1898

Iowa Seed Company, Des Moines, Iowa. 29.

Farm Seed Novelties.

[Left Column.] Idaho Coffee Pea. (Cicer Arietinum.) A grand novelty never before offered by any seed firm and is sure to be popular. The seed is very peculiar, unlike anything you ever saw, not at all resembling the Coffee Berry listed on page 27. It is a native of Idaho and has been grown in many of the western states. In Colorado last year it was grown largely as a substitute for coffee producing an immense crop at a cost of about 50 cents per 100 lbs. It is easily cultivated and one plant produces sometimes as high as 1,000 pods. When roasted and ground it makes an excellent substitute for coffee, having a good flavor, and it will make a profitable crop as soon as the seed becomes cheap enough so that it can be planted largely. The U. S. imports about $95,000,000 worth of coffee every year an amount well worth saving to our people. It is specially adapted to arid regions, apparently gathering sufficient moisture from the atmosphere. A small amount of seed is sufficient as it does best planted in rows three feet apart, dropping one pea every fifteen inches. It will grow almost anywhere, frost and wind seem to have little effect on it and it is said that insects do not bother it. Can be cooked like ordinary garden peas and tastes equally good. Also makes a very delicious soup. If cut green it makes an excellent fodder plant which is nourishing and fattening and it yields an immense fodder crop. Don't fail to try it this year even if you purchase only a small quantity. Per pkt. 10c, oz. 15c, 1/4 lb. 40c, lb. $1.25 postpaid.

I raised a large crop of the Idaho Coffee Peas this year and have been experimenting in feeding them to stock, beginning when plants are small and continuing until crop is ripe. Everything eats them and my hogs which were fed on them are very fat. I intend to devote several acres to them. H. T. Miller, Colorado.

F. Barteldes, of Kansas, says "The Idaho Coffee Pea yields 25 to 50 bushels per acre and when browned and ground we find it a most excellent substitute for coffee."

Dwarf Emerald Broom Corn. (Novelty of 1897.) This splendid new variety which we introduced is the result of a cross between the Dwarf Evergreen and California Golden. It is the greatest advance which has been made for years past. The stalk is short, its one object seems to be to produce the long, perfect shaped brush in the shortest possible space or time so that it loses no time making tall stalks. The brush is long and straight, almost every pound being suitable for hurl, and of a handsome green color which never gets red. It is very productive, a large quantity can be grown to the acre and it will bring a high price. Per lb. 35c, 3 lbs. 75c, postpaid. By frgt. 10 lbs. $1.50, 25 lbs. $2.75, 100 lbs. $8.00.

[image] Dwarf Emerald

Spotted Drouth Resister Corn. A novelty received from one of our customers last year which has proved to be a great yielder of good sized curiously colored ears. Desirable for dry sections. In packets only per pkt. 10c.

Negro Equality Corn. A great curiosity in corn, sure to attract attention during the growing season from every passer-by. A white corn, but the cob, husk, stalk and leaves are dark red nearly black. Per pkt. 10c, lb. 50c.

[Center Column, top half of page] [Image: Drawing of Coffee Pea plant, Caption-Idaho Coffee Peas. [Text inside small box with decorative border] What Our Postmaster Says. Des Moines, Ia., Dec. 18, '97. To whom it may concern: I have known the proprietors of the Iowa Seed Co. for many years and can recommend them as trustworthy, energetic business men. They are shipping thousands of packages to all parts of the U. S., and we hear no complaint from their customers. Respectfully, Edw. H. Hunter, P. M.

