1898

24. Seed Catalogue And Garden Guide.

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 received the most cordial endorsement as the best and most profitable variety ever grown. It is early, ripening only a few days later than Pride ot the North; ears are not large, but 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 cob to the bushel. This is an unparalleled record. It cannot be equaled by any other corn in the world. Thousands of our customers say that they consider it the ne plus ultra in corn; that it would be impossible to attain any nearer perfection. It matures perfectly up to the extreme northern tier of counties in Iowa. We can most confidently recommend it as the acme of perfection and stake our reputation on its pleasing everyone who tries it. 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. If you purchase from your local dealer, insist on seeing that our label is in every bag, plainly marked Iowa Seed Company. 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.

[Image: Drawing/Scratchboard illustration of two ears of corn, one propped against the other, the lower ear has several rows of shelled kernels, Caption-Legal Tender.]

[Image: Drawing/Scratchboard illustration of 3 ears of corn, one placed perpendicularly on top of two other ears, Caption-Iowa Gold Mine Corn. (From a photograph.)]

Legal Tender.--With the exception of our Iowa Gold Mine, we consider the Legal Tender the best variety of yellow dent corn for Iowa, Illinois, Nebraska and the south. It is the result of about ten years' selection by a seed corn specialist in Iowa, and has taken first premium at many state and county fairs. The corn is very productive, of uniform pure yellow color, ear very large and long and a deep grain on a small cob, while the stalk does not grow too large. The introducer says: "Our ideal ear is an ear two-thirds as large around as it is long, containing sixteen to twenty rows, and small shank. The kernels are deep, the cob is small at the butt and the ear holds its bigness toward the point until near tapering off. It should be capped over and the kernels should hold their bigness toward the point and the butt run out straight and not crinkle." It matures in about 115 days, but e do not recommend it for the extreme northern portion of this state. Per peck 50c, bushel $1.25; 2 bushels or, more, @ $1.00.

Star Leaming.--The Leaming corn, which originated with Mr. Leaming, of Ohio, was always a good variety, but it had some serious faults for culture in this state, and we have refrained from giving it our endorsement. A few years ago we found an extra nice lot in the hands of an enterprising Iowa farmer, who had been selecting it for many years. We were greatly pleased with it, but were not willing to offer it to our customers without still further selection. We now have a corn which is a great improvement on the Leaming, but it retains all the valuable characteristics of that variety, so that instead of giving it a new name, we call it Star Leaming to distinguish it from other strains. It will ripen in 100 days, has medium size ears, grains of good depth, and rich golden yellow color. It is very productive, and we are sure will please our customers. It can only be obtained by ordering direct from us. Peck 50c; bushel $1.25; 2 bushels or more @ $1.00.

[Image: Drawing of corn stock, Caption-Evergreen Fodder Sweet Corn.]

Champion White Pearl.--A popular white corn where the Iowa Silver Mine is unknown. Per pk. 50c, bu. $1.25, two bushels or more@ $1.00. Evergreen Fodder Sweet Corn.--This is one of the most valuable items on the list for stock farmers and one which they should devote more land to. The demand for it is constantly growing and it has everywhere proved highly satisfactory. Our corn will yield a large quantity or fodder which is rich and nutritious. Valuable for feeding hogs and milch cows. Dairy farmers will find that our Evergreen fodder corn is fully double the value of field corn for fodder purposes. It has a good stalk filled with large, succulent leaves, which are greatly relished by stock. Per pk. 50c, bu. $1.40, two bushels or more @ $1.25. Early Fodder Sweet Corn.--Will make feed much earlier than the above and is very nice to feed when in roasting ear. Not as large a yielder. Per pk. 50c, bu. $1.40, two bushels or more @ $1.25.

Giant Mexican June Corn.--A giant among corn, growing from 16 to 20 feet in height, with ears 10 feet from the ground. A grand variety for grain in the south, for the silo in the north, and a grand curiosty for every section. It is exceedingly leafy in its upper sections and this gives special value to it for the silo. A few stalks of this giant corn will make a grand sight in any garden. It is a white dent with a good sized ear. Pkt. 5c, 1/4 lb. 15c, lb. 50c, postpaid.

