1899

26 ... Seed Catalogue And Garden Guide.

[Image: Drawing of oats plants, set in circle frame with Lincoln's face, Caption-Lincoln Oat.]

Lincoln Oats.-When we introduced these oats to our customers in 1893 they had never been tested in this state, but had done so exceptionally well in Minnesota that we had much faith in them. Seven prizes, amounting to $500.00, were offered for the largest crops grown from one bushel of seed sown, and in our 1894 catalogue we published a list of the awards, the first prize going to a man who grew 174 bushels from one bushel of seed sown, and the average of seven successful competitors was 116 bushels each. What we claim for the Lincoln is that it is a very heavy yielder, is comparitively early, has proven itself to be entirely rust proof, and stands up exceptionally well. On account of its soft nib, heavy meat and thin hull it is unsurpassed for feeding and for making into oatmeal. Pound 25c, 3 lbs. 60c postpaid. By freight, pk. 40c, bushel $1.00, 2 bushels or more at 75c, 10 bushels or more at 65c. Early Champion Oats.-This grand new variety which was introduced by us in 1898 has given excellent satisfaction to our customers and it gave the largest yield per acre of any variety in the test at the Iowa Agricultural College and is highly recommended by them. Has comparatively short straw, matures a week to ten days earlier than other kinds, thus largely escaping the liability to rust. Its greatest value lies in its special adaptability as a nurse crop to sow with grass seed, as it does not stool as freely as some other sorts. Will not lodge on rich land. Henry Wallace, editor Wallace' Farmer, says: "I would rather risk sowing grass seed with them than any other variety I know of." Price per pk. 35c, bu. $1.00, 2 bus. or more @ 85c, 10 bus. or more at 75c. Great New Zealand Oats.-This grand new variety was first introduced by us in 1895 and has given remarkable satisfaction, in one instance yielding 102 bushels per acre, while other varieties in the same vicinity yielded only 40 to 50 bushels. It averages a trifle higher than other sorts, has very stiff, strong straw, never known to lodge. About one week later in maturing than the common round head oat, thus giving time to harvest the hay crop. They stool out remarkably well, and thus require less seed to the acre; are almost entirely free from rust on all kinds of soil. Peck 40c, bu. $1.00, 2 bu. or more @ 75c, 10 bus. or more @ 65c. Success Beardless Barley.-The earliest barley known. The straw is about the height of the common barley, but better and will stand up on any land; with good land and season has produced 80 bushels per acre. Sow as early as you can; frost does not hurt it. Being beardless it handles as easy as oats and makes a stronger feed. Per lb. 25c, 3 lbs. 60c. By freight, per pk. 50c, bu. $1.25, 2 bus. or more @ $1.00. Velvet Chaff or Blue Stem Wheat.-Does the best of any sort throughout Iowa. It is a remarkable, semi-hard spring wheat, yielding large crops free from rust. The millers here pay more for it than any other sort. Lb. 25c, 3 lbs. 65c, pk. 50c, bu. $1.50. Ask for prices in quantity. Turkish Red Winter Wheat.-Has proved invincible, every year without exception producing a good paying crop. It is strictly Iron-Clad and almost entirely free from rust, blight and scab, and lives through winter in the most exposed places. It has a record of 44 bushels. Per pk. 50c, bu. $1.25. Ask for prices in quantity. [Image: Drawing of a single oat stalk along right edge of page, Caption-Early Champion Oats.]

[Lower part of page split into 3 columns.] [Left Column.] [Image: Drawing of three full stalks of barley, Caption-Ideal Barley.] Ideal Barley.-And it is indeed an ideal that pleases all who try it. The heads are large and well filled with big, plump kernels, which not only are without the objectionable long harsh beards, but also are hulless. Those who have grown it say that it produces a very much larger crop than any other variety. It weights 60 to 65 lbs. to the measured bushel, while ordinary barley weighs only 48 lbs. The straw is very stiff and strong. It is the handsomest, most productive and best variety we know of. Per pkt. 5c, lb. 30c, 3 lbs. 75c, postpaid. By freight, per pk. 75c, bu. $2.00, 2 bu. or more @ $ 1.75. Seed Flax.-Prices subject to change during the season; present price per pk. 60c, bu. $1.75. Ask for price in quantity.

[Center Column.] Spring Rye.-The straw is shorter and stiffer than the winter variety and is always easily secured, while the grain is of equal value. Per lb. 25c, 3 lbs. 60c, pk. 50c, bu. $1.50, 2 bus. or more @ $1.25. Winter Rye.-Per pk. 40c, bu. 75c, 2 bus. or more @ 60c. Australian Broom-Corn.-Makes the most even and perfect shaped and colored hurl brush of any variety that we have ever seen, almost every pound of it being straight, of light green color and suitable for the best parlor brooms. It is much more productive than most other kinds, the brush is much longer and is sure to bring a higher price. Per lb. 30c, 3 lbs. 75c. By freight, 10 lbs. $1.00, 25 lbs. $2.00, 100 lbs. $6.50. Wilson's Improved Evergreen Broom-Corn.-An improvement on the Tall Evergreen. It stands well, is long and free from crooked brush. Per lb. 30c, 3 lbs. 75c. By freight, 10 lbs. 75c, 25 lbs. $1.50, 100 lbs. $5.00. [Image: Drawing of a leafy plant, Caption-Dwarf Essex Rape.]

