1897

IOWA SEED COMPANY, DES MOINES, IOWA. 39.

[image] PRIMITIVE CORN.

PRIDE OF THE NORTH.--(See cut No. 1.) This variety has been grown and improved in the extreme northern part of Iowa. The ears are 8 to 10 inches long with small cob and kernel; seventy pounds of ears will make sixty pounds of shelled corn; color bright orange, and very uniform. Will ripen in ninety days and matures in this latitude when planted in June. Per pk. 50c, bu. $1.40, 2 bu. or more @ $1.20. LONGFELLOW FLINT.--(See cut No. 2.) An eight-rowed yellow flint variety, with ears from 10 to 15 inches long, 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 inches in diameter, and are well filled out to extreme end of cob. The cob is small and the kernel large and broad, ripens in 85 to 90 days. This corn is well adapted to the northwest, and is said to produce 200 bushels of ears to the acre in Massachusetts. In ordering, be sure and put in the word flint, to distinguish from our Longfellow Dent. Per pk. 75c, bu. $2.00, 2 bushels or more @ $1.75. CLARK'S EARLY MASTODON.--(See cut No. 3.) Very popular in some sections of the country owing to its large size and record of enormous yields. In the celebrated American Agriculturist corn contest in 1889, the Early Mastodon outyielded every other yellow corn in America, Mr. Alfred Rose, of New York state, raising 213 bushels of shelled corn to the acre. It is hardy, of strong, rank growth, ears of good size. Matures in 120 days. Pk. 50c, bu. $1.50, 2 bu. or more @ $1.25. LENOCHER'S HOMESTEAD.--(See cut No. 4.) Well known in Iowa from its having won the Iowa Homestead prize of $100.00 as the largest producer in the state. In 1891 this variety yielded 345 bushels on three acres with ordinary culture. It was also awarded a diploma at the World's Fair. This variety originated with Mr. G. F. Lenocher, one of the most practical farmers and corn growers in the state. Color dark red with light colored cap; grain deep and hackled. Ear somewhat above the average size; cob small and dries out rapidly, so that it has has never been caught by frost. We believe it to be a safe corn to plant in any part of Iowa. It shells readily and the grain is so soft that it makes an excellent corn for feeding, although its color is objectionable for marketing. Our seed was grown for us by the originator and has been carefully selected by him for seed purposes. Per pk. 50c, bu. $1.50, 2 bu. or more @ $1.25. IOWA YELLOW DENT.--We always advise farmers to buy the best named varieties in buying seed corn, and believe it pays them in the long run. This is a cheaper corn, however, and quite popular some years. Ask for special price in lots of 25 bus. or more. Per pk. 40c, bu. $1.00, 2 bus. or more @ 75c.

PRIMITIVE or HUSK CORN.--It is from this wild variety that all of our cultivated kinds have sprung. The ears are of fair size and each individual kernel or grain is covered with a husk and all enclosed in an outer husk like common corn. In some of the wild and uncultivated parts of Mexico the Primitive or natural corn can still be found growing wild. It is quite curious and valuable for exhibition purposes and attracts great attention wherever seen. Some stalks bear as many as twenty ears. Large pkt. 10c, lb. 50c, postpaid. EARLY LONGFELLOW DENT.--(See cut No. 5.) For several years one of our growers has been at work originating this new sort, the object being to obtain a variety fully as early as Pride of the North with much larger ear. He succeeded so well that we take pleasure in introducing it. The accompanying engraving was accurately made from an ear of the corn and well shows its shape, which is different from any other sort in existence and suggested the name. We recommend it highly to our many customers in northern Iowa and Minnesota as the best early corn offered. The grower who has had it for several years claim it yields as well as any of the large sorts. Stalks of medium height, strong and not easily blown down. Ears have 12 rows, and are 10 to 14 inches in length, kernel rather shallow. Per pk. 50c, bu. $1.50, 2 bus. or more @ $1.25. HICKORY KING.--A white field corn, which has the largest grains, with the smallest cob, of any white corn ever introduced. So large are the grains and so extremely small the cob that on an ear broken in half a single grain will almost completely cover the cob section. Of strong, vigorous growth, and yields splendid crops on light soil, and is undoubtedly the most productive white field corn for the south. We do not, however, consider it a safe crop for this state. Per pk. 75c, bu. $2.00, 2 bus. or more @ $1.75.

