1900

IOWA SEED COMPANY, DES MOINES, IOWA. 39.

[image] OUR SPECIAL GRASS MIXTURE FOR HAY AND PERMANENT PASTURES.

PERMANENT PASTURES. Most of our western farmers have not yet learned that a pasture or meadow of mixed grasses is far superior to clover and timothy alone, but such is the case. We have made a study of this subject, and have grass specialists in our employ and can furnish the seed of the best varieties of grasses mixed in proper proportions for any soil or climate. Please read carefully the descriptions of the various kinds of grasses and remarks below on sowing grass seeds, and don't be content to follow the old way that your father and grandfather did, but adopt new methods, sow improved varieties and double your crop. WHEN AND HOW TO SOW GRASS SEED. The most rapid way of obtaining a grass crop is to sow the seed early in the spring, by itself, without any grain or nurse crop, as the young grass plants are in no way protected by the grain, and when this is cut the young clover and grass is very tender. The cutting of the so-called nurse crop suddenly exposes the young grass at the hottest time of year, and there is great danger of the grass being burned out, while, when the grass is sown by itself the young plants are hardened and more able to withstand the hot and dry sun. However, some farmers will want to sow seed oats with the grass seed, and we wish to call their attention to our Early Champion Oats as being especially adapted for a nurse crop on account of it not stooling so heavily as other varieties. To obtain best results use only a moderate quantity of oats to sow with grass seeds. After the ground is carefully prepared, the seed is sown broadcast, which can be nicely and evenly done, and very quickly with the little hand seeders described on page 95. As grass seed is small it should not be covered very deep, the natural covering which may take place after a shower of rain is sometimes sufficient. However it is best and more certain to lightly harrow it in. The pressure of a common farm roller on Clover and Grass seed covers the same slightly, and is one of the best means to insure the quick and even germinating of the seed.

DAIRY FARMERS' GRASS MIXTURE Dairy farmers particularly desire to take a crop of hay off the meadow and have the aftergrowth for pasture, and where the natural grasses are carefully selected with this object in view, this can be successfully done. This mixture is composed of tall, quick growing grasses for mowing after which the dwarf growing varieties will cover the ground and furnish grazing until late in the fall. This mixture consists of the best varieties of clover and grass seeds, as Red Clover, Alsike, Orchard Grass, Rye Grass, Tall Meadow Oat, Meadow Foxtail and others. It is a special mixture which will please everyone. Sow 22 lbs. per acre on ordinary soils. Per lb. 25c, 3 lbs. 65c post paid. By freight, 22 lbs. $2.25, 50 lbs. $4.50, 100 lbs. $8.75. PERMANENT MEADOW MIXTURE Will make best quality hay every year, the mixture containing such grasses as produce a heavy growth, and mature together. We send out No. 1 mixture when not otherwise ordered, as it is adapted to medium or average soils. Sow 16 to 22 lbs. per acre. [table] [column headings: 20 lbs. 50 lbs. 100 lbs.] No. 1. $2.00. $4.50. $8.40. No. 2. For high, dry land, light or gravely [gravelly] soils. 2.25. 4.75. 9.00. No. 3. For high, dry land, heavy or clay soil. 2.25. 4.75. 9.00. No. 4. For moist and rich soil subject to overflow. 2.00. 4.25. 8.00. No. 5. For top seeding on marshes or swamps sow 10 lbs. per acre. 2.25. 4.75. 9.25.

PERMANENT PASTURE MIXTURE. Selected with a view to having a succession of grasses coming on constantly from earliest spring through the dry summer weather, and through the fall. It is permanent and keeps improving year after year. Sow 18 to 22 lbs. per acre. [table] [column headings: 20 lbs. 50 lbs. 100 lbs.] No. 6. For medium soils. 2.00. 4.50. 8.50. No. 7. For high, dry, gravelly soils. 2.25. 4.75. 8.85. No. 8. For high, dry, heavy soils. 2.25. 4.75. 8.85. No. 9. For moist and very rich soil. 2.00. 4.25. 8.00. No. 10. For wood pastures, orchards, shady places, for a top seeding, sow 10 lbs. per acre. 2.25. 4.75. 9.00. No. 11. For Sheep Pasture.--Suitable for sandy soils and hillsides. Sow 20 lbs. per acre. 2.25. 4.75. 9.00.

