1890

IOWA SEED COMPANY, DES MOINES, IOWA. 29

ENDIVE- Ger. Endivien. One ounce will sow sixty square feet. Endive is one of the best and most wholesome salads for fall and winter use. Sow early and thin, cover slightly. Soon as large enough thin to nine inches apart. When leaves are eight inches long, tie them together with string near the top to blanch, this must be done when quite dry. Before cold weather, take up for winter, being careful to leave a small amount of dirt around the roots. Extra Curled- Per 1/4 lb. 75c, oz. 20c... 5.

GOURDS.

The following four varieties will be found quite serviceable in any household. No one would think, without having tried them, of the many uses they can be put to. Cultivate as Cucumbers; or they may be trained over lattice work or utilized to cover stumps or fences. Dipper- Makes a more light and convenient dipper than can be bought. Dippers of various sizes, of a capacity of from a pint to a quart and a half, can be had from a few vines. Per oz. 20c... 5.

[image] - Ladies bonnet made from dish rag gourd

LUFFA, or DISH CLOTH- The peculiar lining of this fruit, which is sponge-like, pourous, tough, elastic and durable, makes a natural dish-cloth. The fruit grows about two feet in length, and the vine is very ornamental, producing large clusters of yellow blossoms, in and neat Ladies' Summer Bonnet, very unique and tasteful suitably trimmed and ribboned. (see illustration.) For the bath, and for all uses of the toilet in general, the "Dish-Rag Gourd" is taking the place of the sponge. It is, in fact, a sponge, a soft brush and a bath glove combined, and is almost indestructible. The seed should be started in a hot-bed or in the house. Per oz. 50c... 10. Sugar Trough- Very convenient for buckets, [image] baskets, nest-boxes, etc. Sometimes grow so large as to hold ten gallons each; per oz. 20c... 5.

Nest Egg- Very closely resembles an egg and makes an excellent substitute for a nest egg. Housewives will also find them handy in darning stockings; per oz. 25c... 5.

Mixed Utility Varieties- The above four kinds mixed; per oz. 25c... 5. For Ornamental Gourds, see Flower Seeds.

IMPROVED GROUND CHERRY The fruit has a pleasant strawberry-like flavor, and is much esteemed, and by some is considered indispensible for pies, sauce, etc. See description with novelties; per oz. 40c; 1/2 oz. 25c... 10.

HERBS. See list at end of Vegetables.

HORSE RADISH SETS. See list of Vegetable Plants.

KOHL RABI- Ger. Kohlrabi. One ounce will sow a 200 foot drill. An excellent vegetable, intermediate between [image] the Cabbage and Turnip. Sow in rows in May or June, eighteen inches apart, thinning to eight inches between the plants. Cook as Turnips. Early White Vienna- Flesh white and tender; best market sort; per lb. $2; 1/4 lb. 65c; oz. 20c... 5.

Early Purple Vienna- Per lb. $2; 1/4 lb. 65c; oz. 20c... 5.

KALE, or BORECOLE- Ger. Blatter-Kohl. One ounce will produce about 3,000 plants.

This most excellent vegetable deserves to be more generally cultivated, being hardier than Cabbage, and furnishing most excellent greens during winter and spring. It is also a splendid winter food for poultry. It is quite hardy and is improved by frost. Cultivate same as Cabbage. For winter, sow in September and treat as Spinach, giving it a light covering of straw or litter to protect from severe cold. Dwarf German Green- Best for winter greens; per lb. $1; 1/4 lb. 35c; oz. 10c... 5.

Tall Curled Scotch- Per lb. $1; 1/4 lb. 35c; oz. 10c... 5.

May 28, 1889. The seeds were all right as per order and all are growing nicely. T. A. JONES, Beacon, Iowa.

30 SEED CATALOGUE AND GARDEN GUIDE.

LETTUCE--Ger.Lattich.

One ounce will sow 120 feet of drill.