[images] PRIDE OF THE NORTH. LONG FLINT. EARLY MASTODON. LENOCHER'S HOMESTEAD. EARLY LONGFELLOW DENT.

40. SEED CATALOGUE AND GARDEN GUIDE.

LINCOLN OATS.--When we introduced these oats to our customers in 1893 they had never been tested in this state, but had done so exceptionally well in Minnesota that we had much faith in them. Seven prizes, amounting to $500, were offered for the largest crops grown from one bushel of seed sown, and in our 1894 catalogue we published the list of awards, the first prize going to a man who grew 174 bushels from one bushel of seed sown, and the average of seven successful competitors was 116 bushels each. What we claim for the Lincoln is that it is a very heavy yielder, is comparatively early, has proven to be entirely rust proof, and stands up exceptionally well. On account of its soft nib, heavy meat and thin hull it is unsurpassed for feeding and for making into oatmeal. Our price is low this year and you should try them. Pound 25c, 3 lbs. 60c, postpaid. Peck 40c, bushel $1.00, 2 bushels or more at 80c, 10 bushels or more at 75c. GREAT NEW ZEALAND OATS.--This grand new variety was first introduced by us in 1895 and has given remarkable satisfaction, in one instance yieldiug [yielding] 102 bushels per acre while other varieties in the same vicinity yielded only 40 to 50 bushels. It averages a trifle higher than other sorts, has very stiff, strong straw, never known to lodge. About one week later in maturing than the common round head oat, thus giving time to harvest the hay crop. Tested 40 lbs. to the bushel from the machine without recleaning, and gives an extraordinary large yield. They stool out remarkably well, and thus require less seed to the acre. Last year common oats rusted very badly but the New Zealand was almost entirely free from rust on all kinds of soils. Henry Wallace, editor of the Wallace Farmer, saw a growing crop, last year, and spoke very highly of them. Their only fault is that they are and always have been somewhat mixed with round head oats. Per peck 40c, bu. $1.00, 2 bu. or more @ 80c, 10 bu. or more @ 75c.

[image] LINCOLN OAT

VELVET CHAFF, or BLUE STEM WHEAT.- Several years' test has proven that this does the best of any sort throughout Iowa. It is a remarkable, semi-hard spring wheat, yielding large crops free from rust. The millers here pay 5 cents per bushel more for it than for any other sort. Lb. 25c, 3 lbs. 65c, pk. 50c, bu. $1.50, 2 bu. or more @ $1.25. TURKISH RED WINTER WHEAT.--Has proved invincible, every year without exception producing a good paying crop. It is strictly IRON-CLAD and almost entirely free from rust, blight and scab, and lives through winter in the most exposed places. It has a record of 44 bushels to the acre. The grains are plump and quite hard. Per bu. $1.00, 2 bu. or more @ 90c.

[image] IDEAL BARLEY.

