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SIX GRAND ROSES.
On the front cover of our catalogue we illustrate the six grand varieties described below. They are of such exquisite beauty that our representation can give but a faint idea of their rare beauties, and all should see them in order to more fully appreciate their charms. We have reduced prices, and this year offer strong plants at 20 cts. each, 6 for $1.00.
No. 1. NEW RAINBOW - This new rose from California, which no doubt will be extensively planted, was awarded a silver cup by the State floral society. The color is a lovely shade of deep coral pink, striped and mottled in the most unique manner with intense crimson, and elegantly colored with rich, golden amber at center and base of petals. It makes beautiful buds, and the flowers are extra large, very sweet and of great depth and substance. It is a most charming new variety. Each 20c, 6 for $1.00. No. 2. THE BRIDE - Every lover of fine roses should have a plant of this peerless variety, as it fills a place in Ever-blooming Roses hitherto wanting. "The Bride" is a pure white rose of large size and most perfect form. The buds are painted and the ends of the petals are slightly curved back, giving it a most chaste and elegant appearance. This variety has the most delicious tea fragrance, and is a strong-growing, free-blooming rose either for summer or winter flowering. Each 20c., 6 for $1.00. No. 3. METEOR--This splendid rose is one of the brightest colored of all, and must be considered among the very best for bedding and general planting, as well as for growing in pots and conservatory. The color is a rich velvety crimson, exceedingly bright and striking, and the flowers are large and regular, fully double and borne on nice, long stems. It is a quick and constant bloomer, and quite fragrant. Never fails to please. It is one of the richest colored roses in existence, and no collection would be complete without it. Each 20c., 6 for $1.00. No. 4. LA FRANCE--One of the most beautiful of all roses, and is unexcelled by any in its delightful fragrance, very large, very double, superbly formed. It is difficult to convey an idea of its beautiful coloring, but the prevailing color is light silvery pink, shaded with silvery peach. It blooms continuously throughout the season, often blooming so freely as to check the growth of the plant, in which case a portion of the buds should be removed; stands first among the roses of our climate. In addition to this, it is entirely hardy, with a slight protection of leaves, and most deliciously fragrant, thus combining in a marked degree all the qualities of a perfect rose. Each 20c., 6 for $1.00.
No. 5. DWARF MARECHAL NEIL--(Our Perle)--Poets never tire of singing the praises of the Marechal Neil, the most famous of all roses, and its magnificent golden yellow buds are worn the world over, and the people always delight in it. We have seen greenhouses devoted to a single plant of this climbing variety, from which 500 to 2,000 rose buds are cut every day the year round. Why then don't every one grow it? Simply because they are difficult to grow properly in the northern states, and there are many even among the florists who do not succeed with it. But this grand dwarf variety is of the easiest culture and sure to succeed for every one. It is a sturdy, vigorous grower, strong and healthy, but shows no inclination to climb. The flowers are produced in the greatest profusion and it blooms almost continuously the year round if well cared for. The buds are of the most beautiful golden yellow, perfectly formed and handsomely painted, and of the largest and most massive size, the petals being slightly reflexed. They keep a long time after cutting and therefore are the best flower imaginable for evening wear. The open flower is very full and double and of immense size. The color always has a peculiar softness and delicacy not observed in any other variety. Unusually fragrant. We believe it to be unequaled for either pot culture or bedding, and every flower lover must have it. Price 20c each, 6 for $1.00. No. 6. CLOTHILDE SOUPERT--A decided novelty and one which should be in the collection of every lover of roses. It originated with one of the largest firms of rose growers in Europe, by a hybridization of a Tea and Polyantha rose, thus giving it the large flower and strong growth of the Tea class added to the profuse flowering of the Polyantha. It makes a handsome symmetrical bush, 15 to 18 inches high. The flowers are large, very double, of perfect shape, the outer petals are pearly white, shading to a center of rosy pink. It is fragrant and a constant bloomer. Sure to become a favorite, either for pot plants or garden bedding. Each, 20c, 6 for $1.00. COLLECTION--One strong plant each of the six choice roses named above postpaid for $1.00.
