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[Images: Illustration of a garden with an American Flag, Washington Monument, White House, garden flowers]
1899 29th Annual Catalogue Iowa Seed Co Des Moines Iowa Seedsmen to the American People
Old Glory Geranium
Best Novelty for 1899 25 cts each 5 for $1.00 See Page 35
Seeds Bulbs Plants Tools Only One Quality The Best
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[Image: Drawing of a large boulder etched with text, Established 1871, Geo. F. White, Des Moines, IA.]
1871 - 1899 Twenty Eight Years Successful Business! Des Moines, Iowa, January, 1899.
To Our Customers: At the beginning of a new year the mind naturally reverts to the past and this year we find little to regret but very much to be thankful for. The All Wise Giver has bestowed his blessings bountifully this year on this nation and on us individually; but we would be unappreciative indeed if we did not wish to also extend our heartfelt thanks to our many customers for the kind orders which they have sent us. It would be a pleasure indeed if we could take each of you by the hand with a personal greeting and we most cordially invite you to call and see us whenever you come to this city. For more than a quarter of a century our place of business has been known as The Iowa Seed Store, being the largest as well as the oldest seed concern in the state. In every neighborhood in the state our seeds are well known and popular, our trade has extended to every state in the Union, and our highest ambition is to deserve the title which has been applied to us, namely, "Seedsmen to the American People."
[Top left column] [image: American Flag] Our Colors. For many years we have illustrated the National colors on the cover of our catalogue, and what is more appropriate for a firm which is called "Seedsment to the American People?" We are proud of this title and love and honor the flag as every true citizen should, and are trying to uphold the principles for which it stands. We are all proud of the glorious victories gained under this banner both on sea and land during the past year, and that it has brought freedom to millions of people and removed the tyrant's heel from America. When we speak of "American People" we do not mean simply those born in the U. S. but everyone who considers this country his home. Many of our best customers are farmers and gardeners who came from foreign shores and have adopted this as their country and our flag as their flag.
Government Free Seeds. This is the first time we have ever referred to this subject in our catalogue and we do it only because some "cheap John" seed firms are boasting of their having sold seeds to the government. Every year we recieve requests from the U. S. Agricultural Department asking us to put in a bid for supplying them, but we have always refused to do so. They purchase the very cheapest seeds they can buy and our readers would doubtless be surprised could they know the original source of some of this stock. The whole system is wrong. Our present able Secretary of Agriculture, as well as his predecessor, has strongly condemned the principle as tending to paternalism and pauperism. The average cost to the government of the parcel of seeds sent to each voter is only about four or five cents. There is no question in our minds but that it is sent to obtain the good will and vote of the recipient and we are very glad that there are a few self respecting farmers coming to look at the matter in its true light who are indignantly throwing back the bribe, refusing to be herded to the polls at five cents per head. If such a package come to you mark it "refused" and return it to the post office.
[Center insert box] Kind Words From Old Friends. "I have been a customer of the Iowa Seed Co. since 1875 and always intend to be so long as they prove as satisfactory as in the past. Both they and their seed are reliable."--J. C. Jessup, Fairmount, Ind.
"This is my ninetheeth year getting seed from your firm and they always give the best of satisfaction. I wish you success."--Bryant Graves, Searcy, Arkansas.
"I have bought and used your seeds for fourteen years and have had the best of success."--H. C. Name, Winamac, Indiana.
"I have used your garden seeds for sixteen years and have always found them good."--R. B. Moore, Alma City, Minnesota.
"We have planted your seeds many years and have always found them just as represented, good healthy seeds and true to name."--Mrs. H. M. Pratt, Yates Center, Kan.
"I have tried your seeds so often that I know there are none better."--W. E. Roby, Truro, Iowa.
"I am pleased with your catalogue with 'Old Glory' spread to the breeze because it shows that patriotism is your motto. I think your Mr. Fuller was with my brigade following Sherman on his march to the sea."--John S. Luthy, Edgehill, Missouri.