IDEAL BARLEY.--And it is indeed an ideal which will please everyone who tries it. Our cut well illustrates it. The heads are large and well filled with large, plump kernels which not only are without the objectionable long, harsh beards, but also are hulless. Those who have grown it claim that it will produce a very much larger crop than any other variety. It weighs 60 to 65 lbs. to the measured bushel, while ordinary barley weighs only 48 lbs. The hulls of the common barley form quite a proportion of the total weight, but there is no waste in the Ideal--it is hulless. It is a great improvement on the old hulless barley which had a black grain, as the Ideal is white. The straw is very stiff and strong, amply sufficient to stand the weight of the heavy heads. It is the handsomest, most productive ahd [and] best variety we know of and we are sure it will prove satisfactory. Per pkt. 5c, lb. 35c, 3 lbs. 75c, postpaid. By freight, per pk. 75c, bu. $2.00. MANSHURY BARLEY.--Is one of the best six-rowed sorts grown. It is early in ripening, which helps it to fill well, thus it is always plump. It has a strong, upright straw, and yields from fifty to seventy bushels per acre. The heads of this barley are very long, and contain from seventy-five to one hundred great, plump, heavy kernels of grain. Per lb. 25c, 3 lbs. 60c, pk. 40c, bu. $1.25, 2 bu. or more @ $1.00. SPRING RYE.--This grain is often planted by the farmers especially for the paper makers, who prefer it to any other. The straw is shorter and stiffer than the winter variety and is always easily secured, while the grain is of equal value. Per lb. 25c, 3 lbs. 60c, pk. 50c, bu. $1.25, 2 bu. or more $1.10. WINTER RYE.--Our seed is choice and sure to satisfy. Per pk. 40c, bu. $1.00, 2 bu. or more @ 80c. FIELD PEAS.--Each year there is a large increase in the number of our best farmers who sow field peas, and they claim they are one of the most profitable crops for fattening stock, and especially for hogs. Stock eat them with great avidity. Also profitable for marketing as dry or split peas. Sow two bushels to the acre, or if with oats, one bushel of each. Scotch Beauty.--Best of the blue field peas. Pods and peas are large and it is very productive. Per pk. 60c, bu. $1.75, 2 bu. or more @ $1.50. White Canada.--More used than any other. Per pk. 60c, bu. $1.50, 2 bu. or more @ $1.25. Blue or Green.--Like above, except that the color is a bluish green. Per pk. 65c, bu. $1.50, 2 bu. or more @ $1.25. BROOM CORN.--This is a profitable crop and should be more largely cultivated. Our seed is carefully selected, and every grower should plant two or more sorts, to make a crop more certain. Dwarf Emerald.--See Novelties. Per lb. 35c, 3 lbs. 75c. By freight, 10 lbs. $1.75, 25 lbs. $3.00, 100 lbs. $10.0[0.] Australian.--Makes the most even and perfect shaped and colored hurl brush of any variety that we have ever seen, almost every pound of it being straight, of light green color, and suitable for the best parlor brooms. It is much more productive than most other kinds, the brush is much longer and is sure to bring a higher price. Per lb. 30c, 3 lbs. 75c. By freight, 10 lbs. $1.00, 25 lbs. $2.00, 100 lbs. $6.50. Wilson's Improved Evergreen.--An improvement on the Tall Evergreen. It stands well, is long and free from crooked brush. Per pound, 30c; 3 lbs. 75c. By freight, 10 lbs. $1.00; 25 lbs. $1.50; 100 lbs. $4.00. California Golden.--Per lb. 25c, 3 lbs. 60c. By freight, 10 lbs. 60c, 25 lbs. $1.00, 100 lbs. $3.00. Dwarf Evergreen.--Per lb. 25c, 3 lbs. 60c. By freight, 10 lbs. 75c; 25 lbs. $1.50; 100 lbs. $4.00. SEED FLAX.--It pays to own your own flax seed, instead of raising it on contract. Prices are subject to change duriug [during] the season; present price is per pk. 65c, bu. $1.75.

[images] TURKISH RED. VELVET CHAFF.

IOWA SEED COMPANY, DES MOINES, IOWA. 41.