[Right Column.] New Era Cow Peas. Another great novelty which has never before been offered and it will prove a boon to northern farmers. We made a trip last year through twelve of the southern states and found that everywhere they were planting cow peas and considered them one of their most profitable crops, as they yield immensely and are largely used as a green summer feed and also for planting in corn and other crops and plowing under as a fertilizer. All their varieties, however, are too late for the north, but after considerable inquiry we found a small lot of a new variety that had never been disseminated, producing about three crops per year in Georgia and maturing in 60 days from time of planting. It was tested in this latitude and in Minnesota and gave excellent results, producing well, and proved to be all right as to season of maturing. It has a speckled, bluish gray, rather small seed but the pods are long and well filled. Is of upright branching growth, and peculiar foliage. On the Georgia Experiment farm they produced over 12-1/2 tons of green fodder per acre and 41 bushels of hulled peas. They are a great soil invigorator, as like clover they take most of their substance from the air. Farmers should give them a trial and we are sure they will be pleased. Per pkt. 5c, 1/4 lb. 15c, lb. 50c, postpaid. By freight, pk. $1.00, bu. $4.00.

Every Farmer In the United States from New England to California and from the Canadian line to the Gulf of Mexico should plant Iowa Silver Mine Corn this year. Notice testimonials. It succeeds everywhere. See pages 22 and 23. It is the best quality and largest yielding sort in the world.

[Image: Drawing of spilz plant head, Caption-Spiltz] Spiltz. A most wonderful new grain which we offered last year for the first time, and we consider ourselves fortunate to be the first to introduce a grain which, we believe, will prove of so much value. For centuries past it has been grown in a limited way in Eastern Russia near the Caspian Sea, its value not being known to the agriculturists of the civilized world. Seven years ago an emigrant from there brought some to this country and has been growing it since. A prosperous American farmer who lives near him secured sufficient seed from him to sow five acres three years ago and was surprised at the large crop. Last year again it produced a large crop yielding more than barley or oats. He says that under the same circumstances it will produce double as much as barley. He has been feeding the grain quite extensively, having no thought of offering it for seed, so that we could obtain only a small quantity. Our illustration which represents one head shows somewhat the shape of the grain which is intermediate between wheat and barley, the spikelets being separated from each other in such a manner that the crop is not readily injured by the weather. The chaff adheres to the grain when thrashed. We believe it will prove of much value for milling as well as for feeding. Will grow well and produce immense crops on poor soil, and the dry weather appears to have no effect on it. Botanically it is known as Triticum Spelta and is supposed to be the grain grown in Egypt in the time of Moses. We can only offer it in small quantities but it will pay farmers to test it this year. Per large pkt. 10c, lb. 40c, 3 lbs. $1.00, by mail, postpaid. By freight per pk. $1.00, bushel $3.00.

30. Seed Catalogue And Garden Guide.

Vegetable Novelties. On the pink pages of this book we describe many choice novelties and some of the newer standard sorts to which we desire to call special attention.

[Image: Drawing/Scratchboard illustration, closeup of a head of cabbage, field & house in the background, inset of George Washington in an oval with a border, Caption-New Washington Wakefield.]

New Washington Wakefield Cabbage. For many years the Jersey Wakefield cabbage has been the most prominent early sort with market gardeners, and many attempts have been made to improve on it, with heretofore but limited success. In this grand variety, which is well shown by our illustration, we have a most superior strain, well worthy the name it it bears. It is a leader, and First in Head! First In Market! and First in the Hearts of Gardeners! It is very early, the heads are pyrimidal [pyramidal] in shape, much larger in size than the Jersey Wakefield, and very solid, with few outside leaves. It grows remarkably uniform, the heads being of very even size and shape. Unequaled for either the market or family garden. Don't fail to try it this year. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 25c, 1/4 lb. 80c, lb. $2.50.

Improved Danish Ballhead Cabbage. This variety has been selected and perfected for more than fifty years by the Danish gardeners. They prize it so highly that they grow it almost exclusively for winter cabbage, and annually export large quantities to London, Paris and other ports. It will stand long journeys and keep far into the spring, and is of most rich and mild taste. Heads round as a ball, of good size, solid and very fine grained. Has but few outer leaves, thus admitting of close planting. Medium size and hardest of all; tender and crisp with but little waste heart. Flavor excellent. Pkt. 5c, oz. 25c, 1/4 lb. 80c, lb. $2.65.

