1898

4. Seed Catalogue And Garden Guide. [Image: Drawing/Scratchboard Illustration of a cabbage, Caption-Early Jersey Wakefield, Illustrator-Blanc]

Cabbage. One ounce of seed will produce about 3,000 plants. Set 8,000 to 10,000 plants to the acre of the early sorts and 6,000 of the large, late kinds.

We pride ourselves on having the best, purest and highest grade of cabbage seed that is offered, or at least it is surpassed by none. Compared with the cost of seed, there is more money in growing cabbage than any other crop and there is nothing which growers should be more particular about. The cabbage requires a deep, rich soil, and thorough working to insure good solid, full sized heads. Sow early sorts in hot-beds in February or March, or in open ground as soon as it can be worked. Later or winter crops in May or June, in shallow drills six inches apart. When the plants are four inches high transplant into richly manured ground, the early kinds two feet apart, the fall and winter varieties three feet apart. Packets contain about 800 seeds.

New Washington Wakefield.--See description with novelties. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 25c, 1/4 lb. 80c, lb. $2.50.

Danish Ballhead.--See novelties. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 25, 1/4 lb. 80c, lb. $2.65. Early Jersey Wakefield.--Considered by many gardeners the very best first early variety. It is of large size for so early a kind, and is certainly deserving of its great popularity. Heads hard and solid, and have few outside leaves. Our seed is the highest quality--American grown. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 15, 1/4 lb. 50c, lb. $1.75.

Extra Early Express.--Excels in earliness all other sorts; has the shape and appearance of Etampes, but is smaller and eight to ten days earlier; has but few outside leaves and therefore may be planted very close and yield large crops. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 15c, 1/4 lb. 50c, lb. $1.50.

[Left Column] Iowa Seed Co.'s Short Stem Drum Head.--Our improved and selected strain of this popular variety has greatly pleased thousands of customers during the past six or eight years, and so greatly has it improved during the time that we have had it, that in looking over our large field it was almost impossible to find a head that was not solid and well formed. For sureness in heading and regularity of growth it is certainly the the finest cabbage extant. It far surpasses any other strain which we have seen, ripening evenly with very short stem or stalk, and large, thick, solid heads of silky fine quality, and of best keeping qualities. It is almost all head and always sure to head. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 20c, 1/4 lb. 65c, lb. $2.00.

Burpee's All-Head Early.--At least a week earlier than any of the various strains of early summer cabbage, and fully one-third larger, of perfect shape and the most solid variety on the list. Market gardeners to whom we furnished seed of this have been greatly pleased with it, and the cabbages took first premium at the State Fair, and attracted much attention for perfect shape and solidity. Originated with C. L. Allen, who has grown cabbage seed for us for several years, but our competitor, Mr. Burpee, was fortunate in securing the entire stock of it the first year of its introduction, and gave it his name. However, we can most heartily recommend it to our customers. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 20c, 1/4 lb. 70c, lb. $2.00. Chase's Excelsior.--Medium early and not excelled for sure solid heading, which is the highest recommendation for a cabbage which must mature in the trying heat of summer. Another remarkable feature is that it never cracks. Very popular with our Southern customers. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 20c, 1/4 lb. 60c, lb. $1.75.

Mammoth Red Rock.--A market gardener's strain of unusual size, color and weight, the result of careful and intelligent selection. It has proven very valuable. Its handsome appearance, large size, solidity and good quality will make it very desirable to all who like red cabbage. Solid and as good a keeper as any red cabbage. Color very dark red. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 20c, 1/4 lb. 60c, lb. $2.00.

Marblehead Mammoth.--Largest of all; have in some instances grown to a weight of 90 pounds, and the heads of such size that they would not go into a two-bushel basket. It is a good cabbage for exhibition at fairs when grown under a high culture, but as a rule it is too loose headed and uncertain for a main crop. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 20c, 1/4 lb. 60c, lb. $2.00.