No 12. Quick Result Pasture.--Not permanent, but when sown early will give full crop of hay, and good pasture until late in the fall. Desirable for both cattle and hogs. Sow 15 lb. per acre. Price 15 lbs. $1.50, 50 lbs. $4.60, 100 lbs. $8.50. Permanent Hog Pasture.--Ready to use the first year, and many years thereafter. On any ordinary soil sow 15 lbs. per acre. Price, 15 lbs. $1.60, 50 lbs. $4.75, 100 lbs. $9.00. We are prepared to select and make up special mixtures of Grasses for all particular purposes, adapted to all soils and climates. When in need, please write us, describing peculiarities of ground. THE BEST Not only in Iowa but everywhere.--W. B. Robinett of Lockwood, Kentucky, says: The grass seed received from you is the finest I ever saw. I like it much better than any I ever bought before, and am well pleased in every respect. LARGE ORDERS. If you desire to purchase a large lot of seed of any kind, be sure to send list and let us quote special prices.

ROOT CROPS. Successful farmers everywhere are finding that they can raise hogs, cattle and in fact all kinds of live stock much cheaper and keep them in better health by feeding Mangels, Ruta Bagas and Carrots. It costs very little to grow, harvest and store the crop for winter use, and we send printed directions when desired to every customer. MANGELS AND SUGAR BEETS.--A list of all the best varieties will be found on page 6. There is a larger demand for the Dignity Long Red and Mammoth Golden Giant (called by some dealers the Gate Post Mangel) than for any others. CARROTS.--A feed of carrots is claimed to be equal to a dose of condition powders for horses, and has a more lasting effect; also good for all kinds of live stock. See page 5, for description and price. RUTA BAGAS.--A class of turnips grown largely for stock food, especially in the northern states and Canada. Produce immense crops. See page 22. PUMPKINS.--Similar to above root crops in feeding value. Usually grown in corn. We furnish the Field Pumpkin seed @ 35c per lb. by mail, postpaid. By freight, 10 lbs. $1.75, bushel of 25 lbs. $3.00.

PRATT'S FOOD Most popular condition food for horses, cattle, hogs, sheep and, in fact, all kinds of live stock. It is considered a perfect animal regulator. Price, not prepaid, small pkg. 25c, 7 lb. pkg. 50c, 12 lb. sack 75c.

VALUABLE FODDER PLANTS. GIANT SPURRY.--Spurry is an annual plant, extensively cultivated in Europe as a winter pasture for cattle and sheep. It grows so well on poor, dry, sandy soil that it has been called "the clover of sandy land." It is of very rapid growth and is sown the latter half of March and in April or May at the rate of 10 pounds per acre, if wanted for hay. The seed is sown broadcast, and covered lightly by harrowing. It germinates quickly, and in 6 to 8 weeks is ready to cut. It is usually cut for hay the first time, and pastured afterwards for the rest of the summer. Per pkt. 5c, lb. 30c, 3 lb. 75c. By freight 10 lbs. (will sow one acre) $1.50, 25 lbs. $3.00, 100 lbs. $10.75. TEOSINTE.--A fodder plant grown largely in some parts of the country. Somewhat resembling corn in appearance, but the leaves are much longer and broader, and the stalks contain sweeter sap. In its perfection it produces a great number of shoots, growing as much as twelve feet high; very thickly covered with leaves, yielding such an abundance of foliage that one plant is considered sufficient to feed a pair of cattle for twenty-four hours. Eighty-five stalks have been grown from one seed, attaining a height of eleven feet. Horses and cattle eat it as freely as young sugar corn. About three pounds of seed will plant an acre. Per ounce pkt. 10c, 1/4 lb. 35c, lb. $1.20, 3 lbs. for $3.00 postpaid. PEARL MILLET.--Does not at all resemble the ordinary variety of millet. It is of tall growth, and yields an immense crop of fodder. Is highly recommended by the United States Agricultural Department, especially for the south. Per pkt. 5c, lb. 40c, 3 lbs. $1.00. By freight, 10 lbs. (will plant one acre) $1.50, 25 lbs. $3.00, 100 lbs. $10.50.

