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Dorr's Iowa Seeds 1885 C. W. Dorr and Co. Seedsmen, Des Moines, lowa.

[Image: Drawing/Scratchboard Illustration, flowers and pumpkins on the vine, J. Walton, Del., Sasseville, St.]

Last edit over 3 years ago by jkalvik
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Dorr's Choice Flower Seeds. Collection "K."

[Images: Illustrations of 12 different flower blooms in decorative grid frame. Captions under each] [Row 1, left to right] Aster, Choice, Mixed. Balsam, Double Mixed. Candytuft, Fine Mixed. [Row 2, left to right[ Morning Glory, Mixed. Mignonette. Pansy, Choice Eng. Mixed. [Row 3, left to right] Petunia, Single Mixed. Phlox, Best Mixed. Verbena, Extra Choice Mixed. [Row 4, left to right] Sweet Alyssum. Sweet Peas, Mixed. Zinna, Double Mixed.

This collection "K," 12 beautiful flowers, 1 well filled packet of each, post paid for 50 cents. The packages are put up ready for mailing, and cannot be broken or changed; but will be sent to any address, with the paper one year, All Fully Prepaid, by mail, on receipt of price. There is no discout on these packages, no matter how many are ordered. Address all orders plainly to C. W. Dorr & Co., Des Moines, Iowa.

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[Table] Table of Contents. Cut Flowers. ... 45. Deciduous Trees. ... 41. Flower Seeds. ... 3-11. Flower Plants and Bulbs. ... 42, 45. Fruit Trees, Grape Vines, Small Fruits, etc. ... 32, 38. Formation and Management of Vegetable Gardens. ... 63, 64. Herbs. ... 31, 32. Hardy Ornamental Shrubs. ... 38, 39. Hardy Ornamental Climbing Vines. ... 40. Hardy Ornamental Trees. ... 40, 41. Implements. ... 50-60. Introduction. ... 1, 2. Miscellaneous Farm Seeds, etc. ... 50, 53. Mulberry Trees for Silk Culture. ... 49. Number of Plants or Trees to the Acre. ... 62. Ornamental Grass Seeds. ... 11, 12. Oats. ... 53, 54. Parson's Prolfic Potato (Illustrations, last page of cover). ... 47, 48. Potatoes. ... 45, 48. Sundries. ... 64. Silk Culture. ... 48, 49. Tree and Hedge Seeds. ... 55, 56. Trees, Plants and Shrubs by Express. ... 42. Valuable Books. ... 62. Vegetable Roots. ... 30, 31. Valuable Tables. ... 61. Vegetable Seeds. ... 12-30. Vegetable Plants. ... 30, 31. Wild Garden Seeds. ... 12.

As this copy of the Manual will reach thousands who have never seen it before, we desire to say to you, one and all, send us a trial order, and whether it be large or small, we will endeavour to satisfy you of our claims that Dorr's Iowa Seeds are of superior quality.

Dorr's Iowa Seeds.

For many years we have made an annual visit to our friends through the medium of our Seed Manual. Each year the demand for the Manual has increased until in 1884 we published two hundred thousand copies, which have been distributed far and near, into every State and Territory in the Union. Again we come before the public with our new Manual, soliciting your attention and your orders. Perhaps never in the history of our country have crops been so large and so good as in the year just passing away. The seed harvest, like grain, has been bountiful. We congratulate our friends and customers that we are able to offer them a choice supply of the best seeds at reasonable rates.

Announcement.-Mr. Chas. N. Page, who for many years was in our employ, until last season, when he purchased a green-house, is now associated with us as a member of the firm, the green-houses coming with Mr. Page. We are thereby enabled to grow our own plants, and test our seeds in our own green-houses. We are also fortunate in the association of Mr. Page, who has had years of experience and is thoroughly posted in the business.

Historical.-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, 2d in wheat, 2d 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, 2d in railroads, 7th in schools, 10th in number of manufacturing establishments, 12th in wealth, 1st in population of inhabitants that can read, 2d that can write, has no public debt.

Des Moines-The capital of Iowa is a thrifty city of 40,000 inhabitants. It is centrally located in a 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 existence but not until late years, under the present management, has it attained a notable position in the seed trade.

Shopping by Mail-Since the seedsman first inaugurated the system of shopping by mail, it has become exceedingly propular in many other commercial branches of business. The advantage to the buyers 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 time 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) five miles northwest of the city.

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Novelties.-We offer many of the most valuable novelties of recent introduction; yet are backward about selling novelties, until thoroughly tested, as we think it better to lose our own time and money in testing them, than to have our customers imposed on. We therefore feel safe in saying, you will find every new variety just as represented.

Market Gardeners who buy seeds in large quantities will please notice the discounts on Vegetable Seeds, at the head of the list. In case you want more than $25 worth, send us the list wanted and we will take pleasure in quoting you prices.

