1888

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SPECIALTIES AND NOVELTIES FOR 1888.

Iowa Seed Co.'s Perfect White Spine Cucumber.

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CROP OF PERFECT WHITE SPINE CUCUMBERS. [From a Photograph taken on our Adair Co. Seed Farm.] For eight years we have been growing and improving this variety on our seed farm, and as a result we offer to our customers this improved strain, which has been pronounced by good judges as superior to either the Peerless or Arlington. It is certainly the most excellent variety that we are acquainted with. The fruit is of even and good size, straight and always well formed and symmetrical. When small it is deep green in color and of uniform shape, making it unexcelled for pickling. As it matures it turns to a clear, beautiful white, very handsome and showy for market, so different from the common White Spine, which is of a dirty yellowish brown color. Immensely productive. Try it, and youwill be pleased. Per pkt. 5 cts.; oz. 15 cts.; 1/4 lb. 45 cts.; lb. $1.50.

Stokes' Extra Early Water Melon. This new melon is, without doubt, the earliest of all. Our illustration, made from a photograph, shows their shape, which is nearly round, dark green skin, slightly mottled with white. The flesh is deep scarlet, remarkably solid, and in delicious sugary flavor is unsurpassed. Their average weight s about fifteen pounds. The seed is very small, being only about half the size of other melon seeds. They are also much more productive than the larger sorts, and for family use are quite unequaled. Per pkt. 10 cts.; oz. 25 cts.; 1/4 lb. 85 cts.

LA PORTE CITY, IOWA, August 31, '87. The seeds bought of you last spring were tested by the side of those of several other seedsmen, and were perfectly satisfactory. To those wishing garden seeds, I would recommend your system as preferable to buying the uncertain seeds sold throughout the country on commission. A. A. Batterson.

[image] STOKES' EXTRA EARLY WATER MELON.

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IOWA SEED COMPANY, DES MOINES, IOWA.

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ALL SEASONS CABBAGE. This most excellent new variety is as early as Henderson's Summer, and makes considerably larger and harder heads that are not so liable to burst. It is very reliable for heading, and of superior quality. It is called "All Seasons " because it is a very superior variety to plant late as well as early, the thickness of the head making it a capital sort to keep through the winter. All should give this excellent Cabbage a trial. Per pkt. 10 cts.; oz. 40 cts.; 1/4 lb. $1.50. [image] ALL SEASONS CABBAGE.

IOWA SEED CO.'S NEW PERPETUAL WHITE SUMMER RADISH. This variety introduced and offered by us this year for the first time, was obtained by selections from the St. Louis White Summer Turnip Radish, and is decidedly better than that well known variety. The crop of this which we had growing on our Adair Co. Seed Farm last year would delight any market gardener. They are of about the shape of the White Egg Turnip, pure white, sometimes tinged with purple, of uniformly good quality, crisp and brittle, and they keep longer in fit condition for the table than any variety we know of, hence their name, Perpetual White Summer. Per pkt. 5 cts.; oz. 20 cts.; 1/4 lb. 60 cts.

BANANA MUSK MELON. [image] At first Banana Melon was cultivated more as a curiosity than anything else, but the last three seasons has seen them bring such high prices - fifty cents to one dollar a piece - in the Philadelphia, New York and Boston markets, that they are certain, in the future, to prove a most profitable market crop. They attain a length of from eighteen inches to three feet three inches, and are from two to four inches thick. Flesh very thick, of a salmon color; in flavor simply remarkably delicious, and equal to almost any melon you have ever eaten. It looks almost like an over-grown banana, and, moreover, smells like one, hence the name. You will regret it if you do not include the "Banana" in your order. It is not only a curiosity, but in flavor is unquestionably fine. Per pkt. 10 ct; oz. 25 cts.