[Lower half, left column.]

Early Sunrise Sweet Corn. This splendid new variety which we introduced originated with a market gardener in the western part of this state, and for eight years he has been carefully selecting it to an ideal size and shape, and also the earliest maturing. In this way he has finally obtained this variety, which is distinct from all others. The ears about six inches long and well filled out at the end, the husk covering so completely and being so tight as to prevent the work of worms, which are so bad on the Cory. The grains are fairly deep and are set in straight rows on a small white cob; very uniform and handsome. It is quite productive and of as good flavor as any corn we ever tasted. Don't fail to try it. Market gardeners will find the Early Sunrise a most profitable and satisfactory variety. Pkt. 5c, 1/2 pt. 15c, qt. 45c, postpaid. By freight, pk. $1.00, bu. $3.25.

The Maine State Bulletin No. 27 reports that the Early Sunrise was as early as any variety in their long list, maturing in 79 days; much larger and better than Cory; in quality equal to most of the later varieties and the most prolific of all.

Italian Mixed Tomato. Last year we purchased from a leading seed firm in Italy an assortment of tomato seeds including all varieties known in Europe. In our test there seemed to be an almost limitless variation as to color, shape and size, including a great many never before seen ranging from white, through all shades of yellow and pink to dark red and purple. Most of the varieties were of most excellent quality while a few were inferior. The field was a constant daily surprise and pleasure which we wish to share with our customers. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 35c.

Crimson Currant Tomato. A most charming little fruit which belongs to the Tomato family, but it differs essentially in character of foliage from the ordinary sorts as well as in the fruit. The fruit is quite small hardly more than half an inch in diameter, of bright crimson color, and borne in long single or compound clusters containing twenty to sixty berries or tomatoes. It is a very ornamental and attractive plant, and produces fruit early which is of most excellent quality for eating from the hand. They are greatly liked when preserved or spiced for winter use, and make an attractive dish for the table. Pkt. 10c, oz. 40c.

Canary Island Onion. A very handsome variety of onion which we have imported from the Canary Islands. It is of small to medium size, flat and ranges from white to dark pink in color. It is extremely early, maturing neat, handsome bulbs long before other sorts. Pkt. 5c, oz. 25c.

Black Queen Beet. A splendid half-long blood beet of the finest table quality with beautiful dark blood-red foliage, thus combining the useful and ornamental. Pkt. 10c, oz. 20c.

[Image: Drawing, Scratchboard illustration of two ears of corn, lying on a fringed napkin on a dinner plate, Caption-Early Sunrise Sweet Corn.]

[Lower half, right column.] Honor Bright Tomato. A splendid new variety of unusual value. One of its most striking characteristics is the singular color changes the fruit undergoes during its development. It is first of a light green color, then turns to a striking waxy white, next lemon and finally to a rich bright red. Another characteristic is its long-keeping quality, which makes it especially valuable for shipping long distances. It has peculiar greenish-yellow foliage. It is almost proof against cracking of skin after heavy rains. The fruit is of good size, very solid, the vines vigorous and very productive and the tomatoes of excellent quality. Pkt. 10c, oz. 50c.

[Image: Drawing of a single tomato and stem, Caption-Honor Bright Tomato.]

