Golden Harvest 1907

[Image of an advertisement for Iowa Seed Co. It features young girl wearing a frilly blue dress with a large, poofy hat. She is holding white lilies on the left, and red roses tucked in her arm. There are red Protea flowers below her, and a field of wheat behind her.] Golden Harvest Catalogue of SEEDS PLANTS BULBS FOR FALL PLANTING

IOWA SEED Co. DES MOINES, IOWA.

ONE ONE QUALITY THE BEST

1870-1907 Thirtyseven Years Successful Business!

TO OUR FRIENDS AND PATRONS: It is always a pleasure to meet our customers, many of whom visit our store every season, but by far the larger number of them we never see, as our trade is so world-wide in extent. We want, first of all to thank you for your liberal patronage in the past, which we assure you is most heartily appreciated. The success of the seed dealer depends on the success of his customers and in looking over our spring orders it gives us great pleasure to see the names of hundreds of customers who have been buying seeds from us steadily for the past twenty to thirty years. No recommendation is so strong as this evidence that our CHOICE IOWA SEEDS and our promptness and painstaking care in filling orders have made many friends.

WE GROW OUR OWN SEEDS either on our own place or have them grown from carefully selected stock seeds, and it requires the entire seed crop from about 8,600 acres to supply our trade. The soil and climate of Iowa are specially adapted to growing and maturing most seed crops, still there are some varieties which will produce better seed in other localities, and we spend a large part of the summer and fall in traveling around among our growers, inspecting the growing crops. Again thanking you for past favors, respectfully soliciting a continuance of your patronage, and trusting this season has been a prosperous one, we remain, Your friends, IOWA SEED COMPANY. M. KURTZWEIL, President. CHAS. N. PAGE, Treasurer and Manager. [image]

There are many things which can be planted to advantage in the fall and everyone who loves flowers should set out at least one bed of Dutch Bulbs for early spring blooming. They prolong the season of garden flowers about two months. They are also the main dependence for winter blooming In the house. Autumn is also a favorable season for making lawns and setting out strawberry plants.

Suggestions To Customers [left column] ORDER EARtY. -The best time to order is just as soon as you receive this catalogue, as we can always give your orders more of our personal attention. Please use the order sheet, as it makes it more convenient for us in filling orders. Terms are invariably cash with order, as we keep no book accounts in our mail order department, and the expense of sending goods C. O. D. Is quite large. Postage stamps received as cash.

OUR PRICES. -Our constant aim is to make the highest quality the first consideration, and next to put our prices as low as good seeds, plants, bulbs, etc., can be sold. SHIPPING. -There are five express companies and nineteen railroad lines at Des Moines, so that quick shipments can be made to any town in the United States. It is well to rememher that express charges are usually much higher on heavy goods, and you should order them sent by fast freight. CHARGES PREPAID. -All Bulbs and Plants, except those noted, are sent prepaid by mall or express by the quickest and most direct routes unless ordered otherwise, and we guarantee their safe arrival. Seeds sold by the peck or bushel, implements and other heavy goods are sent by freight or express at purchaser's expense. PREPAID RAILROAD STATIONS. -Many of our farmer customers live at Prepaid Rallroad Stations where there are no agents. In such cases we must request [right column] them to send sufficient money to prepay freight charges on heavy shipments. DISCOUNTS. -We give liberal discounts on all orders for Bulbs or Plants amounting to $1.00 or more; see pages 1 and 13. Save money by having your neighbors combine their orders with yours. No Discount can be allowed on Collections. OUR RESPONSlBILTY. -We refer you, by permission, to the Century Savings Bank, of this city, to the postmaster, or to any express company. ABOUT WARRANTING. -We thoroughly test all our seeds and nothing is sent out which we do not believe to be good in every respect. When it is considered how many are the contingencies on which the success of any crop depends, such as sowing, too deep or too shallow, too wet or dry soil, unfavorable weather, insects, etc., our customers will readily see that it would be sheer folly for anyone to warrant them to produce a perfect crop, and we want it plainly understood that while we exercise great care to have all seeds pure and reliable. and also true to name, we do not give any warranty, express or implied. If the purchaser does not accept the seeds on these terms and conditions, they are to be returned at once, and the money that bas been paid for same will be refunded. No officer, agent or employe of this company is authorized to make any warranty whatsoever.

Our Complete Seed Catalogue Will be ready January 1st.