Cabbage Plants.--See list Vegetable Plants. [Image: Drawing/Scratchboard Illustration of Cabbage with root exposed, Caption in box-New Short Stem Drumhead Cabbage, Illustrator-Williams]

[Right Column.] All Seasons.--(Vandergaw.)--This most excellent variety is as early as Henderson's Summer, and makes considerably larger and harder heads. It is very reliable for heading and of superior quality. It is called "All Seasons" because it is a very superior variety to plant late as well as early, the thickness of the head making it a capital sort to keep through the winter. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 20c, 1/4 lb. 60c, lb. $1.75. Premium Flat Dutch.--This old and well known variety is still the standard winter kind. The heads are large and solid; first class keeper and header. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 30c, lb. $1.10.

Other Well Known Varieties. All Five Centes Per Packet. [table] [column headings: oz. 1/4 lb. lb.] Very Early Etampes. $.10. $.30. $1.00. Extra Early York. .10. .30. 1.00. Early Winningstadt. .10. .35. 1.25. Henderson's Summer. .15. .45. 1.40. Fottler's Brunswick. .15. .50. 1.75. Stone Mason. .15. .50. 1.75. Surehead. .15. .50. 1.75. Fine Red Pickling. .15. .45. 1.50. [Image: Drawing/Scratchboard illustration of 4 cabbages in a row, Caption-Burpee's "All Head Early" Cabbage, Copyrighted by Wadlee Burpee (illegible) 1891]

Iowa Seed Company, Des Moines, Iowa. 5.

[Image: Drawing/Scratchboard Illustration of cabbage head, Caption-Perfection Drumhead Savoy.]

Perfection Drumhead Savoy.--The Savoy or curly cabbages are of much finer flavor and quality than the best of other kinds, and should be more generally cultivated. They are particularly adapted for private use, where quality rather than quantity is considered. Grown in the fall and allowed to be touched by frost, it is one of the most delicious of all vegetables. The variety we offer is the finest of the Savoys. Heads large, finely curled and an excellent keeper. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 15c, 1/4 lb. 50c, lb. $1.65.

Faultless.--Of the early summer type, but far more regular and uniform in time of maturing. It is a rapid grower; have cut heads for market in 40 days after the setting of plants. Is a good keeper. By sowing the seed July 1, perfectly solid heads will be formed by the time of trenching for winter. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 20c, 1/4 lb. 60c, lb. $2.00. [Image: Drawing/Scratchboard Illustration of cabbage head, Caption-Faultless.]

[Left Column] Chicory.--Ger. Chicorie. One ounce will sow about 15 square feet. Large Rooted.--Used as a substitute for coffee. Cultivate as carrots. Take up the roots in the fall, cut into small pieces and put away to dry. When wanted for use, it is roasted and ground like coffee. It is now being extensively grown in some parts of Iowa and Nebraska for commerce. Pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 30c.

[Center Column] Collards.--Ger. Blatter-Kohl. One ounce will produce about 3,000 plants. Georgia.--Sow in May, and treat as cabbage. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 30c. Corn Salad.--Ger. Lammersalat. One ounce will sow about 20 square feet. A nice winter salad. Sow in September in drills. Just before cold weather cover with straw or leaves. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 30c.

[Right Column] Cress, or Pepper Grass. Ger. Kresse. One ounce will sow about 16 square feet. Early Curled--A well known salad. Sow early and at intervals during the season; cover seeds lightly. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 10, 1/4 lb. 25c. True Water--One of the most delicious of small salads. Sow the seeds along the border of running water and cover lightly. Pkt. 5, oz. 25c.

[Image: Drawing/Scratchboard illustration of a pile of carrots, Caption-Oxheart Carrot.]