Testing Seeds-Our system is very complete. A sample is taken from every package or bag, which is numbered, counted and placed in the natural soil and manner in the green-house; all being recorded in the test books. We then know just what proportion of the seed will grow, and nothing is sold that does not prove good.

We Claim that our seeds are fresh and reliable. That with proper treatment, the climate and soil being in a proper condition, they will grow. The prices are as low as good fresh seeds can be sold for. That our business is conducted in an honorable and business-like manner.

"Do You Warrant Your Seeds To Grow?"-We are asked a dozen times a day. We Do Not! What would you think of a doctor who warranted his medicine to cure every disease that flesh is heir to? His warrant would be as reasonable, however, as that from the seedsman who undertakes to insure that his seed will always grow and produce a perfect crop, regardless of how, when or where they may be planted, cr [or] what kind of weather or cultivation they may have to grow in. It is asking entirely too much of any seedsman, and no responsible sane man can afford to make such warrants. In proof of this, all the principal seed houses in Europe and America plainly print their refusal or non-warrants in their Catalogues, but this does not injure the quality of their seeds in the least, or cause them to be less careful. In fact nobody knows as well as the intelligent seedsman himself that his seeds must come up to a high standard of quality if he would keep and increase his trade. Whenever the planter is ready to warrant the weather, the ravenous insects that sometimes destroy entire crops of young plants just when they are coming through the ground, and before the planter ever sees them, the manner in which he will plant, cultivate, etc., then we shall only be too glad to warrant our part of the crop - the seeds. Therefore, while we exercise the greatest possible care to have everything strictly reliable and perfectly satisfactory in every particular, yet we cannot warrant the same and are not liable or responsible for any loss or damage arising from any seeds sold by us.

Promptness-We endeavor to fill every order promptly on the day it is received. Our rule is first in first filled, etc. Sometimes it happens, we have such a tremendous rush, we cannot possibly get them off the day they are received, notwithstanding we always expect to work till midnight in the Spring.

Order Early-This will enable us to fill the orders promptly, and assure their being filled before our stocks are exhausted or broken.

Order Sheets and Envelopes-These are sent with each manual, for convenience in making out and forwarding your orders.

We Will Be Responsible-That all money sent by Registered Letter, Postal Note, Post Money Order, or Bank Draft will reach us. Small amounts may be sent in stamps when more convenient. Do not moisten them in the least, but place them safely in a sealed letter. Do not send private checks, as they have to be returned for collection. Do not send silver, except in registered package.

Our Terms-Are cash with all orders. No goods sent C. O. D.

Remember -That the prices quoted on Vegetable and Flower Seeds, (except Peas, Beans and Corn, in larger qnantities than packets) Trees and Plants, Potatoes by the Pound; and other articles where so noted, Include Mail or Express Charges Prepaid Through By Us.

Perishable Goods-Like Potatoes, &c., which are ordered before the season for forwarding, will be held till the proper time and sent as soon as practicable, without further writing by the customers.

Departments-This manual is divided into the following general departments: Vegetable Seeds; Flower Seeds; Fruit Trees, Grape Vines, &c.; Mulberry Trees for Silk Culture; Choice Seed Potatoes; Vegetable Plants; Flower Plants and Bulbs; Miscellaneous Farm Seeds and Roots; and Implements[.] The rules and directions which govern each department, are under their respective headings. Where discounts are allowed in one department, this has nothing to do with any other. For instance in the Vegetable department, there are special discounts for orders that amount to $5.00 and over; these discounts apply only to Vegetable Seeds, there being other rules for Flower Seeds and the other departments. We cannot allow part of the order to be made up from one department and the balance from the others and then allow the same discount as though it was all in one department. Therefore please be particular in making your orders, and observe the special rules and discounts under Each Department.

Exhibit Your Farm and Garden Products-At our next State Fair, which will be held in this city the first week in September. We have the best State Fair in the United States, and there you will be welcome and kindly treated; another thing the Iowa State Fair pays its premiums in full and has money left every year.

To the Farmers in the North-West who desire the best practical information in horticulture, we recommend you to join the Iowa State Horticultural Society. It costs but one dollar per year, which entitles you to the large annual reports of the society. Send your address and $1.00 to J. L. Budd, secretary of the society - P. O. address, Ames, Iowa, and your money will be well invested.

Thanking our friends and customers for their generous patronage in the past, which we trust has been merited on our part, we most sincerely wish you, one and all, a year of happiness and prosperity.

Charles W. Dorr, W. W. McKnight, Charles N. Page,

C. W. Dorr & Co, Office and Seed Store, 219 Fourth St., Des Moines Iowa.

Last edit over 1 year ago by lelfrank
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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, sand 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 seed 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.

