1896

IOWA SEED COMPANY, DES MOINES, IOWA. 31.

[image] IOWA SEED CO'S NEW GARDEN LEMON

Introduced by us and it has been highly praised wherever tried. It resembles the Vine Peach in manner of growth, but is distinct in that the unripe fruit is striped with very dark green, nearly black, while the Vine Peach is plain green, and when ripe is not russeted like the Vine Peach. Fruit is of shape shown in our engraving, and is somewhat smaller than Vine Peach, has thinner flesh, and is most decidedly more acid, thus dispensing with the sliced lemons which are so important in putting up the Vine Peach. Cultivate like musk-melon, in hills three feet apart each way. Full directions for cooking in various manners accompany each packet. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 20c.

KOHL RABI--Ger. Kohlrabi. One ounce will sow a 200 foot drill. An excellent vegetable, intermediate between the Cabbage and Turnip. Sow in rows in May or June, eighteen inches apart, thinning to eight inches between the plants. Cook as Turnips.

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EARLY WHITE VIENNA--Flesh white and tender; best market sort. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 20c, 1/4 lb. 65c, lb. $2. EARLY PURPLE VIENNA--Per pkt. 5c, oz. 20c, 1/4 lb. 65c, lb. $2.

LEEK--Ger. Lauch. One ounce will sow one hundred feet of drill. Sow early in spring, and when plants are three or four inches high, thin to eight inches apart. Hoe the earth well up to the stalk to blanch it. LONDON FLAG--Very hardy. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 35c. LARGE ROUEN--Largest and most uniform of all. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 20c, 1/4 lb. 60c.

GOURDS. The following four varieties will be found quite serviceable in any household. No one would think, without having tried them, of the many uses they can be put to. Cultivate as cucumbers; or they may be trained over lattice work or utilized to cover stumps or fences. JAPANESE NEST-EGG--Grows almost uniformly to the size, color and shape of a hen's egg, although some vary in size from a pigeon's egg up to a goose egg and so exactly like an egg do they appear as to almost deceive any one. The shells are hard and durable, and make the very best nest eggs, as they do not crack. The largest ones, when sawed in two, make excellent pots for starting tomato, strawberry and other plants. The Nest-Egg Gourd is a rapid and desirable climber; quickly covering old sheds or any unsightly object with a mass of green foliage, thickly dotted with beautiful white eggs. Pkt. 5c, oz. 25c, 1/4 lb. 75c, lb. $2.25. DIPPER--Makes a more light and convenient dipper than can be bought. Dippers of various sizes, of a capacity of from a pint to a quart and a half, can be had from a few vines. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 20c. SUGAR TROUGH--Very convenient for buckets, baskets, nest boxes, etc. Sometimes grow so large as to hold ten gallons each. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 20c. LUFFA, or DISH CLOTH--The peculiar lining of this fruit, which is sponge-like, pourous [porous], tough, elastic and durable, makes a natural dish-cloth. The fruit grows about two feet in length, and the vine is very ornamental, producing large clusters of yellow blossoms, in pleasing contrast with the silvery-shaded, dark green foliage. For the bath, and for the toilet in general, the "Dish-Rag Gourd" is taking the place of the sponge. It is, in fact, a sponge, soft brush and a bath glove combined, and is almost indestructible. The seed should be started in a hot-bed or in the house. Per pkt. 10c, oz. 50c.

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MIXED UTILITY GOURDS--Seeds of the four above varieties mixed together. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 25c.

OKRA, or GUMBO. --Ger. Essberra Hibiscus. One ounce will sow about 80 feet of drill. Why not try Okra this year? It is extra nice for soups, stews, etc., and also much liked when pickled. Sow at the usual time of tender vegetables, in drills two inches deep, leaving the plants from two to three feet apart. DWARF WHITE VELVET--This new variety is well shown by our cut. Pods are round, smooth and of an attractive white velvety appearance, very tender and of superior flavor. Plants are dwarf and produce the pods in great abundance. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 35c, lb. $1.

