairie soil. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 25c, lb. 75c. IMPROVED AMERICAN.--Very popular, and has for years been considered the leading yellow fleshed variety, very solid, fine quality, valuable for the table and for feeding stock. Very hardy and productive, excellent shape, with small neck and smooth skin, keeps well. Our strain is choice. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 25c, lb. 60c. WHITE SWEET GERMAN.--Large size, oval form and very solid, flesh pure white and sweet. This is the best keeping variety. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 25c, lb. 65c. CARTER'S IMPROVED HARDY SWEDE.--Large size, excellent quality, and an immense yielder. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 20c, lb. 50c.

[image] AMERICAN IMPROVED RUTA BAGA MONARCH SWEDE RUTA BAGAS OR SWEDES

IOWA SEED COMPANY, DES MOINES, IOWA. 49.

VEGETABLE PLANTS AND ROOTS. Prices for large quantities of any of these plants or roots will be given on application.

VEGETABLE PLANTS. Well grown and lightly packed to carry long distances. The fact that these plants are all grown under our personal direction from the choicest stocks of seeds from our store is sufficient recommendation as to the genuineness of the varieties. They can be shipped fresh, well packed at the beds, on a day's notice. Plants quoted "by mail" are sent at our expense; "by express" at the purchaser's. By our system of packing they are sure to arrive in good condition when shipped to any part of the United States. No charge for either packing or boxes. Plants from hotbed or cold frame are ready during April and May; outdoor grown during June and until the middle of July. We sell 500 at the 1,000 rate. CABBAGE PLANTS.--Early Varieties.--Ready April 10th. Extra Early Express, Jersey Wakefield, All Seasons, Burpee's Allhead, and Henderson's Early Summer. By mail, 100, 75c; by express, 100, 50c; 1,000, $3.50. CABBAGE PLANTS.--Late Varieties.--Ready June 1st. Surehead, Chase's Excelsior, Premium Flat Dutch, and Short Stem Drumhead. By mail, 100, 75c; by express, 100, 40c; 1,000, $2.00. CAULIFLOWER PLANTS.--Ready May 1st. Snowball and Erfurt. By mail, doz. 20c; 100, $1.25; by express, 100, $1.00; 1,000, $7.00. CELERY PLANTS.--Ready May 1st. Henderson's Half Dwarf, White Plume, Golden Self-Blanching, and Pink Aromatic. By mail, doz. 20c; 100, $1.00; by express, 100, 60c; 1,000, $4.00. After June 20, $3.00 per 1,000. EGG PLANTS.--Ready May 1st. New York Improved. By mail, doz. 25c; 100, $1.25; by express, 100, $1.00. PEPPER PLANTS.--Ready May 1st. Ruby King, Large Bell, and Red Cayenne. By mail, doz. 25c; 100, $1.00; by express, 100, 75c. TOMATO PLANTS.--Ready May 1st. Strong, transplanted plants. Dwarf Champion, Acme, Beauty and Matchless. By mail, doz. 25c; 100, $1.00; by express, 100, 75c; 1,000, $5.00. SWEET POTATO PLANTS.--Ready May 1st. We make a specialty of supplying first class sweet potato plants, and we take great pains to send out only such as are strong, vigorous, well rooted and hardy. We can furnish either the Yellow Nansemond, or Early Yellow Jersey. Prices vary with the season, but we will at all times make as low a price as we can. Write if you want a large lot. By mail, 100, 50c; by express, 100, 25c; 1,000, $2.00.

HORSE RADISH SETS. Plant at any time during spring, in rows two feet apart and about eighteen inches apart in the rows. By mail, doz. 35c; by express, 100 75c; 1,000, $6.00.

ASPARAGUS ROOTS. For directions for planting, etc., see Asparagus seeds. CONOVER'S COLOSSAL.--One-year old roots. 100, 60c; 1,000, $4.50. Two-year old roots, 100, 75c; 1,000, $6.00. PALMETTO.--Two years old. 100, $1.00; 1,000, $7.50. COLUMBIAN MAMMOTH WHITE.--Two years old. Postpaid per doz. 25c; by freight or express, per 100, $1.00; per 1,000, $8.75. Above prices are by express. If to be mailed, add 20c per 100 for one-year olds, and 40c per 100 for two-year olds.

RHUBARB ROOTS. These may be planted early in spring or in fall, setting the roots three feet apart each way. It requires but little labor to plant, and when once planted in good rich soil, it will remain in bearing condition many years. By express, each, 10c; doz. 75c; 100, $4.50. By mail, each, 15c; doz. $1.25.

[image]

GARLIC. A species of onion propagated by offsets; used for flavoring soups, stews and other dishes. Divide a bulb into small parts, and plant them in early spring in rows one foot apart, and from two to five inches between the plants in the rows. The crop matures in August, when it is harvested like the onion. GARLIC SETS.--Per lb. 40c, postpaid. By express, per lb. 30c.