"I grew 480 bushels of your Iowa Gold Mine corn on four acres last year. An average of 120 bushels to the acre." W. W. Preston, Warren Co., Iowa.

"Your Iowa Gold Mine was early, stood the drouth remarkably well and produced 500 bushels of good sound corn. My neighbors with as good, or better conditions, either failed entirely or had only soft corn. I never made a more profitable investment in my life." F. H. Furneaux, Arapohoe [Arapahoe] Co., Colo.

"Your seeds were as good as any I ever planted. The Iowa Gold Mine corn is pronounced by everybody in this neighborhood to be the best corn ever raised here." Williard Greenlee, Mason Co., W. Va.

"Your Iowa Gold Mine corn did splendidly and I think it is the best early corn I ever saw. T. W. Kizer, Shelby Co., Ohio.

"The Gold Mine corn I bought of you gave perfect satisfaction. R. B. Harris, Hall Co., Neb.

"The Gold Mine corn did well for me, it is a mammoth yielder." C. E. Abel, Buchanan Co., Iowa.

"The Iowa Gold Mine corn comes the nearest being all corn and no cob of any variety I ever grew." H. F. Jacobs, Calhoun Co., Iowa.

Trial Packets Of Field Corn At Five (5) Cents Each. Large Packages Of Any Of The Varieties

Iowa Seed Company Des Moines, Iowa. 25.

[Left Column.] [Image: Drawing/ Scratchboard illustration of an ear that has husks on each kernel that appear more like rough leaves, Caption- An Ear Of 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 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 bu. 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's 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 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 has been carefully selected for seed purposes. Per pk. 50c, bu. $1.50, 2 bu. or more @ $1.25.

[Text enclosed in box with decorative border.] Try Spiltz The New Grain It will be a great Bonanza for Northern Farmers. See page 29.

[Right Column.] 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 its 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 claims it yields as well as any of the large sorts. Stalks of medium height, strong and not easy blown down. Ears have 12 rows, and are 10 to 14 inches in length, kernel rather shallow. Per pk. 50c, bu. $1.50, 2 bu. or more @ $1.25.

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 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. 5c, lb. 50c, postpaid.

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 one of the most productive white field corns for the south. We do not, however, consider it a safe crop for this state. Per pk. 75c, bu. $2.00, 2 bu. or more @ $1.75.

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 bushels or more. Per pk. 40c, bu. $1.00, 2 bu. or more @ 75c.

[Images: Drawings of 5 individual ears of corn, different breeds, Captions-(left to right) Pride of the North, Long Flint, Early Mastodon, Lenocher's Homesteaed (Homestead), Early Longfellow Dent.

26. 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. By freight, pk. 40c, bushel $1.00, 2 bushels or more at 75c, 10 bushels or more at 65c.

[Image: Drawing/illustration, image of President Lincoln in a circle, background of oat stalks, Caption-Lincoln Oat.]

Great New Sealand Oats.--This grand new variety was first introduced by us in 1895 and has given remarkably [remarkable] satisfaction, in one instance 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. They stool out remarkably well, and thus require less seed to the acre and almost entirely free from rust on all kinds of soils. Their only fault is that they are and always have been somewhat mixed with round head oats. Peck 40c, bu. $1.00, 2 bu. or more @ 85c, 10 bu. or more @ 75c.

[Image: Drawing of three stalks of barley, Caption-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 objectional 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 or 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 and best variety we know of and we are sure it will prove satisfactory. Per pkt. 5c, lb. 30c, 3 lbs. 75c, postpaid. By freight, per pk. 75c, bu. $2.00, 2 bu. or more @ $1.75.

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 more for it than any other sort. Our seed was grown in Minnesota and is extra choice. Lb. 25c, 3 lbs. 65c, pk. 50c, bu. $1.50. Ask for prices in quantity.