[image] LADIES BONNET MADE FROM DISH RAG GOURD

MUSTARD. --Ger. Senf. One ounce will sow about 75 feet of drill. A pungent salad, used sometimes with Cress, also for greens. Sow thickly in rows, and cut when about two inches high. SOUTHERN GIANT CURLED--This mustard is very highly esteemed in the South, where the seed is sown in the fall, and the plants used very early in spring as salad. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 25c, lb. 75c. WHITE ENGLISH, or London--Per pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 20c, lb. 50c. NEW CHINESE GOLDEN--An entirely new variety, quite different from the rank, over-grown, green-leaved variety called Chinese Mustard in some other seed dealers catalogues. Our New Chinese Golden forms a compact, bushy plant. Leaves very thick, finely curled, and of a bright golden yellow color, very slow to go to seed; has no rank, strong flavor like other kinds, and pronounced by all who have tried it the best of greens. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 15c, 1/4 lb. 45c, lb. $1.25.

KALE or BORECOLE --Ger. Blatter-Kohl. One ounce will produce about 3,000 plants. This most excellent vegetable deserves to be more generally cultivated, being harder than Cabbage, and furnishing most excellent greens during winter and spring. It is also a splendid winter food for poultry. It is quite hardy and is improved by frost. Cultivate same as Cabbage. For winter, sow in September, and treat as Spinach, giving it a light covering of straw or litter to protect from severe cold. DWARF GERMAN GREEN--Best for winter greens. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 35c, lb. $1. TALL CURLED SCOTCH--Per pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 35c, lb. $1.

[image] CHINESE MUSTARD

32. SEED CATALOGUE AND GARDEN GUIDE.

POP-CORN. It pays to raise pop-corn as a general crop. It is a sure crop, and the demand usually exceeds the supply. Some farmers claim that it is as easily grown as field corn and they receive three to four times the amount per acre for the crop. For main crop the Monarch White Rice will bring the best price per pound, as it is better known among the poppers. Let the children try a small patch anyway and for home use don't fail to try the Striped Rice.

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[logo] PAGE'S NEW STRIPED RICE.--This splendid variety, which is the result of a cross between the best White and Red varieties of Rice pop-corn, we have been at work improving for several years, until now we have undoubtedly the best, handsomest and most attractive variety of pop-corn in existence. "Beautiful!" "Splendid!" "It takes the cake!" is what our customers say of it. The color is a clear, translucent white, and each kernel is beautifully striped with bright crimson. Our illustration does not do it justice. The ears are of good size and well filled out; kernels are long and pointed, resembling rice. Early, very productive, and extremely tender when popped, bursting out very large, white as snow and of finest quality. All should try it. Per pkt. 5c, 1/2 pt. 15c, qt. 50c. MONARCH WHITE RICE.--The best white variety grown. It bears from three to six ears per stalk, weighs 36 pounds per bushel of ears when dry, and produces 1,500 to 2,500 pounds per acre. It will pay you to try it. Per pkt. 5c, 1/2 pt. 15c, qt. 40c. MAPLEDALE PROLIFIC POP-CORN.--The most productive pop-corn, averaging 8 to 12 good ears to the stalk, as many as 19 ears having been taken from a single stalk. Ears uniformly large. Pops to a large size and very tender. Per pkt. 5c, 1/2 pt. 15c, qt. 50c. QUEEN'S GOLDEN.--Color a peculiar lustrous, golden yellow; when popped, of a rich cream color; very prolific. Per pkt. 5c, 1/2 pt. 15c, qt. 50c.

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HOLT'S MAMMOTH SAGE. After having grown and thoroughly tested this valuable variety for many years, we can recommend it most highly. The illustration shows a leaf of average size. The plants are very strong growing, the first season attaining one foot in height, and so spreading that a single plant covers a circular space 3 feet in diameter. The leaves are borne well above the soil, keeping them clean; very large and of unusual substance, strong in flavor, and of superior quality. A single plant ot Holt's Mammoth will yield more than a dozen of the common sort. It is perfectly hardy, even in New England, and attains still larger growth the second season. It never runs to seed. The past three years we have not been able to supply the demand but this year we grew a very large number and hope to have sufficient. Price: 3 plants for 25c, 7 for 50c, or 15 plants for $1.00, postpaid.

ORNAMENTAL POMEGRANATE. A very interesting and ornamental little fruit, which a century ago was commonly grown in the gardens but is now rarely seen. Grows on a pretty vine; fruit is round, of a bright yellow, irregularly striped with orange, red or mahogany; very fragrant; a single specimen will sweetly perfume a room for many days. Prolific and easily grown. It is often called Queen Anne's Pocket Melon. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 25c.