31. Iowa Seed Company, Des Moines, Iowa.

[Image: Icon of pointing finger] Mougri. [Image: Drawing of a long, thin Mougri pod wrapped around the left edge of the text block.] A wonderful vegetable from the Island of Java, which is greatly liked by the natives, has been tried in Europe and we introduced it to our customers last year. The dry season was much against it and still it pleased our patrons and produced long pods. lt is a great curiosity and when once seen it will never be forgotten. The plant grows to a height of only 18 to 20 inches, but the great oddity of it is that the pods are very long, sometimes two or three feet, much longer in fact than the plant is high. The plant is of the easiest culture. Seed may be sown early and transplant when well started two to three feet apart each way. The pods are very curious, attaining an immense size in a wonderfully short time, sometimes growing as much as three inches in a night. The pods are solid, crisp and tender, some say they taste "just like radish," other epicures insist that in flavor they more nearly resemble the water cress. Persons who can not eat radishes because of their proving indigestible with them, will be much pleased with Mougri. The flavor is most agreeable and when half grown they can be eaten on the table in the same way as roots of the common radish, which they greatly resemble in taste, but are far superior to in delicacy of flavor. In salads they will be highly esteemed. They make a good pickle and are well adapted for this purpose. It is, however, when the pods are boiled that they are most delicious eating, like the most tender bleached asparagus and having a very delicate flavor. They should be served on toast with a cream dressing and will form a very agreeable addition and novelty for the table. Don't fail to try it. Pkt. of 25 seeds, 10c.

[Image: Drawing of a larger pea on a short stem with a few leaves, Caption-Giant Gray Sugar Pea]

Giant Gray Sugar Peas. A great novelty which we purchased last year from one of our customers who obtained it from a private family in Hawaii. They grow to medium height and should have brush to support them to obtain best results. They produce an immense crop of large flat pods which are unusually tender and sweet. The peas should not be shelled but the pods should be cut into pieces about an inch long and boiled. With the addition of a little milk and butter they make a truly delicious dish. The Cleveland Seed Co., who are the largest growers of peas in the United States, wrote us, "We consider your new Sugar Peas a decided improvement over any other gray seeded peas that we have ever grown and they are especially pure. They yielded very well." Another expert pea grower says, "Your new Sugar Peas are certainly different from anything we have ever seen in this line." If you enjoy a delicious table luxury don't fail to give them a trial. Stock is so small that this year we can only offer them in packets of 10 seeds for 10c.

McCotter's Pride Muskmelon. This variety is the result of long continued skillful breeding and selection with the purpose of securing a very large melon of spherical shape, with flesh of fine grain and high quality. The effort has been most successful, and we send out this variety with confidence that it will please all who plant it. The fruit is very large nearly round, evenly and moderately ribbed, dark green in color, partially covered with gray netting. The orange red flesh is very thick, sweet and of fine flavor. We earnestly urge all lovers of good melons to try this splendid new sort. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 20c, 1/4 lb. 60c, lb. $2.00. [Image: Drawing of a large round muskmelon, Caption-McCotter's Pride Musk Melon.]

Scarlet Egg Plant. Closely resembling the edible purple Egg Plant i [in] growth of plant and shap [shape] of fruit, and well worthy of growing because of the handsome and unique color which is of a most intense brilliant scarlet; glossy and apparently varnished. Will make an attractive novelty in any flower garden. Per pkt. 5c.

[Image: Drawing of a cucumber lying on a leaf and a cross cut chunk of cucumber, Caption- New Emerald Cucumber.]

Emerald Cucumber. A new variety from Ohio which retains every good point in the best strains of White Spine, and in addition, possesses that rich dark green color which has so long been sought for but never before obtained. It is strictly an evergreen, retaining its color until fully ripe. On sight, its distinct dark green and spineless skin attracts the attention and admiration of every one interested. Its fruit sets early, and its vigorous vines abound in long, straight, handsome fruits of most desirable qualities. The flesh being peculiarly crisp and tender, and the flavor delicate, highly recommend it as a slicer. The young fruit being dark green, straight and tender, makes an excellent pickle, and when ripe none excel it for making sweet pickles. Pkt. 10c, 3 for 25c.

Scarlet Kashmyr Turnip. This new, extra early, bright scarlet turnip has a striking resemblance to a large radish, being as round and uniform in shape. The flesh is as white and crisp as a radish, and of most excellent cooking qualities. It matures almost as quickly as the earliest radish, being far ahead in this respect of any other turnip, and when cooked is of unsurpassed quality. Also a good keeper, and with its beautiful scarlet color, early maturity and fine quality, it is entitled to a place among our garden favorites, and will please every one who give it a trial. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 15c, 1/4 lb. 40c, lb. $1.25.

