1882

14 ... Dorr's Iowa Seed Manual.

[Left Column] McBeth's Pride-Also new. An improvement of the Kentish Invicta, being fully as early, and materially better, sustaining the same relation to that desirable variety as does the Challenge to the Extra Early. We confidently recommend it for profit to the gardener. Like the Kentish Invicta it matures its entire crop together, so that one picking is sufficient. For shipping, this is a most valuable item. Height 36 inches. Per p't 35c, q't 60c, p'k 4.00, bush. 15.00.

*Laxton's Alpha-Exquisite flavor; remarkable for its earliness and prolific bearing. Height 3 feet. Per q't 40c, p'k 2.75, bush. 10.00.

Philadelphia Extra Early-Favorite market variety; very early; productive; fine flavor. Height 27 inches. Per q't 30c, p'k 2.00, bush. 7.50.

*McLean's Little Gem-Dwarf; wrinkled; delicious flavor; rich and sugary; very early. Height 1 foot. Per q't 40c, p'k 2.75, bush. 10.00.

[Right Column] Extra Early-Imported from England. Height 30 inches. Per q't 40c, p'k 2.75, bush. 10.00. Early Kent-A fine pea; early and productive. Height 30 inches. Per q't 25c, p'k 1.75, bush. 6.00. Tom Thumb-Very dwarf; not exceeding 9 inches. Per q't 40c, p'k 2.75, bush. 10.00. Improved Dan O'Rourke-A popular market variety. Height 27 inches. Per q't 30c, p'k 1.85, bush. 6.50. Kentish Invicta-Earliest blue pea except McBeth's Pride in cultivation. Height 3 feet. Per q't 40c, p'k 2.75, bush. 10.00. *Premium Gem-Magnificent dwarf; very productive. Height 1 foot. Per q't 40c, p'k 2.75, bush. 10.00. McLean's Blue Peter-Excellent quality; general habit like Tom Thumb; good yielder. Height 9 inches. Per q't 40c, p'k 2.75, bush. 10.00.

Peas (Main Crop.) [Left Column] Dwarf White Marrow-Similar in quality to the tall variety; good yielder; much prized by gardeners. Height 2 feet. Per q't 25c, p'k 1.75, bush. 6.00. *Champion of England-A standard popular variety; delicious flavor; very polific. Height 4 feet. Per q't 35c, p'k 2.75, bush. 8.00. White Marrowfat-A favorite market sort. Height 4 feet. Per q't 20c, p'k 1.25, bush. 4.00. Black-Eyed Marrowfat-Hardy and productive. Height 4 feet. Per q't 20c, p'k 1.25, bush. 4.00. [Right Column] Dwarf Blue Imperial-Large, fine flavored; among the best either for market or private garden. Height 30 inches. Per q't 25c, p'k 1.75, bush. 6.00. *McLean's Advancer-A fine wrinkled marrow. Height 30 inches. Per q't 40c, p'k 2.75, bush. 10.00. *Yorkshire Hero-Fine marrow: strong grower. Height 4 feet. Per q't 40c, p'k 2.75, bush. 10.00. Dwarf Sugar-Edible pods; use like snap beans. Height 2 feet. Very fine quality. Per q't 50c, p'k 3.50.

Pepper. [Left Column] Grown largely for pickles. Sow in hot beds in April; transplant to open ground when the weather is favorable, in warm, mellow soil, in rows 18 inches apart. Seeds germinate slowly and require considerable heat. Large Bell, or Bull Nose-Large; early; rind thick and fleshy; pkt 5c, oz 25c. Sweet Mountain, or Mammoth-Large and mild flavor; pkt 5c, oz 25c. [Right Column] Red Cayenne-Long, red, tapering; hot for seasoning; pkt 5c, oz 25c. Yellow Cayenne-Similar to red except in color; pkt 5c, oz 25c.