Carrots. One ounce will sow 100 feet of drill; 3 to 4 pounds for one acre. This is an indispensable root for the farm and is deserving of more general cultivation. Well managed, there is no crop pays better, and most farmers would find an acre or so desirable. Carrots form a nutritious, succulent food in the winter for horses, cattle, sheep and pigs. For early crop sow in spring as soon as the ground can be worked, in drills fifteen inches apart, covering one-half inch; thin plants to three or four inches apart in the row. For field culture rows should be of sufficient distance to admit of the use of a horse cultivator; sow seed from the middle of April to the first of June. A light sandy loam, deeply tilled is best. A fair average yield is 800 to 1,000 bushels per acre. Our seed is saved from carefully selected stocks and is sure to please you. Packets contain about 1,200 seeds. [Image: Drawing/Scratchboard illustration of a bunch of carrots, Caption in banner-Danvers Half Long]

Early Scarlet Horn.--Favorite for early crop, but not large. Sold largely in New York markets bunched. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 20c, lb. 65c.

Oxheart.--One of the most valuable. Intermediate between the Half-Long and Horn varieties, attaining a diameter of 3 to 4 inches at the neck, of beautiful shape and rich orange color. Where other varities [varieties] require digging it is easily pulled. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 20c, lb. 65c.

Danvers.--Is in form about midway between the Long Orange and the Shorthorn class, growing generally with a stump root. It is claimed that this variety will yield the greatest bulk with the smallest length of root of any now grown. A first-class carrot for all soils, and for either garden or field culture. A rich, dark orange color, smooth and handsome. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 20c, lb. 65c.

Chantenay.--Larger than Scarlet Horn, flesh rich orange color, finest quality, small tops. Medium early. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 25c, lb. 85c.

Large White Vosges.--Enormously productive, grows well out of ground, making it easy to harvest. Color light green above ground, white below; flesh rich, white, solid and crisp; heavy yielding. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 25c, lb. 75c. By express, 5 lbs. or more, 50c per lb.

Improved Long Orange.--Standard sort for field culture and desirable for table use; roots large and of good quality. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 20c, lb. 60c. By express, five pounds, or more, at 40c per pound.

Half-Long Coreless, or Carenton.--Excellent flavor for table use. Pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 30c, lb. $1.

Victoria.--Largest carrot grown, heaviest cropping and most nutritious variety in cultivation; roots remarkably fine, of rich orange color, symetrical [symmetrical], excellent quality, possessing high feeding properties; heavy cropper on all soils, especially adapted for rich land; grows half as much weight again per acre as ordinary varities [varieties]; grows well out of ground, easily harvested. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 25c, lb. 75c. By express, five pounds or more, 50c per pound. Stock breeders should try it. [Image: Drawing/Scratchboard illustration of a long carrot, text in banner wrapped around carrot-Victoria, Circle frame with illustration/head of cow, Caption-The Heaviest Cropping Variety In Cultivation]

6. Seed Catalogue And Garden Guide.

[Image: Drawing/Scratchboard illustration of several bunches of celery, A. Blanc, Caption-New Pink Aromatic Celery]

[Right Column] Celery. One ounce will produce about 6,000 plants. This we consider one of the luxuries of the garden. No one who has once used it will be without it, and as it is usually so expensive in the market, the following simple directions are given, by which everyone who has a garden can supply themselves with it. For first crop sow the seeds early in hotbeds, or in boxes in the house, or later in open ground, in rich, moist soil, covering the seed very lightly. When the plants are about three inches high, transplant to four inches apart each way in a rich pulverized bed. The tops are shorn off once or twice before planting so as to insure "stocky" plants, which suffer less on being transplanted. After the ground has been well prepared, lines are struck out on the level surface, three feet apart, and the plants set six inches apart in rows[.] If the weather is dry at the time of planting great care should be taken that the roots are properly "firmed." Keep clear of weeds until about the middle of August, when it will be time to begin earthing up. Draw the soil up against the plants with a hoe as closely as possible, firming it enough to keep plants in an upright position. Later in the season the blanching process must be finished by digging the soil from between the rows and banking it up clear to the tops on each side of the row of celery. Considerable labor is saved by growing the self-bleaching varieties.