[image] LENTILS

EGYPTIAN LENTILS.--Largely used in Oriental countries and is one of their principal articles of diet. It was from these that the dish of pottage was made for which Esau sold his birthright to Jacob in Bible times, and many will be interested in them for that reason. They are in growth similar to peas and may be used in any way that you would use shelled beans, and they also make an excellent soup. Sow and cultivate same as garden peas and thresh out in the fall. All should try them. Pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 30c, lb. 75c. By express, 5 lbs. or more @ 30c per lb. SOJA BEANS.--(Coffee Berry.)--During recent years this variety has been largely sold under the name of German Coffee Berry at extravagantly high prices, but we prefer to offer it under its correct name. The berries ripen in about four months from time of planting and produce a crop of twenty to thirty bushels to the acre and are as easily grown as other beans. When roasted and ground it closely resembles coffee and tastes quite similar. Some mix half and half with coffee when using and claim it is superior. Its great value to the farmer lays in the fact that when ground it makes one of the most valuable crops for feeding stock and adds greatly to the milk production. Claimed also to be much superior to clover for fertilizing the soil and for pasturing, or feeding the green fodder, of which it frequently yields from eight to ten tons per acre. Our seed is Iowa grown. Sow broadcast 1/2 bushel to the acre, or it may be planted in drills three feet apart and one foot between plants. Per pkt. 5c, 1/4 lb. 15c, lb. 40c, postpaid. Pk. $1.00, bu. $3.50. DWARF ESSEX RAPE.--A forage plant of great merit, easily grown in any part of the United States on any land that will raise turnips or corn, and will furnish abundant supplies of succulent, rich, nutritious pasture at a season when it is most needed. Is of great value for sheep and lambs and when turned in on it, to use a common expression, "they soon weigh like lead." It is also of value for pasturing cattle. One acre of rape is sufficient to pasture 10 to 15 lambs on for two to two and one-half months. It is often sown broadcast, about five pounds to the acre, but will yield much better if drilled about two pounds to the acre, in rows 22 inches apart and cultivated until plants are too large. Seed may be sown in May, but we do not advise sowing until June or July. It can, however, be sown with grain in the spring, and it is said to not interfere with the grain crop. The Dwarf Essex rape is unequaled as a pasture for sheep in the autumn, and as fattening food is without a rival in cheapness. It will keep a long time in early winter if cut and put in heaps like shocks of hay. Large pkt. 5c, lb. 35c, 3 lbs. $1.00, postpaid. By express, 5 lbs. or more @ 25c per lb., 25 lbs. $5, 100 lbs. $15.

[image] SOJA BEANS, OR COFFEE BERRY.

AMBER SUGAR, CANE.--This popnlar variety has nearly taken the place of other sorts. It is the earliest and makes the finest quality of amber syrup, and also makes good sugar. Succeeds well both north and south. From 100 to 200 gallons of syrup, or from 700 to 1,500 pounds of sugar can be made from an acre of this cane. Our seed is carefully selected and of superior value. Per lb. 25c, 3 lbs. 60c, 10 lbs. or more by express, or freight, 5c per lb., 100 lbs. $3.00. FODDER CANE.--When sown broadcast this makes one of the most valuable crops for feeding green, and we are tempted to call it the most valuable forage crop in existence. Every dairy farmer should put in a few acres. Sow 40 lbs. per acre. Ten pounds or more at 4c per pound, 100 lbs. $1.50.

[image] DWARF ESSEX RAPE.

PROLIFIC TREE BEANS.--Quite a valuable variety for field culture, grows about 20 inches high , has stiff, upright branches and bears immensely, sometimes yielding 45 bushels per acre. The beans closely resemble the White Navy. Per pkt. 5c, 1/2 pt. 15c, qt. 40c, postpaid. By freight, per pk. 75c, bu. $2.75. JAPANESE BUCKWHEAT.--About a week earlier than Silver Hull, and yields almost as much again. The flour made from it is equal in quality to any other buckwheat, while it is much more productive than any other, and succeeds well far north. As the straw is heavier and it branches more, it does not need to be sown as thickly as the other kinds. Per lb. 25c, 3 lbs. 60c. By freight, 10 lbs. 40c, 100 lbs. $2.50, equals $1.30 per bushel.

