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Introduction.

It affords us pleasure, to again present you, with a copy of our Seed Manual. For a number of years our little work has been published annually, and sent to our friends in all parts of the country, and with each succeeding year, we have endeavored to make it more valuable, interesting and adequate to their wants and anticipations To us the year of 1882, to which we are just now bidding farewell forever, has been one of general prosperity. notwithstanding the vexatious troubles and worrying trials of an active business life, we have abundant reasons to be thankful, and much that is pleasant to remember.

But while we pause to rejoice for our own health and prosperity; as we enter with renewed energy and increasing vigor, into our work for the new year; there is one family to whom our deepest sympathies have gone out, in common with the whole nation, as they mourn for their kind parent and loving husband, who has been checked from his active work among us, and taken to his long, long home above. Mr. James Vick, died at his home in Rochester, N. Y., last May, in the 64th year of his age; after an illness of only five days. He was a man of indomitable energy, and was hard at work, to within only a week of his death; where surrounded by loved and loving kindred; in the midst of his beautiful garden, just in the early morning of its Summer splendor; gazing upon his flower pets, as they perfumed, with refreshing fragrance, the soft May air, that fanned his dying cheek and gave his last breath, their companion and lover closed his mortal eyes on them forever.

To James Vick, more than any other man, is every lover and cultivator of flowers in America indebted, for the adornment of his lawn and beauty and perfume of his conservatory. His death is a public calamity, and touched the most sensitive chord of public love and sympathy in America.

For a quarter of a century, his Floral Guide has annually found its way to all parts of the civilized world. He lived with the flowers, exhibited their beauty, suggested their fragrance, and taught the people how to grow them. Proud of his business success, he was anxious for others to succeed, and always had a kind word and
helping hand for those who tried to help themselves. Though dead, his memory must always live; and as we write of him, and glance at the life-like portrait, ever watching us from our office wall, we are inspired to a purer and nobler life; and we seem to see him in his spirit home, a chosen Immortelle.

Historical - As we write these lines, the booming of the cannon reminds us that it is our thirty-sixth birthday as a State. Iowa is the garden spot of North America. It is an Indian word, signifying, "This is the place." Its deep, rich, fertile soils; thick veins of coal; charming streams of pure water, and delightful climate
provide for its inhabitants, the richest natural agricultural country in the wide world. And its picturesque landscapes; intelligent settlers; thrifty villages; with our broad prairies all dotted over with school houses and churches combine to make the most comfortable homes. As compared with other States, it ranks 34th in the order of its settlement; 29th in admission; 14th in number of square miles, and 10th in population; 1st in acres of tillable land; 1st in corn; 2nd in wheat; 2nd in pork producing; 4th in coal lands; 5th in oats; 5th in barley: 5th in
hay; 5th in flax; 5th in newspapers; 6th in value of farm products; 5th in railroads; 7th in schools; 10th in number of manufacturing establishments; and 30th in public indebtedness.

Des Moines - The capital of Iowa is a thrifty city of thirty-five thousand inhabitants. It is centrally located in perfect net work of railroads, which afford us unequalled facilities for shipping to all parts of the country.

Our Business, of growing, importing and selling Seeds, was established in 1871, in a small way, by other parties; it changed hands several times during its early history, while struggling hard for an existance, but not until late years, under the present management, has it attained a notable position in the seed trade.

Our New Seed Store-From time to time, the increase of our business has crowded us into larger buildings, until we have just recently been obliged to make another change on this account. We are happy to announce that we are now comfortably located in one of the most elegant, stone front business houses in the city,
which has been built and furnished especially for our business, and is said to be one of the best arranged seed establishments in the country.

Shopping By Mail - Since the seedsmen first inaugurated the system of shopping by mail, it has become exceedingly popular in many other commercial branches of business. The advantages to the buyer are great, especially in the seed business. Practically it places a seed store at every post office in the world; on receiving the seed catalogues, they can be carefully read at home and a selection of seeds made, much better, than hurriedly in a crowded store in Spring.

Where Do We Get Our Seeds - "Do you grow all of your seeds ?" we are asked a dozen times a day. We do not, nor would you want them if we did. Think of a dozen kinds of melons grown side by side; they would all mix in a single season. We know of no business requiring as much judgment, care and calculation
as the growing of seeds. We grow everything that we can, others we have grown by experienced and careful growers, as much in Iowa as possible. While certain varieties of Vegetables and Flowers, are better and cheaper grown across the water. These we import direct from the most careful foreign growers. We invite our friends to visit our home seed farm (of 240 acres) 5 miles northwest of the city.