40. SEED CATALOGUE AND GARDEN GUIDE.

THE LAWN. Thank God for grass! No other glory vies With the refreshing glory of the grass; Not e'en the blue of the o'erbending skies, Nor fading splendors when the daylight dies, Can this sweet smile of living green surpass.

A nice velvety lawn adds more to the beauty of a place than any other adornment, and even the humblest home may be made attractive with such surroundings, while without a good lawn even the finest flowering plants and elegantly arranged bed seem insignificant. How important it is then to plan for the best lawn obtainable. Do not spend money in sodding a lawn, for it is expensive of [and?] is seldom satisfactory. When sod is cut from the roadside or some out of the way pasture, it is poor in quality and full of weeds, and when unevenly laid produces a rough surface which disfigures the lawn. It costs much less to sow the seed and the lawn is far better. EVERGREEN MIXED LAWN GRASS SEED.--This is a mixture of the best varieties of grass seeds suited for growing together in the central and northern states, and will make a beautiful soft velvety lawn and as handsome green as an emerald, and is formed of grasses which keep green from early spring all through the hot dry summer weather until late in the fall. It comes up quickly (about two weeks) after seed is sown, and after once up it soon spreads to cover the ground and is ready for lawn mower in six to eight weeks. It roots deeply on any soil and forms a dense, thick turf with no tendency to grow in tufts or clumps. It is permanent, maintaining its beauty for a lifetime, although it is a good plan to give any lawn a top seeding once in every three to five years. 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. Price per qt. (will sow 300 square feet) 25c, 4 qts. 85c, postpaid. By freight, per bushel of 15 lbs. $2.75, 50 lbs. $8.00, 100 lbs. (will sow one acre) $15.00.

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SHADY LAWN MIXTURE.--Just the thing for sowing under shade trees, as it is a combination of grasses which grow naturally in the woods but are of dwarf evergreen growth. Rake in a little air-slacked lime in such places before sowing the seed as ground is sometimes "sour" in such spots. Per qt. 35c, 3 qts. $1.00, postpaid. By freight, per bu. (15 lbs.) $4.00. TERRACE LAWN MIXTURE.--It is sometimes difficult to get a good sod on sloping ground, terraces, sidehills or embankments. This is a mixture of such grasses as have strong spreading roots, making a close turf which the heavy rains cannot easily wash out. Per qt. 35c, 3 qts. 90c, postpaid. By freight, per bu. (15 lbs.) $3.60. "GOLF LINK" GRASS SEED.--And other special mixtures prepared to order. Write describing character of soil and we will plan a mixture for the purpose.

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IOWA CLIPPER LAWN MOWER.--The best lawn mower to buy is the one that runs the easiest, does the best work, and is the most durable. All these points we claim for the Iowa Clipper and it has the additional good feature of low price. It is simple in construction, therefore easy to operate, cuts smooth and clean. Diameter of drive wheels 8 1/4 inches. Its cutter bar is solid steel and all parts are of best quality while its simplicity of construction insures durability and also lessens the cost. Price for mower cutting 12 inch swath $3.25, 14 inch $3.75, 16 inch $4.25. IMPROVED STARK LAWN MOWER.--Made by the same factory as the Iowa Clipper and is similar in some respects but made in a more careful and expensive way. The drive wheels are very high (10 inches) and this makes it run easier in tall grass. It cuts an 18 inch swath and is especially adpated for large lawns and parks, being the best and lightest running large lawn mower now on the market. Price $7.00. RUBBER HOSE.--A pood [good] strong quality, better than that sold in most places. Per roll of 50 feet $6.00. Best Quality--such as we use on our own grounds, per roll $8.00. KENTUCKY BLUE GRASS SEED.--Nice for lawns. Per lb. 30c, 8 lbs. 80c, postpaid. By freight per bushel of 14 lbs. $1.50. PURE BONE MEAL.--Odorless and lasting fertilizer. Price 10 lbs. 45c, 25 lbs. 85c, 100 lbs. $2.75. WHITE CLOVER SEED--Makes a close nice sod. Per lb. 40c, 3 lbs. $1.00 postpaid.