Probably no vegetable is more universally used than Lettuce, and to be fully appreciated must be brought to tbe table fresh and unwilted. As it requires but little room, and is of the easiest culture, there are few families that cannot have it direct from the bed. The quality of Lettuce depends largely upon a rapid and vigorous growth. Sow in hot-beds in March and in open ground as early as it can be worked, thinly in drills one foot apart. For a succession, sow every three weeks during the season. The soil should be rich and mellow. Thin out plants as they grow, so that the plants left to head will stand 10 to 12 inches apart in the rows. Early Curled Simpson- An improved variety of the Curled Silesia with large, loose heads and excellent flavor; per lb. $1.00; 1/4 lb. 30c; oz. 10c... 5. TENNIS BALL, or Boston Market- One of the earliest heading varieties, being very compact and solid, good for hot-bed culture, but it runs to seed so rapidly that for outdoor culture it is not recommended; per lb. $1.00; 1/4 lb. 35c; oz. 15c. 5. HUBBARD'S MARKET- This variety of Lettuce is one of the best forcing Lettuces ever introduced. Its merits are: Good size, compact although not solid heads, fine flavor, hardiness and long keeping quality after being cut; per 1/4 lb. 50c; oz. l5c... 5.

All the Year Round- Excellent, very large, dark green color, quite curly, don't form solid heads, but is very compact. As its name indicates, it is good for all seasons; per 1/4 lb. 50c; oz. 15c... 5. [image]

HANSON- Extra large and solid heads, light green. This is the favorite variety with Des Moines market gardeners; per lb. $1.00; 1/4 lb. 35c; oz. 15c... 5.

Black-Seeded Simpson- Nearly double the size of the ordinary Curled Simpson; stands the summer well. Excellent for forcing per lb. $1.00; 1/4 lb. 35c; oz. 15c. 5. Salamander- Excellent variety for summer use, as it withstands the heat and drouth admirably and is very slow in running to seed. Forms immense heads 12 to 24 inches in diameter, although not very solid, attains size early, light green; per 1/4 lb. 50c; oz. 15c... 5.

Green Fringed- It is a very delicate shade [image] of green, the inner parts of the leaves white with the edges beautifully cut and fringed. Quality is not as good as some other varieties, but its handsome appearance makes it a good selling variety; per 1/4 lb. 40c; oz. 15c... 5. DEACON- This is one of the dark green, thick leaved sorts, nearly all of which are of good quality. Head compact, roundish or a little flattened when of full size. Outer leaves few in number, which with the perfectly defined head give the plant a very distinct appearance; 1/4 lb. 45c; oz. 15c... 5.

[image]

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 appearance. It is of quick growth and possessed of fine flavor and extreme tenderness; per 1/4 lb. 65c; oz. 20c. 5.

New Tomhannock- This forms a beautiful plant. The edges of the outer leaves are of a glossy reddish bronze handsomely wrinkled; within the leaves are almost white. In our test it made large heads quicker than any other variety; per 1/4 lb. 60c; oz. 20c... 5.

Burpee's Hardhead- Very large, dark brownish green, forms good solid heads of good quality. Grows slowly and stands heat well; per 1/4 lb. 50c; oz. 15c... 5. Brown Dutch- Head of medium size. Very hardy, and the leading variety for winter use; per 1/4 lb. 35c; oz. 10c... 5.

Mixed Varieties- Seed of about twenty early, medium and late sorts mixed together, thus giving Lettuce for the table during the entire season, and giving an opportunity to examine all the leading varieties with but little expense; per lb. $1.50; 1/4 lb. 60; oz. 20c... 5.

We can also furnish Early Curled Silesia, Prize Head, Ice Drumhead, [continued next page]

Remember that $1.00 pays for seeds in packets to the amount of $1.35, nd to deduct 10 cents per lb. if you have seeds sent at your expense.

IOWA SEED COMPANY, DES MOINES, IOWA. 31 [continued from previous page] Black Seeded Tennis Ball, Golden Heart, Curled India and Paris White Cos Lettuce seed at per lb. $1.25; 1/4 lb. 50c; oz. 15c. 5.

LEEK- Ger. Lauch. One ounce will sow 100 feet of drill. This is a branch of the Onion family, and is preferred by some to the Onion. Sow early in spring, and when plants are three or four inches high, thin to eight inches apart. Hoe the earth well up to the stalk to blanch it. London Flag- Very hardy; per 1/4 lb. 50c.; oz. 15c... 5.

LARGE ROUEN- A favorite variety with market gardeners. Largest and most uniform of all; per 1/4 lb. 75c; oz. 20c... 5.