Pumpkin. Plant in hills 8 feet apart in May, among potatoes or corn, or in open field. [Left Column] Connecticut Field-This is the kind from which to make good old fashioned Yankee pumpkin pies. Very productive; fine also for feeding stock; pkt 5c, oz 10c, 1/4 lb 20c, lb 50c. Large Cheese-Very desirable for cooking purposes; pkt 5c, oz 10c, 1/4 lb 25c, lb 75c. [Right Column] Curshaw-Light cream color; flesh salmon color; resembling the winter Crook-Neck squash in shape; somewhat tender; pkt 5c, oz 10c, 1/4 lb 30c, lb 1.00. Sweet Pumpkin-Great favorite; pkt 5c, oz 10c, 1/4 lb 25c, lb 75c.

Dorr's Iowa Seed Manual. ... 15

[Image: Drawing/Scratchboard illustration of a clump of radishes tied together, Caption-French Breakfast.] Radish. For early use, sow on thoroughly enriched, warm soil, protected on the north and west if possible, as early as the ground can be handled. For a succession at intervals of two weeks until midsummer. The winter varieties should be sown about the time of turnip sowing. Good radishes cannot be raised on poor soil. They require quick growth. Our seed is imported direct from Europe and is very choice.

Per Packet Five Cents.

Early Scarlet Turnip-First early, round white flesh; oz 10c, 1/4 lb 25c, lb 75c. White Turnip-A little later than the last; oz 10c, 1/4 lb 25c, lb 75c. Scarlet Olive Shaped-Very early and tender; prized by gardeners; oz 10c, 1/4 lb 25c, lb 75c. White Olive-Different from the other only in color; oz 10c, 1/4 lb 25c, lb 75c. French Breakfast-Oval, scarlet, tipped with white; tender, crisp; oz 10c, 1/4 lb 25c, lb 75c. Early Long Scarlet, Short Top-Very extensively grown highly prized by marketmen, and very tender when grown quickly; oz 10c, 1/4 lb 25c, lb 75c.

Covent Garden Long Scarlet-An improved Long Scarlet; oz 10c, 1/4 lb 30c, lb 1.00. Long White Naples-Clear white tinged with green at top; oz 10c, 1/4 lb 50c, lb 1.50. Golden Globe-Very handsome and excellent summer radish; oz 10c, 1/4 lb 30c, lb 1.00. White Summer- Fine Summer variety; oz 10c, 1/4 lb 30c, lb 30c, lb 1.00. Chinese Rose Winter-Excellent; medium size; firm and tender; oz 10c, 1/4 lb 30c, lb 1.00. Black Spanish Winter-A standard variety of good quality; oz 10c, 1/4 lb 25c, lb 75c. Mammoth White Winter-An introduction from China; oz 15c, 1/4 lb 50c, lb 1.50. Wood's Early Frame-In shape between Olive and Long Scarlet; very early; great favorite in England; oz 10c, 1/4 lb 30c, lb 1.00. Early Scarlet While Tip-Very striking and showy; oz 15c, 1/4 lb 50c, lb 1.50.

Rhubarb, or Pie Plant (Victoria or Mammoth.) Succeeds best in deep, rich soil. Sow iu [in] spring in drills, cover 1 inch. Thin plants to 6 inches apart. Transplant in Autumn or Spring to permanent beds, 3 feet apart each way. It is a strong feeder, and will bear manuring heavily; pkt 5c, ox [oz] 20c, 1/4 lb 60c.

Salsify or Vegetable Oyster. A delicious substitute for oysters in soups. Cultivate same as parsnips; succeeds best in light rich land, which should be plowed very deep. Salsify should be more generally cultivated; pkt 5, oz 25c, 1/4 lb 50c.

Spinach. Extremely wholesome and palatable. Used for greens. For summer, sow early in Spring, in deep, rich soil, in drills one foot apart cover 1 inch. Sow at intervals of two weeks through the season. For very early Spring use, sow the winter varieties last of August, and protect by covering with straw;

Per Packet, Five Cents. [Left Column] Round-Main market sort. Equally for Spring or Fall; oz 10c, 1/4 lb 20c, lb 50c. Flanders- Very productive, large broad leaves; oz 10c, 1/4 lb 20c, lb 50c. Savoy leaved-Leaves wrinkled similar to Savoy Cabbage; produces enormous crops; superior quality; very hardy; oz 10c, 1/4 lb 20c, lb 50c. [Right Column] Prickly-Stands well in Winter. Gives less bulk per acre than round; oz 10c, 1/4 lb 20c, lb 50c. Viroflay- A very extra variety of lettuce leaved Spinch; leaves long, broad, thick, very fleshy, dark green; grows to an enormous size, and produces wonderful crops; oz 10c, 1/4 lb 20c, lb 50c.