KAFFIR CORN.--An excellent fodder plant, yielding two crops of fodder during a season. Grows four to five feet high, upright stalk, with numerous large leaves, greatly relished by cattle and horses. The seed crop is also heavy, sometimes yielding sixty bushels to the acre. It does better sown in drills three feet apart using six to eight pounds of seed per acre. Per lb. 25c, 3 lbs. 60c. By freight, 10 lbs. 60c, 25 lbs. $1.00, 100 lbs. $3. JERUSALEM ARTICHOKES.--(The greatest hog food known.)--These 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. Three bushels will seed an acre, and they should be cut the same as potatoes, one eye to a cut being sufficient. Plant in April or May, in 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 the 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. 50c, bu. $1.25, bbl. of 3 bu. (enough for one acre) $3.00.

[image] JERUSALEM ARTICHOKE.

[image] AMBER CANE.

TREE AND HEDGE SEEDS.--As tree seedlings make but a small growth the first season, it is best to plant in rows or beds and transplant to permanent places at one or two years old. It is well to protect the first winter with straw or hay. Postage prepaid except at the five-pound rate, at which purchaser pays the charges. Packets of any, at 5 cents each. American White Ash.--1/4 lb. 15c, lb. 50c, 5 lbs. or more @ 25c. Box Elder.--1/4 lb. 15c, lb. 50c, 5 lbs. or more @ 25c. Speciosa or Hardy Catalpa.--Oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 25c, lb. 85c, 5 lbs. or more @ 50c. Honey Locust.--1/4 lb. 20c, lb. 50c, 5 lbs. or more @ 25c. Black Locust.--1/4 lb. 20c, lb. 50c, 5 lbs. or more @ 25c. Russian Mulberry.--Its rapid growth, beautiful form and foliage, and, more than all, the excellence of its timber and fruit, make it a valuable tree for the northwest. Oz. 20c, 1/4 lb. 65c, lb. $2.00. Osage Orange.--It mades a handsome and durable hedge. Lb. 50c, 3 lbs. $1.25. By freight, pk. $2.00, bu. $7.00. Tree of Heaven.--Of rapid growth and tropical appearance. Hardy. Oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 30c, lb. 75c.

[image] KAFFIR CORN.

42. SEED CATALOGUE AND GARDEN GUIDE.

CLOVER SEED. For several years we have made this a specialty, and we now have our electric machinery for cleaning so perfected that we claim that our grades average better than those of any other market, and believe they cannot fail to please the most particular. Other seed dealers who happened to be in our warehouse when we were cleaning clover have often remarked that the seed looked so extra nice they should not reclean it. From these same lots of seed we were cleaning out five to ten pounds to the hundred pounds of weed seed, sand and shrunken clover seed. This makes quite a difference in real value, and our seed is really worth $1.00 to $2.00 per one hundred pounds more than that obtained from most dealers. A PRICE LIST of Clover and Grass Seeds is published every week from January until June. It gives complete descriptions of all kinds of clover and grass seeds and much information of value to farmers. Ask for a copy of it whenever you wish to purchase. PRICES on clover and grass seeds are changing almost daily, so that we are unable to quote prices which will be invariable. Don't fail to write for prices before buying. If you are in a hurry for the seed you can order it and we will send seed to full value of money sent, on the day order is received. The following are the prices we are selling seed at on the date this catalogue goes to press (Dec. 28, 1896.) We will furnish 20 lbs. or more at the 100-lb. rate:

[table] [column headings: KINDS. Lbs. to sow one acre. Postpaid per lb. Price per 100 lbs. Equals per bu.] CLOVER, Medium Red, best. 15. 25. $ 7.00. $4.20. Medium Red, 2d grade. ... ... 5.50. 3.30. Mammoth Red. 15. 25. 7.25. 4.35. Alsike. 7. 25. 9.00. 5.40. Alfalfa. 20. 25. 8.25. 4.95. Crimson (Scarlet Incarnate). 20. 25. 6.70. 4.00. White. 6. 35. 15.00. 9.00. Honey. 10. 50. ... ... TIMOTHY, best. 12. 20. 2.70. 1.21. KY. BLUE GRASS, fancy cleaned. 15 to 60. 30. 12.00. 1.68. Extra cleaned. 25 to 100. 25. 8.00. 1.12. RED TOP, fancy cleaned. 12. 35. 16.00. 2.24. Prime. 20. 25. 8.00. 1.12. ORCHARD GRASS. 14. 35. 14.00. 1.96. MILLET, German. 50. 20. 2.00. .96. Common. 50. 20. 1.50. .72. Manitoba. 50. 20. 2.25. 1.08. HUNGARIAN. 50. 20. 2.25. 1.08. FANCY GRASSES, Rhode Island Bent. 25. 40. 20.00. ... Meadow Fescue (English Blue Grass). 20. 25. 9.00. ... Perennial Rye Grass. 35. 25. 7.50. ... Crested Dogstail. 15. 50. 30.00. ... Sweet Vernal. 20. 40. 18.00. ... Sheep's Fescue. 25. 35. 13.00. ... Creeping Bent. 18. 40. 22.00. ... Wood Meadow. 25. 45. 28.00. ... PERMANENT PASTURE, high land. 30. 35. 12.00. ... For medium land. 30. 35. 12.00. ... For low, wet land. 30. 35. 12.00. ...

Two-bushel grain bags to hold seed 15c each. COLLECTION OF CLOVERS.--For trial, one ounce each of the above seven kinds of clover for 25c, postpaid. One pound each of seven kinds, by express, $1.00.

The seeds you sent me are indeed more than you claim for them. The timothy is fresh and clean. Clover seed the cleanest I ever saw tested under a microscope. Please accept thanks for honorable treatment. JOHN MITMAN, Hooper, Neb. I was much pleased with the clover seed received from you. It was nice and clean and nothing but seed. HENRY ROSEMAN, Muscoda, Wis.

[image]

[image] EARLY HARVEST MILLET.

EARLY HARVEST MILLET.--This new variety was produced by sowing the Golden Wonder and Manitoba millet together and they formed a perfect cross or so-called hybrid, the seed being different in size, shape and color from either of its parents. It is as early, if not earlier, than the Manitoba, while the head is more like the Golden Wonder, being not so long, but much fuller. The fodder stays green and in excellent condition even after the seed is fully ripe, differing in this respect from any other kind. The crop from which our seed was harvested was cut just fifty-one days after the seed was sown. Thus it would be easy to raise two crops in one season on the same ground. It ripens seed before pigeon grass or any kind of barn grass, and yields 40 bushels of seed to the acre. The hay is fully equal to Golden Wonder and is as good as any variety of millet. The stem is well filled with broad leaves instead of having leaves simply at the base and makes just as good hay when cut after seed is ripe as other millets do cut green. Prof. A. A. Crozier, of the Michigan Agricultural College, tested it very thoroughly and writes us: "Your new millet is the earliest kind of millet we have out of 73 samples from various parts of the world, and I think it will also prove productive." All things considered, we believe it to be the millet of all others for the Iowa farmers, and advise all try at least a small quantity this year. Per large pkt. 5c, lb. 25c, 3 lbs. 60c, postpaid. By freight, 5 lbs. or more @ 6c, 100 lbs. $2.10, equals $1.00 per bushel.

The Timothy seed I ordered from you came all right and it was splendid. J. W. MOORE, Hubbard, Ohio.

[image] SUNFLOWER

A NICE LAWN Is easily secured by sowing our Lawn Grass Seed. Ask for circular giving full instructions for preparing a perfect lawn anywhere. CENTRAL PARK LAWN GRASS.--The best mixture for general use. One pound will sow 300 to 400 square feet. Per qt. 30c, postpaid. By freight, bushel of 15 lbs., $2.25, 5 bu. for $10.00. SHADY LAWN SEED.--Specialty adapted for growing in shade. Per qt. 35c postpaid. TERRACE LAWN SEED.--For terraces and embankments. Per qt. 35c, postpaid.