[image] AUTOMATIC SELF CLEANING LAWN RAKE

CENTRAL PARK LAWN GRASS SEED.--This 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. It is very nice for lawns but is of special value for parks and around country homes where it is not convenient to mow the lawns frequently. It contains some fragrant grasses which give out a delightful odor when growing or when cut, and while it is of course better to cut it frequently, still it retains much beauty even if allowed to become long. It is the grass for country homes, parks, and large estates and for this purpose sow about 50 lbs. per acre. Per qt. 20c, 4 qts. 75c, postpaid. By freight, bushel of 15 lbs. $2.50, 100 lbs. $14.00.

A Circular Telling How to Make a Lawn Will be sent free on request. QUANTITY TO SOW. FOR NEW LAWNS--Sow one quart to 300 square feet. OLD LAWNS--Are made new fresh and beautiful by sowing one-third the above amount as a top dressing, with some of our LAWN FERTILIZER.

PEERLESS LAWN FERTILIZER.--You cannot expect your lawn to look fresh always when you are cutting a crop of grass from it every week. Lawn grass is a voracious feeder and requires fertilizer. Do not use stable manure, which is unpleasant to handle, looks bad, and often contains noxious weed seeds. Our Peerless Lawn Fertilizer is of the best quality, dry, finely pulverized and easy to apply. Use 10 lbs. for 1,000 square feet of lawn or 400 lbs. per acre, early in spring. Price per 10 lb. pkg. 60c, 25 lb. pkg. $1.00, 50 lb. pkg. $1.85, 100 lbs. $3.50. If shipped direct from factory in Chicago, 400 lbs. for $8.50.

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HAWKEYE WHEELBARROW.--This new invention is the best wheelbarrow on the market for lawn, garden or farm use. The sideboards can be used erect for hauling dirt, ashes, etc., can be set at a half pitch for carrying large loads of trash, manure, boxes, etc., or be opened out flat for hauling posts, cordwood, large boxes, etc. Price $3.50 each, shipped direct from factory in Illinois. OUT O' SIGHT MOLE TRAP.--Moles are one of the worst nuisances in the lawn or garden. This trap catches them every time if properly set. Price $1.25 postpaid, or $1.00 if sent by freight with other goods. SELF CLEANING LAWN RAKE.--Best device for raking the lawn. Device shown in our cut is an automatic self cleaner keeping the teeth clear of refuse. Price 75c each.

[image] OUT O' SIGHT MOLE TRAP

IOWA SEED COMPANY, DES MOINES, IOWA. 41.

[image] A CROP SIX WEEKS FROM PLANTING. THIS IS NOT A FANCY PICTURE BUT AN ACTUAL REALITY. BLISS' EXTRA EARLY TRIUMPH.