FRUITS AND VEGETABLES ON BACK COVER.
THE COTTAGE GRAPE. This is the grape of all others for those who only have space for a few vines and grow them for their own use. It will be found to adapt itself to a very wide range of soils from deep black loam to clay, and is a strong, vigorous grower everywhere. It is perfectly hardy, requiring no protection whatever, and is undoubtedly the best grape for arbors or covering verandas in the whole list, thus giving it an added value for the family garden. The foliage is of a bright pleasing green, while the underside of leaf is a beautiful golden yellow. The bunch is medium to large, and of the best possible shape, seldom shouldered. Berry larger than Concord and ripens earlier. Very productive. Flavor decidedly the best of all the black grapes, very juicy, tender and delicious. Moreover it is a long keeper, and can be left on the vine two or three weeks after ripe and still retain its delightful flavor and color. The berries seldom burst open, and thus the bunches always look well. Can be kept until Christmas in good condition. Adheres firmly to the stem. Skin thin but tough. W. M. Bomberger, one of the best posted grape specialists in this state, classes the Cottage as the best variety for family use in existence and the most satisfactory grape to sell fruit of to his retail trade, as wherever he sells a basket of grapes he is almost sure of an order for a dozen vines. Everything considered it is the most satisfactory variety in the entire list. Price for strong vines 25 cents each, $2.00 for 10, $4.00 for 25. Write for prices by the 100 and 1,000.
MUSKINGUM RASPBERRY. A new berry of great value. It is a Cap variety bearing an enormous purple red berry, the juice of which is of the richest ruby color. It is enormously prolific, notwithstanding its large size, and on account of its rich color and flavor it is particularly valuable for canning and preserving. It has more flesh to the quantity of seed than any other. It is perfectly hardy and a strong robust grower. We have grown it several years and are so well pleased with it that we cannot say enough in its favor. 15c each, 5 for 50c; 12 for $1.00.
IOWA SEED CO'S IMPROVED GREEN NUTMEG MELON. Every one is delighted with our improved strain of this most excellent old kind. For twelve years we have been constantly selecting and improving the old Green Nutmeg melon until now it is one of if not the best variety of muskmelon in existence. All lovers of fine, luscious melons will admit after giving it a trial that it cannot be surpassed in rich delicious flavor. Fruit of a fair size, very rich, melting and of exquisite flavor. Outside dark emerald green; flesh light green; more productive than any variety we know of. Don't fail to try it. Per pkt. 10 cts.; oz., 25 cts.
NEW CHAMPION EARLY SWEET CORN. Without doubt the earliest large corn ever introduced, being only a few days later than Cory, with ears nearly as large as the Mammoth. Ears were grown ready for table use in 61 days from time of planting, and they weighed 1 1/2 pounds each, and were 12 1/2 inches long by 8 1/2 inches around. To help you realize these figures, get the largest ear of field corn you can find and compare measurements. This was grown with special culture. An average size is about 9 inches long. It has a medium size white cob and large pearly white kernels, very sweet, tender and full of milk. No market gardener can afford to be without it, and every family garden should contain at least a few hills. Per pkt. 10c; 1/2 pt. 20c.; qt. 60c.
ICE KING WATERMELON. Another season only confirms our high opinion of this grand new variety. It ripens about ten days earlier than Kolb Gem, and is bound to take the place of that famous variety with those who grow melons for shipping purposes. In productiveness it surpasses any melon we have ever known. Many of the vines matured from six to eight large melons each. The flesh is of a scarlet color and fine flavor. Rind is thin and very tough. Owing to its great productiveness, it is the best melon that can be raised, either for market or private use. J. D. Corry, of Voorhees, Kas., who is one of the most extensive melon growers in this country, writes us that the Ice King is the finest appearing melon he had out of twenty varieties the past season, and that no melon can beat it in flavor. In fact too much cannot be claimed for it. Don't fail to try this grand melon. Per pkt. 10c.; oz. 20c.; 1/4 lb. 50c.; lb. $1.50.