[image] POMEGRANATE.

READ THIS! Please quote price on five or six lbs. of Yellow Globe Danvers onion. I purchased some from you and the same quantity from quite a number of other seed houses last season and I did not get as many good onions out of all the others combined as I did from yours. F. L. WOTTON, Darien, N. Y.

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RED CROSS PEANUTS. [logo] Peanuts can be grown in Iowa, and everyone should plant a few for themselves and children. This very desirable variety is as early as the earliest, the most hardy, very prolific and of the best quality. Boys, here is a chance for you. Think of growing peanuts in your own garden and having plenty of them to eat. Plant as soon as the ground becomes warm, from two to three feet apart each way, four or five to the hill, covering two or three inches. The soil should be deep and mellow, and well broken up so as to be ready for planting soon after frost is over. April is a suitable time. They produce 25 to 70 bushels per acre, and are as easlly cultivated as corn. Price, per large package, 10c, lb. 40c, postpaid.

HERBS. In making up your assortment of seeds for the year don't neglect to order a few varieties of herbs. They should have a place in every vegetable garden. Sow seed in shallow drills one foot apart, and when up thin out and transplant to a few inches apart. The chief point is to harvest them properly, which should be done on a dry day when not quite in full bloom, then dried quickly and packed closely, and entirely excluded from the air. The following are the varieties most cultivated. ANISE.--Annual. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 10c. BALM.--Perennial. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 30c. BASIL, SWEET.--Annual. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 20c. BORAGE.--Annual. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 15c. CARAWAY.--Perennial. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 10c.

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CATNIP.--Perennial. Per pkt. 10c, oz. 50c. CASTOR OIL PLANT.--Annual. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 10c. CORIANDER.--Annual. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 10c. DANDELION.--Perennial. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 30c. DILL.--Annual. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 15c. FENNEL.--Perennial. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 15c. HOREHOUND.--Perennial. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 30c. HYSSOP.--Perennial. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 30c. LAVENDER.--Perennial. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 25c. MARJORAM, SWEET.--Perennial. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 30c. OPIUM POPPY.--Annual. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 30c. ROSEMARY.--Perennial. Per pkt. 10c, oz. 45c. RUE.--Perennial. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 30c. SAFFRON.--Annnal. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 15c. SAGE.--This hardy perennial is used more than any other for flavoring and dressing. Should be in every garden. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 20c, 1/2 lb. 70c, lb. $2.25. SAVORY, SUMMER.--Annual. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 20c. THYME, BROAD-LEAVED.--Perennial. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 40c. TANSY.--Perennial. Per pkt. 10c, oz. 50c. WORMWOOD.--Perennial. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 30c. MIXED VARIETIES.--A mixture of all the above. Nice garden assortment. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 25c.

SEED CATALOGUE AND GARDEN GUIDE. 33.

[image] DENVER MARKET LETTUCE

LETTUCE--Ger. Lattich. One ounce will sow 120 feet of drill. Probably no vegetable is more universally used than Lettuce, and to be fully appreciated it must be brought to the table fresh and unwilted. As it requires but little room, and is of the easiest culture, there are but few families that cannot have it direct from the bed. The quality of Lettuce depends largely upon a rapid and vigorous growth. Sow in hot-beds in March and in open ground as early as it can be worked, thinly in drills one foot apart. For a succession sow every three weeks during the season. The soil should be rich and mellow. Thin out plants as they grow, so that the plants left to head will stand 10 to 12 inches apart in the rows.

[image] TOMHANNOCK.