SEED POTATOES. With no other seed is the importance of change more essential than with potatoes. By using our northern grown seed you are assured of early maturity, increased yield and vigorous growth. The following varieties are, we think, the best and most satisfactory sorts for growing in Iowa and other states of of the same latitude, and we have many customers in the north and far south who consider our stock the best quality. Order as early as possible, stating whether you desire them shipped by express or freight, and we will ship as soon as the weather permits. We will ship at any time, when requested to do so, regardless of the weather, but customers in this case must take the risk. Customers living at a great distance should look up freight or express rates before sending orders. Prices are subject to any important market changes. Ask for special quotations on large lots. At prices named we make no charges for boxes, barrels or drayage. POUND PRICES.--All varieties 30c per lb., 3 lbs. 75c postpaid. Read T. B. Terry's new book, "A B C of Potato Culture." Price 40c postpaid. BLISS' TRIUMPH.--The Earliest Potato in Existence.--A handsome round variety which is by far the earliest variety in the world, maturing a week before the Extra Early Ohio, and is wonderfully productive. The tubers are not large, but are of a nice medium size for early use, round as a ball and a beautiful red color. For several years past it has been the most popular variety in the southern states, and in the Bermudas, and hundreds of carloads are shipped to the northern markets, and bring fancy prices. There is always such a demand for them that the seed is scarce, and invariably brings a good price the following season. It is a vigorous grower, and we cannot recommend it too highly for first early market or family use, but it is not so desirable for main crop. Per peck 50c, bu. $1.75, bbl. $4.00. SENECA BEAUTY.--A late variety, popuular [popular] in some sections, but is apt to blight badly and scab in this state. Per Pk. 40c, bu. $1.00, bbl. $2.50.

EXTRA EARLY OHIO.--(Fancy Northern Grown Stock)--For several years past we have been having these grown in the noted Red River valley, about 400 miles north of Des Moines, and careful tests have proven them to be fully ten days earlier than the Iowa grown stock. This is a great advantage to the gardener, and puts this variety at the head, second only to Bliss' Triumph. They are all of good average size, strictly pure, smooth, and free from scab and rot, and outyield other early sorts greatly. It is a special favorite wth marketmen, and the most profitable potato they can grow. The sprout is very strong and the vines grow erect, making it easy to cultivate, and on account of its early maturity you can get the highest market prices and have the land for other crops. The tubers grow compact in the hill, are easily dug, very few small ones, nearly every one being of marketable size. They keep firm till late in the spring. This variety is frequently sold under the name Extra Early Six Weeks. This is our specialty in standard varieties. Don't plant Iowa grown stock when you can obtain these. Per pk. 50c, bu. $1.35, bbl. $3.25.

Dec. 5, 1899.--The two barrels Early Ohio Potatoes just received; am well pleased with them. John Entrekin, Kingston, Ohio.

EARLY OHIO.--Grown in Iowa. Our stock is as nice as any which can be obtained, we think, and is desirable both for early and main crop. Per pk. 40c, bu. $1.25, bbl. $3.00. GREAT DIVIDE.--A grand new variety. The most robust growing, largest yielding, longest keeping, and best shipping main crop, white potato in America. In fact, it is a peer of the Burbank in its palmiest days, while it is adapted to a greater variety of soils and climates. Our stock is exceptionally fine. Remember all our stock is true to name, grown for us by the originator. Pk. 50c, bu. $1.50, bbl. $3.50.

[image] EXTRA EARLY OHIO.--(Grown in Red River Valley.)

BONANZA.--One of the leading varieties for main crop. The tubers are large, oblong, somewhat flattened, skin dark red, smooth, flesh firm, white and fine grained. Productive and of superior quality. Per pk. 40c, bu. $1.00, bbl. 2.25.

[image] CARMAN NO. 3.

CARMAN NO. 3.--This handsome new main crop potato is of large size, yielding immense crops of uniform size and shape. It is of perfect form, as shown by the illustration, almost every potato being of uniform size and shape, and average nearly one pound each in weight, in good seasons. It has but few eyes, and they are shallow; the skin and flesh are extremely white and its cooking qualities are very fine. It is a remarkably handsome potato, enormously prolific, and will please all potato growers. Keeps well. Per pk. 40c, bu. $1.25, bbl. $3.00. MINNESOTA EARLY ROSE.--Superior in earliness and size to the Iowa grown. Per pk. 50c, bu. $1.25, bbl. $3.25. PARSON'S PROLIFIC.--Introduced by us in 1882, and is still considered by many the best main crop potato in cultivation for Iowa growers. They are a very nice, smooth, white potato, slightly russeted, and with eyes almost even with the surface. They run unusually even in size, there being but few small ones and no overgrown large potatoes. It is the potato for main crop and it will pay you to plant some this year. Pk. 40c, bu. $1.25, bbl. $3.00.