PICTURE ROCK TOMATO. Many enthusiastic growers pronounce this the handsomest of all tomatoes. Fruit bright scarlet, of fair size and so perfect and uniform that they look as though each one was molded with the same stamp. On account of this perfect shape and great beauty it is unsurpassed for market. Its quality is extra fine, and it commences to ripen its fruit VERY EARLY, and continues in bearing until frost. Its keeping qualities are, however, the most wonderful. Ripe fruit picked from the vines have been kept in perfect condition for three to four weeks during warm summer weather. Per pkt. 10c, oz. 25 cts.
COLLECTION VEGETABLE NOVELTIES. One packet each of the four varieties of vegetables named above for 25 cents.
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[left column] ELLIS T. PEIRCE, President. M. KURTZWEIL, Vice-President.
[middle column] Established 1871. Incorporated 1889.
[right column] M. L. PAGE. Secretary. Chas. N. Page, Treas. and Gen'l Mgr.
OFFICE OF
IOWA SEED CO., 903-905 WALNUT STREET.
Des Moines, Iowa, January 1, 1894.
To Our Friends and Customers:
AGAIN we come to you with a seed-time greeting, and also a hearty "thank you" for the liberal patronage which we have received during the past season, and we trust you have each been as well pleased with seeds and other goods received from us as have those from whom we have already heard. It is indeed gratifying to know that the seeds sent out by us are giving such entire satisfaction, and we assure you that we shall continue our efforts to have our CHOICE IOWA SEEDS just what we claim for them--the best in the world. We do not make a "hobby" of any one kind of vegetables or flowers to the neglect of all others, but we make a specialty of everything which we handle, and all have our careful attention. We send out only just such seeds as we would be willing to plant ourselves, and we do not want an order unless we can please the sender in every respect, as the profit on a dozen orders is not sufficient to offset the damage caused by sending out goods which are in any way unsatisfactory. It is, therefore, decidedly to our interest to supply everything of the very best quality, and to fill the orders in such a way as to secure permanent customers. Thousands of our patrons each year testify that our motto, "ONLY ONE QUALITY, THE BEST," is well taken.
Iowa is truly the garden spot of the United States, and the soil and climate are peculiarly adapted to growing and maturing of seed crops. Many of the best posted and most particular eastern seed firms now have seeds grown here for them, and we also ship to some of the large European dealers. To western planters we would suggest the advisability of ordering direct from us instead of sending east. For nearly a quarter of a century we have been located here, and have devoted much time and labor to testing, experimenting, selecting and improving our various choice strains of seed. If you think our years of practical study of varieties suitable to this locality would be of value to you, we solicit your orders and will do our best to please you.
NOVELTIES.--We devote considerable space each year to testing the various so-called novelties offered by the seed dealers of this and other countries, and whenever we discover anything desirable we offer it to our customers. In each department of this catalogue we offer a number of well-tested novelties which we are sure will prove satisfactory.
FARMERS.--It will pay every farmer to thoroughly examine our field seed department. This is a specialty with us, and we believe that there is no seed firm in the country which gives more close attention to growing and handling farm seeds. We have many desirable new sorts, and it will pay you well to renew your seed corn, oats, etc., with better and more profitable varieties. Iowa grown seeds are the best.
Again thanking you for past favors and respectfully soliciting a continuance of your patronage, we remain,
Your friends, IOWA SEED COMPANY.
SUGGESTIONS TO CUSTOMERS.