MARTYNIA--(For Pickles.) One ounce will plant 100 hills. Plant in May, in hills four feet apart. The seed pods, which are used quite largely for pickling, should be gathered when they are green and tender. See novelty list for more full description; per 1/4 lb. 75c; oz. 25c... 10.

MELON- Musk - Ger. Melone. One ounce will plant about 80 hills; two pounds to the acre. The soil best adapted to the culture of Melons is a warm, rich, sandy loam. Plant in hills five or six feet apart each way, ten to twelve seeds in a hill. When they begin to vine, thin out, leaving only four of the most thrifty. As Melons are very sensitive to cold, they should not be planted till the settled warm weather sets in, in this latitude about the middle of May. Cultivation should commence as soon as the plants appear above the ground, and be kept up once a week until the vines interfere too much. OSAGE- See Novelty List; per lb. $1.75; 1/4 lb. 60c; oz. 20c... 10.

EMERALD GEM- See Novelty List; per lb. $1.25; 1/4 lb. 45c; oz. 15c... 5.

IMPROVED EARLY HACKENSACK [image] - This new candidate for public favor holds its size, rich flavor and other good qualities remarkably well, and withal is a great improvement on the Turk's Cap or Hackensack in that it is fully ten days earlier. All should try it; per lb. $1.00; 1/4 lb. 30c; oz. 10c... 5.

Jenny Lind- A small very early Melon of most delicious flavor; almost round, flattened at the end; distinctly ribbed and finely netted, green fleshed; per lb. 75c; 1/4 lb. 20c; oz. 10c... 5.

Golden Netted Gem- A very early, rather small round Melon, with thick light green flesh of luscious flavor. Very productive, of a handsome appearance and very uniform in size; keeps well after picking; per lb. $1.00; 1/4 lb. 30c; oz. 10c... 5.

Orange Christiana- One of the earliest and most delicious of all varieties; per lb. 80c; 1/4 lb. 25c; oz. 10c... 5. Miller's Orange Cream- A splendid [image] novelty of 1887. Shallow ribbed, thin rind, finely netted; the flesh varies from a light green to a rich salmon in color, owing we believe to its being a hybrid; flavor is very sweet; per lb. $1.25; 1/4 lb. 50c; oz. 15c... 5.

The Princess- This new variety is nearly round, with heavily netted dark green skin; the flesh is of a rich salmon color, and in flavor is sweet and lucious [luscious] beyond description. They ripen early and grow to good size, frequently weighing eight to ten pounds each. This is a grand new variety which it will pay you well to try; per lb. $1.35; 1/4 lb. 50c; oz. 20c... 10.

Skillman's Fine Netted- Fresh green, sugary and excellent quality; per lb. 60c; 1/4 lb. 20c; oz. 10c... 5. Green Citron- Per lb. 60c; 1/4 lb. 20c; oz. 10c... 5.

Improved Green Nutmeg- Fruit oval, good size, rich exquisite flavor; a general favorite; per lb. 60c; 1/4 lb. 20c; oz. 10c... 5.

Bay View- This variety which is so rapidly growing in favor is of large size, deliciously rich, sweet and luscious. Our crop of this did magnificently, and our seed cannot be excelled; per lb. 60c; 1/4 lb. 20c; oz. 10c... 5.

Improved Cantaloupe- Large size, flesh light green, most delicious flavor, superior for market or private gardens; per lb. 60c; 1/4 lb. 20c; oz. 10c... 5.

Surprise- Thin, cream colored skin, thickly netted; flesh deep salmon color, very thick and highly flavored; surprisingly productive; per lb. 75c; 1/4 lb. 25c; oz. 10c. 5.

Montreal Market- Uniformly of large size, averaging from fifteen to twenty pounds in weight. Flesh very thick and of fine flavor; per lb. 75c; 1/4 lb. 25c; oz. 10c... 5.

April 30, 1889. Seeds came to hand all right. Please accept thanks for extra packets. A. W. McDONALD, Center Junction, Iowa.

