1913

Iowa Seed Company, Des Moines, Iowa. 19

Musk Melon

(One ounce will plant about 80 hills, two pounds to the acre.)

The soil best adapted to melons is a warm, rich sandy loam. Plant in hills five to six feed apart each way, ten to twelve seeds in a hill. When they begin to vine, thin out, leaving only four of the most thrifty. As melons are very sensitive to cold, they should not be planted until the settled middle of May. Cultivation should commence as soon as the plants appear above the ground, and be kept up once a week until the vines interfere too much. You will be pleased with our seed, the greater part of which is produced at Altoons, with special care.

Burrell Gem. A truly delicious melon for home use or if you desire a variety which will bring a fancy price on the market. We unhesi tantingly recommend the Burrell Gem. About the same size and shape as Rocky Ford, but has rich golden yellow flesh of the most delicious sort. Seed cavity is very small. Melons average about six inches long, four and a half inches in diameter and weigh 2 1/4 lbs, each. Shipments of these mel ons to Chicago, St. Louis, New York and elsewhere brought 50 per cent more than the best Rocky Fords. Pkt 5c, oz. 15c, 1/4 lb. 40c, lb. $ 1.25.

[Image of basket of melons with halved melons along front, labelled Burrell Gem]

The Ordway Cantelope. This is the favorite type of small basket melon as grown at Ordway, Colorado. It differs from the Rocky Ford type in shape and color as it is more nearly round and inclined to flatten at the ends, but is of about the same size. The color more nearly resembles the Burrell Gem, and it has the salmon-colored flesh of that variety. The quality is extra fine, being sweet and spicy, and deliciously melting and sugary. A spendid breakfast melon and will stand shipment for long distances. It is early in maturing, the originator claiming it to be two weeks earlier than Rocky Ford, and this is a very desirable feature for the market grower. For the home garden,it will be found a spendid melon, as it is vigorous and productive and the quality is all that might be asked. Our seed is from the originator. Pkt 5c, oz. 15c, 1/4 lb. 40c, lb. $ 1.25.

[Image of cantelope labelled The Ordway Cantelope]

Osage. One of the best melons for family use and also greatly liked by gardeners. Flesh is salmon color, remarkable sweet and spicy in flaor, extremely thick and delicous to the rind. Seed cavity is very small. It is seldom that one of poor quality is found. The whole crop is very even and extra heavy, owing to the thickness of the meat. It is of medium size, oval slighly ribbed. Skin is thin, of dark green color and covered more or mess with shallow netting. We have taken a great deal of pains to develop the think, deep, rich colored and fine flavored flesh of this sort, and a careful comparison proves it to be un equaled. All lovers of fine melons should try Osage. Pkt 5c, oz. 15c, 1/4 lb. 4c, lb. $ 1.25.

[Image of melon with slice removed labelled Osage Musk Melon]

Improved Green Nutmeg. A greatly improved strain of the original old Green Nutmeg. Fruit of medium size, very rich, melt ing and of exquisite flavor; flesh light green. Very productive. The original variety was a standard sort for many years, and is one of the best main crops sorts. Pkt 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 30c, lb. $1.00.

Improved Early Hackensack. Ready for the market fully ten days ahead of the well known Hacken sack, which it resembles in size, shape, and quality, weigh ing from 5 to 12 lbs. each. Very productive, averaging five to six melons on the vine, all of them deeply netted; flesh light green. Shape is round, flattened at the ends and ribs are prominent. Quality fine and a spendid market melon, as it ships well. Pkt 5c, oz. 15c, 1/4 lb. 40c, lb. $ 1.25.

Netted Gem. An excellent small melon, very popular with melon growers. Finely netted, and looks nice in the market. Flesh green and particularly rich and juicy. This is the parent variety of the Rocky Ford type of mel ons and is grown in preference to the more recent strains in many parts of the country. Our stock of this is from one of the best growers in the country, is fully equal to the Rocky Ford strains as commonly sold, and we are sure will please our customers with its fine flavor. Pkt 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 25c, lb. $75c.

Tip Top. (Orange flesh) This is a fine, nearly round in shap melon of such attractive appearance as to al ways sell quickly in the markets. It is sweet, juicy and delicious. The flesh is firm but not hard, and is edible almost to the rind. The melon is of medium to large size, evenly ribbed and moderately netted; a strong grower, heavy yielder and of handsome appearance, and is one of the best of the orange fleshed sorts. Its appearance on the market stall is very attractive, sells on sight; cus tomers soon learn to pick them outt and will have no other variety. Particularly adapted to the West. Pkt 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 30c, lb. $ 1.00.