[image] PARSON'S PROLIFIC.

42. SEED CATALOGUE AND GARDEN GUIDE.

[image] Van Ornam's Favorite.

MILLS' PRIZE.--One of the largest potato growers in this state is now devoting most of his land to this variety claiming that it is the largest yielder of any and he can sell it in competition with the Colorado grown, as it is larger and the quality is so superior. Cooks quickly. We recommend it highly. Per pk. 40c, bu. $1.00, bbl. $2.50.

VAN ORNAM'S FAVORITE POTATO.--Mr. F. B. VanOrnam of this state is well known throughout the country as a prominent seed potato grower and has originated several of the best varieties of potatoes now on the market, amongst others VanOrnam's Earliest, Burpee's Extra Early and Great Divide. This year we have secured from him a most excellent new variety which he says he considers far superior to any other variety of potato for main crop that was ever sent out, and he has tested all varieties now on the market. It is a seedling of strong, erect, vigorous growth with plenty of dark green foliage which is quite tough and resists drouth, blight and insects the best of any variety. The tubers are long and round, sometimes slightly flattened, of pure white color and large to very large in size. They are quite uniform in this respect, there being few small ones indeed in the crop, so that they do not need grading before being marketed. The potatoes grow very compactly in the hill and moderately near the surface, thus making it easy to harvest. The eyes are plenty, but they are about level with the surface causing no inconvenience in peeling. It matures at medium season the ideal time for main crop potato; flesh is very white and mealy when cooked and quality unsurpassed; it is an extra long keeper, remaining sound and of fine flavor and appearance well into the following season. Mr. VanOrnam says it is without doubt the healthiest and greatest drouth and heat resister now on the market, and we send the potato out to our customers with the highest recommendations. We are very sorry, however, that stock is so small that we are unable to offer it in large quantities. Per lb. 50c, 3 lbs. $1.25 postpaid. By freight or express per 1/2 pk. 75c; per pk. $1.25. Do not fail to give this grand new variety a trial this year.

[image] RURAL NEW YORKER NO. 2.

WORLD'S FAIR.--A new potato of great value for general use. It is a first quality, strong grower, very prolific, main crop variety. Tubers are smooth and symmetrical; skin white, well covered with netting; flesh pure white, fine grained, mealy. Pk. 50c, bu. $1.35, bbl. $3.25. COLLECTION.--1 lb. each of the above 13 varieties for $1.15 by express, purchaser to pay charges. One peck of each $5.00. HYBRIDIZED POTATO SEED.--Potato seed from the flower ball, (the true seed.) It is from such seed that all the choice new varieties of potatoes are originated. Per pkt. 10c, 3 pkts. 25c, postpaid.

I received the barrel of potatoes you sent me and they were fine.--S. P. Swanson, Essex, Iowa.

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MAMMOTH WHITE ARTICHOKE. An improvement on the Jerusalem artichoke. 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 preventative of hog 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 to five bushels will seed an acre, and they may be planted whole or cut the same as potatoes, 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. Seed artichokes are quite scarce this year. Per lb. 30c, 3 lbs. 75c, postpaid. By freight or express, pk. 50c, bu. $1.50, bbl. $3.25.

RURAL NEW YORKER NO. 2--One of the largest yielding varietiss [varieties] in existence. Large and unusually smooth, with few and shallow eyes; skin white, as is also the flesh, which is of superior quality. Medium late and best drouth resister. Per pk. 40c, bu. $1.00, bbl. $2.50. EARLY BEAUTY OF HEBRON.--A standard early sort. Pk. 50c, bu. $1.25, bbl. $3.00.