JERUSALEM ARTICHOKE. The greatest hog food known. This variety is sometimes used as a table vegetable when pickled, or as a salad, but their greatest value is for feeding stock. They are the best hog food known, and are attracting much attention on account of their great fattening properties, great productiveness (over one thousand bushels having been grown on one acre), and ease with which they can be grown. They need not be dug in the fall; the hogs should be turned in on them, and will help themselves by rooting for them. One acre will keep from twenty to thirty head in fine condition from October until April, except when the ground is frozen too hard for them to root. They are also said to be a preventative of cholera and other hog diseases, and they are also highly recommended for milch cows, increasing the yield of milk and at the same time improving their condition. They are well adapted to any soil where corn or potatoes can be grown. Three bushels will seed an acre, and they should be cut the same as potatoes, one eye to a cut being sufficient, planted in April or May, in rows three feet apart and two feet in the rows, and covered about two inches deep. To destroy them they should be plowed under when the plant is about a foot high, at which time the old tuber has decayed and new ones are not yet formed. Per lb. 30c, 3 lbs. 75c, postpaid. By freight or express, pk. 60c, bu. $1.50, bbl. of 3 bu. (enough for one acre) $3.50.

[image]

HOLT'S MAMMOTH SAGE. No garden should be without a few plants of this most valuable herb. It is a perennial and keeps growing larger each year. The first season a single plant will frequently cover a space three feet in diameter and produce a large amount of leaves, which are several times larger than the common sage and of superior quality. This variety cannot be grown from seed. Price, 3 plants for 25c, 7 for 50c, 15 for $1.00 postpaid.

Your seeds have given good satisfaction, especially your onion seed and Washington Wakefield cabbage, regardless of the dry weather. I intend to use your seeds another year. J. M. McCALL, Pottawatomie Co., Oklahoma.

ONION SETS. Indispensible for early onions for bunching, as in a very few weeks they are ready for the table. Our sets are well grown and of the very best size and shape, and sure to please for either the family or market garden. Price by the pint and quart include prepayment of postage (deduct 15 cents per quart if by express.) Price by the peck and bushel is subject to market variations, and they are shipped at buyer's expense. We will at all times give customers the benefit of lowest prices on day order is received. If you want a large lot write for sample and lowest prices.

[image] BOTTOM ONION SETS TOP ONION SETS EGYPTIAN OR PERENNIAL ONION SETS POTATO ONION SETS

WHITE BOTTOM SETS.--The bottom onion sets grown from seed are the most popular of all and the finest and best for early use and large onions. The white are usually higher in price than the red or yellow, as they do not keep over winter so well. Per pt. 20c, qt. 35c, pk. $1.20, bu. $4.00. YELLOW BOTTOM SETS.--Like above, except the color. Per pt. 15c, qt. 30c, pk. $1.00, bu. $3.25. RED BOTTOM SETS.--Per pt. 15c, qt. 30c, pk. $1.00, bu. 3.25.

PERENNIAL OR WINTER.--Also called Egyptian and Tree onions. May be set out in spring, but are usually set in the fall. Highly valued by gardeners as they produce the earliest spring onions, and after once set out require no other care, but come up year after year without the slightest winter protection. Per pt. 15c, qt. 25c, pk. 60c, bu. $1.50.

RED TOP OR BUTTON SETS.--These are the old-fashioned sets still largely called for where the bottom sets are not known. Per pt. 20c, qt. 40c, pk. $1.25, bu. $4.25. POTATO ONION SETS.--Valuable for early crop, as they mature quickly; mild and of sweet flavor. Per pt. 20c, qt. 35c, pk. $1.10, bu. $3.75.

50. SEED CATALOGUE AND GARDEN GUIDE.

SELECTED FARM SEEDS. As the farm crop is more important to the general welfare of the country than any other, so the farm seed department should have the prominence in seed catalogues, but we regret to say that with most seedsmen it has very little attention. Realizing the vast importance of this branch of our business, we devote our careful attention to the growth and selection of the best farm seeds of all sorts. Our seed grain is grown especially for seed, in the section best suited to its development and perfect maturity, is all carefully selected, thoroughly cleaned, of the best quality, and we sell at reasonable prices. We take pride in our large and increasing trade in this branch of our business. With our improved machinery for cleaning which is as perfect as any in the United States, we are enabled to clean seeds perfectly, far different from such as are commonly sold. The Nebraska Experiment Station tested clover seed from the leading seed firms of the country, and our seed stood the highest for purity of any west of Pennsylvania, and, with one exception, the highest of any in the United States. PRICES named in this department are subject to any important market changes. The prices are net and not subject to premium or discount which is offered on other seeds. Clover and grass seeds are constantly varying in price, and we issue a price list daily during the busy season. Please write for prices, sending list of requirements, when in need. Orders sent us will be given benefit of lowest prices on day order is received. Will take pleasure in mailing samples and quoting inside prices at any time on large orders. NOTICE.--While we exercise the greatest care to have all seeds pure and reliable, we do not give any warranty expressed or implied. Samples sent for testing if desired. SHIPPING.--In this department everything that is quoted by the packet or pound is sent by mail postpaid; all large quantities, unless noted, are sent by express or freight, at the expense of the purchaser. Prices named include bags and delivering to depot here.