New Pink Aromatic.--This splendid variety which was introduced by us, will, we think, eclipse all other sorts of its class in popularity as soon as it becomes known. It is of most attractive pink and white color. Crisp and tender; fine aromatic, nutty flavor; the very best celery on the list for winter. Blanches easily. Don't fail to try it. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 30c, 1/4 lb. $1.00, lb. $3.25.

Golden Self-Blanching.--Of a very handsome form and even growth, reaching a very large size. It is entirely self-blanching. It is unequaled in striking appearance on the table, and decidedly the best keeper of all the self-blanching varieties. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 25c, 1/4 lb. 75c, lb. $2.25.

White Plume.--The stalks, portions of inner leaves and heart are naturally white and become fit for use by simply tying it up closely with soft twine. More used than any other variety by market and private gardeners. We had a very choice lot of this variety of seed grown for us this year in California. It is of the highest quality and sure to please all. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 20c, 1/4 lb. 60c, lb. $1.75.

Giant Pascal.--A remarkable novelty in celery. Stalks remarkably large thick, solid, entirely stringless, very crisp and brittle. It is a vigorous grower and blanches very easily, requiring only five to six days' earthing up, when the outer stalks present a beautiful clear white appearance. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 20c, 1/4 lb. 60c, lb. $2.00.

Celeriac. Or Turnip-Rooted Celery. Grown exclusively for its roots, which are turnip-shaped, very smooth, tender and marrow-like. The roots are cooked and sliced; used with vinegar, they make an excellent salad, also used for seasoning meat and flavoring soups[.] Per pkt. 5c, oz. 15c, 1/4 lb. 50c, lb. $1.70.

[Left Column] Henderson's Half Dwarf.--Per pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 35c, lb. $1.25.

Golden Dwarf.--Best of the varieties which need blanching. When blanched the heart is of a rich golden color, excellent flavor, and good keeper. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 35c, lb. $1.25.

Boston Market.--Per pkt. 5c, oz. 15c, 1/4 lb. 50c, lb. $1.50. Dwarf Crimson.--Per pkt. 5c, oz. 25c, 1/4 lb. 75c, lb. $2.50. Kalamazoo.--Per pkt. 5c, oz. 20c, 1/4 lb. 65c, lb. $2.00. Old Celery Seed.--For flavoring. Per oz. 5c, 1/4 lb. 15c, lb. 40c. Celery Plants.--See list of Vegetable Plants. [Image: Drawing/Scratchboard Illustration of cluster of celeriac, Caption-Turnip-Rooted Celery, or Celeriac]

Cauliflower. One ounce will produce ahout 3,000 plants.

One of the most delicious of vegetables. Any soil that will grow cabbage will grow cauliflower, as their requirements are very similar. Culture same as cabbage, except that they need a cool and most atmosphere and should be watered during dry weather. As the flower heads appear, the large leaves should be broken down over them to shield them from the sun and rain.

Henderson's Early Snowball.--Throughout the country this is considered not only the earliest of all cauliflowers, but it is more certain to make a head than any other sort. Its dwarf habit and short outer leaves allow it to be planted as close as eighteen to twenty inches apart each way, thus making it especially valuable to market gardeners. Our stock is extra choice and cannot be excelled. It is grown in the locality where this variety originated, by a grower whom we believe to be the best in the world. Per pkt. 20c, 1/4 oz. 75c, oz. $2.50.

Extra Early Dwarf Erfurt.--Valuable for forcing. A very popular variety in Europe and with eastern gardeners. First quality. Per pkt. 15c, 1/4 oz. 60c, oz. $2.00.

Early Paris.--Well known. Per pkt. 10c, oz. 50. Lenormand's.--There is considerable call in this market for a late variety of cauliflower, and in the Lenormand's we have just what is wanted. It is of large size and produces well formed heads of excellent quality. Per pkt. 10c, oz. 65c. Cauliflower Plants.--See list Vegetable Plants.