Squash. Squashes are all quite tender; therefore no progress can be made in starting them until the weather becomes warm and settled. Except as recommended for cucumbers, the Winter varieties should, however, be planted early as possible, and a rapid growth encouraged. Treatment the same as for Melons and Cucumbers. Plant bush varieties 3 feet apart; others, 8.

16 ... Dorr's Iowa Seed Manual. Per Packet, Five Cents, Except Where Noted.

Yellow Bush Scolloped-Early market variety; fine flavor; oz 10c, 1/4 lb 25c. White Bush Scolloped-Similar to first, rather better quality; oz 10c, 1/4 lb 25c. Early Bush Crook-Neck-Best summer sort, early, productive; very fine quality; oz 10c, 1/4 lb 25c, lb 75c.

Boston Marrow-This delicious variety is of rich orange color all the way through; ovate in form; very thin rind; fine grained; exquisite flavor; although it is a fall sort, it keeps well through the winter; unexcelled for cooking; it well [will] boil as dry as a potato. During the past season, squashes raised from our seed have been shipped from Iowa to Boston, by the car load, and sold there at the highest market prices. This fact we mention merely to give you an idea of the superiority of this squash; oz 10c, 1/4 lb 30c, lb 1.00.

Hubbard-Flesh fine grained, dry excellent flavor, great keeper; oz 10c, 1/4 lb 30c, lb 1.00. Winter Crook-Neck-Old standard sort; good keeper; oz 10c, 1/4 lb 30c, lb 1.00. American Turban-Dry, sweet, fine Fall sort; oz 10c, 1/4 lb 30c, lb 1.00. Marblehead-Excellent; yields and keeps well; oz 10c, 1/4 lb 30c, lb 1.00. Mammoth Chili-Immense size, frequently growing to the weight of 300 lbs. Good for stock and cooking; oz 25c, 1/4 lb 75c, lb 2.75.

Little Cocoanut-Beautiful, little new Fall variety of great promise; superior flavor; solid; very fine grained, extremely prolific, quite ornamental; pkt 10c, oz 25c, 1/4 lb 75c.

Essex Hybrid-Cross between the Turban and Hubbard, combining many good qualities of each, somewhat earlier than either pkt 10c, oz 25c, 1/4 lb 75c.

Perfect Gem Squash-This variety, unlike anything before offered, is excellent both as a summer and winter squash. It has all the properties of the best of both classes. It is a vigorous grower and wonderfully productive. Its habits are somewhat peculiar. After setting the squashes near the root, like the bush varieties, it commences to run, and the vines often attain the length of twenty feet, and are very thick and strong, branching in similar manner to the Ornimental [Ornamental] Gourd, and often bearing quite as abundantly. The squashes are from four to six inches in diameter, flattened, of a creamy white color, slightly ribbed, and have a thin smooth skin. The flesh is fine grained, and when cooked is dry, very sweet, and has a delicious flavor, entirely free from that strong taste common to all of the winter squashes. It is remarkable for its keeping qualities. In a dry, cool room, free from frost, they may be kept until Spring. In short, it is justly entitled to the name given it, being equal to the best bush or marrow squash for summer use, and better than any other for winter. A good keeper, very productive, a free grower and worthy a place in every kitchen garden; pkt 15c, oz 50c.

Tobacco Early in Spring, burn a brush pile on the ground to be used for seed-bed. Then thoroughly pulverize the soil, digging and mixing in ashes. Sow seed very shallow. When plants are 6 inches high, transplant into rows 4 feet apart. Cultivate throughly.

[Left Column] Connecticut Seed Leaf-Best adapted to the climate of the middle and northern states, as it is more hardy, and endures the cold better than the tender varieties grown south. In many of the northern states, and in Canada, this variety is a staple crop; pkt 5c, oz 25c.