[left column] ORDER EARLY.--The best time to order is just as soon as you receive this catalogue, as we can always give your orders more of our personal attention if they come in before the rush of the spring trade. Please use the order sheet, as it makes it more convenient for us in filling orders. Terms are invariably cash with order, as we keep no book accounts in our mail order department, and the expense of sending goods C. O. D. is quite large. Postage stamps received as cash. SHIPPING DIRECTIONS.--In ordering please state whether it will be convenient for you to receive your goods by express, and if so name your nearest express office, as all orders weighing two pounds and upward will be forwarded by express if possible. There are five express companies and fifteen railroads centering at Des Moines, so that quick shipments can be made to any town in the United States. CHARGES PREPAID.--All seeds, bulbs and plants, except those noted, are sent prepaid by mail or express by the quickest and most direct route, unless ordered otherwise, and we guarantee their safe arrival. TESTING.--All seeds are carefully tested, and nothing sent out which we do not believe to be good in every respect. OUR PRICES. - Our constant aim is to make the highest quality the first consideration, and next to put our prices as low as good reliable seeds can be sold. It is to your advantage to buy direct from the grower, as we know more of the freshness, the purity, and reliability of our seed than a dealer who buys all of his stock. DISCOUNTS . - On ALL ORDERS FOR SEEDS IN PACKETS the purchaser may select twenty-five cents' worth extra for each one dollar sent us. This refers only to seeds in packets, not in bulk. For other discounts see heading of the respective classes of goods. Each year we put up thousands of packets or seeds for free distribution among our customers, by adding liberally of them to orders. We will allow you a discount of ten cents per pound on vegetable seeds, such as are listed as prepaid, if you are willing to have them sent by express or freight at your expense.
[center image of a train with "We pay the postage" written in the smoke]
[right column] WHAT WE GUARANTEE.--That all money sent us for seed shall reach us if sent by registered letter, P. O. or express money order or bank draft, made payable to our order. That your order will be filled promptly and well. That goods ordered will reach you safely.
KEEP A COPY of your order. Frequently persons think that they have ordered articles which they have omitted, and blame us for not sending them.
[image of left hand pointing right] NOTICE.--The importance of Good Seeds cannot be overestimated, and we are certain that after a trial all our customers will 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 it distinctly understood that while we exercise the greatest care to have all seeds pure and reliable, and also true to name, we do not give any warranty, express or implied. If the purchaser does not accept the seeds on these terms and conditions, they are to be returned at once, and money that has been paid for same will be refunded. No officer, agent or employee of this company is authorized to make any warrantee whatsoever. However, we have so much confidence in our seeds 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.
We know of no responsible seed firm in the world who guarantees seeds any further than this. Compare with other seed catalogues and you will find that we are right.
OUR RESPONSIBILITY.--As this book will probably go into the hands of many who are unacquainted with us, this question will naturally arise, and in answer to the same we respectfully refer you by permission to the Valley National Bank of this city, to the postmaster, and any of the various express companies.
MARKET GARDENERS and others who buy VEGETABLE SEEDS IN BULK to tbe amount of $5.00 or more, are requested to send for our Market Gardeners' Price List. This list for market gardeners is intended only for large buyers, and is excluslvely for those who order vegetable seeds alone by weight or measure amounting to $5.00 or over. Club orders which call for this amount of bulk seeds altogether are entitled to these prices.
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A Selected List of CHOICE VEGETABLE SEEDS.
From Good Seeds Only Can Good Vegetables be Grown.
Seeds by Mail Postpaid. In comparing our catalogue with others, please remember that our prices include the prepayment of postage or express charges, on all seeds by the packet, ounce, quarter pound, pound and quart, and thus you have them delivered to your door at prices named in the Catalogue. This includes postage on Beans, Peas and Corn by the quart, but not by the peck or bushel.
Discounts on Packets.- It takes almost as much time and labor to record and fill an order amounting to 25 cents as one for one dollar's worth or over, consequently to induce the sending of larger orders for packet seeds we offer to send seeds in packets only (not by weight or measure) to the amount of 60 cents for 50 cents; to the amount of $1.25 for $1.00; $2.60 for $2.00; $4.00 for $3.00, or $6.75 for $5.00. This does not apply to seeds in bulk, nor to plants, bulbs, or anything else in our line.