SUNFLOWER. MAMMOTH RUSSIAN.--The largest of all sunflowers. This is without doubt one of the best paying crops that can be raised. The seed makes the best of food for poultry and can be raised at a very trifling cost (about one-third the cost of corn), and the stalks, which grow very large, make excellent firewood. It is also said to afford protection against malaria. Large pkt. 5c, lb. 25c, 3 lbs. 65c. By express, 10 lbs. or more at 8c per lb. WHITE BEAUTY.--A mammoth single-flowering variety with pure white seeds, which is the result of eight years of careful selection. Desirable for the flower garden and also unexcelled for poultry, outyielding the old sorts almost two to one in quantity of seeds produced to the acre. Large pkt. 5c, lb. 35c. By express 5 lbs. or more @ 20c. BLACK GIANT.--A monster among sunflowers; seeds black. Quite attractive. Pkt. 5c, oz. 15c.

From New Zealand--The seeds I purchased from you have done splendidly and I am sure I can obtain a large number of orders from my neigabors [neighbors] next season for you. ERNEST C. MOON, Te Uka, Auckland, N. Zealand. Received the clover seed in good shape and am very much pleased with it, as it is so clean and bright. STEPHEN JENKINS, Knoxville, Iowa.

TRY SPILTZ THE NEW GRAIN. See page 16.

IOWA SEED COMPANY, DES MOINES, IOWA. 43.

[image] PARSON'S PROLIFIC.

SEED POTATOES. With no other seed is the importance of change more essential than with the potato. By using our northern grown seed you are assured of early maturity, increased yield and a vigorous growth. Our stock, as usual, has been grown from selected seed, and expressly for seed purposes. Order as early as possible, stating whether you desire them shipped by express or freight, and we will ship as soon as the weather permits. We will ship at any time, when requested to do so, regardless of the weather, but customers in this case must take the risk. Prices are subject to any important market changes. At prices named we make no charge for boxes, barrels or drayage. POUND PRICES.--All varieties 30c per lb., 3 lbs. for 75c, postpaid. VAN ORNAM'S EARLIEST.--This magnificent novelty, introduced by us, originated with Van Ornam Bros., of Cass county, Iowa, the originators of Burpee's Extra Early and several other standard varieties, and they call this the best of all. Smooth, of excellent shape, and resembles the Early Rose in color before ripe, but turning to a creamy white. Size is large to very large, with few small ones. Yields an immense crop during dry seasons. Has ripened its whole crops one to three weeks earlier than the Early Rose or Beauty of Hebron. Per pk. 50c, bu. $1.25, bbl. $3.00. PARSON'S PROLIFIC.--Introduced by us in 1882, and by far the best main crop potato in cultivation for Iowa growers. They are a very nice, smooth, white potato, slightly russeted and with eyes almost even with the surface. They run unusually even in size, there being but few small ones and no overgrown large potatoes. It is the potato for main crop, and it will pay you to plant some of them this year. Per pk. 40c, bu. $1.00, bbl. $2.25.