New Rose Turnip Radish. There is a greater variety of color in radishes than in any other root crop grown, but a rose-color is, indeed, an acquisition. This is one of the best radishes we have ever seen, is novel, useful and beautiful. It is similar to the round, forcing varieties in shape and size, and has every feature of good selection, such as a small, compact top and a minature [miniature] root. It is very early requiring only twenty-three days to mature it, and remains in good condition for ten days, even in a trying season. But, undoubtedly, its chief charm is in its color, which is a soft rosy pink. A most attractive radish in the bunch, and on the table. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 15c, 1/4 lb. 40c, lb. $1.25.

China Globe Radish. An exceedingly handsome new variety which will prove to be popular. It is of medium size, bright scarlet color and globe shape. It grows very rapidly being almost as early as the early forcing sorts and it holds its size and superior quality throughout the summer. The flesh is pure white, crisp, brittle and of a most agreeable flavor. When sown later they make an excellent winter sort and keep well. Crop of seed very short this year. Per pkt. 10c, oz. 20c. [Image: Drawing of a small pile of radishes with leaves, Caption-New Rose Turnip Radish.]

32. Seed Catalogue And Garden Guide.

[Image: Drawing of a large, round, melon, with a cut-away section, Caption-Iowa Mastodon.]

Iowa Mastodon Melon. The most extraordinary new variety which bas been offered for many years, will create a sensation wherever seen--and we control the entire stock, so that you cannot purchase it elsewhere this year. It is from Japan, and just a few seeds were sent to a friend over in this country. This friend knew of our interest in novelties and brought in specimens of the melon. One weighed 23-1/2 pounds and the other 25 pounds. We at once secured the entire crop, althrough but a few vines. The melons are of monstrous size, and greatly resemble the common Yankee Field pumpkin; so nearly in fact, as to even deceive us at first sight. The flesh is a clear, creamy white, fully 3-1/2 inches thick and of excellent flavor; it is tender and sweet up to the rind, which is thin and tough. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 20c, 1/4 lb. 60c, lb. $2.00.

Rogers' Lima Wax Bean. A decided novelty. Its bright, glossy foliage and bloom resemble Dwarf Lima. The pods are the broadest of all wax beans, of most excellent quality as Snaps, and retain their bright and attractive appearance a long time after picking. Has a delicious Lima flavor. Pkt. 5c, 1/2 pt. 20c, qt. 65c.

Astro Cucumber. A novelty of the highest merit, and one which has greatly pleased our market garden customers, some claiming that they made more money from a crop of these grown early in the hot beds than from any other crop, as they sell quickly at $1.00 per dozen. They do excellently well under glass, yielding a continual daily picking of large, perfect shaped fruits, eight to twelve inches long, almost solid throughout. Excellent for slicing, solid and crisp. With outdoor culture in the summer, it produces large cucumbers fifteen to eighteen inches in length with very few seeds. Seed will always be expensive, as it produces only eight to twelve pounds to the acre, while the White Spine and the other common sorts produce 200 to 500 pounds. In packets only, containing twenty seeds each. Per pkt. 10c, 6 for 50c.

Apple Pie Melon. A novelty which will be appreciated in many sections of the country and especially so during seasons when apples are scarce or high in price. They are easily grown on any good soil, but like it rich. The vine is vigorous growing and produces 4 to 8 large, oblong fruits weighing 20 to 50 lbs. each, of dark green color, and greatly resembling watermelons. The flesh is white, solid throughout and of excellent quality for making pies, sauce, preserves, etc., greatly resembling apples in taste. They will keep all winter in a dry, frost-proof cellar and can be used at any time. The cheapness of the fruit will be appreciated when it is understood that one vine will produce 200 lbs. or equal to about four bushels of apples. Don't fail to try them. Per packet of 10 seeds 10c.