[Top Right column] While we are receiving orders from many foreign countries, still it is the home trade that we are the most anxious for and we solicit the patronage of everyone who uses seeds from Maine to California and from the lakes to the Gulf of Mexico. The soil and climate of Iowa are especially adapted to the perfect growth and maturing of seed crops, and we devote much time and labor to testing, experimenting and improving our various choice strains of seed. Our seeds not only grow but produce crops good in quality and large in quantity. Our store is as conveniently arranged a building as there is in America for the seed business and orders can be filled with great rapidity, our mail during the busy season averaging 1,000 to 2,400 letters and postals per day. About five blocks away, located beside the railroad tracks, is the warehouse where large quantities of seed are stored and hauled to our city store as needed.
We grow our own seeds, either on our own place or have them grown under contract for us. Our home farm is devoted to growing small items and stock seeds which we place with practical seed growers and contract for the entire crop which is subject to our personal inspection at all times during the growing seasons. We handle altogether about 2,000 varieties of seeds and it requires the crop of seeds from about 4,500 acres to supply our trade. Again thanking you for past favors, respectfully soliciting a continuance of your patronage and wishing you a happy and prosperous new year, we remain, Your friends, Iowa Seed Co.
What our Postmaster says: Des Moines, Iowa, Dec. 18, 1897:--To whom it may concern: I have known the proprietors of the Iowa Seed Co. for many years and I can recommend them as trustworthy, energetic business men. They are shipping thousands of packages to all parts of the United States, and we hear no complaint from their customers. Respectfully, Edw. H. Hunter, P. M.
[Centered bottom half of page] Suggestions to Customers.
[Bottom 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 recieved as cash. Shipping.--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 Vegetable and Flower 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. Seeds sold by the peck or bushel, field seed, potatoes, implements, and other heavy goods are sent by freight or express, purchaser paying charges.
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.
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. Each year we put up thousands of packets of 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 frieght at your expense.
Small Orders.--If you only want a single packet, do not hesitate to send for it. We take as much pains to fill small orders promptly and correctly as we do large ones. Orders for flower plants and nursery stock, however, must amount to at least fifty cents.
Newspapers.--We offer a year's subscription to either the Western Garden, of Des Moines, or Farm Journal, of Philadelphia, to anyone ordering seeds to the amount of $1.00 or more and asking for it in place of other premium.
[Bottom 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. Sometimes persons think that they have ordered articles which they have omitted, and blame us for not sending them.
[Image: 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 any one 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 warranty 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 refer you by permission to the Valley National Bank of this city, to the postmaster, or to any of the various express companies.
Market Gardeners and others who buy Vegetable Seeds in Bulk to the 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 exclusively 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.
We are always pleased to receive samples of any new, rare or superior seeds you may send us for trial.
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Vegetable Seeds. In this department will be found only such varieties as have proved after years of trial the best adapted to the soil and climate of Iowa and the central states. Every kind is recommended to our customers. When the selection is left to us we will send such sorts as we know will do well in your locality. Our packets are, we believe, as well filled as any reliable seed dealer's in the United States, and, in fact, a comparison has shown that they contain more seed, on an average, than those of any other firm whose packets we have secured. We pay the postage at these prices, except on Beans, Peas and Corn by the peck or bushel.
[Image: Drawing, a tied bundle of asparagus, Caption-Columbian Mammoth White Asparagus.] Asparagus.--Ger. Spargel. One ounce will sow forty feet of drill. Soak the seed 24 hours in tepid water; sow early in spring, in rows a foot apart; keep clean by frequent weeding and hoeing. Ask for circular giving instructions for making an asparagus bed. Packets contain about 250 seeds. [Image: Box, text inside a border, Novelties, See colored pages in center of this book.]