BEANS- Dwarf Bush Varieties. Ger. Bohnen. One quart will plant one hundred feet of drill. Dwarf or Bush Beans require no support, and should be planted in drills, an inch and a half deep and drop the beans three inches apart in the drills. Beans are tender annuals and cannot be planted till danger of frost is past. Keep clean, but do not hill up or hoe when wet. A sandy loam is the best. The half pint packages will be found very desirable for small families. We furnish pints at one-half the quart price.
PRICE INCLUDES POSTAGE. See special prices by the peck and bushel at the end of this list.
IMPROVED EARLY VALENTINE.- About ten days earlier than the common Early Valentine. In addition to this, it is more robust and vigorous, and produces the true, round, curved pods very abundantly. Unexcelled in quality and in uniformity of ripening, nearly the whole crop can be taken at one picking, usually within thirty-five days from time of planting. Per pkt. 5c, 1/2 pt. 15c, qt. 40c.
EARLY MOHAWK.- Very early and will stand more cold weather than most bush varieties. For this reason it is desirable for early planting. It is an old variety of established reputation. Pods five to six inches long. Per pkt. 5c, 1/2 pt. 12c, qt. 35c.
WARDWELL'S DWARF KIDNEY WAX.- Earlier, better, more productive than Golden Wax; rust-proof; vigorous; pods large; showy; tender and stringless. Excellent flavor and good either for snap or shell. Per pkt. 5c, 1/2 pt. 15c, qt. 50c.
[image] IMPROVED VALENTINE. [image] EARLY MOHAWK.
YOSEMITE MAMMOTH WAX.- The forerunner of a race of giants amongst beans and universally conceded to be the nearest to perfection that nature has yet given us. The pods are solid pulp; absolutely stringless; the thickness of a man's finger, and 8 to 14 inches in length; they are of a rich golden yellow and cook tender and delicious. Per pkt. 10c, 1/2 pt. 20c, qt. 70c,
CURRIE'S RUST-PROOF GOLDEN WAX.- It is positively rust-proof. While grown side by side for several years with other Wax Beans, all of them more or less affected by rust, many or them completely ruined by it, this Bean has remained entirely free from it. Exceeding crisp and tender, and of a most delicious flavor. As early as the Golden Wax, and it is, moreover, amazingly productive. The accompanying cut is no exaggeration, but a very faithful representation of the plant as it is usually seen if properly grown. Crop very short this year. Pkt. 5c, 1/2 pt. 20c, qt. 60c.
GOLDEN WAX.- The most popular of any Wax Beans grown. About ten days earlier than Black Wax; pods golden yellow, tender and rich. We consider this by all odds the best of the older varieties for general use. Per pkt. 5c, 1/2 pt. 15c, qt. 50c.
WHITE WAX.--Pods waxy yellow, very tender, Per pkt. 5c, 1/2 pt. 15c, qt. 45c.
BLACK WAX.--One of the most popular varieties with all market gardeners. Pods fleshy, waxy yellow, tender. Per pkt. 5c, 1/2 pt. 15c, qt. 45c.
[image. Wardwell's Kidney Wax Bean. Hardiest and most Productive.]
EARLY REFUGEE, or Thousand to One. - Most prolific green podded sort, thick and fleshy. Per pkt. 5c, 1/2 pt. 12c, 1 qt. 35c.
LARGE WHITE MARROW.--Excellent as a shelled bean; cooks in twenty minutes. Per pkt. 5c, 1/2 pt. 12c, qt. 35c.
DWARF HORTICULTURAL.- This has all the good qualities of the old Horticultural Pole Bean, and is much easier to cultivate, because of being a dwarf variety. Per pkt. 5c, 1/2 pt. 20c, qt. 60c.
CALIFORNIA BRANCH, OR PROLIFIC TREE.- This is quite a valuable variety for field culture; grows about 20 inches high, has stiff, upright branches, and bears immensely, sometimes yields forty-five bushels to the acre. The beans closely resemble the White Navy. Per pkt. 5c, 1/2 pt. 15c, qt. 40c.