DENVER MARKET.--An early variety of Head Lettuce, either for forcing or open ground. It forms large solid heads, of a good, light green color, and is very slow to go to seed. The leaves are beautifully marked and blistered (like the Savoy Cabbages), and very crisp and tender and of excellent flavor. By these blistered leaves it distinguishes itself from any other kind of Lettuce now grown. The shape of the head resembles somewhat the "Hanson," but is more oblong. C. C. Morse & Co., Seed Growers, say: "It is the best novelty ever sent to us, and tried in our trial grounds, together with 96 other varieties of Lettuce, we find it to be the best." Per pkt. 5c., oz. 20c., 1/4 lb. 60c. GRAND RAPIDS.--As many as fifty large greenhouses at Grand Rapids, Michigan, are devoted to forcing this lettuce in winter; the growers have distanced all competitors, and obtained the highest prices in the markets of all the cities to which they have shipped. Of superior quality and beautiful appearance the Grand Rapids Lettuce is a strong grower, free from rot, and keeps crisp and tender without wilting when exposed for sale, longer than any other forcing lettuce. It is also a desirable variety for early spring sowing in the open ground. The engraving is from a photograph. Per pkt. 5c., oz. 20c., 1/4 lb. 65c. CALIFORNIA CREAM BUTTER.--A new variety of Cabbage Lettuce, with round solid heads, as shown in the illustration; outside the heads are of a medium green, slightly marked with small brown spots; within, the leaves are of a very rich cream yellow color, most refreshing in appearance, and particularly rich and buttery to the taste. The heads are of good size, compact, very hard and solid. It is medium early, and one of the very best summer varieties of head lettuce we have ever seen. The heads are so solid that generally, they have to be cut before any seed stalk can make its appearance. Per pkt. 5c., oz. 15c., 1/4 lb. 50c. EARLY CURLED SIMPSON.--An improved variety of the Curled Silesia, with large, loose heads and excellent flavor. Per pkt. 5c., oz. 10c., 1/4 lb. 30c., lb. $1.00. BLACK SEEDED SIMPSON.--Nearly double the size of the ordinary Curled Simpson; stands the summer well without becoming tough, or running to seed quickly. Is by far the most popular variety for greenhouse forcing, making large, handsome heads in a very short time. Gardeners claim that our seed is worth far more than any other. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 15c., 1/4 lb. 35c., lb. $1.20.

EARLY PRIZE HEAD.

[image] Improved Hanson Lettuce

[image] California Cream Butter Lettuce.

$1.00 BUYS SEEDS IN Packets or Ounces TO THE AMOUNT OF $1.25.

IMPROVED HANSON.--For general use, both of market gardeners and in the private garden, we are sure that no variety can surpass our improved carefully selected strains of Hanson Lettuce. It has been so judiciously improved that the heads are so solid that often they do not send up a seed stalk unless cut open with a knife. Heads are very large, green outside and nearly white within, deliciously sweet, crisp and tender, and almost absolutely free from any rank or bitter taste. Resists the summer heat exceptionally well. It cannot be praised too highly. Per pkt. 5c., oz. 15c., 1/4 lb. 40c., lb. $1.20.

TOMHANNOCK.--Forms a beautiful plant, 10 to 12 inches high by 9 to 10 inches across. The leaves grow upright, the upper part of the outer leaves turn outward gracefully, and are of a glossy, reddish bronze, quite ornamental. The leaves are almost white, very tender and crisp; it does not head. Grows quickly and remains for weeks of the finest quality; slow to run to seed. Per pkt. 5c., oz. 15c., 1/4 lb. 45c., lb. $1.60. SALAMANDER.--Withstands the heat and drouth admirably, and is very slow in running to seed. Forms immense heads, 12 to 14 inches in diameter. Per pkt. 5c., oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 30c. GREEN FRINGED.--Edges beautifully cut and fringed. A good selling variety. Per pkt. 5c., oz. 15c., 1/4 lb. 40c. PRIZE HEAD.--Very tender leaves of dark reddish brown color, variegated with dark green. Heads large and of good flavor. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 10c., 1/4 lb. 35c. MIXED VARIETIES.--Seed of about twenty early, medium and late sorts mixed together, thus giving lettuce for the table during the entire season and giving an opportunity to examine all the leading varieties with but little expense. Per pkt. 5c., oz. 25c., 1/4 lb. 50c., lb. $1.50. OAK LEAVED.--Has oak-shaped leaves, the broader part set to stem and pointed at the tip, thus giving it a very unique, handsome and attractive appearance. Per pkt. 5c., oz. 15c., 1/4 lb. 45c. OLD LETTUCE SEED.--For birds. Per lb. 30c.

[image] NEW GRAND RAPIDS.

34. SEED CATALOGUE AND GARDEN GUIDE.

[image] I. S. CO.'s IMPROVED GREEN NUTMEG.