Columbian Mammoth White.--A new and entirely distinct variety, that produces shoots which are white, and stay white as long as fit for use. It is more robust and vigorous in habit, and throws up larger shoots and fully as many of them as Conover 's Colossal and requires no earthing up in order to furnish the white shoots so much sought after. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 25c, lb. 75c. Palmetto.--Stalks frequently measure two inches in diameter, and, even when twelve inches long, are perfectly tender when cooked. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 20c, lb. 60c. Conover's Colossal.--The standard variety. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 15c, lb. 40c. Asparagus Roots.--See page 21.
[Image: Drawing of a brussel sprout plant with sprouts, Caption-American Mammoth Brussels Sprouts.] Brussels Sprouts. Ger. Spressen-Kohl. One ounce will produce about 3,000 plants. Of the cabbage family, producing numerous heads on the stem of most delicious quality, as well as a cabbage-like head at the top. If you have never grown it, try it this year and you will be pleased. Use and cultivation same as winter cabbage. Pkts. contain about 800 seeds.
American Mammoth.--A new and greatly superior variety of American growth which forms heads ready for picking about three weeks earlier than other varieties. It has the additional merit of making stronger plants and making more heads. A profiable crop for market gardeners. Pkt. 10c, oz. 40c. English--Per pkt. 5c, oz. 15c. [Image: Drawing of a single kale plant, Caption-Extra Curled Mossbach Kale.]
Borecole, or Kale. 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. Extra Curled Mosbach.--The most beautiful Kale grown. Leaves are so finely crimped and curled, and of such a nice light green color that it answers admirably for garnishing. Best quality when cooked. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 15c, 1/4 lb. 40c, lb. $1.25. Dwarf German Green.--Popular for winter greens. Pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 30c, [lb.] b. 75c.
[Image: Drawing of a bean plant loaded with bean pods, Caption in a banner, Burpees, New Stringless Green Pod, Copyrighted 1899, by A. Blanc & Co.}
Beans.--Dwarf Bush Varieties. 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, and 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 on page 20. Packets contain about two ounces.
Stringless Green Pod Bush--The only stringless green pod bush bean in cultivation. Consequently it surpasses all others in crisp, tender flavor. The finely shaped, long, green pods are absolutely stringless, and when we add that tbe pods are ready to market two weeks earlier than the best stock of improved extra early Red Valentines, we are sure that Stringless Green Pod will supply a long felt want. It must prove of immense value, not only to the market gardener who wants to make more money, but also to the amateur who seeks a rare quality early for the home table. Per pkt. 5c, 1/2 pt. 20c, qt. 60c. Roger's Lima Wax--See Novelty List. Per pkt. 5c, 1/2 pt. 20c, qt 65c. Wardwell's Dwarf Kidney Wax--Earlier, more productive than Golden Wax; rust proof, vigorous, pods large, showy, tender and stringless, excellent flavor and good for either snap or shell. Per pkt. 5c, 1/2 pt. 15c, qt. 40c. Currie's Rust-Proof Wax--Crisp and tender and of delicious flavor. As early as the Golden Wax. Amazingly productive. Per pkt. 5c, 1/2 pt. 15c, qt. 40c. Black Wax--Popular with market gardeners. Per pkt. 5c, 1/2 p[pt.] 15c, qt. 40. Yosemite Mammoth Wax--Pods frequently attain a length of ten to fourteen inches, with the thickness of a man's finger, and are nearly all solid pulp, the seeds being very small when the pods are fit for use. The pods are a rich golden color and are absolutely stringless, cooking tender and delicious. Enormously productive. Per pkt. 5c, 1/2 pt. 15c, qt. 50c. Improved Early Valentine--About ten days earlier than the common Early Valentine. More robust and vigorous. Per pkt. 5c, 1/2 pt. 15c, qt. 40c.