Turkish Red Winter Wheat.--Has proved invincible, every year without exception producing a good paying crop. lt 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. Produced 38 bushels per acre for us in 1897. The grains are plump and quite hard. Per pk. 50c, bu. $1.50. Ask for prices in quantity.

Success Beardless Barley.--The earliest barley known. The straw is about the height of the common barley, but better and will stand up on any land; with good land and season has produced 80 bushels per acre. Sow as early as you can; frost does not hurt it. This barley has remained on land from harvest until spring and grew the next season. Being beardless handles as easy as oats and makes a stronger feed. Per lb. 25c, 3 lbs. 60c. By freight, per pk. 50c, bu. $1.40, 2 bu. or more @ $1.25.

[Lower half of page, left column.] 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. $1.50, 25 lbs. $2.75, 100 lbs. $8.00.

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 lb. 30c, 3 lbs. 75c. By freight, 10 lbs. 75c, 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. Seed Flax.--It pays to own your own flax seed, instead of raising it on contract. Prices are subject to change during the season; present price per pk. 60c, bu. $1.75. Ask for price in quantity.

[Lower half of page, right column.] Manshury Barley.--Is one of the best six-rowed sorts grown. It is early in ripening; 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.

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. $2.00, equals $1.04 per bushel.

[Image: Drawing of flowering buckwheat plant and 4 enlarged seeds, Captions-Japanese Buckwheat, Natural Size.]

Silver Hull Buckwheat.--A very good and popular variety. Grain is of a light gray color, is rounder than the common variety, has a much thinner husk, matures earlier and yields more. Per lb. 25c, 3 lbs. 50c. By freight 10 lbs. 40c, 100 lbs. $2.00, equals $1.04 per bushel.

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. $1.50, 2 bu. or more $1.25.

Winter Rye.--Our seed is choice and sure to satisfy. Per pk. 40c, bu. $1.00, 2 bn. [bu.] or more @ 80c.

Field Peas.--One of the most profitable crops for fattening stock and especially for hogs. Also profitable for marketing as dry or split peas. Sow two bu. to the acre or with oats, one bu. of each. Scotch Beaut [Beauty].--Best of the blue field peas; very productive. Pk. 60c, bu. $1.50, 2 bu. or more @ $1.35. White Canada.--More used than any other. Per pk. 60c, bu $1.40, 2 bu. or more @ $1.25. Blue or Green.--Like above except color. Per pk. 65, bu. $1.40, 2 bu. or more @ $1.25.

[Image: Drawing of wheat stalk, Caption-Velvet Chaff, A. Blanc.]

Iowa Seed Company, Des Moines, Iowa. 27.

[Image: Drawing/Scratchboard illustration of Kaffir Corn with multiple stalks, Caption-Kaffir Corn.]

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. 50c, 25 lbs. $1.00, 100 lbs. $2.50.

Soja Beans.--(Coffee Berry.) During recent years this variety has been largely sold under the name of German Coffee Berry at extremely 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. Sow broadcast one-half 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. $1.25, bu. $4.00.

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 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 unequalled 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 @ 20c per lb., 25 lbs. $4.00, 100 lbs. $12.00.

[Image: Drawing/Scratchboard illustration of a coffee bush, coffee pot and berries sitting at the base of the plant, Captions-Soja Beans, or Coffee Berry, Coffee for One Cent Per Lb.]

[Lower half of page, left column.] Amber Sugar Cane.--The earliest sort and makes the finest quality of amber syrup, and makes good sugar. Succeeds well everywhere. 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 lb., 100 lbs. $1.50.

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.

[Image: Drawing/Scratchboard illustration of a forage plant, Caption-Dwarf Essex Rape.]

Mammoth White French Artichokes.--Claimed to be an improvement on the Jerusalem. 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 on them, and will help themselves by rooting for them. One acre will keep from twenty to thirty head in fine condition from October to April, except when the ground is frozen too hard for them to root. They are also said to be a preventive of cholera and other 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 potaoes, one eye to a cut being sufficient. Plant in April or May, in rows three feet apart and two feet in the row, and cover 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.