It illustrates and describes all of the best new and standard sorts of Flower, Vegetable, Field and Farm Seeds, Flower Plants, Bulbs and Nursery Stock, as well as Lawn and Garden Tools, and Poultry Supplies of all kinds, of which we have the largest and most complete stock in the West. It also lists a great many sterling novelties which we have tested and found worthy to offer our customers. If you have not been receiving it, ask for a copy. We will also be glad to send it to any of your neighbors whom you think would be interested. OUR GERMAN FRIENDS will be pleased to notice that we also issue a catalogue in the German language, and we will take pleaseure in sending a copy free on request. Tell your German neighbors about it.

Dutch Bulbs And What Can Be Done With Them. The most beautiful and satisfying and the most easily grown of all our flowers, are those raised in the house and garden during the winter and spring months from "Dutch Bulbs," at a time when their beauty can be best appreciated because of the absence of other flowers. Nothing in the floral world surpasses the bulbous flowering plants in richness or purity of flowers, and their coloring ranges from the most delicate shades to the gorgeousness of Oriental splendor. Among these we find the delightfully fragrant and beautiful Hyacinths, the showy Tulips, the elegant and popular Narcissus, the stately Lilies, the pretty little Crocus, and many other equally handsome kinds. Most of these bulbs are grown in Holland, although some are from France, Italy, China, Japan and the Bermudas. There is nothing prettier or more desirable than a window nicely arranged with these, and a very small assortment will fill the house with fragrance. All are of the easiest culture and no experience is required for their successful management; but they will give better returns for having the treatment advised in this book, and no one can fail to have "good luck" whether grown out-doors or in the house. It has been well said that "A Dutch bulb can snap its fingers at the most stupid amateur and grow and bloom in spite of him whether the house be light or dark, hot or cold. In the garden no single class of plants affords the pleasure that the hardy, spring-flowering bulbs do, but during the fall, as we see our summer favorites one by one failing and fading, we are liable to forget that this is the time to plant our bulbs in the garden for early spring blooming, and also to prepare our window gardens in the house for flowers during the winter months. The Secret of Successful Bulb Culture. The real secret of bulb culture lies in buying the very best bulbs. Months of daily care may be lavished upon an ordinary Hyacinth, and the result will be disappointing; and again there is no comparison between the pleasure one gets out of a bulb that bears one solitary Daffodil and a bulb that produces three to five of these glorious golden trumpets. The other secret of bulb culture is to get a wonderful root growth before the stem begins to shoot up; light soil, plenty of water and a cool, dark place will accomplish this. Our bulbs are imported direct by us; are solid, heavy and possess the hardiness to resist wet and cold. We handle only the best varieties of each kind. [left column] DIRECTIONS FOR POT CULTURE. -Most of the bulbs may be planted outdoors to bloom there the bulbs in this list will bloom well in the house during the winter. Any good garden soil is suitable for them, but they succeed better in a sandy loam. Manure should be old and well pulverized. Set bulbs just below the surface of the soil in pots or boxes at any time from September to December. We prefer October. After watering thoroughly set away in cellar or some other cool, dark place and water from time to time as needed. They should remain in the dark from three weeks to two months before being brought to the light, as it is desirable to have them thoroughly rooted before the top starts. By bringing out a few pots at different times a succession of bloom may be kept up all winter. When brought from the cellar or storeroom, they should be placed in a light, sunny window. See that they are watered frequently and have as much fresh air as possible. Keep free from dust, and when in bloom they will last much longer if kept in a cool atomosphere thank if in a hot one. TREATMENT AFTER BLOOMING -Bulbs cannot be successfully forced in the house two succeeding years, therefore after blooming, most persons throw them away. If you have the room or convenience it is well to let them remain in the pots a few weeks to mature the bulbs. Then dry them out and store in cellar until September when

[right column] they may be planted outdoors to bloom there the following spring. GARDEN CULTURE. -Bulbs are of special value for out-door planting as they bloom nearly as soon as the snow is off in the spring. They then die down and Geraniums or other bedding plants may be set out without disturbing the bulbs, which should be left to ripen in the ground. Any ordinary garden soil will do, but a loose, sandy loam is best. Spade up till the surface of the beds is a little higher than the surrounding ground so the water will not stand on the surface. If soil is poor mix in well rotted manure or rich leaf mould. Plant in October or any time before the ground freezes. After a crust is frozen over the ground cover the bed with leaves or other coarse litter, to keep the soil frozen and not subject the bulbs to frewquent freezing and thawing. This covering should be removed early in spring, as the growth begins as soon the snow is gone.