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[Image: Drawing of a plant loaded with beans, Caption-Improved Golden Wax.] Large White Marrow.-Excellent as a shelled bean; cooks in twenty minutes. Pkt. 5c, 1/2 pt. 12c, qt. 35c. Red Kidney.-A very popular variety with first-class restaurants, as they possess a peculiarly rich flavor and are very desirable as a shelled bean. Should be grown more generally. Per pkt. 5c, 1/2 pt. 15c, qt. 50c.
Improved Golden Wax.-In spite of all the new sorts of beans being introduced every year, our trade calls for more Golden Wax than any other variety. This great popularity is due largely to the fact that the variety we have is a great improvment on the old Golden Wax having larger pods and being much more prolific. This improved stock is one or the handsomest beans we have ever seen, the pods being of dark, rich golden yellow color and of perfect shape. For family or market you can make no mistake in planting them. Per pkt. 5c, 1/2 pt. 15c, qt. 40c. Early Mohawk.-Very early and will stand more cold weather than most bush varieties. It can be planted earlier and often in this way will furnish beans fit for use before any other kind. Vines large, stout, with large, coarse leaves which will stand a slight frost; beans long, kidney shaped, variegated with drab, purple and brown. This variety is much in favor for forcing under glass, as it matures quickly and carries a good weight of long, large pods. Per pkt. 5c, 1/2 pt. 12c, qt. 35c. Dwarf Horticultural.-Has all the good qualities of the old Horticultural Pole. Per pkt. 5c, 1/2 pt. 15c, qt. 50c. Early Refugee, Or Thousand To One.-Most prolific green podded sort, thick and fleshy. Per pkt. 5c, 1/2 pt. 12c, qt. 35c. Blue-Podded Butter.-A most remarkable and strikingly odd novelty. Has compact, bushy plants 12 inches high and bears abundantly. The leaves and stems are of a bright purple color and rich deep-blue pods. The entire pods cook a rich green, are very tender, stringless, and of a rich delicious flavor. Supply of seed very short. Per pkt. 10c.
Henderson's Bush Lima.-Grows in compact bush form, producing 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, produces a continuous crop from the middle of July until frost. Enormously productive. A very small patch will supply a family with this splendid vegetable throughout the season. Pkt. 5c, 1/2 pt. 15, qt. 40. California Branch, Or Prolific Tree.-This is quite a valuable variety for field culture; grows about twenty 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. 12c, qt. 35c.
Burpee's Bush Lima.-A dwarf or bush form of the true large Lima which is of great value. They are of perfect bush form, growing 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 dry shelled beans in this latitude, but you are sure of a good crop of green ones. Per pkt. 5c, 1/2 pt. 15c, qt. 50c.
Large White Marrow.--Excellent as a shelled bean; cooks in twenty minutes. Pkt. 5c, 1/2 pt. 12c, qt. 35c. Red Kidney.--A very popular variety with first-class restaurants, as they possess a peculiarly rich flavor and are very desirable as a shelled bean. Should be grown more generally. Per pkt. 5c, 1/2 pt. 15c, qt. 50c.
Pole Beans. 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. Old Homestead.-This is an improvement on the Kentucky Wonder, and we regard it as far ahead of any other green podded pole variety, and the best, as well as earliest sort, being fit for the table August 1st. It is enormously productive, the pods hanging in great clusters from top to bottom of pole. It is entirely stringless, and the pods are of a silvery green color, and cook tender and melting. Pods are often twelve inches in length, and instead of picking them into a basket, it is customary to pile them up on one arm like kindling wood when gathering a mess for family use. The dry beans are long, oval, duncolored and of fair quality as a shelled bean. Can be grown with corn to good advantage, and thus secure two crops from the same ground. Per pkt. 5c, 1/2 pt. 15c, qt. 50c.
[Image: Box with decorative border and text - Remember We pay the postage on beans at these prices. Deduct 15 Cts. On each quart if to be sent by express or freight.]