A proper degree of heat, moisture, and a sufficient amount of covering are necessary to secure germination. Each one of these conditions need attention. Where no hot-beds can be had the following directions may be observed for starting plants in the house: Sow seeds in shallow boxes about two inches deep and of convenient size to handle, filled with prepared soil, which should be gently pressed down and perfectly level. No better general rule can be given than the old one of covering seeds about twice their depth, although something depends what the covering consists of; one-fourth of an inch of leaf-mould would be no more than equivalent to half that amount of common soil, and it is best to use it whenever it can be obtained, as it holds moisture well and does not bake, rendering it the least possible obstruction to the tender shoot. Muck from swamps, or old rotted manure mixed with sand, is also good. The covering should never be allowed to become dry, as nothing is more fatal to seeds than to allow them to become dry after having commenced to germinate: still care should be taken not to keep them too wet.

As soon as the plants can be handled, they should be transplanted into similar boxes from one to two inches apart, where they are to remain until time to transplant to permanent beds. Never pull, but always lift them with a trowel or some other implement[.] Whether sown in hot-beds, boxes, or open ground, the same conditions should be secured as nearly as possible.

[Lower half of page, left column]

Annuals.-An annual is a plant that flowers the first year, then dies, root and all, after ripening its seeds. To the large and cherished list of annuals we are indebted for most of the rich beauty, charming grace and delicious perfume of our flower gardens. No class of plants are as easily cultivated, and attended with as little expense and full satisfaction. By the out-lay of a few cents and the exercise of a little labor, which to all lovers of flowers, is but a delightful pleasure, an abundance of beautiful flowers may be had from early Summer till frost cuts them down, late in the Fall. Some of the colors are unsurpassed for richness and dazzling brilliancy. Most of the beautiful grasses, climbers and everlastings are among the annuals. The hardy annuals may be sown in the open ground, in this latitude, ordinarily, about May 1st; but much time will be saved by starting those which can be transplanted, a month or six weeks sooner, in the house. A little more time must be given for the ground to become thoroughly warm before sowing the half hardy and tender sorts.

BIENNIALS, grow the first season without blossoming, survive the Winter, flower, then die, root and all, after ripening their seeds. These may be sown the same time as the annuals. Keep them well hoed and free from weeds during the Summer. Care must be taken to give them plenty of room, so the plants will not crowd each other. Some of our best flowers are of this class.

Perennials live and blossom year after year, but annually die down to the ground. The hardy varieties remain out all Winter, in safety, while the more tender ones require protection, or must be taken indoors.

Shrubs are perennial plants, with woody stems, which live and grow year after year: differing from trees only in their size. The seeds of these require careful treatment and should be protected by partial shade.

Ornamental Climbers.-There is no other class of plants more subject to complete control than the climbers. They are Nature's drapery, and are inclined to furnish us with decorations of exquisite beauty and rare grace. From the most delicate to the very vigorous growing varieties, all are desirable, and have many places to fill, from the covering of the low screens, trailing from

[Lower half of page, right column] pots and baskets to the clothing of arbors, fences, and even buildings and huge trees with habiliments of verdure.

EVERLASTINGS.-The everlastings are not very attractive in mid Summer, when our gardens are gay with Flora's very choicest treasures.

But after King Winter takes possession, and spreads his carpet of snow over "God's footstool," and we are wondering where Summer has gone, and dreaming of the beautiful flowers that were so much loved, and such agreeable companions, the Everlastings are welcome inmates of our homes. It is then that they are arranged into Winter bouquets and various ornamental designs for the parlor, dining-room or chamber. They are becoming justly popular in all parts of the civilized world.

For mottoes, monograms and emblems of many designs, the Everlastings are utilized. When Brother comes home, you are arranging for Sister's wedding, and a thousand other joyous occasions, not forgetting Christmas - that day of all days - we are prone to add cheer and strengthen love's chains, by appropriately decorating our homes and churches.

Flowers should be gathered just before fully expanded, tied into small bunches and hung up to dry. Gomphrenas must be fully developed before picking. The Everlastings readily thrive with kind treatment.

Ornamental Grasses.-These are used with Everlasting flowers for decorative purposes, Winter bouquets, wreaths, etc., etc. There are many curious and pretty varieties of the grasses, which are easily cultivated. They should be cut just as they are coming into flower, and dried in small bunches. They are frequently dyed bright and showy colors. In France this is quite an extensive business, and large quantities are annually exported to this country.

Seeds For The Greenhouse.-For Florists and amateurs. Imported trom the best European sources. These require extra care, especially the Calceolarias.

GOOD SEEDS.-We take great pains in growing and importing the choicest flower seeds, and are confident that none better can be had from any source. We have hundreds of flattering testimonials from our customers, as to the superior quality of our seeds.

IMPORTANT. The figures at the right of the column indicate the price per packet. Our packets are liberally filled with fresh seeds.

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