[Lower half of page, right column.] 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 5c 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.--Makes a handsome and durable hedge. 1/4 lb. 15c, lb. 50c, 5 lbs. or more @ 25c. Tree of Heaven.--Of rapid growth and tropical appearance. Hardy. Oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 30c, lb. 75c.

Sunflower. Mammoth Russian.--The largest of all sunflowers. This is without doubt one of the best paying crops that can be raised. The seeds 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 seed, which is the result of eight years of careful selection. Desirable for the flower garden and also excelled for poultry, outyielding the 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.

[Image: Drawing/Scratchboard illustration of a large artichoke plant with a pig rooting at the ground, Caption-artichokes.]

A Pleased Customer Is Our Best Advertisement.

Yours seeds are all right as far as I have tested them. I admire your colors and and assisted in 1862 in keeping them bright. Wish you success. P. Baird, Mt. Camel, Ill.

The seeds I ordered of you came in good time and shape, and I am more than pleased with them. H. E. Burnham, Washburn, Ill. I have used your seed for the past three years, and find them superior to any others. E. J. Jackson, Eagle Grove, Iowa.

The clover seed I purchased of you last season was the finest seed I ever got from any seed firm. It was as clean as the cleanest and good as the best. M. V. Toombs, New Hampton, Mo. The Iowa Silver Mine Corn and Ideal Barley came duly to hand. Am well pleased with both. L. W. Mickey, Plainville, Kan. We were well pleased with the seed purchased of you last year. E. A. Carrier, La Peer, Neb. I have purchased seed of the Iowa Seed Co. for the past three years and they have been good and true to a name. G. W. Gingery, Atlantic, Iowa.

[Image: Drawing, Scratchboard illustration of a large sunflower head and two birds pecking at the seeds, Caption-Sunflower.]

28. Seed Catalogue And Garden Guide.

[Left Column.] 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. 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 at on the date this catalogue goes to press (Dec. 28, 1897.) We will furnish 20 lbs. or more at the 100-lb. rate. If to be sent by mail add 10c per pound for postage:

[table] [column headings: Kinds. Lbs. to sow 1 acre. Price per lb. Price per 100 lbs. Equals per bu.] Clover, Medium Red, best ... 15 ... $10 ... $5 85 ... $3 50. Medium Red, 2d grade ... 15 ... 08 ... 5 00 ... 3 00. Mammoth Red ... 15 ... 10 ... 6 70 ... 4 00. Alsike ... 7 ... 15 ... 10 00 ... 6 00. Alfalfa ... 20 ... 15 ... 7 50 ... 4 50. Crimson (Scarlet Incarnate) ... 20 ... 10 ... 6 50 ... 3 90. White ... 6... 25 ... 15 00 ... 9 00. Honey or Sweet ... 10 ... 40 ... ... Timothy, best ... 12 ... 8 ... 3 00 ... 1 35. Kentucky Blue Grass, fancy cleaned, 15 to ... 60 ... 20 ... 11 00 ... 1 54. Extra cleaned, 25 to ... 100 ... 15 ... 7 15 ... 1 60. Red Top, fancy cleaned ... 12 ... 25 ... 16 50 ... 2 30. Prime ... 20 ... 15 ... 7 50 ... 1 05. Orchard Grass ... 14 ... 20 ... 12 50 ... 1 75. Millet, German ... 50 ... 10 ... 1 50 ... 72. Common ... 50 ... 10 ... 1 50 ... 72. Ealry Harvest ... 50 ... 10 ... 2 00 ... 96. Manitoba ... 50 ... 10 ... 2 25 ... 1 08. Hungarian ... 50 ... 10 ... 2 25 ... 1 08. Permanent Pasture, for high land ... 30 ... 20 ... 12 00 ... For medium land ... 30 ... 20 ... 12 00 ... For low, wet land ... 30 ... 20 ... 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.

A Nice Lawn Adds more to the value and beauty of a place than any other adornment. [Image: Drawing/illustration of a home on a yard with trees and sidewalks.]