SEED CORN. It costs less than twenty-five cents an acre to use our carefully selected and tested seed corn. Is it wise to risk doubtful corn when good seed is so cheap? The varieties of field corn we offer are the best now in use. They were grown especially for seed purposes, and well matured, cured, carefully sorted by our seed corn experts, and shelled with great care. The value of the corn crop in Iowa alone would be increased two million dollars by an average increase of one bushel per acre, and it has been demonstrated that the crops can be fully doubled by planting some of our improved varieties. We are in the center of the best corn growing country of the world, where the soil and climate are peculiarly adapted to its culture, and we have given this branch of our business the most careful attention, until now we can say without fear of contradiction, that for the season of 1896 we have the best supply of seed corn ever offered by any seed firm in the world. We also have a large and increasing trade on seed corn from farmers in Missouri, Kansas and states further south, and therefore list some varieties which are of special value to them, but state plainly when any variety is too late for this latitude in an ordinary season. The necessity of planting the very best varieties is plain, and it will not pay you to experiment with the many sorts which we have tried and found worthless, nor to purchase from unscrupulous dealers. We claim to have supplied more farmers with seed corn last year than any seed firm in the world ever did before. Some dealers, last year seeing the great success we had made in the seed corn trade, purchased common crib corn and sold it out untested and under fictitious names, and it made their customers a great amount of trouble. All our seed corn is very carefully tested, and none sent out that we are not certain will grow well under proper conditions. We do not warrant it, but we will mail samples for testing to prospective customers. If a large quantity is wanted, ask for prices. No extra charge for bags.

IOWA GOLD MINE CORN. THE BEST VARIETY OF YELLOW CORN IN THE WORLD! Everyone who has tried it is enthusiastic in the praise of this splendid new variety which we introduced in 1892. Iowa is not called a gold mining state, but in this grand new variety farmers of this country will find a veritable mine of wealth. It has everywhere received the most cordial endorsement as the best and most profitable variety ever grown. This variety originated as follows: Six years ago a special premium offer brought sample ears of corn from several hundred farmers and seed growers and from these we chose the one which was most decidedly the best, and have been selecting and improving it until it is about as near perfection as corn can be made. It is early, ripening only a few days later than Pride of the North; ears are of good size and symmetrical; color a bright golden yellow, as handsome as a twenty dollar gold coin just from the mint; grain is very deep, cob small, and therefore dries out very quickly as soon as ripe. Seventy pounds of ear corn makes sixty to sixty-two pounds of shelled corn, and in hauling to market it weighs out five bushels more to the wagon load than common varieties in the same size wagon. We have shelled selected ears of this variety which produced sixty-four pounds of shelled corn and only six pounds of cobs to the bushel. This is an unparalled [unparalleled] record. It cannot be equaled by any other corn in the world. Thousands of our customers say they consider it the ne plus ultra in corn; that it would be impossible to attain any nearer perfection. We can most confidently recommend it as the acme of perfection and stake our reputation on its pleasing everyone who tries it. It will grade No. 1 in any market. We shall not be satisfied until every farmer in the United States has seen this grand new variety. One carload lot of four hundred bushels of Iowa Gold Mine corn was carefully weighed, and after shelling it was reweighed and there was just 456 bushels. Just think of it--a gain of 14 bushels to the 100! Remember, if you want pure Iowa Gold Mine corn, you must purchase it direct from us, as we have not furnished any to any other dealer in Iowa this year. Don't be deceived. If you purchase from your local dealer, insist on seeing that our label is in every bag, plainly marked Iowa Seed Company. We most highly recommend it to our customers in all parts of Iowa and other states in the same latitude. It matures perfectly up to the extreme northern tier of counties in Iowa. It will pay you to change your seed, and don't fail to at least see a sample of Iowa Gold Mine before buying elsewhere. Notice our low prices this year. Per large package 5c, lb. 25c, 3 lbs. 60c, postpaid. By freight, pk. 50c, bu. $1.25, 2 bu. or more at $1.00 per bu.

ONE YEAR FREE! Anyone ordering one bushel or more of Iowa Silver Mine Corn, or two bushels or more of any other kind of corn is entitled to one year's subscription to the AMERICAN CORN JOURNAL, of Sibley, Illinois, providing they ask for it when sending order.

[image] IOWA GOLD MINE CORN. (From a photograph.)