[image] CURRIE'S RUST-PROOF GOLDEN WAX.
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IOWA SEED COMPANY, DES MOINES, IOWA. 3.
[picture left. Henderson's dwarf lima]
[center column] HENDERSON'S BUSH LIMA - Another year adds to our high opinion of this really remarkable variety. It is worthy of all the high praise given it. It grows in compact bush form, and produces enormous crops of delicious Lima Beans, which can be as easily gathered as the common garden bush bean; is at least two weeks earlier than any of the climbing Limas, and produces a continuous crop from the time it comes into bearing (it is fit for table in this latitude by the middle of July) until frost, and being enormously productive, a very small patch will keep a family supplied with this splendid vegetable throughout the season. Pkt. 5c, 1/2 pt. 20c, qt. 60c.
[left column] DREER'S BUSH LIMA- A dwarf growing form of the old Dreer's Lima or Potato Lima, which was quite popular a few years ago. It is also called Kumerle's Bush Lima. Compared with the Hendersons' his Bean in its green state is fully double as large and yields abundantly. One plant sent in this year had 185 pods on. Does better on dry, sandy soil, owing to its heavy foliage. Is of the best flavor. Per pkt. 15c.
BURPEE'S BUSH LIMA- A dwarf or bush form of the true large Lima, which is of great value. There is no reason now why western farmers should not raise all the Lima Beans they require for their own use as well as for sale. They are of perfect bush form, growlng 18 to 20 inches high, of stout and erect growth, yet branching and vigorous. An immense yielder, each bush bearing 50 to 200 handsome large pods, well filled with very large beans of luscious flavor. Does not always mature the dry shelled beans in this latitude, but you are sure of a good crop of green ones. Don't fail to try it. Per pkt. 15c, 1/2 pt. 75c.
[center picture. circle around the words 3 Bush Limas One Packet of Each For Only 25 cents.]
[center column] Beans. (Pole or Running Varieties.) Ger. Stangen-Bohnen. One quart will plant 100 to 150 hills. These succeed best on clay loams, which should be liberally enriched with short manure in the hills, which are formed according to the variety, from three to four feet apart; from five to six seeds are planted in each hill, about two inches deep. After planting all beans, be sure and firm the ground, either with feet or roller.
LAZY WIFE'S--The very best late green-podded pole bean. The pods of a medium, dark green color, broad, thick, very fleshy, and entirely stringess. The pods retain their rich, tender and stringless qualities until nearly ripe, and at all stages are unsurpassed for snap-shorts, being peculiarly luscious. Each pod contains from six to eight round white beans, which make excellent winter shell beans. They have also yielded well planted among corn. Per pkt. 10c, 1/2 pt. 20c, qt. 60c.
[picture of Burpee's Bush Lima. copyrighted 1889 by Watlee Burpee & co.]
[left column] KING OF THE GARDEN LIMA- While the dried beans are about the same size as the common large Lima, the green beans are of unusual size. The pods are very long, and frequently contain four to six very large beans. Per pkt. 50, 1/2 pt. 150, qt. 50c.
LARGE WHITE LIMA--Per pkt. 5c, 1/2 pt. 15c, qt. 45c.
SCARLET RUNNER- A favorite snap bean in Europe, valuable for table use, or as an ornamental vine. Per pkt. 5c, 1/2 pt. 20c, qt. 60c.
CUT SHORTS- The old fashioned corn-field bean, which is so popular and often so difficult to obtain. Per pkt. 5c, 1/2 pt. 20c, qt. 55c.
WHITE DUTCH CASE KNIFE- -Good green podded variety. Per pkt. 5c, 1/2 pt. 15c, qt. 45c. YARD LONG- A great curiosity, and withal a bean of excellent quality. Pods three feet long and highly ornamental. Tender and of asparagus flavor. Pkt. 10c.
[left picture Dreer's Bush Lima] Remember, We pay postage on Beans at these prices. Deduct fifteen cents on each quart if to be sent by express. [left picture Lazy Wife's Pole Bean]