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[table] TABLE OF CONTENTS. Bird Seeds. 22. Broom Corn Seed. 22. Bulbs for Spring Planting. 24. Children's Day. Third Page of Cover. Clover Seed. 20. Dollar Collections. Novelty Sheet viii. Flower Seeds. 14. Flower Plants and Bulbs. 23. Grass Seeds. 20. Herbs. 13. Hedge Seed. 23. Implements. 30.
Miscellaneous Farm Seeds. 20. Mulberry Trees for Silk Culture. 29. Nursery Stock. 27. Our Premium List. Third Page of Cover. Potatoes. 26. Seed Corn. 21. Seeds of Honey Plants. 22. Sundries. 34. Tree Seeds. 22. Vegetable Seeds. 1. Vegetable Plants and Roots. 25. Winter Blooming Bulbs. 25.
INTRODUCTION.
OFFICE OF IOWA SEED COMPANY, DES MOINES, lOWA, January 1, 1887. As another year dawns upon us, we come to our many customers and friends with this our annual greeting, wishing all a happy and prosperous year. In looking over the results of our past year's labor, we find much that is pleasant to look back to. Our new firm took hold of the business so late in the season last spring, that we did not look forward to as large a trade as usual. But owing to our careful attention to the business, the results went far beyond our expectations, and not only was our trade larger comparatively, than that of the previous year, but notwithstanding the unfavorable season and unparalleled drouth, we received more recommendations, and fewer complaints than ever before. This proves conclusively that our seeds are growing in favor with the public, and that our efforts in behalf of our customers are appreciated. The following letter just received from one of our customers of last spring, is a sample of many which we are receiving:
ALDEN, IOWA, January 1, 1887. IOWA SEED COMPANY:-The remarkable satisfaction given by your seeds in our own home garden, and in the gardens of our friends with a few of whom we shared them, has prompted us to write you this early in the season, asking if we cannot in some way make arrangements, by which we can introduce your goods more widely the coming summer. Yours for honest seeds, FURRY BROS.
We realize fully that the confidence of our patrons must form the real basis of business prosperity. For sixteen years we have been bullding up our seed business here in Des Moines, and it has grown constantly from year to year. The original founder of the business is still with us. On the morning of September 27th, the large three-story and basement building on Fourth street, which we have occupied for several years past as a seed store, (the largest one In the State) was destroyed by fire. All of our stock of garden, grass and field seeds, and most of the other goods were devoured by the flames. Before the fire had been fully subdued, we had rented other rooms and now we are permanently located in a large, commodious new building, arranged with all the conveniences for our trade, on the main business street of the city. Fortunately the fire occurred at a time when comparatively but a very small portion of the new crop of seeds had been received from our growers. These are daily arriving now, and as our growers report fine crops of most varieties this year, we will soon have in a full stock in all lines of our business, and all will be new, (crop of 1886) and of the highest quality. In fact we are certain that the stock we offer you is one of the choicest and best selected that has ever been offered by any seed house. It is our design to offer nothing unworthy of a place in every garden, and our customers can be sure of being pleased and satisfied with anything purchased of us. We have during the past summer and fall spent considerable time with the growers in personally inspecting the growing crops of the various kinds of seed which we have grown for us in widely separated portions of the country, and in selecting the purest and best for our use. We are pleased to say that in spite of the dry season our crops have matured splendidly, and while there is a shortage of some varieties, the quality is above the average. The Importanee of Good Seed-Cannot be overestimated, and we are certain that after a trial all our customers wlll agree that our seeds are the purest and best to be had. Still when it is considered how many are the contingencies on which the success of any crop depends, our customers will readily see that it would be sheer folly for anyone to warrant them to produce a perfect crop, and we want is [it] distinctly understood that we sell no seeds with warranty either express or implied in any respect, and will not be in any way responsible for the crop. But, however, we have so much faith in them that we hereby agree to refill any retail order for vegetable or flower seeds free of charge should they prove otherwise than as we represent them. (Continued on Third Page of Cover.)
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NOVELTIES AND VARIETIES OF SPECIAL MERIT.
We present the following list of the newer varieties of vegetables to our customers this year, which have been carefully selected from the many which are offered by the seed trade, and we have used great care in selectlng only such as we believed would be desirable acquisitions, and prove of great value to our customers. They are not merely novelties, whose only value is in their rarity, but they possess qualities of decided merit, and are far superior in their respective classes, to the older and better known varieties, and will undoubtedly, when they become more generally known, supplant many of the now standard sorts. We offer $100.00 in premiums on the largest and best vegetables. See list and terms on another page.