EXTRA EARLY OHIO.--(Fancy Northern Grown Stock.)--For several years past we have been having these grown in the noted Red River valley, about 450 miles north of Des Moines, and careful tests have proven them to be fully ten days earlier than our Iowa grown stock. This is a great advantage to the gardener and puts this variety at the head of the list of extra earlies. They are all of good average size, strictly pure, smooth, and entirely free from scab and rot. In our tests they are positively the earliest to mature their entire crop of any variety we have ever had, and outyield other early sorts about two to one. It is a special favorite with marketmen, and the most profitable potato they can possibly grow. The sprout is very strong and the vine grows erect, making it easy to cultivate, and on account of its early maturity you can get the highest prices and have the land for other crops. The tubers grow compact in the hill, are easily dug, very few small ones, nearly every one being of marketable size; they keep firm until late in the spring. One grower reports that for several years past the yield has been from 300 to 500 bushels per acre. This is our specialty in standard varieties. Don't plant Iowa grown stock when you can obtain these. Per pk. 50c, bu. $1.25, bbl. $3.00. EARLY OHIO.--Iowa grown. Per pk. 35c, bu. 85c, bbl. $2.00. BONANZA.--One of the leading varieties for main crop. The tubers are large, oblong, somewhat flattened, skin smooth, flesh firm, white and fine grained. Productive and of superior quality. Pk. 50c, bu. $1.00, bbl. $2.50. RURAL NEW YORKER No. 2.--Originated on the experimental grounds of the Rural New Yorker, where more than five hundred varieties have been tested practically during the past twelve years, and it proves the largest yielder of any. Large and unusually smooth, with few and shallow eyes; skin is white, as is the flesh, which is of superior quality. Medium late and best drouth resister. Per pk. 50c, bu. $1.00, bbl. $2.25. HYBRIDIZED POTATO SEED.--We have a quantity of very choice potato seed from the flower ball (the true seed) which we are pleased to offer our customers this year. It is from such seed that all the choice new varieties of potatoes are originated, and there is much interest in growing them. Sow in fairly rich soil and give them good cultivation. The second year they develop their characteristics. Per pkt. 10c, 3 pkts. for 25c, postpaid.

FREEMAN.--The tuber is oval in shape and russet in color; flesh very white, both raw and when cooked; very fine grain and very best flavor. From the time they are as large as hen's eggs until new potatoes come in the next year they burst open when boiled with their jackets on, appearing snow white and floury. Has matured in 39 days from time of planting. A good yielder. Per pk. 50c, bu. $1.50, bbl. $3.50. EARLY BEAUTY OF HEBRON.--A standard early sort. Per pk. 50c, bu. $1.60, bbl. $2.50. EARLY SIX WEEKS.--Claimed to be without exception the earliest potato in existence. Per pk. 50c, bu. $1.25, bbl. $3.00.

[image] EXTRA EARLY OHIO.

CHAMPION OF AMERICA.--A potato of large size and fine quality, having a record of yielding immense crops in some localities. Tubers large and sell rapidly on the market at good prices. Per pk. 50c, bu. $1.25, bbl. $3.00.

COLLECTION.--One pound of each of the ten varieties for $1.00 by express, purchaser to pay charges.

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SEED SWEET POTATOES. For twenty years past our firm has been known as headquarters in central Iowa for choice seed sweet potatoes. Our stock is grown, stored and handled especially for seed purposes and cannot fail to please all. So perfect is our manner of packing that there is rarely a complaint, although they are usually considered very perishable, by reason of changes in the weather or rough handling, but we cannot guarantee safe delivery. Price subject to market changes. Write for prices on large lots. We ship about April 12th, usually. EARLY YELLOW JERSEY.--In spite of the many so-called new varieties, all of which we have tested, the Early Yellow Jersey holds the first place. The earliest, most productive, of short, "chunky" shape, and of the very best quality. Not stringy. Very few small ones. Per pk. 60c, bu. $1.40, bbl. $3.00. RED JERSEY, RED NANSEMOND, WHITE SOUTHERN QUEEN.--We can supply choice seed stock of these varieties, if ordered by April 5th, at 75c per peck, $2.00 per bushel, $4.50 per barrel. YELLOW NANSEMOND.--The old standby; by some growers considered equal to the Jersey. Per pk. 60c, bu. $1.40, bbl. $3.00. VINELESS SWEET POTATOES.--A novelty which has proved very popular in some places. Write for price of seed and plants in March or April. Present price is $1.00 per peck, $3.00 per bushel.

CONCAVED AND CURVED SEED POTATO KNIFE.--It is thin and of the right shape to cut one, two and three-eye pieces fast and not crack the tuber nor injure the germs. Price 35c, each, postpaid.

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