Mammoth Horticultural.-An improvement on the old Horticultural Pole. The beans are of enormous size, splashed and spotted with red, and of the highest quality as a shell bean either green or dry. It originated at Worchester Mass., where it has been grown for several years by one of the leading market gardeners, and he has always been able to command from 25 to 50 cents per bushel more than others for their beans, as his were always of such bright carmine color, and would keep longer after being picked. Pods very large, bright carmine slightly streaked, very handsome and exceedingly productive. It is somewhat earlier than tbe parent variety, shows no rust, and is considered by some eastern gardeners the best pole bean in the world. Per pkt. 5c, 1/2 pt. 20c, qt. 60c. King Of The Garden Lima.-An Improvement on the Large White 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. 5c, 1/2 pt. 15c, qt. 50c. 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. 70c. Cut Shorts.-The old-fashioned corn-field bean which is so popular and often so difficult to obtain. Per pkt. 5c, 1/2 pt. 15c, qt. 50c. White Dutch Case Knife.-Good green-podded variety. Pkt. 5c, 1/2 pt. 15c, qt. 45c. Lazy Wife's.-The very best late green podded pole bean. The pods are of a medium dark-green color, broad, thick, very fleshy, and entirely stringless. The pods retain their rich, tender and stringless qualities until nearly ripe, and at all stages are unsurpassed for snap shorts. Each pod contains from six to eight round, white beans, which make excellent winter shell beans. Per pkt. 5c, 1/2 pt. 15c, qt. 50. Yard Long.-A great curiosity, and withal a bean of excellent quality. Pods three feet long and ornamental. Tender and of asparagus flavor. Pkt. 10c.
[Image: Drawing of a pole bean plant, loaded with pods, Caption- Old Homestead Beans.]
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Seed Catalogue And Garden Guide. ... 3
[Image: Drawing of a single beet, Caption-Market Gardeners' Beet.] Beets. One ounce sows 50 feet of drill, 4 to 6 pounds for one acre. For early, sow as soon as the ground can be worked, and about the middle of May for general crop, in drills fifteen inches apart and one and a half inches deep. As the plants grow thin to six inches in drills. The young plants make excellent greens. The seed will germinate more freely if soaked in warm water twenty-four hours before sowing; but care should be taken not to plant soaked seed in very dry ground. The soil should be a deep, rich loam.
Iowa Seed Co's Market Gardener's Beet.-Undoubtedly one of the best novelties ever introduced, and it receives much praise from our customers each year. Its shape is well shown by the accompaning engraving. It is very symmetrical, with small tap root and but few fibrous roots. Unusually small tops. Although on some soils the Egyptian can be marketed a few days before the Market Gardeners, still within a week it will be found larger than the Egyptian, while it continues to grow until late m the fall, attaining a large size, and makmg a good eating and selling beet for winter. One sowing only is necessary to produce early beets for market and main crop for winter use. Color, deep blood red; fine grained and unsurpassed in quality. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 25c, lb. 75c.
Crosby's Improved Egyptian.-We believe this to be the earliest variety in existence. It was originated by Josiah Crosby, a leading market gardener for the Boston market, and is a great improvement on the old Egyptian, being thicker, handsomer, and more regular in shape, smooth, with very small tops and small tap root. It is of perfect shape when small thus making a good beet for bunching, and is very popular with the Des Moines market gardeners for this purpose. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 25c, lb.75c. [Image: Drawing of a single beet, Caption-Crosby's Improved Egyptian.]
Extra Early Eclipse.-Of rapid growth, small top, and extra fine quality. Roots smooth, round, intense blood-red skin and flesh. Pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 20c, lb.60c. Egyptian Turnip.-Very deep red. Pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 20c, lb. 50c. Dewing's Improved Blood Turnip.-An improvement on the old Early Blood Turnip. Globe shape; deep blood-red color, fine flavor, desirable for main crop; good keeper. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 20c, lb. 50c. Bastian's Extra Early Red.-Per pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 20c, lb. 50c. Black Queen.-See Novelties. Per pkt. 10c. Swiss Chard.-For greens only. Pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 25c, lb. 75c. Extra Long Dark Blood.-Standard winter; smooth, tender and sweet. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 20c, lb. 50c.