32. SEED CATALOGUE AND GARDEN GUIDE.

New Banana--Attain a length of from 18 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 any melon you have ever eaten. [image] BANANA MELON It looks almost like aN over-grown banana and moreover smells like one, hence the name. It is not only a curiosity, but in flavor unquestionably fine; per 1/4 lb. 50c; oz. 15c... 5. CHAMPION MARKET--Almost a perfect globe in shape and densely netted making it one of the handsomest cantelonpes known. Flesh is thick, light green color and of rich sweet flavor. The vines are very vigorous and healthy; very productive, sometimes having seven perfect melons on a single vine. Per lb. $1; 1/4 lb. 30c; oz. 10c... 5. We can also furnish the Casaba, Turk's Cap, Bird's Cantaloupe, Perfection, Pineapple, Ward's Nectar; per lb. 90c; 1/4 lb. 25c; oz. 10c... 5.

MELON--Water--Ger. Wasser Melone. One ounce will plant about 60 hills. It is of the utmost importance that all Melon growers should have the very best of seeds, and those who have given our seeds a trial in the past, are so well pleased that they continue to use them. It pays to have the best. Plant in hills eight feet apart and cultivate same as Musk Melon. VICK'S EARLY--A new variety of medium size, flesh bright pink, solid and sweet; said to be the earliest variety in cultivation per lb. 75c; 1/4 lb. 25c; oz. 10c. 5. NEW WHITE GEM--A splendid new variety. See description in Novelty List. 2 pkts. 25c... 15. Phinney's Early--Flesh deep red, superior quality, early and productive, valuable market variety; per lb. 70c; 1/4 lb. 25c; oz. 10c... 5. PEERLESS or Ice Cream--(White-seeded.) Of unquestionable quality, medium size, thin rind, flesh bright scarlet; per lb. 60c; 1/4 lb. 20c; oz. 10c... 5. True Dark Icing, or Ice Rind--There are two distinct types of this melon; this one which we consider the best, is known as the dark icing. It is a very solid sort with a thin rind, and posseses [possesses] a most delicious flavor; per lb. 80c; 1/4 lb. 25c; oz. 10c... 5. Oemler's Triumph--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, very early. The seeds are so small that they can be swallowed without the slightest inconvenience; per lb. $2; 1/4 lb. 60c; oz. 20c... 10. GREEN AND GOLD--The largest early variety in cultivation, ranging from 25 to 40 lbs. in weight; slightIy oval; dark green outside, with blotches of fawn color when ripe. Flesh yellow as gold, sweet as sugar, and of unequalled flavor. Seed white, with a pink shade around the edges. When it comes to beauty and excellence, combined the Green and Gold takes the lead of all the early varieties. Per lb. $1.50; 1/4 lb. 50c; oz. 15c... 5. [image] STOKES' EXTRA EARLY--This new melon is without doubt, the earliest of all. Our illustration, made from a phograph [photograph], shows their shape, which is nearly round, dark green skin, slightly mottled with white. The flesh, deep scarlet, remarkably solid, and in delicious sugary flavor is unsurpassed. The seed is very small, being only about half the size of other watermelon seeds; per lb. $1.50; 1/4 lb. 50c; oz. 15c... 5. True Georgia Rattlesnake, or Gipsy--Fruit large, oblong, striped; flesh red, of fine quality. An excellent variety for market; lb. 65c; 1/4 lb. 20c; oz. 10c... 5. Haskell's Excelsior--Flesh bright red; very superior quality, large size, frequently weighing over 40 pounds; per lb. 65c; 1/4 lb. 20c; oz. 10c... 5. Mountain Sprout--Per lb. 65c; 1/4 lb. 20c; oz. 10c... 5.

Remember that $1.00 pays for seeds in packets to the amount of $1.35, and to deduct 10 cents per lb. if you have seeds sent at your expense.

IOWA SEED COMPANY, DES MOINES, IOWA. 33.