Cleveland's Improved Red Valentine Bean-Is said to be ten days earlier than any other strain of this well-known variety. In addition to this most important feature, all of the excellent points which go to make this bean so popular for trucking purposes, are preserved in their greatest perfection in the improved stock now offered. It is however, more robust and vigorous, and produces the true, round, curved pods, more abundantly than does any other stock, heretofore sold. Unexcelled in quality and in uniformity of ripening, nearly the whole crop can be taken at one picking. Per pkt. 10 cts.; qt. by mail, 55 cts.; pk. $1.75; bu. $6.50.
King of the Garden Lima Bean-An improvement on the old Lima Beans. It is a very vigorous grower, requiring but two vines to each pole. They set their pods early, at the bottom of the pole, producing a continuous bloom and fruitage to the end of the season. Many of the pods measure from five to eight inches, and contain five, six and seven perfectly formed Beans to the pod, of superior edible quality. Per pkt. 10 cts.; qt. by mail 90 cts.; pk. $4.
New Kraemer Celery-This new variety was originated by one of the principal celery growers in Des Moines. It is very early, grows rapidly and is consequently extremely crisp and tender. It is a shy seeder, and our stock is small this year, so that we can only offer it by the packet; each 15 cents.
[image] CLEVELAND'S VALENTINE.
New Extra Early Eclipse Beet-This is without doubt the best variety of the early sorts, and as its excellencies become known, it is rapidly coming into favor. It is very early, maturing with the Egyptian. The bulbs are of a bright scarlet color, very smooth, globular in shape; quality is excellent and much better than the Egyptian. Highly esteemed by market gardeners. Since this variety was first introduced it has shown a decided mixture in color and shape. By constant selection we have weeded this out, until this season our crop was the finest crop of beets we have ever seen. Per pkt. 5 cts.; oz. 10 cts.; 1/4 lb. 35 cts., lb. $1.25.
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Cabbage-This rsey Wakefield in ing from 12 to 15 maturing earlier aining later withnningstadt in its it is unsurpassed n the test of this roved to be very per cent of the
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II. SPECIALTIES AND NOVELTIES FOR 1887.
White Plume Celery - The stalk and portions of its inner leaves and heart are naturally white and becomes fit for use by simply tying it up closely with soft twine. It is solid and crisp, possessing a rich nutty flavor; while its peculiarly beautiful centre leaves make it very ornamental as well as toothsome. In careful and extended tests it had also proved to be the earliest to mature of any. We wish to say, however, that this variety does not blanch during the hot weather, but as soon as the weather becomes cooler it shows its self-blanching character. The introduction of this new variety makes it possible for all to grow celery. Per pkt. 10 cts.; oz. 35 cts.; 1/4 lb. $1; lb. $3.50.
[image. A ground cherry with a blank center.] Ground Cherry.
Improved Ground Cherry - For years past we have known the common Ground Cherry or Strawberry Tomato, and passed it by as unworthy of special attention. Sometime since an article appeared in the Home Department of the Chicago Inter Ocean, from a correspondent in Minnesota, who had grown and been improving this little vegetable for over twenty-five years, and we will quote from what she says regarding it: "One thing which with me is one of the most important of all the fruits in my cookery, I do not recollect of ever seeing named in the Home, and that is the Ground Cherry (not the wild one.) They grow well on almost any dry soil, are easier raised than the tomato, and are prolific bearers, and Oh! such lucious [luscious] fruit. For sauce they are excellent, and for pies I know of nothing that can equal them in flavor and taste. They are just splendid dried in sugar, and they will keep, if put in a cool dry place in the shuck, nearly all winter. I have never seen them named in any seed catalogue, and from what I learn from friends in different parts of the country to whom I have sent the seeds they seem to be very little known. No one after raising them once will ever make a garden again without devoting a small portion at least to the Ground Cherry. Mrs. Mamy L. Baldwin." We have corresponded with this lady's husband, and purchased all their this year's crop of seed, and from samples of the fruit sent by them, we plainly see that it is a vast improvement over the original variety. We have on exhibition in our store samples of the fruit preserved which are truly delicious, and some of the fruit dried in sugar which much resemble raisins, and even surpasses them in flavor. It seems very strange to us that a vegetable possessing so many good qualities to recommend it, had not before been subjected to this improvement, and introduced to the public. We could obtain but comparatively a small quantity of the seed, and customers desiring it should order early, as it will be impossible to obtain more after this stock is exhausted. We have put the price low so that you can try it. Per packet of about 150 seeds 10 cents; 6 for 50 cents.