Several additional varieties of musk melons are listed on the next page

20 Seed Catalogue and Garden Guide.

Musk Melon --- Continued

Paul Rose. Named for its originator who produced it by a cross of Osage and Netted Gem, combining sweetness and the high flavor of the former with the fine netting and shipping qualities of the latter. In size about midway between the parent sorts, with salmon flesh, and is a spendid melon for hotel and restau rant trade. Peculiarly sweet, rich, delicious flavor, and a long keeper and good shipper. Pkt. 5c, oz. 15c, 1/4 lb. 40c, lb. $ 1.25.

[Image of melon labelled Paul Rose]

Thoroughbred Rocky Ford. This variety, well shown by our ilustra tion, has everywhere been in great demand by the high-class hotels and restau rants. Hundreds of carloads have been shipped from the little town of Rocky Ford, Colorado to the large cities, driving out the home grown. Of just the right size for table use, slightly oval in shape, flesh thick, of light green color, and fine, juicy, lucious flavor. Very early and wonderfully productive. Our seed is from choice specimens in the crop of the best melon grower at Rocky Ford who grows the ThoroughBred or predigree stock of this variety. shipper. Pkt. 5c, oz. 15c, 1/4 lb. 40c, lb. $ 1.25.

Ordinary Rocky Ford. Saved from oridinary melons which are too ripe for shipment. It will be free from mixture and while not so choice as our thor oughbred strain will produce an excellent crop of fine-flavored melons. shipper. Pkt. 5c, oz. 15c, 1/4 lb. 40c, lb. $ 1.25.

[Image of melon labelled Rocky Fork Musk Melon]

Grand Rapids. This is an extremely early variety. Flesh is of pure yellow clear to the rind; skin finely netted. To obtain best results pinch off the runners, throwing the growth into the fruit, mak ing it larger and earlier. This is much larger than the Rocky Ford type, averag ing in size with Osage, but is claimed by market growers to be the earliest of the larger varieties. It is of handsome and attractive appearance and quality is good. Is certainly a desirable sort for the market grower. shipper. Pkt. 5c, oz. 15c, 1/4 lb. 40c, lb. $ 1.25.

[Image of melon labelled Grand Rapids]

Emerald Gem. Undoubtedly the fin est in flavor and the earliest to ripen, and while too soft to stand shipping any great distance, is unequaled for home use or nearby markets. Vines of strong and vig orous growth; very prolific. Is rather small, and flattened at both ends. Emerald green, smooth and free from netting, heav ily ribbed, with narrow bands of lighter green between ribs. Flesh very thick, crystalline appearance, and of rich salmon color. shipper. Pkt. 5c, oz. 15c, 1/4 lb. 40c, lb. $1.25.

[Image of melon with slice removed labelled Emerald Green Musk Melon]

Bay View. Fruit of largest size, fre quently ten or fifteen pounds. Deep ribbed and coarse netted. Best of large, late ma turing sorts. Many persons prefer the old form of musk melon which was large and long, and we offer this as the best of the type. It is of good flavor, productive, with firm flesh, and does not rot quickly. shipper. Pkt. 5c, oz. 15c, 1/4 lb. 40c, lb. $1.25.

[Image of elongated melon labelled Bay View]

European-African Mixed. Grown in Europe in preference to American sorts. We do not think then as good as ours, but you may like them better so we suggest you try them. Mixture of many kinds. pkt. 10c.

[Image of a melon with spots labelled African Musk Melon]

Banana. Attains a length of from 18 to 40 inches; from 2 to 4 inches thick. Flesh very thick, of salmon color. It looks almost like a overgrown banana and smells like one, hence its name. Has a peculiar flavor, differing from ordinary musk melons, and by some is considered superior. Pkt. 5c, oz. 15c.

[Image of long narrow melon labelled Banana Melon]

Mixed Musk Melons. A mixture of the American Varieties which we list, and desir able for the diversity it offers; making an appeal to all different tastes. shipper. Pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 30c, lb. $1.00.

Casaba Musk Melons

THis is a class of very late maturing musk melons which do not ripen on the vines in the north, but are gathered before freezing weather and stored in a cool place and brought to a warm room for ripening; can be eaten any time up to Christmas as they keep very long. Shipped from California in carloads during winter.

Winter Pineapple, or Santa Claus. The original, round form green, best keepter of all. Pkt. 10c, oz. 25c.

White's Favorite. Shaped like WInter Pineapple; beautiful golden color when ripened. The best flavored of this type, but will not keep so long. Pkt. 10c, oz. 25c.

Good Results East and West

Our order was recieved in good shape and wew thank you for the extras. The Iowa Seed Co. is the best in the world. Mrs. Adam Weinman, Phil lipsburg, Kansas.