NEW- KREAMER CELERY. (See Illustration on Cover.) A novelty. This delicious Celery was originated by Mr. Kreamer, one of the most careful and successful Celery growers in the country. It is the result of a careful cross, and is one of the very earliest sorts we have ever seen, coming into market from the first to the middle of June. It grows very rapidly and is consequently extremely crisp and tender. It is of a close, compact, upright habit; bleaches readily and rapidly. In height it corresponds with "Henderson's Half Dwarf." The flavor is exquisitely fine and rich, partaking largely of a mild and delicious walnut taste. In packets only, each 15 cts.

NEW PEPPER--MAMMOTH GOLDEN QUEEN.

THE LARGEST, HANDSOMEST AND MOST PRODUCTIVE OF ALL.

We feel fully warranted in making the above strong claims for this handsome new Pepper, growing to twice the size of Golden Dawn, and averaging a third larger than Ruby King, of the most perfect shape and uniform large size. Each plant ripens from twelve to sixteen perfect fruits, from eight to ten inches long, and four to five inches through. In color they are bright, waxy, golden yellow, and so mild in flavor they can be eaten like tomatoes, with pepper and vinegar. We grew a splendid crop of these on our Adair Co. Seed Farm the past season, and we can recommend them most highly. Per pkt. 10 cts.; oz. 50 cts. [image] MAMMOTH GOLDEN QUEEN PEPPER.

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SPECIALTIES AND NOVELTIES FOR 1888.

NEW EXTRA EARLY ECLIPSE BEET. This is, without doubt, the best variety of the early sorts, except our New Market Gardener's, 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. 20 cts.; lb. 80 cts.

[image] NEW EXTRA EARLY ECLIPSE BEET.

EXTRA EARLY DES MOINES SWEET CORN.

(See Illustration on Cover.) Since introducing the Early Des Moines to the public, we have received many flattering testimonials of its great value as an extra early variety. It is as early as any we have found, except the Cory, with ears much larger than most early sorts; supremely delicious flavor; very prolific. It has been grown and improved by some of the best market gardeners in this vicinity for something over twenty years, and since its introduction to the public by us, the demand for it has increased very rapidly, especially among market gardeners. It is not only an extra early sweet corn, but is an exceedingly productive sort, producing remarkably large, well-formed ears. The quality is not excelled in any sweet corn. Last season the demand was so great as to exhaust our supply before the trade was half over. Although we have harvested a splendid crop for this year, still we would advise our customers (and we want you all to give it a trial) to order early. Do not fail to try it. Per pkt. 10 cts.; qt. by mail 65 cts.

THE EMERALD GEM MELON.

EXTRA EARLY, VERY PROLIFIC, ENTIRELY DISTINCT AND DECIDEDLY THE MOST DELICIOUS IN FLAVOR OF ALL MUSK MELONS.

The melons are about the size of the Netted Gem, but, unlike that variety, the skin, while ribbed, is perfectly smooth and of a deep emerald green color. The flesh, which is thicker than in any other melon of the same size, is of a suffused salmon color, and ripens thoroughly to the extremely thin green rind. It is peculiarly crystalline in appearance, and so very juicy and rich that it almost drops to pieces (like a rich cake) when dipped out with a spoon. The flavor is sweet and luscious beyond description. On our trial grounds in Adair County, this melon surpassed ALL OTHERS in quality, and we are sure that all who grow the Emerald Gem this year will praise it as the finest-flavored melon they have ever tasted. The vines are hardy and thrifty in growth, very proliflc, bearing the melons near the root; the melons mature extremely early and are uniformly of the most superb quality. Mr. Edward L. Coy, of Washington Co., New York, who has probably had most experience in growing all varieties of melons, including new varieties as they appeared, during the past thirty years, than any other grower in America, says that "the Emerald Gem ripened first of twenty-two varieties I had growing this season, and was VERY MUCH SUPERIOR IN QUALITY TO ANY OTHER I EVER SAW. But they are so thick meated they yield but little seed. I VERILY BELIEVE IT TO BE THE VERY BEST MELON IN THE WORLD." Per pkt. 10 cts.; oz. 25 cts.