[Image: Drawing/Scratchboard Illustration of a head of cauliflower on a tray, , A. Blanc, Caption-Henderon's Early Snowball Cauliflower]

Iowa Seed Company, Des Moines, Iowa. 7. [Image: Drawing/Scratchboard Illustration of a stalk of corn with 5 full ears of corn, Caption-Country Gentleman.] Copyrighted 1832 by W.A.B. & C.

Sweet Corn. One quart will plant 200 hills; one peck will plant an acre in hills. Plant as soon as the ground becomes warm in the spring, in hills about 3 feet apart; five or six grains to the hill, and when up thin them out, allowing three or four of the strongest plants to remain. Give thorough cultivation. Our sweet corn is carefully grown and selected, only the choicest, most perfect ears being shelled for seed. It costs us more and is far superior to such stock as is often sold by other dealers. Packets contain about two ounces.

[Text in box with border] We Pay the Postage On corn at these prices. Deduct ten cents on each quart if to be sent by express. Pints at half quart prices. The half pint packages are very desirable for small families. Prices By The Peck and Bushel on P. 20.

Early Sunrise.--The best early variety. See description with novelties. Per pkt. 5c, 1/2 pt. 15c, qt. 45c.

Extra Early Cory.--This has for years been the most popular variety with market gardeners for first early market and until the introduction of the Early Sunrise it was grown more largely than any other early sort by Des Moines gardeners. It is of dwarf growth, and yields well. Ears of medium size. Per pkt. 5c, 1/2 pt. 12c, qt. 35c.

Champion Early.--Without doubt the earliest large corn ever introduced, being only a few days later than Cory, with ears nearly as large as the Mammoth. Ears were grown ready for table use in sixty-one days from time of planting, and they weighed one and one-half pounds each, and 12-1/2 inches long by 8-1/2 inches around[.] To help you realize these figures, get the largest ear of field corn you can find and compare measurements. This was grown with special culture. An average size is about nine inches long[.] It has a medium size white cob and large, pearly white kernels, very sweet, tender and full of milk. No market gardener can afford to be without it, and every family garden should contain at least a few hills. Per pkt. 5c, 1/2 pt. 12c, qt. 35c. [Image: Drawing/Scratchboard illustration, ear of corn with husk pulled back, Caption-Champion Early Sweet Corn.]

Early Minnesota.--The standard early sweet corn. Eight-rowed ears of good size and uniformly sweet and well flavored. Per pkt. 5c, 1/2 pt. 10c, qt. 30c.

Crosby's Early.--A standard, medium early variety. Per pkt. 5c, 1/2 pt. 10c, qt. 30c.

Improved Ruby.--A most unique novelty. The stalks, husk and cob being a deep ruby red in color, while the kernels are of a snowy whiteness, and look like rows of pearls in contrast with the deep red color of the husks, the effect of which is very striking and beautiful. Very tender, sweet and well flavored. Pkt. 5c, 1/2 pt. 15c, qt. 40c.

Country Gentleman--An improvement on the old favorite Shoe Peg Sweet Corn. Our illustration of a single stalk shows its great productiveness; the crop can be counted on to give three to five ears to a stalk. When this unusual abundance is coupled with the luscious quality, the general superiority of this new variety will be quickly seen. The cob is very small, thereby giving great depth to the kernels, which are of pearly whiteness, and, we cannot say too often--surprisingly sweet and tender. Per pkt. 5c, 1/2 pt. 12c, qt. 35c.

Egyptian Sweet--Very prolific, and one of the best late sweet corns in cultivation. Per pkt. 5c, 1/2 pt. 12c, qt. 35c. Stowell's Evergreen--This is more largely planted than any other variety, being the general favorite with canners and market gardeners for late use. It is very productive, the ears are of large size, grains deep, exceptionally tender and sugary, and remain for a long time in an edible condition. Per pkt. 5c, 1/2 pt. 10c, qt. 25c.