DISCOUNTS. -Save money by having your neighbors combine their orders with yours. Bulbs are sent postpaid at prices named, except where noted. Purchasers may select bulbs to the amount of $1.10 for $1.00; $2.25 for $2.00; $3.50 for $3.00; $6.00 for $5.00. No discounts can be allowed on Collections.

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Fall Catalogue of Bulbs, Plants, Seeds, Etc. [image] [caption: GERTRUDE HYACINTH.] Hyacinths Iowa Seed Company's Best Named Varieties The Hyacinth justly deserves the name of "Queen of all Bulbous Flowers" by reason of its sweet perfume, bright and distinct shades of nearly all colors, easy culture in water or earth, in the window garden, conservatory, greenhouse, or in the open ground. Through centuries of careful cultivation and selection it has been brought to such a state of perfection that it could scarcely be improved upon, and there is no flower among all those which help to make the garden bright, deserving of greater popularity. There are so many thousands of varieties that lists are confusing, and we have therefore personally visited the leading growers in Holland where our bulbs are grown, to select sorts which prove best adapted to general culture. The following will prove highly satisfactory; all these named varieties are specially desirable for growing in glasses or pot culture. The Single Hyacinths are usually handsomer, as the spikes are complete, full and round, making a fine appearance. Double Hyacinths have more petals to the flowers, but they are set farther apart on the stems, thus giving them a somewhat ragged effect. HYACINTHS IN GLASSES. -The single varieties are, with a few exceptions, best adapted to this mode of culture, for they produce finer flower-spikes than the double. Fill the glass with clear, soft water, so as to touch the base of the bulb, putting a small piece of charcoal In each glass to keep the water pure. The filled glasses should be placed in a dry, cool, dark place, and kept there until the roots almost touch the bottom of the glass, when they may be exposed gradually to the light. If the water in the glasses becomes foul or diminished, replace it with fresh water at about the same temperature as the atmosphere in which the bulbs are growing. When well started, the bulbs should have plenty of light and air, without drafts, in order that the best development and brilliancy of color may be obtained. FOR PLANTING OUT DOORS. -The preferable season is September to November, but they can be set out as long as the ground is open. The best compost for their culture is one-third sand, one-third well-rotted cow manure, and one-third good garden mould; or, where the soil is naturally light, well-rotted manure liberally intermixed is sufficient. The beds should be well dug to a depth of fourteen inches, and raised slightly above the level of the walk. Care must be taken not to press the earth too firmly around and over the bulbs. After the ground has frozen fairly hard in early winter, cover with a few inches of dry litter, leaves, evergreen boughs or coarse manure. SINGLE VARIETIES. GERTRUDE-This is the most beautiful of all and is well illustrated by the accompanying cut. It is a single, bright red, with large, superbly shaped truss, compact and attractive in every way. Often has twin spikes. Each 15c; dozen $1.50. GIGANTEA. -Grows to enormous size, with broad spikes of blush pink color; very handsome. Each 15c; dozen $1.50. CZAR PETER.-Finest porcelain-blue; has large, perfect spike and color is unusually attractive. Each 15c; dozen $1.50. BARON VON TUYLL.-Single pure white; very large close spike, blooms early and is fine for glasses. Each 10c; dozen $1.10. IDA -Color a most beautiful golden yellow; large spike; best of all single yellow sorts. Don't fall to get at least one of these. Each 25c; dozen $2.25. DOUBLE VARIETIES. BOUQUET TENDRE. -A beautiful, double fiower of deep crimson color. Best double red we know. Large bulbs, each 12c; dozen $1.25. GOETHE . -Large, fine truss of handsome citron yellow. Each -20c; dozen $2.00. BOUQUET ROYAL.-Fine light pink or blush. Extra large spike and very beautiful fiowers. Each 12c; dozen $1.25. LOKESBERG -Light blue; large spike. Color of this Hyacinth is exceptionally finne. Each 15c, doz. $1.50. LA TOUR D'AUVERGNE .-Very early flowering, and the best of all double whites. Flowerets large and wax-like and spikes of immense size. Very early and the finest double Hyacinth for pots. Each 12c; dozen COLLECTION OF ABOVE.-One bulb each of the above ten choice varieties for only $1.20. Our selection of SIX of the above for only 50c, postpaid. Other choice Collections of bulbs will be found on page 7. THIS DIAGRAM shows proper depth and distance apart to plant various bulbs. It will well repay a few minutes' study. [image]

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