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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."

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[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.

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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.

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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.

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Suggestions to Customers.

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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.

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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.

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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.