[Image: Drawing, hands slicing a cucumber with a knife, Caption-Astro.]

Don't Fail To Try The Wonderful Idaho Peas. The greatest novelty of the season. Distinct and different in every respect from anything ever before sent out. You must have at least a trial packet. See description on page 29. Price per pkt. 10c, oz. 15c.

Orange Watermelon. Everyone knows what a bother watermelon rinds are on the table, and were it not for this trouble, the watermelon would be still more popular as a dessert fruit. This difficulty is now overcome, and the Orange will make the handsomest ornament ever set on the festive board, and will attract universal attention. The great peculiarity of this melon is that the rind naturally separates from the flesh when ripe and with the slight use of a knife between the segments, can be removed like the rind of an orange, leaving a most beautiful fruit for the center of the table. The illustration shown herewith was made from an average size twelve pound melon and well shows the shape and peculiar manner of separation. Quality is excellent, tender, juicy and sweet. We want everyone to try it, therefore have made prices low. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 15c, 1/4 lb. 50c, lb. $l.50. [Image: Drawing of a melon and cross section, Caption-Orange Watermelon.]

New Mignonette Lettuce. A most unique and attractive new sort. The entire plant measures only seven inches in diameter, and is more solid and compact than any other existing variety. The outer leaves are few, and these cling so closely to the head that it is almost true to say it is all head. The small surface of the leaves which are separated from the head is deeply crumpled as in a Savoy cabbage, and richly colored with russet red and bronze green of varying shades. The plant is distinct, not only in its solidity but also in color. The heart is a charming combination of a creamy yellow waved with pale greenish white. It is very hardy, resisting drouth and excessive moisture with equal success--a most valuable feature in our climate. It is fit for use early, which, combined with its long standing character, constitutes it an all-seasons variety in the superlative degree. Per pkt. 10c, oz. 35c. [Image: Drawing of a black poodle/dog, holding a basket full of rhubarb, Caption-New Ideal Mammoth Rhubarb.]

New Ideal Mammoth Rhubarb. The rhubarb (or pie plant) is a vegetable which it is difficult to improve and it takes many years to fully establish a new variety. About twenty-five years ago Dr. Kennicott, of Illinois, in growing roots from seed found one which was so far superior to and different from all others that he saved it carefully, and the root has been divided and propagated from year to year until finally we purchased the stock. Like all other highly improved sorts it seeds very sparingly, and comes more nearly true to name when grown from seed than most other sorts. The stalks are fully as large, if not larger, than the Victoria, and are produced in greater abundance. We have no hesitancy in calling it the most vigorous and productive variety known. Quality is unsurpassed. Per pkt. 10c, oz. 25c.

Iowa Seed Company, Des Moines, Iowa. 33.

African Water Lilies. Nothing in the floral world has created so much interest among lovers of rare plants as these gorgeous red, white and blue Water Lilies, and when it becomes generally known how easily they can be grown everybody who loves choice flowers and can have a tank or tub of water will have them. Although they are natives of tropical Africa, they can be easily grown in the open air in any part of the United States, flowering freely for several months the first year from seeds. We send full directions for starting seed and growing plants with each packet. They are easily grown and bloom in three or four months from time of sowing seed. For persons who have no pond, half a barrel sunk in the ground is a nice receptacle to grow them in. We furnish either the red, white or blue varieties at 10 cts. per pkt. One packet each of the three colors for 25c. [Image: Drawing of a pond with waterlillies, at sunset, Caption-Water Lilies.]