MAMMOTH SILVER KING ONION. Grows uniformly larger than any other Onion in cultivation. The bulbs are of attractive shape, flattened, but thick through, as shown by the illustration. The average diameter of well grown specimens is from five to seven and one-half inches, thus making the circumference from sixteen to twenty-two inches. Single bulbs often weigh from two to four pounds. The yield is immense, having reached nine hundred bushels per acre. The skin is a beautiful silvery white, flesh white, sweet and pleasant, and can be eaten raw like an apple. Silver King cannot be too highly recommended for family use, for market or for exhibition. Per pkt. 10 cts.; oz. 35 cts.; 1/4 lb. $1.25; lb. $4.25.

SAC CITY, IOWA, Sept., '87. Well pleased with your seed. Had before been buying in Philadelphia. S. S. ASHBAUGH.

[image] A BLANC. PHILA. MAMMOTH SILVER KING ONION.

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IOWA SEED COMPANY, DES MOINES, IOWA.

[image] Cleveland's Alaska. THE EARLIEST PEA GROWN. CLEVELAND'S ALASKA PEAS.

Cleveland's Alaska Peas. Mr. Cleveland, the originator of this new variety, is also the originator of the celebrated Rural New Yorker Pea, which has attracted such universal praise. He claims that this is the earliest, the most prolific, the best in flavor, the best keeper in the pod, and he best color when shelled of any early variety of Peas. This variety has been given a thorough test by our customers and especially by the Des Moines Market Gardeners, and they claim that they average two days ahead of all other extra earlies, although the pods were somewhat smaller, so that when varieties like the Extra Early Challenge came in, the Alaskas were not so saleable. All gardeners will, of course, realize that the first few days are the cream of the market in Peas, and those who want to obtain the highest prices wlll not fail to plant the Alaska. Per pkt. 10 cts., pt. 35 cts., qt. 70 cts., all by mail postpaid.

OEMLER'S TRIUMPH. Prof. J. L. Budd, the eminent horticulturist of the Iowa Agricultural College, has called our attention to this variety of water melon, which he found were being shipped by the thousand up the Volga river in Russia. It is a variety originated in Central Asia, of medium size, dark glossy green color, and the sweetest of any variety we know of. Flesh is dark red, mottled with yellow. We had some of these melons on exhibition at the Iowa State Fair, September 1st, which attracted great attention. Their earliness may be judged from the fact that they were grown from seeds planted after Clark's No.1 Potatoes had been dug. The seeds are so small that they can be swallowed without the slightest inconvenience, being only about one-ninth the size of ordinary melon seed. In packets only, each 15 cts.

JOHNSON'S CHRISTMAS WATER MELON. A most valuable, new and distinct variety. They have been kept in a cool cellar for over four months, and cut open as fresh and delicious as the day they were picked. Their valuable keeping and shipping qualities are due to a peculiar, hard tenacious coating or outside enamelling of the skin, which also gives them an exceedingly handsome and fresh appearance, even after being kept or allowed to remain on the vines for months after ripening. Notwithstanding the rind is quite thin, they have been dropped from a height of four feet without breaking or bruising. The flesh is of a beautiful rich scarlet, very solid, and of delicious, sugary flavor. Seeds are few and small, and of a drab-white color. Aaron Paul, Mantua, N. J., writes: "My opinion of the Christmas Water Melon is that it will prove the best shipper in the world. I have grown nearly all varieties of melons, and have never seen its equal. They could be barreled up and shipped to Europe with perfect safety. I kept some in perfect condition till New Year's. They are the most hardy and productive variety I have ever seen." Per pkt. 10 cts., oz. 25 cts., 1/4 lb. 90 cts.

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 pkts. only, each 10 cts. [image] UPLAND CRESS.

WINTERSET, IOWA, Sept., 1887. Your seeds all grew and produced well that we got of you last spring. The best garden seeds we ever bought, and you may expect another order from us next spring. J. J. DEVAULT.