New Extra Early Cory Sweet Corn - This new variety is undoubtedly the earliest Sweet Corn in cultivation, being about one week earlier than the Marblehead, which previous to the introduction of this, was generally acknowledged as the earliest. It grows a larger kernel and a larger and more marketable ear than the Marblehead and will soon supplant that variety in our markets. Its habit of growth, productiveness and otherwise general appearance is very similar to the Marblehead, from which it is supposed to have been originally extracted, and over which it is a great improvement. It is well worth trial and has but to be tested to be appreciated. Per pkt. 10 cts.; qt. by mail 65 cts.; pk. $2.25; bu. $7.50.
Page's New Stripe Rice Pop Corn - This splendid novelty, which is the result of a cross between the best White and Red varieities of Rice Pop Corn, we have been at work improving during the past four years, until now we have undoubtedly the best, handsomest and most attractive variety of Pop Corn in existence. We offer it to our customers this year for the first time, and are certain that it will prove a splendid acquisition with which all will be pleased. The color is a clear translucent white, and each kernel is distinctly striped with bright crimson as shown in our illustration on the cover of this catalogue. The ears are of good size and well filled out; kernels are long and pointed resembling rice. It ripens earlier than any other variety with which we are acquainted; is unsurpassed in productiveness, extremely tender when popped, bursting out very large, white as snow, and of finest quality. All should try it. Per pkt. 10 cts.; 1/2 pt. 35 cts.; qt. $1; all by mail prepaid.
[image. stalk of corn with two ears of corn. signed by A. Blanc.] NEW EXTRA EARLY CORY CORN.
[image. round fruit.] VINE PEACH.
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IOWA SEED COMPANY, DES MOINES, IOWA. III.
Upland Cress-This new vegetable is destined to become a valuable and important acquisition. Is a hardy perennial, thriving on soil wet or dry. In early spring it is the first to make its appearance, grows with surprising and unequaled rapidity so that in a few days it is ready to use. The young and tender leaves, can be eaten raw; or as a salad. It is excellent prepared same as lettuce or, when the leaves become large and plentiful, boiled as greens. In taste it is very pleasant, having the identical flavor of the Water Cress, so highly prized, and is agreeable to all. It is of robust nature and unparalleled hardiness. Fifteen degrees below frost will not change the color of its leaves nor damage it, and therefore the foliage of the summer growth can be used in winter, same as Kale. In packets only, each 10 cts.
[image] UPLAND CRESS.
Oak Leaved Lettuce-The distinguishing feature of this new variety of Lettuce, is in its oak shaped leaves the broader part set to stem and pointed at the tip, thus giving it a very unique, handsome and attractive appearamce [appearance]. It is of quick growth, has no bitterness of taste; is possessed of fine flavor and extreme tenderness, and it is slow in running to seed, in fact will remain in head for a month before its shoots appear. Per pkt. 10 cts.; oz. 25 cts. ; 1/4 lb. 80; lb. $2.50.
New Golden Heart Lettuce-This new Lettuce produces heads of very large size, firm and solid. It grows quickly, is ready for use early, and continues to remain in excellent condition for weeks. It does not wilt under severe heat, and for summer use is superior to nearly all other varieties of cabbage lettuce. Outer color dark green, leaves delicately curled; within the heart is a beautiful, rich, golden yellow; quality excellent. Perp kt. [Per pkt.] 5 cts.; oz. 20 cts.; 1/4 lb. 65 cts.; lb. $2.
[image] OAK LEAVED LETTUCE.
New Silver Ball Lettuce-This Lettuce produces a beautiful head, very firm, solid and compact, with handsomely curled leaves. The head is of an attractive silvery white color, very rich, buttery, and most delicious flavor. It comes early and stands a long while before running to seed. A most excellent variety, both for early spring and summer use. We recommend all our friends to try it. Per pkt. 10 cts.; oz. 20 cts.; 1/4 lb. 65 cts.; lb. $2.
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Kolb Gem Water Melon-To illustrate the great superiority of this melon over others, and show the esteem in which it is held in its native home, we have only to relate that in 1884, in Brooks county, Ga., there were planted 2,500 acres in melons for market of which only 11 acres were of Kolb Gem. The next season out of the same number of acres planted (2,500), all but 100 acres were in Kolb Gem. The seed to plant which cost the growers from $2.50 to $4 per pound. We have undoubted authority for this statement, and this of itself should be abundant recommendation. The Kolb Gem melon grows of a more uniformly large size, opens up better, ships and keeps better, is more prolific and sells for nearly double the price in all the markets of the country than any other variety. They are suited for the North or South, East or West, near by or far away markets. In short, they are perfection, and fill the bill in every particular, every melon grower should get them at once. Our seed was grown for us this year, by the originator, R. F. Kolb, and you can depend on its quality. Per pkt. 5 cts.; oz. 15 cts.; 1/4 lb. 50 cts.; lb. $1.75.
[image] KOLB GEM WATER MELON.