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

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SEED SWEET POTATOES. For twenty years past our firm has been known as headquarters in central Iowa for choice seed sweet potatoes. Our stock is grown, stored and handled especially for seed purposes and cannot fail to please all. So perfect is our manner of packing that there is rarely a complaint, although they are usually considered very perishable, by reason of changes in the weather or rough handling, but we cannot guarantee safe delivery. Price subject to market changes. Write for price on large lots. We ship about April 12, usually. If desired we will send copy of our circular telling how to grow sweet potato plants, free; but it will pay you to read the book on Sweet Potato Culture by Fitz. Price 60c postpaid. See page 25 for price of plants. EARLY YELLOW JERSEY.--In spite of the many so-called new varieties, all of which we have tested, the Early Yellow Jersey holds the first place. The earliest, most productive, of short, chunky shape, and of the very best quality. It is an improvement on the old Yellow Nansemond being of better shape and quality, and will probably always remain the most popular market sort. Potatoes are of good medium size and very few small ones. Per pk. 50c, bu. $1.40, bbl. $3.00.

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NEW GOLD COIN VINELESS.--A novelty of great merit which has been very popular during the past three years since its introduction. Instead of having long running vines like all other sorts it is of dwarf bush-like growth; leaves are large, shaped somewhat like a maple leaf and unlike any other kind of sweet potato. The tubers are yellow, of medium to large size and lie compactly in the hill. When cooked the flesh is rich yellow color, dry, sweet and of best possible quality. They are quite productive, an immense crop can be raised because owing to their peculiar manner of growth they can be planted closer together and require less labor in cultivation. Excellent keepers. By mail per lb. 40c, 3 lbs. $1.00. By freight peck 75c, bu. $2.00, bbl. $4.50. RED JERSEY.--Similar in shape to our Early Yellow Jersey but of a dark red color. Quality excellent and it is without doubt the best of all the red varieties. Per peck 75c, bu. $2.00, bbl. $4.50. WHITE SOUTHERN QUEEN.--These are the large "Yams" which are so popular in the south. Even the seed potatoes are monster size often weighing several pounds each. Peck 75c, bu. $2.00, bbl. $4.50.

Sweet Potatoes received all O. K., and they were fine.--T. A. W. Allabaugh, Marshall Co., Iowa.

IOWA SEED COMPANY, DES MOINES, IOWA. 43.

[image] RELISH LETTUCE.

Novelties and Specialties for 1900.

''WHAT have you that is especially new and desirable this year?" is the first question asked us by many of our patrons. In the following pages on pink paper we give special prominence to some of our most important novelties and specialties this year. Each is faithfully described from careful observation. All are worthy and recommended by us. Aside from these, many desirable novelties will be found listed in various parts of the catalogue, as well as the standard sorts which everyone wants for stand-bys.

RELISH LETTUCE. When visiting the place of one of our seed growers in California last summer we were greatly pleased with this fine new variety which we do not hesitate to call the best of all for family use. It is one of those rich buttery flavored sorts which after one becomes accustomed to, they always prefer to the crisp leaved varieties. It is the blanched yellow center of the head that is eaten with olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper. It is extra large and handsome, of unusual solidity and of most crisp, tender quality. It is the most desirable sort for family use and for market gardeners, either for forcing or growing in the open ground. Early and hardy. Pkt. 10c, oz. 30c, 1/4 lb. $1.00.

SUPERB TOMATO. A choice Novelty for 1900. It is indeed a superb new variety which is sure to please everyone with its high quality. It originated with one of our growers a few years ago and has been carefully selected to perfect the type. It is a sport from the old purple Mikado, retaining the robust healthy growth and potato-shape leaf of that variety, but the fruit is bright crimson, same color as the Matchless. It matures at mid-season and is the most productive variety that we ever grew and will undoubtedly be a very profitable sort for market gardeners. It is hardy and stands a frost which will kill other sorts, and it is also an excellent drouth resister. The fruits are smooth, of medium size, and superior quality. Last year most varieties of tomatoes were badly affected with blight, but we could not find any blight in this variety. In packets only of about 100 seeds 15c, 2 for 25c. MAMMOTH GROUND CHERRY. A Novelty of 1900. For several years past we have thought that the Yellow Ground Cherry was a fruit which could be improved, and by hybridizing and selecting we have finally secured a mammoth size fruit fully 1 1/2 inches in diameter, which is of fine flavor. We predict great popularity for it. Have but little seed this year and so can only offer it in packets of 40 seeds. But we are sure thousands of our customers will want to try it. Price per pkt. 10c. DWARF GOLDEN CHAMPION TOMATO. For the market gardener this may be described as the best yellow variety of all. In dwarf, compact habit of growth and crumpled foliage the plant is an exact counterpart of the favorite Dwarf Champion, but the large, handsome fruits are of a beautiful lemon-yellow color. Never before have we had a yellow Tomato that was so large, solid, and fine flavored. Per pkt. 10c.