MUSK MELON. One onnce [ounce] will plant about 80 hills; two pounds to the acre. The soil best adapted to the culture of melons is a warm, rich, sandy loam. Plant in hills five or six feet apart each way, ten or twelve seeds in a hill. When they begin to vine, thin out, leaving only four of the most thrifty. As melons are very sensitive to cold, they should not be planted until the settled warm weather begins--in this latitude about the middle of May. Cultivation should commence as soon as the plants appear above the ground, and be kept up once a week until the vines interfere too much. You will be pleased with our melon seeds. IOWA SEED CO.'S IMPROVED GREEN NUTMEG.--Everybody is delighted with our improved strain at this most excellent old kind. For twelve years we have been constantly selecting and improving the old Green Nutmeg melon until now it is one of, if not the best variety of musk melon in existence. All lovers of fine luscious melons will admit after giving it a trial that it cannot be surpassed in rich, delicious flavor. Fruit of a fair size, very rich, melting, and of exquisite flavor. Outside dark emerald green; flesh light green; more productive than any variety we know of. Don't fail to try it. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 30c, lb. $1.00.

[image] NEW EARLY HACKENSACK MUSK MELON

IMPROVED EARLY HACKENSACK.--This new candidate for public favor holds its size, rich flavor and other good qualities remarkably well, and withal is a great improvement on the Turk's Cap or Hackensack in that it is fully ten days earlier. All should try it. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 25c, lb. 75c.

THE BANQUET--Our illustration made from a photograph well represents this extra fine new variety. It originated with C. P. Coy, the largest melon grower in the world, and he regards it as his greatest production. The flesh is dark, rich salmon color, uniformly thick and of that granulated character which always indicates a good melon. It is larger in size than the Emerald Gem and differs from that variety in its outer appearance. Of perfectly round shape, the skin is not ribbed, but is densely netted over its entire surface, making it in appearance one of the handsomest melons we have ever seen. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 25c, lb. 75c.

[image] THE BANQUET.

EMERALD GEM.--This is one of the most delicious melons we have ever eaten. The melons are of small size, and of a deep emerald green color. The flesh, which is thicker than that of any other melen [melon] of the same size, is of a suffused salmon color, almost red, and ripens thoroughly to the extremely thin green rind. It is peculiarly crystalline in appearance, and so juicy and rich that it almost drops to pieces (like a rich cake) when dipped out with a spoon. The flavor is sweet and luscious beyond description. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 25c, lb. 65c. MONTREAL MARKET.--Uniformly of large size, averaging from 15 to 20 pounds in weight. Flesh very thick and of fine flavor. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 25c, lb. 65c. PERFECTION.--Rich color and luscious flavor. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 25c, lb. 75c.

[image] EMERALD GEM.

OSAGE.--This variety has created quite a stir in Chicago, where it sells at double the prices of any other. The skin is thin, of dark green color, and slightly netted. The flesh is of a salmon color, remarkably sweet and spicy in flavor, extremely thick, and delicious to the rind. The seed cavity is very small. All lovers of fine melons should try the Osage. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 25c, lb. 75c.

YOU CAN PICK FROM THIS LIST WITH YOUR EYES SHUT AND GET A GOOD THING EVERY TIME.

[image] OSAGE.

BANANA.--Attains a length of from eighteen inches to three feet three inches, and is from two to four inches thick. Flesh very thick, of a salmon color; flavor good. It looks almost like an overgrown banana, and smells like one, hence the name. It is not only a curiosity but it sells well on the market. It is entirely distinct from all other melons. Don't fail to try it. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 30c, lb. $1.00.

[image] BANANA MELON.

IOWA SEED COMPANY, DES MOINES, IOWA. 35.

[image] THE MOST DELICIOUS OF ALL MELONS THE PRINCESS

THE PRINCESS.--This splendid variety is nearly round, with heavily netted, dark green skin; the flesh is of a rich salmon color, and in flavor is sweet and luscious beyond description. They ripen early and grow to good size, frequently weighing eight to ten pounds each. This is a most excellent variety which it will pay you to try. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 25c, lb. 75c. IOWA MASTODON.--The most extraordinary new variety ever offered and will create a sensation wherever seen. See description with novelties. Per pkt. of 25 seeds 10c.

[image] BAY VIEW.