[Right Column] White Burley-Especially desirable for the manufacture of cigars, as the leaf readily absorbes a large quantity of manufacturing material; pkt 10c, oz 40c. Imported Havana-pkt 10c, oz 75c.

Tomato.

Sow early in spring in hot-beds or seed-boxes, or for main crop sow in cold frames. Transplant to open ground when all danger of frost is past, 6 feet apart each way. Well manured, light sandy soil is best. Our seed is saved from selected fruit, and is extra choice.

Per Packet, Five Cents, Except Where Noted.

Dorr's Iowa Seed Manual. ... 17 [Image: Drawing/Scratchboard illustration of a tomato.] [Left Column] Livingston's Perfection--This beautiful new tomato we offered last season for the first time. We grew several hundred bushels for seed; the field was pronounced by sight who saw the ripe fruit, the handsomest sight of a tomato patch ever witnessed. It was certainly magnificent. The Perfection is the largest early variety known, being as early as the Canada Victor, and differing from most early sorts in continuing to bear abundantly until frost. It is perfectly smooth. It contains but few seeds, and is very solid. Is somewhat larger than the Acme of a glossy blood-red color. Never sun-burns but rather brightens from the effect of the sun. It ripens all over and through at the same time; is free from rot at the blossom and. Never becomes hollow late in the season; is a greater yielder, and stands shipping exceedingly well; pkt 15c, oz 75c, 1/4 lb 2.50.

Conqueror--Large size, smooth, vines rather dwarf; very early; oz 20c, 1/4 lb 60c, lb 2.25, Canada Victor--Good size, symmetrical and handsome; fruit heavy, well meated, rich flavor, and very early; oz 25c, 1/4 lb 75c, lb 2.50. [Right Column] Acme--Among the earliest, medium size, very smooth; solid clear through, but few seeds; great bearer; vines stalky; color dark red, tinged with purple; ripens evenly way up to the stem; delicious flavor stands shipping exceedingly well. Extra selected seed; pkt 10c, oz 35c, 1/4 lb 1.00, lb 3.50. Paragon--Large, bright crimson; medium early; very smooth; great yielder; ripens evenly; few seeds, pkt 10c, oz 35c, 1/4 lb 1.00, lb 3.50, Trophy--One of the largest and best; fine quality medium early; heavy and solid. Great favorite; pkt 10c, oz 35c, 1/4 lb 1.00, lb 3.50, Golden Trophy--Has all the good qualities of the red variety, from which it is a sport. Golden yellow; oz 30c, 1/4 lb 1.00. Golden Rural--A new golden yellow, supposed to be a cross between Golden Trophy and Green Gage. Very early; round; smooth; prolific. Exquisite flavor; pkt 10c, oz 35c, 1/4 lb 1.00. General Grant--Very regular and symmetrical; firm and solid, fine flavor. Well known; oz 20c, 1/4 lb 60c, lb 2.00. Hathaway's Excelsior--Early; medium to large; smooth as an apple; excellent quality; oz 25c, 1/4 lb 75c, lb 2.50. Large Smooth Red--Smooth; handsome; bright red; oz 15c, 1/4 lb 50c, lb 1.50. Green Gage--Bright orange color; fine flavor; superior quality; oz 30c, 1/4 lb 1.00. Red Plum--Good for preserving or pickling; oz 30c. Red Currant--Bright Red, growing in long clusters; oz 30c. Cherry--Small, round red; very prolific; superior for pickles; oz 35c, 1/4 lb 75c. Essex Early Hybrid--A handsome new light pink colored tomato; perfectly smooth very solid, large size, rich flavor, ripens all through alike, very productive, and highly profitable for market; pkt 15c, oz 50.

Turnip. For early, sow in April. The Strap-leaved and Early Flat Dutch are the best for this purpose. For main crop sow during July or August, and just before or during a showery time if possible. Ruta-Bagas should be sown not later than June. The soil should be rich and mellow, and kept free from weeds. Sow in drills half an inch deep and 12 inches apart. Thin to 6 inches apart in the drills. Ruta-Bagas should be 10 inches apart. Two pounds of seed is sufficient for an acre. To keep turnips through the winter, top them within 1 inch of the bulb, Store in cool cellar; cover with dry sand.