I thought I would write you a few lines and let you know I had great success with the seeds I received from you last spring. Chas. Spainhower, New Eagle, Pennsylvania.

We received the garden seed and were suprised that it came so quickly. Thank you for many favors. Mrs. F. VanAals burg, Lynden, Washington.

Every seed purchased from you has provedn to be just as represented and I cannot say too much in their favor. Edwin S. Sparhawk, Greenwich, N.Y.

I have used your seeds for the past three years and find them to be the best seeds and largest packages I ever bought. Mrs. J.E. Broad ford, Burr Oak, Kansas.

A home grown musk melon is always superior to one bought in the market.

Iowa Seed Company, Des Moines, Iowa. 21

Water Melon

(One ounce is required for forty hills; three pounds will plant an acre.)

A light, sandy soil, with good exposure to the sun, is the best for water melons. It should be prepared deep, but receive shallow cultivation. Hoe often and thoroughly. Plant in hills 8 to 10 feet apart each way. Plant 8 to 10 seeds per hill, and finally, when danger of insects is past, leave but three strong plants. Thousands of melon growers depend on us annually for their seeds and are universally pleased, claiming that nowhere have they ever obtained seeds so pure and reliable. It pays to have the best. Packets contain about one hundred seeds.

Cole's Early. Decidedly the finest variety for the private garden, but is too brittle for long shipments. It is very early and will mature farther north than most other sorts. Of medium size, very productive, continuing to bear throughout the season. Flesh of bright red color, of granulated, sparkling appearance. In flavor lusciously sweet and refreshing. Pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 25c, lb. 75c.

[Image of watermelon and half watermelon labelled Cole's Early]

Fordhook Early. Large early sort. From seeds planted May 10th, ripe melons have been produced the last of July. The rind is tough, making it valu able for shipping. Color is uniform medium green; flesh red, very sweet. Pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 25c, lb. 75c.

Peerless, or Ice Cream. (WHite Seeded) Of unquestionably quality, very early, medium size, thin rind, flesh bright scarlet. Rind too thin for shipping but it is the great home market melon and has occupied a high place in all seed lists for many years. Few, if any, sorts surpass it in melting, delicious quality. Pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 20c, lb. 60c.

Tom Watson. A new variety destined to become a leader among melons, because of quality and shipping excellence. There is no variety to our knowledge that combines both esssentials as does this melon. Most sorts of extra quality are not tough enough to ship, and most shipping melons are too tough to excel in quality. The Tom Watson is a large, oblong melon, the skin of which is dark green, with thick netting on the entire surface, quite dis tinct from other varieties. It averages 18 to 24 inches long and 10 to 10 inches in diameter and weighs 50 to 60 pounds. The rind is thin but tough and flesh a bright, attractive red color, crisp, sweet and delicious. The heart is large with no core. Seeds brown, tipped white. Pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 30c, lb. $1.00.

[Image of three watermelons labelled Tom Watson]

Golden Sweet. There is a demand for yellow fleshed melons to contrast with red sorts for table service, and in the variety we have the unique color of flesh combined with quality that will make it a fit companion for the sweetest red sorts that grow. The Golden Sweet is a most delicious and fine flavored melon unsurpassed for sweetness and aroma. The outside skin is dark green, shape oblong, as shown in the illustration, size medium, a little larger than Monte Cristo, averaging about 20 pounds in weiht, and just right for family use. The rind is very thin, not more than half an inch in thickness, but is hard and will carry without cracking or bursting the flesh. The color of the flesh is golden yellow, some specimens showing a lighter shade of lemon yellow, and the flesh is solid, smooth and contains comparatively very few seeds. For several years, our customers have been asking for a yellow fleshed melon and we offer the Golden Sweet with full confidence that we shall please our patrons. Pkt. 10c, oz. 25c, 1/4 lb. 75c.

[Image of watermelon with slice removed, labelled New Golden Sweet]

Kolb's Gem. For many years a favorite sort among northern market growers. On ac count of its excellent shipping qualities it is extensively grown for that purpose. Nearly round; color a dark green with lighter narrow strips. Very thin rind; flesh bright red, good flavor. Our seed is choice. Pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 20c, lb. $60c.

Long Light Icing. A old standard va riety, still in great demand by market grow ers. Is a melon of splendid quality with the attractive bright red flesh so desireable. The fruits are large, oblong in shape, with light colored rind, making it distinctive. Pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 25c, lb. 75c.