NEW WINTER PINEAPPLE.--This melon in appearance is entirely distinct from any other variety ever grown in this country. The outside skin instead of being netted, is deeply corrugated. They have the thickest flesh of any melon, with but a small seed cavity. Indeed they might be said to be almost solid. When ripe the outside skin is of rich yellow, intermingled with light green. The flesh is of a light green color, unusually spicy, melting and delicious. But the most remarkable and valuable feature of this new melon is its wonderful keeping qualities. They do not ripen on the vines like other musk melons, but have to be picked before hard frost and laid away in a cool, dry cellar, where they will keep sound and sweet for months. When wanted for use they must be brought into a warm room, where they will ripen up in a few days. They are hardy and very prolific. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 30c, lb. $1.00.

[image] Winter Pineapple.

SHUMWAY'S GIANT.--Of monstrous size, cream yellow, early, absolutely distinct, and with seeds more than twice as large as other sorts. A whole field of them will average 15 to 20 pounds each, and select specimens weigh more. Sweet and luscious with fine, melting, thick, salmon-colored flesh. Never stringy. The flavor is pleasant, not high, nor rank. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 30c, lb. $1.00. IMPROVED CANTALOUPE.--Large eize, flesh of a light yellow color and delicious in flavor. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 20c, lb. 50c.

BAY VIEW.--This variety is one of the largest, most prolific, best flavored and finest melons in cultivation. In flavor it is luscious, sweet and deliciously rich. It has been grown to weigh from fifteen to twenty pounds and from fifteen to eighteen inches long. It is hardy, vigorous, and continues a long time in bearing. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 20c, lb. 60c. CHAMPION MARKET.--A superb variety destined to become very popular. Almost a perfect globe in shape, and densely netted, making it one of the handsomest cantaloupes known. Flesh is thick, light green color, and rich, sweet flavor. Very productive. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 10c., 1/4 lb. 25c, lb. 70c.

[image] CHAMPION MARKET.

MUSHROOMS.

[image] MUSHROOMS.

MUSHROOM CULTIVATION.--Mushrooms can be grown in the cellar, barn, shed, or any dark room under a temperature of 50 to 60 degrees. If practicable divide your place in narrow beds three to five feet wide, prepare your ground by thoroughly mixing one part of common garden soil with two parts of fresh horse manure, free from straw or litter. This well mixed compound should be filled in your beds 12 to 15 inches deep and pounded down as much as possible. Fermentation will set in at once and after the temperature of your soil has declined to about 85 or 90 degrees, the bed is ready for spawning. Attention from the first in the preparation of manure is one of the most essential points, then its condition when made into a bed, respecting the temperature at the time of planting the spawn. Make holes in your bed about ten inches apart, each to hold two or three pieces of spawn about the size of a walnut, then cover the same with two inches of light soil, pressing it solid all over the bed. In order to hold an even moisture in the soil protect your beds with three to four inches of straw, and if the surface should become a little dry, moisten this protecting straw carefully with luke-warm water. If the temperature is right mushrooms will begin to come up in about six to eight weeks, and the bed will continue bearing for about a month. Price, per lb. not prepaid, 15c, 10 lbs. $1.25, 25 lbs. $2.50. If by mail, add 10 cents per pound for postage.

The ease with which a crop of mushrooms can be grown to perfection in an ordinary house cellar, wood-shed or barn, and the astonishing success of so many who have taken up this new industry, both for profit and their own use, induces us to call especial attention to the subject. The great luxury of mushrooms can be enjoyed by all at a most trifling expenditure of money, time and labor. In market they are always wanted and sell readily at paying prices. There seems no limit to the demand, and an over-supply is seldom known. We recommend the English mushroom spawn as generally the better both for the market gardener and private planter.

September 10, 1895.--Last spring I purchased seed of your Four Giant onions and planted them on the same day beside seed purchased from a Nebraska firm. Now the onions from your seed will average in size from that of a teacup to that of a dinner saucer, while the others are small and will make a fine crop of scullions. I will plant only your seed next year. J. CLAY FOX, Rock Co., Nebraska.

September 22, 1895.--I never saw purer seed nor had it do better than yours. The Duke Jones watermelons were grown on sod ground and not cultivated, but in spite of the dry season they made a splendid crop. I cut one this morning which weighed 53 lbs. W. R. BEASLEY, White Rock, Okla.