Per Packet Five Cents. [Left Column] Early White Six Weeks-Very early and excellent; oz 10c, 1/4 lb 25c, lb 75c. [Right Column] Early White Egg-Egg shaped; early, rapid growth, fine quality; oz 10c. 1/4 lb 25c.

18 ... Dorr's Iowa Seed Manual.

[Left Column] Purple Top Globe-Similar to Purple Top Strap Leaved except shape; oz 10c, 1/4 lb 30c, lb 1.00. Cow Horn-New, delicate flavor, growth, pure white tinged with green at the crown; oz 10c, 1/4 lb 30c, lb 1.00. Strap Leaved Red or Purple Top-The standard for this part of the country; superior for early or late planting. Round, flat, good sized; small top with but few leaves; flesh very fine grained; rich delicate flavor; oz 10c, 1/4 lb 25c, lb 75c. Early White Flat Dutch-Medium sized, grows quick, similar to above except the purple top, being all white; oz 10c, 1/4 lb 25c, lb 75c. Seven Top---Very hardy; oz 10c, 1/4 lb 30c.

[Right Column] Large White Norfolk-A popular veriety for feeding; oz 10c, 1/4 lb 20c, lb 60c. Large White Globe-Fine for field culture; oz 10c, 1/4 lb 20c, lb 60c. Yellow or Amber Globe-For field culture, oz 10c, 1/4 lb 25c, lb 75c. Orange Jelly-A beautiful and delicate yellow turnip; oz 10c, 1/4 lb, 25c, lb 75c. Yellow Aberdeen-Excellent for cattle feeding; oz 10c, 1/4 lb 20c, lb 65c. Golden Ball-Beautiful bright golden color; rapid grower; fine quality; oz 10c, 1/4 lb 30c, lb 1.00. Yellow Stone-Rapid growing, round, yellow sort; medium size; oz 10c, 1/4 lb 30c.

Ruta-Bagas. [Left Column] Improved American-Very solid, fine quality; valuable for the table and feeding stock; oz 10c, 1/4 lb 25c, lb 75c. Skirving's Purple Top-An improved purple top variety; large; oz 10c, 1/4 lb 25c, lb 75c. Carter's Improved Hardy Swede-Large size; excellent quality; oz 10c, 1/4 lb 20c, lb 60c. [Right Column] Sweet German-Flesh white, solid and sweet; keeps well; oz 10c, 1/4 lb 25c, lb 75c. East Lothian-An improved strain of one of the most popular English sorts; very desirable for field culture; oz 10c, 1/4 lb 25c, lb 75c.

Herbs. No garden is complete without a few sweet, aromatic or medicinal herbs, for flavoring soups, etc., and pains should be taken to harvest them properly. This should be done on a dry day; just before they come into full blossom, then dried quickly and packed closely, entirely excluded from the air. Sow in spring in shallow drills 1 foot apart, and when up thin out and transplant a few inches apart.

All Five Cents Per Packet. Anise, Balm, Sweet Basil, Borage, Caraway, Coriander, Catnip, Dill, Dandelion, Fennel, Horehound, Hyssop, Lavender, Marjoram, Rosemary, Saffron, Summer Savory, Thyme, Tansy, Wormwood, (Sage-oz 20c, 1/4 lb 75c, lb 2.00.)

Flower Seeds.

The soil best adapted for most flowers is a deep, rich, mellow loam, containing a liberal amount of sand or muck, so that it will not bake after hard rains. Be sure that the garden is well drained, that no water may stand near the surface. Clay soils are much improved by being broken up in the autumn and left as rough as possible, working in well-rotted manure, land or road dust. If this is not done in the Fall, be careful not to work it while too wet in the Spring; use sand freely if to be had; sod with leaves well rotted, and ashes make a good manure, and will improve heavy soils. There are very few flowers that will not do well in sandy soil if it is rich. Select such varieties as are suited for the places and purposes for which they are designed. Under proper conditions and treatment, flower seeds will grow and thrive as readily as vegetable or field seeds. But most of them require careful handling, this is especially true of the finer sorts.