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18. SEED CATALOGUE AND GARDEN GUIDE.

[image] KOLB'S GEM.

KOLB' S 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 pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 20c, lb. 60c.
BURPEE' S WHITE GEM.--This is found indeed a gem, both in its unique, handsome appearance and delicious quality. It is enormously productive, and sets probably more fruit to the acre than any other Watermelon in cultivation. The melons are perfectly round in shape, as shown in the illustration, of good average size for family use, weighing fifteen to twenty pounds each, of a beautiful cream-white color when ripe. The skin is so tough that a melon fully ripe will support a man without even cracking the flesh--this, notwithstanding that the rind is only a scant half inch in thickness. The flesh is a rich, bright pink, crisp, melting, very juicy and deliciously sweet in flavor. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 1b. 50c, lb. $1.50.

[image] PEERLESS.

JOHNSON'S CHRISTMAS.--This melon has become a popular shipping melon for long distances. Have been kept until Christmas in perfect condition. Their valuable keeping and shipping qualities are due to a peculiar hard, tenacious coating or outside enameling of the skin, which also gives them an exceedingly handsome and fresh appearance, even after being kept or allowed to remain on on the vines for months after ripening. The flesh is of a beautiful rich scarlet, very solid, and of a delicious, sugary flavor. Its uniform size, and handsome, fresh appearance at all times make it a most salable variety. Per pkt. 5c., oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 30c, lb. 85c.

[image] BURPEE'S WHITE GEM.

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 they can be swallowed without the slightest inconvenience. Excellent flavor. Per pkt. 10c, oz. 20c, 1/4 lb. 60c, lb. $2.00.

[image] JOHNSON'S CHRISTMAS.

PEERLESS, or Ice Cream.--(White Seeded.)--Of unquestionable quality, very early, medium size, thin rind, flesh bright scarlet. We annually sell more seed of this than any Early Melon on the list. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 20c, lb.60c.
PRIDE OF GEORGIA.--Very popular with Des Moines growers. Is a dark green 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. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 30c, lb. 85c.
TRUE DARK ICING, or Ice Rind.--Very solid sort, with a thin rind, and possesses a most delicious flavor. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 25c, lb. 75c.

[image] OEMLER'S TRIUMPH.

[image]

HOLT'S MAMMOTH SAGE.
After having grown and thoroughly tested this valuable variety for many years, we can recommend it most highly. The illustration shows a leaf of average size. The plants are very strong-growing, the first season attaining one foot in height, and so spreading that a single plant covers a circular space three feet in diameter. The leaves are borne well above the soil, keeping them clean; they are very large, and of unusual substance, stronger in flavor, and of superior quality. A single plant of Holt's Mammoth will yield more than a dozen plants of the common sort. It is perfectly hardy, even in New England, and attains still larger growth the second season. It never runs to seed. Price: 3 plants for 25 cts., 7 for 50 cts., or 15 plants for $1.00, postpaid.

PEANUTS.
RED CROSS PEANUTS--Peanuts can be grown in Iowa, and everyone should plant a few for themselves and the children. This very desirable variety is as early as the earliest, the most hardy, very prolific, and of the best quality. Boys, here is a chance for you. Think of growing peanuts in your own garden and having plenty of them to eat. Plant as soon as the ground becomes warm, from two to three feet apart each way, four or five to the hill, covering two or three inches. The soil should be deep and mellow, and well broken up, so as to be ready for planting soon after frost is over. April is a suitable time. They produce 25 to 70 bushels per acre, and are as easily cultivated as corn. Price per large package, 10c; lb., postpaid, 50c.

[image] PEANUTS.