Black Mexican--A black grained variety; one of the sweetest of all kinds. Per pkt. 5c, 1/2 pt. 15c, qt. 45c.

Mammoth Sugar--This produces the largest ear of any sweet corn, a single ear sometimes weighing as much as two or three pounds; quality very sweet and luscious. Per pkt. 5c, 1/2 pt. 15c, qt. 40c. New Zigzag Evergreen.--Excels the Stowell's Evergreen in all important points. It is sweeter, more productive (yielding two to four ears to the stalk), and it remains fit for use longer. Private planters and market gardeners who tried this corn will use no other late variety. For canning it is unequalled. Per pkt. 5c, 1/2 pt. 15c, qt. 40c. Evergreen Fodder.--Makes a profitable crop for dairymen. Per qt. 25c.

[Image: Drawing/Scratchboard illustration of a corn stalk with two ears, husks pulled back, Caption-Extra Early Cory.]

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 for home use.

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. [Image: Drawing/Scratchboard illustration of a husked ear of corn, Caption-Page's Striped Rice Pop-corn.]

[Right Column.] Minature.--A regular little beauty. Attractive on account of its small size and handsome, perfect shaped ears which are only two to three inches long, with very deep, pure white kernels which pop out to immense size and are particularly tender and of fine quality. Stalks usually produce from three to eight ears. Per pkt. 5c, 1/2 pt. 15c, qt. 50.

New Dye Pop Corn--A new variety of unusual merit, producing sometimes 10 or 12 good sized ears to each stalk. It has a most curious appearance when growing and will attract attention anywhere. The kernel is not so flinty as most other sorts and pops out large and white without the disagreeable hard place which is often so objectionable. The name is given it owing to the large amount of coloring matter contained in the husks; which can be used for dyeing cloth or making ink. These husks are of a dark wine red color as are also the cobs while the kernels are white. Per pkt. 5c, 1/2 pt. 20c, qt. 65c.

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. 40c.

Mapledale Prolific.--The most productive pop-corn, averaging 5 to 12 good ears to the stalk, as many as 19 ears having been taken from a single stalk. Ears uniformly large. Pops to large size and very tender. Per pkt. 5c, 1/2 pt. 15c, qt. 40c.

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 2,000 pounds per acre. It will pay you to try it. Per pkt. 5c, 1/2 pt. 15c, qt. 40c.

8. Seed Catalogue And Garden Guide.

[image] New Climbing Japanese Cucumber

Cucumber. One ounce will plant 50 hills; two pounds will plant one acre.

Cucumbers succeed best in a rich, loamy soil. For first early, sow in hotbeds, in berry boxes, or in small flower pots, six weeks before they can be set out in open ground. When danger of frost is over transplant in hills four feet apart each way. For general crop, plant in open ground in May, about twelve seeds in a hill. When danger of bugs is past, thin to four strong plants in a hill. For pickling, plant in June. Sprinkle the vines with plaster or air-slacked lime to protect from the bugs, or use Slug Shot to kill the bugs.

New Astro.--A rare novelty, sure to excite the curiosity of your neighbors. With common out-door culture it will g row fifteen to eighteen inches in length, with very few seeds. Excellent for slicing. Flesh white and crisp. More fully described with novelties. Per pkt. 10c, 6 for 50c. [Image: Drawing of vine with 5 small cucumbers hanging from it, Caption-Improved Chicago Pickle., A. Blanc.

Westerfield's Improved Chicago Pickle.--Mr. Westerfield, having been engaged in growing pickles for Chicago pickle factories for many years, and also in supplying them with seed for other growers, has watched carefully and selected his seed stock from the most prolific and early maturing vines having the most desirable shaped cucumbers for pickles. Consequently his strain is now considered by all growers in that vicinity to be the best stock to grow. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 20c, lb. 50c.