[Right Column.] [Image: Drawing/illustration, framed with a border, flowering clover grass with 5 bees descending on them.] [Image: Drawing/illustration, cross-section of clover with root system, Caption-Alfalfa Clover.]

A Price List of Clover and Grass eeds [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.

Fancy Grasses. Many of these have great values for meadow or pasture. Ask for descriptive list. Postpaid 10c per lb. extra.

[table] [column headings: Per lb. Per 100 lbs.] Rhode Island Bent ... 30c ... $22 00. Meadow Fescue ... 15c ... 8 00. Perennial Rye Grass ... 15c ... 7 50. Crested Dogstail ... 50c ... 35 00. Tall Meadow Oat ... 30c ... 22 00. Sweet Vernal ... 30c ... 18 00. Sheep's Fescue ... 30c ... 18 00. Creeping Bent ... 30c ... 22 00. Wood Meadow ... 35c ... 28 00.

Alfalfa, or Lacerne Clover. Very popular in many portions of the country, and it is especially of value in all parts of the west, northwest and south. Under proper management it will yield ten to twelve tons to the acre. All classes of stock are exceedingly fond of it. Horses will do more work and keep in finer condition than on almost any other food. It makes the largest quantity of the richest milk and butter. The roots are so long and grow so deep frost cannot heave or throw them out in winter. One sowing will stand for twenty years, and, instead of impoverishing the soil, enriches it. As a fertilizing and land-enriching crop it has no equal. Grows on the thinest sandy soil and thrives in the greatest drouth. The best method is to sow broadcast, about 15 or 20 lbs. to the acre. Comes up very spindling and slowly and it is necessary to mow the weeds to give it light, but when once established the weeds will be smothered. Postpaid, per lb. 25c, 3 lbs. 65c. By freight, $4.50 per bushel.

Central Park Lawn Grass. There is no question but that a nice velvety lawn adds more to the beauty of a place than any other adornments. How often a home costing several thousand dollars is erected, and then the planning and grading of the grounds is turned over to some ignorant but pretentious laborer who is installed to make the lawn. As a result the beauty of the place is forever marred. Here is an opportunity to display as much taste and art as in the construction of the dwelling itself. In fact, everyone has noticed how even a modest home often shines like a jewel when tastefully set in proper surroundings. Do not spend money in sodding a lawn, for it is expensive and is seldom satisfactory. When sod is cut from the road side or some out of the way pasture, it is poor in quality and full of weeds, and when unevenly laid produces a rough surface that disfigures the lawn. Our Central Park Lawn Grass seed is a mixture of about a dozen varieties of grasses which our years of study and experiment have proven to be best adapted to growing together. This mixture is made by ourselves from new crop, recleaned pure seeds of the best varieties, well suited for even and permanent growth, as good as money can buy. It cannot be excelled for producing a rich, velvety lawn of beautiful dark green color. The grasses are selected so that from the earliest spring through the hot summer months until winter it will keep its rich, green carpet effect. By the use of this, our best mixture, your lawn will always look well. Our circular How To Make A Lawn sent free to any customer on request. Our lawn grass seed is also desirable for making an old lawn look fresh and bright. One quart of seed will sow 300 square feet. Per qt. 20c, 2 qts. 35c, bu. of 15 lbs. $2.25, 5 bu. $10.00.

Shady Lawn Mixture.--For shady places. Qt. 25c, 5 qts. $1.00. Terrace lawn Mixture.--For terraces or hillsides. Qt. 25c, 5 qts. $1.00. If to be sent by mail add 7c per quart for postage. Kentucky Blue Grass.--Some of our customers prefer the pure Blue Grass for their lawns, and our seed of this is extra choice. Per lb. 20c, 3 lbs. 50c, bu. $2.00. If by Mail add 10c per lb. postage. Lawn Fertilizers, Lawn Mowers, Lawn Rakes, Dandelion Pullers, Mole Traps, Lawn Vases, Lawn Trimmers, Rubber Hose, Etc. See page 62.