Mountain Sweet--Per lb. 60c; 1/4 lb. 20c; oz. 10c... 5. [image] KOLB GEM--This variety is pronounced by many of our largest melon growers the most successful shipping melon ever introduced. The rind, though quite thin, is very tough. The flesh is bright red and of excellent flavor. All who have grown it agree in pronouncing it one of the largest, most productive, best keeping and shipping melons ever grown; per lb. 75c; 1/4 lb. 20c; oz. 10c... 5. JOHNSON'S CHRISTMAS--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. The flesh is of a beautiful rich scarlet, very solid, and of delicious flavor; per lb. $1.20; 1/4 lb. 40c; oz. 15c... 10. Orange--A curiosity. The rind of this variety, when ripe, peels off from the flesh like the skin of an orange, leaving it a very handsome fruit to place on the table; per 1/4 lb. 45c; oz. 15c... 5. Scaly Bark--The rind is very thin, yet very tough and strong. The flesh is light crimson in color, very tender and of excellent flavor. The average weight is thirty-five pounds. Per lb. 75c; 1/4 lb. 25c; oz. 10c... 5. PRIDE OF GEORGIA--Is a dark green motted [mottled] color, nearly oval, ridged like an orange, grows partly upon its end; is firm, will ship well, attains a large size, and is very sweet and crisp; lb. 85c; 1/4 lb. 30c; oz. 10c... 5. Mammoth Iron Clad--Of very large size; has weighed 128 pounds, and an entire crop averaging 50 pounds each; attractive shape and appearance, and excellent quality; a good shipper; per lb. 80c; 1/4 lb. 25c; oz. 10c... 5. Sculptured Seeded--Cream colored flesh; per lb. $1.25; 1/4 lb. 35c; oz. 10c... 5. Colorado Preserving--Are quite distinct and much superior to the common Preserving Citron. It makes beautiful, clear, transparent preserves of perfect flavor. Very productive, bearing large fruit; per lb. $1.25; 1/4 lb. 40c; oz. 15c... 5.

CITRON--Red seeded--For preserving per lb. $1.00; 1/4 lb. 30c; oz. 10c... 5. We can also furnish the Cuban Queen, Long Light Icing, Gray Monarch, Black Spanish, American Champion; per lb. 80c; 1/4 lb. 25c; oz. 10c... 5.

MUSTARD--Ger. Senf. One ounce will sow about 75 feet of drill. A pungent salad, used sometimes with Cress, also elegant for greens. Sow thickly in rows, and cut when about two inches high. SOUTHERN GIANT CURLED--This mustard is very highly esteemed in the South, where the seed is sown in the fall, and the plants used very early in the spring as a salad. The seed is brown and produces plants which grow about two feet high and form enormous bunches, six of which will fill an ordinary barrel; per lb. $1.00; 1/4 lb. 30c; oz. 10c... 5. White English, or London--Per lb. 50c; 1/4 lb. 20c; oz. 10c... 5. Brown or Black--Lb. 40c; 1/4 lb. 20c; oz. 10c. 5.

NASTURTIUM--Ger. Indianish Kresse One ounce will sow 20 feet of drill. The seeds, while young and succulent, are pickled and used as capers. The plants are also highly ornamental; the tall variety makes an excellent screen or covering for unsightly places in the garden. Sow in drills one inch deep after the ground has become warm. Tall--Mixed colors; per 1/4 lb. 50c ; oz. 15c. 5. Dwarf--Mixed colors; per 1/4 lb. 65c; oz. 20c. 5.

OKRA, or Gumbo--Ger. Essberra. One ounce will sow about 80 feet of drill. Its long pods when young are used in soups, stews, etc., and are believed to be very nutritious. Sow at the usual time of all tender vegetables, in drills two inches deep, setting the plants from two to three feet apart. Improved Dwarf--Very productive; per lb. $1.00; 1/4 lb. 30c; oz. 10c... 5. NEW DWARF VELVET--See Novelty List; per lb. $1.75; 1/4 lb. 50c; oz. 20c... 10.

PARSLEY--Ger. Petersilie. One ounce will set 150 feet of drill. Sow in March thinly in drills one foot apart, half an inch deep. Soak seed in warm water a few hours before sowing. For winter use protect in a glass frame or light cellar. Champion Moss Curled--A very select stock, beautifully crimped and curled. Decidedly the best and most popular variety for general use. Quite decorative for garnishing; per 1/4 lb. 30c; oz. 10c... 5. Plain Leaved--The hardiest and strongest growing variety. Leaves dark green. The best flavored for seasoning; 1/4 lb. 25c; oz. 10c... 5. NEW FERN-LEAVED--Exquisite in form and admirably suited for mixing with dwarf ornamental foliage plants in the flower garden; also for table decorasion [decoration]. Excellent quality; per 1/4 lb. 45c; oz. 15c;... 5.

May 21, 1889. The seeds have all come up nicely. Mrs. A. W. COOK, Charles City, Iowa.