[Image: Drawing/Scratchboard illustration with a cluster of morning glories against a bamboo lattice, Caption-Imperial Jap. Morning Glory, Copyrighted 1895 by A. Blanc.] New Imperial Japanese Morning Glories. Remarkable for the large size and exquisite new colors of the flowers, with magnificent foliage, often beautifully blotched. Of strong, robust growth, the vines grow quickly to a height of twelve to twenty feet. The flowers are of gigantic size sometimes measuring 4 to 5 inches across. The colors of the flowers, shadings and markings are really wonders of nature, of such incomparable beauty that descriptions are inadequate. Some flowers are of deep, rich velvety tones, others more daintily tinted and shaded than an artist's brush could portray. The colors range through reds from soft rose to crimson, bronze and garnet maroon; from daintiest light blue to ultramarine and indigo and blackish purple; from snow white to cream and silvery gray; some are striped, starred and spotted. Pinch back the vines so as to let them grow only 4 to 6 feet high and they will produce more flowers. Choicest Double And Single Mixed.--Pkt. 10c.

[Image: Drawing of several roses and blooms on the stems, Caption-Fairy Rose.] Fairy Roses. These little beauties are very easily grown from seed. The roses are only about an inch across, usually very double, but occasionally semi-double, and seldom single; they are borne in large clusters and are of many colors. What is most remarkable these Fairy roses grow only 10 to 15 inches high and commence blooming in a few weeks after the seed is sown, and continue year after year in uninterrupted profusion from May until frost. They also make nice pot plants for winter blooming. Pkt. 10c.

American Banner Larkspur. The handsomest flower in the entire catalogue. The following illustration represents a single stem, showing how loaded the plants are with flowers. The name American Banner was given it because it is the only flower we know of that combines the national colors, red, white and blue, in each flower. Plants grow to a height of about two feet, of good, regular shape, with delicate, fern-like foliage, a vigorous grower, and is not injured by dry weather. The plants are fairly loaded with long spikes of double, striped and blotched flowers, having the various shades or pink, carmine, dark blue, purple and white, delicately and beautifully blended, sometimes four or five shades on a single floret. Pkt. 10c. [Image: Drawing of a flowering larkspur plant, inset circle of single bloom, Caption-American Banner Larkspur, A. Blanc. Phila]

New Pink Marguerite Centaurea. One of our own novelties which we introduced to our customers last year, and one of the handsomest flowers that we had ever seen. Produces most exquisite flowers of a beautiful shell pink color. Plant is about 15 inches in height and of the easiest culture, blooming freely from seed in a few weeks. The large flowers are deliciously scented, delicately lacinated and produced profusely on long stems which render them valuable for cutting. It is of most unique beauty. Per pkt. 10c.

[Image: Drawing of a full blooming plant and buds, Caption-Pink Marguerite Centaurea, Copyrighted 1892 by W.A.B. & Co.]

Liliput Marigold.--Novelty 1898.--A little beauty and the finest of all the dwarf double flowering sorts. Blooms freely and is "pretty as a picture" as a bedding plant. Pkt. 10c.

Golden Ball Aster. The long sought novelty--a yellow aster--has finally been produced and will be warmly welcomed by all flower lovers. The double flower is of the brightest sulphur yellow. Per pkt. 10c. Blue Bells. Who has not heard of the "Bonny Blue Bells of Scotland," which have been renowned in poetry and song for centuries past. We have tried for several years past to obtain sufficient seed so that we could offer them to our customers. In the colored illustration the artist has tried to bring out the beauty of the flower, but it was impossible to do it justice. The flowers are bell-shaped and of a bright sky-blue color, from 4 to 10 flowers in a cluster. Might almost be called a Blue Lily of the Valley. It is a perfectly hardy perennial. Pkt. 15c. Plants 15c each.

Blue Solanum. A most beautiful perennial vine of rapid growth. The handsomely cut foliage makes a beautiful shade for porch or arbor and is also desirable to train along fences, etc. It is covered during the summer months with hundreds of clusters of blue flowers, brightly set off with golden stamens, clusters measuring 15 inches in circumference, and often attaining a length of twelve inches. It is a superior plant of ironclad hardiness. The flowers are succeeded by bright scarlet berries. When you consider its handsome foliage, beautiful flowers and berries and hardiness it is difficult to find a more satisfactory climber. Pkt. 10c. Strong one-year-old plants of above 25c each. Dozen $2.