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SPECIALTIES AND NOVELTIES FOR 1888.

KING OF THE MAMMOTHS PUMPKIN. This magnificent new French variety which we had our attention called to this season, have been grown to the immense weight of two hundred and forty-five pounds. The flesh and skin are of a bright orange yellow color, fine grained and of excellent quality. Shape is same as that shown in our engraving. A splendid variety for exhibition. Owing to the universal drought last season, these did not grow as large as usual, still we have now on exhibition at our store a specimen weighing one hundred and fifty-eight pounds, which has attracted great attention. It was grown by Henry West, of Rhodes, Marshall Co., Iowa, who writes us that the same vine had FIVE OTHER PUMPKINS ON, WHICH WEIGHED FROM NINETY TO ONE HUNDRED AND FOUR POUNDS EACH. Farmers and gardeners of Iowa, just think of that kind of a crop in spite of dry weather. Will it not pay you to grow the KING OF MAMMOTHS and exhibit them at your county fair? Per pkt. 10 cts., oz. 35 cts. [image] KING OF THE MAMMOTHS PUMPKIN.

TURNER'S HYBRID OR MIKADO TOMATO. Unlike several "new tomatoes" recently introduced, the Turner Hybrid is entirely distinct. The foliage differs from that of most other tomatoes, the large leaves being entire and not cut. It is a rank, coarse grower, with thick stalk, and is enormously productive, outyielding any other variety. The fruit is extra large in size and remarkably solid. An average specimen measured four by four and three-eighths inches in diameter, and weighed one pound. They ripen up evenly, and are entirely free from bore. They have been pronounced by all who have tried them unequaled in fine flavor and table qualities. The form of the fruit is round and thick through, very smooth in specimens of medium to large size, while the extra large fruits are not so even in outline. The skin is thin, but rather tough, and consequently the tomatoes keep in fine condition much longer than most other varieties. The color is a very deep brilliant red; but its hybrid origin is shown in the fact that occasionally some fruits are lighter in color. Per pkt. 10 cts., oz. 50 cts.

Early Prolific Marrow Squash. This new variety is now offered by us for the first time. It has been proven by trials made under varying conditions of soil and climate by seed growers and gardeners in different parts of the country to be a most valuable acquisition. There is no variety for fall and winter that can compete with it in earliness and productiveness, the two most important features for the market gardener, while its attractive color - brilliant orange-red - good cooking and keeping qualities, make it popular with the consumer. A large crop of this variety which were being grown in Nebraska for seed last season, was the finest and handsomest field of squash we ever had the opportunity of seeing. Per pkt. 10 cts., oz. 30 cts., 1/4 lb. 90 cts. [image] EARLY PROLIFIC MARROW SQUASH.

BOONSBORO, IOWA, August 30, '87. I like your seeds, and think that Iowa gardeners would do well to purchase from you instead of sending so far east. Edward A. Boggs.

NEW MEDITERRANEAN SQUASH. This is a very valuable new fall and winter Squash, which we believe, from its numerous excellent qualities, will prove a most valuable acquisition. The accompanying illustration, from a photograph, is an exact representation, showing its handsome form. They grow about the same size as the "Hubbard," but owing to their very thick flesh, will weigh much heavier. The outside skin is quite smooth, and of a pleasing red salmon color, while the flesh is of a beautiful rich yellow, very sweet, fine and floury; its rich flavor is not approached by any other variety. The vines grow vigorously, are extremely hardy and very productive. As a keeper, they rank with our best winter sorts. Per pkt. 10 cts., oz. 25 cts., 1/4 lb. 75 cts. [image] SECTIONAL VIEW OF MEDITERRANEAN SQUASH.

THOMAS, IOWA, May 30, '87. The seeds I have bought of you have given good satisfaction. My cabbage plants are the admiration of the neighborhood. T. H. HUMPHREY.

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