Mangels And Sugar Beets. [Image: Drawing of three root vegetables hanging from a rack, Captions-Golden Tankard, Champion Yellow Globe, Dignity, Dignity. Saint.]
Dignity.-An improvement on the Mammoth Long Red by careful selection for a number of years. It stands head and shoulders above all other varieties of mangels; unequaled for yielding and feeding qualities. Grows to a very large size, weighing from 30 to 50 lbs., and will yield 50 tons per acre with good cultivation. Thousands of western farmers have grown our Dignity mangel and call it the most profitable farm crop they ever tried. If you want large crops of large mangels of good quality, don't fail to try the Dignity. It is very uniform, smooth, and of good shape. Should be grown on deep, loose soil. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 20c, lb 40c. By express, not prepaid, 5 lbs. $1.25.
Extensively grown in all parts of the country for feeding stock. Sow in April or May, in drills three feet apart, and thin to ten inches in the row. If your soil is deep and mellow, try the long varieties; if shallow the round kinds will do better. No crop pays the farmer or stock raiser better than mangels; 1,000 bushels to the acre is an ordinary yield, while, with good culture, over 2,000 bushels have been grown to this amount of ground. These make the cheapest of foods for all kinds of live stock--horses, cattle, sheep, pigs, chickens, etc. Easily grown and they help to keep stock in good condition and free from disease. Dairyman claim that bushel of mangels and a bushel of corn are worth more than two bushels of corn. Use 5 lbs. seed to an acre. Full direction for culture, and storing mangels, will be sent on application.
Golden Tankard.-Best for dairy farming. Considered indispensible among English dairy farmers; it is stated by them they are able to obtain a higher price for milk when feeding cows on Golden Tankard. Sheep thrive on it. Other mangels cut white, circled with yellow, but Golden Tankard is of a rich, deep yellow throughout. Early, hardy and a heavy cropper, for on account of its shape the roots can be left standing close in rows. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 20c, lb. 35c. By express, not prepaid, 5 lbs. $1.50. Champion Yellow Globe.-Finest type of Yellow Globe in cultivation. Roots immense size, fine shape, small tap root, neat top. Flesh being very firm and fine-grained, renders it an excellent keeping variety. Well adapted to shallow soils. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 20c, lb. 45c. By express, 5 lbs. $1.50.
Red Globe.-Like the above except color. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 20c, lb. 45c. By express, 5 lbs. $1.50.
Mammoth Golden Giant.-An improvement on the long yellow mangel, being of considerably greater size, more than half above ground and of a more grayish or rather russet yellow color. Remarkably even in shape, rather elongated, of vigorous growth; it has a fine neck and a very smooth skin. Flesh white, firm and sweet, much liked by cattle. In short, a magnificent root, easily lifted from the ground, producing enormous crops. Excellent keeper; yields 40 to 60 tons per acre. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 20c, lb. 50c. By express, 5 lbs. $1.50. Mammoth Long Red.-Very popular sort. Grows to an immense size and has produced sixty-five tons to the acre. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 20c, lb. 30c. By express, 5 lbs. $1.00.
Collection of Mangels. One ounce each of the above six varieties for 30c, 1/4 lb. of each for 90c, 1 lb. of each for $2.25; postpaid, or $1.75 by express.
Sugar Beets. Vilmorin's Impoved [Improved] Sugar.-Yields the largest percentage of sugar. Best of the French sugar beets. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 20c, lb. 50c. Diamond Sugar.-Grown in Germany from beets which tested 18 to 20 per cent of sugar. Best of German varieties. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 20c, lb. 50c. Lane's Imperial Sugar.-For feeding stock. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 15c, lb. 40c[.] By express, 5 lbs. $1.25.