Duke Jones. A magnificent large melon; dark green rind, slightly striped; flesh bright red, very juicy and delicious. Medium early, very prolific; is much larger than Kolb's Gem. A carload of 800 melons, averaging 43 lbs. each, were gathered from two-thirds of an acre. One grower writes that they produced ripe melons in 65 days. Has been grown to immense size, and even the largest specimens hold their flavor. Pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 25c, lb. 75c

Gypsy, or Georgia Rattlesnake. A superior early market variety; large, oblong, skin is green, mottled, and striped. Pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 20c, lb. 60c.

Mixed. Twenty-five varieties of the finest water-melons, largest, earliest, sweetest; grown seperately; seed carefully mixed by us. Pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 25c, lb. 75.

For additional lisst of standard varieties of water melons see next page.

22 Seed Catalogue and Garden Guide.

Water Melon -- Continued

Improved Triumph. Undoubtedly the largest of all melons, having been grown to the extraordinary weight of 149 1/2 lbs. It is also very productive, as melons aggregating over 800 lbs have been grown on one vine Isn't that enough to make the pickaninnies dance, as shown in picture? Governor Chandler states that he had one of the Triumph melons weighing 132 lbs., which was sufficient to sup ply the 43 persons present with all they could eat. It is of dark green color, matures in good season; flesh is dark red, solid, and of excellent quality. Pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 25c, lb. $65c.

[Image of a Black man slicing a watermelon labelled 149 1/2 lb and a log cabin with Black children dancing in the background, labelled The Triumph]

McIver's Wonderful Su gar. This is a famouns melon for sweetness and high quality. The fruits are long and of large size, averaging about 35 lbs. each. Is considered one of the handsomest melons, being rather light col ored, irregularly striped and mot tled with dark green. Rind is rather thin but tough; a good shipper. Flesh is delicate light red, entirely stringless and ten der, juicy and luscious. Vine is strong, vigorous grower, very prolific and withstands extremes of weather, either wet or dry. Pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 25c, lb. $75c.

[Image of watermelon labelled McIver's Wonderful Sugar]

Mountain Sweet. The old standard, still quite popular in the north where the large fruited southern sorts do not ripen. Pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 20c, lb. 60c.

[Image of sliced watermelon labelled Iowa Standard]

Monte Cristo, of Kleckley's Sweets. A won derfully popular variety. Stocks of seed last year were entirely exhausted before the end of the season. You must order early if you want Monte Cristo. After testing all varieties of melons, we do not hesitate to pronounce this one of the sweetest, juiciest, most delicious melons in existence, and it is especially desirable for the private family. The skin is dark green, faintly striped; flesh bright red and peculiarly rich, crisp, and pleasant flavored. It ripens early, is of large size, is a good shipper, and a long keeper. Market gardeners will also be pleased with it. Pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 30c, lb. 85c.

[Image of watermelon labelled Monte Cristo]

Two years ago I bought an order from you and can truly say. I never had a better seed in all my gardening. W.H. Moore, York, Nebraska.

Citron Melons

Nice for presserving and largely used for this purpose.

Apple pie. This is a novelty which will be appreciated in many sec tions of the country. Vine fruit are quite similar to a watermelon and are easily grown on any good soil. Each vine produces from 5 to 15 fruits and one of the large size will make as many pies as a half bushel of apples. The flesh is white, solid throughout and of excellent quality for mak ing pies, sauce, preserves, etc., and it resembles apples in flavor. THey keep nice and fresh all winter, so that they can be used at any time and any surplus can be fed to the live stock. It willp ay to raise them for this purpose alone as they can be kept and fed all winter. Pkt. 10 c., oz. 25c.

[Image of a melon next to a pie labelled Apple Pie Melon]

Colorado Preserving. This is a large-fruiting strain of Citron for preserving. Flesh clear white and very solid. Green seed. Pkt. 5c, oz. 1/4 30c, lb. $1.00.

Red Seeded Citron. Rounds dark green striped and mottled with light green. Pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 30c, lb. $1.00.

Water melons are liked by everyone, and are best when grown at home

Iowa Sweed Company, Des Moines, Iowa. 23

Mushrooms

The case and certainly with which a crop of mush rooms can be grown to perfection in an ordinary house cellar, woodshed or barn, and the astonishing success of so many who have taken up this new in dustry, both for profit and their own use, induces us to call especial attention to the subject. The great luxury of mushrooms can be enjoyed by all at a trifling expenditure of money, time and labor. We recommend our English mushroom spawn as gener ally better both for the market garden and the pri vate planter. Directions for culture sent on applica tion. Per brick of about 1 1/4 lbs., by mail, 40c. By exp. or frt., 5 bricks 85c, 25 lbs $2.25, 100 lbs. $7.50.