[image] HESTER SQUASH--"Good Enough for Fairies."

NEW HESTER SQUASH. This extra choice new variety which we introduced last year may be called a yellow Sibley squash, as it [is] a strain of that well known variety which has been selected and improved by Mr. Wm. Hester for many years. The old Sibley or Pike's Peak has for many years past been considered the only variety which surpassed the Hubbard in quality every year. Mr. Hester secured a few seeds of the Sibley direct from the originator about 12 years ago, prior to its introduction. One of these produced a vine which bore fruit different from the type and color, and also much earlier. It is of same shape as the parent variety, but the color is of a pinkish yellow, slightly striped at the point with light green. They are early and quality is excellent even when fruit is quite small so that they can be used as an early summer squash. From that time until mid-winter they are the best of all squashes, and under proper conditions will hold their own until spring. One lady said after testing their delicate flavor, "They are good enough for fairies," and this suggested our illustration which represents the pet of our family--Lily Page--tasting the baked squash. When stewed or steamed they are drier than when baked, and they make the most delicious pies. Per pkt. 10c, oz. 35c.

AUSTRALIAN BROWN ONION. A new medium sized, wonderfully hard and solid variety of onion, and one which is quite attractive for the market, both in form and color. They are extremely early in ripening, and produce a crop of fine bulbs which are very uniform in size. Color is a peculiarly clear amber-brown, quite distinct from any other variety. In keeping qualities it exceeds any other variety that we know of. The U. S. government purchased 200 sacks of these onions and 200 sacks of Yellow Globe Danvers for shipment to the Philippines. The latter spoiled in transit and had to be thrown out while the Australian Brown grown on the same farm reached Manilla in perfect condition, showing no signs of sprouting. We are sure it will please our customers, no matter whether they want an onion for marketing or for their own table use. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 20c, 1/4 lb. 60c, lb. $2.00.

Please Notice The illustration of Vegable [Vegetable] Novelties On Back Cover of this Catalogue, and Try Them This Year, The collection of 8 Superb Novelties For 40 Cts.

IMPROVED BISMARCK CUCUMBER. An excellent variety with very long fruit, pointed at both ends, very uniform in shape, size and color, thus making it an excellent sort for marketing. Holds its dark green color well. Pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 25c, lb. 75c. GRADUS PEAS. The Finest, First-Early Wrinkled Pea. This new extra early green wrinkled pea is an acquisition and will soon become one of our most popular varieties. We may now have large tender peas, sweet and delicious in early June. The Gradus will yield an abundant supply of the most tender wrinkled peas much earlier than other wrinkled varieties, and they proved to be, as claimed by the introducer, only three days later than the best stocks of the small extra earlies, such as First and Best, etc. It is also the earliest large podded pea in cultivation. The vine has heavy stems, with large dark green leaves, and grows from 2 1/2 to 3 feet in height. It produces uniformly large pods, measuring from 4 to 5 inches long, well filled with peas of enormous size for such an early variety. The peas remain edible, tender and sweet for some time. The Gradus is an ideal extra early, and we are confident that it is destined to become the leading early variety, both for the amateur and market gardeners. Per pkt. 10c, 1/2 pt. 20c, qt. 60c.

[image] AUSTRALIAN BROWN ONION