Japanese Climbing.--This may be described as the sensational novelty of Europe. The seed was originally brought from Japan about five years ago, and has proven thoroughly adapted to open air culture throughout Europe and America. The vines are of healthy, vigorous growth, with rich, dark, green foliage, and throw out strong, grasping tendrils, which enable it to climb trellis, wire netting, brush or any other suitable support. It clings so tightly that it is not prostrated by heavy storms of wind or rain. It comes into bearing quickly and continues to set fruit abundantly throughout the season, while the climbing habit of growth enables the hanging fruit to grow perfectly straight. Of large size, from 12 to 16 inches in length; cucumbers thick, tender, of delicate flavor, cylindrical shape, flesh pure white, skin dark green, turning to brown and netted when ripe; of excellent quality for slicing. They made a grand crop on our place last year. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 15c, 1/4 lb. 40c, lb. $1.20.

Image: Drawing/Scratchboard illustration of field of cucumbers, Caption Perfect White Spine. (From a photograph taken on our Adair County Seed Farm.)

Early Cluster.--Grows in clusters. Productive and of good quality. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 20c, lb. 50c. Early Frame, Or Short Green.--Per pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 20c, lb. 50c. Green Prolific.--Splendid pickling sort. Very productive. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 20c, lb. 50c.

[Right Column] White Pearl.--Bears freely throughout the season, and the cucumbers grow so thickly together that they actually lie piled one upon the other. The skin is very smooth and entirely free from spines. In color they are a beautiful pearly white; even the young fruits are of a very light color, nearly as pure a white as when ready for use. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 25, lb. 75.

Iowa Seed Co.'s Perfect White Spine.--For 15 years we have been growing and improving this variety on our seed farm, and as a result we offer to our customers this improved strain, pronounced by good judges superior to either Peerless or Arlington. Fruit of even and good size, straight, well-formed and symmetrical. When small it is deep green in color, and of uniform shape, making it unexcelled for pickling. When of usual size for slicing it still holds its color, shading to a light green at blossom end. As it matures it turns to a clear white. Very showy for market. Immensely productive, and keeps longer solid and crisp than any other variety. Outyields any other for pickles. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 20c, lb. 50c. By express, 5 lbs. or more at 35c per lb[.] West Indian Gherkin, Or Burr.--Makes a handsome pickle of first-class quality. Be sure and try it. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 15c, 1/4 lb. 50c.

Boston, or Jersey Pickle.--Is used almost exclusively by the market gardeners near Boston for picking. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 20c, lb. 50c.

Improved Long Green.--Old standard sort; crisp, tender and of good flavor. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 20c, lb. 60c.

Nichol's Medium Green.--Fruit medium length, nearly cylindrical, very uniform in shape, and of good color when young. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 20c, lb. 50.

Snake.--A remarkable and very interesting curiosity. Cucumbers grow curled up like a snake with the head protruding, and sometimes are six feet in length. Although attaining great size, the quality is only fair. Grown chiefly as a curiosity, and for exhibition. Pkts. only, 10c each.

[Bottom, full width.] Gourds. The following 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, fences, etc. Japanese Nest-Egg.--Grows almost uniformly to the size, color and shape of a hen's egg. 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. Pkt. 5c, oz. 20c.

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. Pkt. 5c, oz 15c. Sugar Trough.--Very convenient for buckets, baskets, nest boxes, etc. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 15c. Luffa, or Dish Cloth.--The peculiar lining of this fruit, which is sponge-like, porous, tough, elastic and durable, makes a natural dish-cloth or sponge. The seed should be started early in a hot-bed or in the house. Per pkt. 10c, oz. 40c. Hercules Club.--Grows to immense size--sometimes 4 to 6 feet long. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 25c. Mixed Utility Gourds.--Seeds of the above varieties mixed. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 25c. [Image: Drawing/Illustration of a climbing vine with clusters of egg-like gourds.]