[Image of mushrooms and people cultivating mushrooms labelled Mushrooms]

Mustard

A pungent salad, used with cress or for greens. Sow thickly in rows, cut when about two inches high. One ounce will sow about seventy five feet of drill.

Ostrich Plume. Leaves long, ruffled, frilled and curved gracefully as as ostrich plume; desirable for garnishing. Can be cut quite early; excel lent for "greens." Pkt. 5c, oz. 1c, 1/4 lb. 25c, lb. 75c.

Southern Giant Curled. True curled leaf bariety so popular in the south for planting in fall to furnish early spring salad; also fine for spring sowing. Pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 25c, lb. 60c .

[Image of plant with large curled leaves, labelled Southern Giant Curled Mustard]

Chinese Golden. Thick, finely curled leaves of bright golden yellow,. Pkt. 5, oz. 1, 1/4 lb. 20 lb. 60c.

White English. Pkt. 5, oz. 10 1/4 lb. 20 lb. 40c.

Okra

(One ounce will sow about 80 feet of drill)

Why not try Okra this year? It is extra nice for soups, stews, etc., and also much liked when pickled. Sow at the usual time of tender vegetables in drills 2 in. deep, leaving the plants 2 to 3 ft. apart. Pick pods while quite young and still tender and slice crosswise before cooking.

Wyrick's New Giant. Won derfully productive. Pods shoot out from the stalk within 3 inches of the ground, and the whole plant is covered with them. Pods are vivid green, 8 to 9 inches long, slender and do not harden as is the case with other varieties. best for canning. Pkt. 5, oz. 10 1/4 lb. 25 lb. 45c.

White Velvet. Pods round, smooth and of an attractive white, velvety ap pearance, very tender and of superior flavor. In the south where Okra is grown by almost everyone, this is considered the choicest quality. Plants dwarf and very productive. Pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 20c, lb. 65c.

[Image of Okra plant with white pods, labelled White Velvet Okra]

Pomegranate

Ornamental little fruit commonly grown in gardens a century ago, but now rarely seen. Growns on pretty vine, fruit is round, yellow, irregularly striped with orange, red or mahogany; fragrant; a specimen will perfume a room many days. Pkt. 10c, oz. 25c.

Pop Corn

It pays to raise pop corn as a general crop. The demand usually exceeds the supply. Some farmers claim it is as easily grown as field corn and they receive three or four times the amount per acre for the crop. For main crop of Monarch White Rice will bring the best price per pound as it is better know. Let the children try a patch. Ask for price in quan tity. We also buy and sell pop corn for popping and will be pleased to make offers or quote prices on application. Of course such corn cannot be sold for germination.

Monarch White Rice. This is our own strain of large rice pop corn and has been breed up to splendid form and wonderful productiveness. We believe it is the best white variety. Bears three to six ears per stalk and yields 1,800 to 2,500 lbs. per acre. The grain is rather large and in popping expands to great size. If you are growing pop corn for market we urge you to plant Monarch White Rice as it will yield better returns than any other kind. Pkt. 5c, 1/2 pt. 12c, qt. 35c. By express, 1/2 pk. 65c, pk. $1.20.

Page's Striped Rice. Introduced by Iowa Seed Co. A beautiful and attractive va riety. Color white, each kernal being striped bright crimson like the old-fashioned Calico field corn. It has true rice grains, ears of good size, yields big crops, and pops fine and large and exceedingly tender. Popular for home growers because of quality. Pkt. 3c, 1.2 pt. 15c, qt. 50c.

[Image of ear of corn labelled Page's Striped Rice]

Queen's Golden. This produces a large ear, and large, smooth grain of peculiar lustrous golden yellow. Matures early and is very prolific. Grown by many poultrymen for feeding, as the grain is of right size and flinty, making especially good feed for grow ing fowls and pigeons. It pops spendidly, the general appearance of the popped corn being a rich cream color, peculiarly attract ive. Pkt. 5c, 1/2 pt. 15c, qt. 40c.

Mapledale Prolific. The best of the smoothgrain white varieties. The ears are of medium size, but there are so many to the stalk that the average yield is extra large. The grain is rather small and is preferred by market poppers because it goes farther than the larger grained sorts. It pops slendidly and will produce a larger proportion of popped corn per pound of grain than the larger sorts. On account of the smooth grain it is much nicer to handle than the rough rice kinds. Pkt. 5c, 1/2 pt. 15c, qt. 40c.

Ten years ago my first order of seeds from you was 35 cents. It has increased each year since until this year it reached $102.00. Alex Pearson, Wakefield, Neb.

Mushroom culture-- A complete book of instructions how to grow them. Postpaid, 50 cents