[Right Column.] Dwarf Essex Rape.-A forage plant of great merit, easily grown in any part of the United States, and will furnish abundant supplies of succulent, rich, nutritious pasture at a season when it is most needed. Is of great value for sheep and lambs and when turned in on it, to use a common expression, "they soon weigh like lead." It is also of value for pasturing cattle. Seed may be sown in May, June or July, or with grain in the spring. Large pkt. 5c, lb. 30c, 3 lbs. 75c, postpaid. By express, 5 lbs. or more @ 15c per lb., 25 lbs. for $3.00, 100 lbs. for $9.50. Field Peas.-A most profitable crop for fatenning stock and especially hogs, also for marketing as dry or split peas. Sow two bus. to the acre or with oats, one bu. of each. Scotch Beauty.-Best blue field peas. Pk. 60c, bu. $1.50, 2 bu. or more @ $1.40[.] White Canada.-More used than any other. Per pk. 60c, bu. $1.40, 2 bu. or more @ $1.30.

Iowa Seed Company, Des Moines, Iowa. ... 27 [Left Column.] [Image: Drawing of several corn plants, Caption-Kaffir Corn.]

[Right Column.] Kaffir Corn.-An excellent fodder plant, yielding two crops of fodder during a season. Grows four to five feet high, upright stalk with numerous large leaves. Greatly relished by cattle and horses. The seed crop is also heavy, sometimes yielding sixty bushels to the acre. It does better sown in drills three feet apart using six to eight pounds of seed per acre. Per lb. 25c, 3 lbs. 60c. By freight, 10 lbs. 50c, 25 lbs. $1.00, 100 lbs. $2.50. Prolific Tree Beans.-Quite a valuable variety for field culture, grows about 20 inches high, has stiff, upright branches and bears immensely, sometimes yielding 45 bushels per acre. The beans closely resemble the White Navy. Per pkt. 5c, 1/2 pt. 15c, qt. 40c, postpaid. By freight, per pk. 90c, bu. $3.25. Amber Sugar Cane.-The earliest sort and makes the finest quality of amber syrup, over 250 gallons having been produced on one acre, and when boiled down making over 1,200 lbs. of sugar. Why not supply your own table in this way, as it is as easily grown as corn and succeeds well in all parts of the U. S. from Minnesota to Texas. Sow 5 lbs. seed per acre in drills 3 feet apart. Our seed is Iowa grown and first-class. Its great value, however, to farmers is as a fodder plant, and we are tempted to call it the most valuable Forage Plant in existence. When sown broadcast at the rate of 100 lbs. per acre it gives a large crop of green fodder which is sweet, nutritious and greedily eaten by cattle and hogs. Can be cut frequently during season. Per lb. 25c, 2 lbs. 60c, postpaid. By freight, 10 lbs. 60c, 25 lbs. $1.00, 100 lbs. $2.50, 500 lbs. $10.00. [Image: Drawing of plant (missing), Caption-Amber Cane.]

[Center Column.] Silver Hull Buckwheat.-A very good and popular variety. Grain is of a light gray color, is rounder than the common variety, has a much thinner husk, earlier, and yields more. Per lb. 25c, 3 lbs. 60c. By freight per peck 50c, bu. $1.25. Japanese Buckwheat.-About a week earlier than Silver Hull, and yields almost as much again. The flour made from it is equal in quality to any other buckwheat, while it is much more productive than any other, and succeeds well far north. As the straw is heavier and it branches more, it does not need to be sown as thickly as the other kinds. Per lb. 25c, 3 lbs. 60c. By freight, per peck 40c, bu. $1.00. [Image: Drawing of a blooming plant, Caption-Japanese Buckwheat, Natural Size.] Early Soy, or Soja Beans.-(Coffee Berry.) During recent years this has been largely sold under the name of German Coffee Berry at extremely high prices, but we prefer to offer it under its correct name. The berries ripen in about three or four months from the time of planting and produce a crop of twenty to forty bushels to the acre and are as easily grown as other beans. When roasted and ground it closely resembles coffee and tastes quite similar. Some mix half and half with coffee when using and claim it is superior. Its great value to the farmer lies in the fact that when ground it makes one of the most valuable crops for feeding stock and adds greatly to the milk production. Claimed also to be much superior to clover for fertilizing the soil and for pasturing, or feeding the green fodder, of which it frequently yields from eight to twelve tons per acre. Plant in drills 2 or 3 feet apart and 1 foot between plants. Per pkt. 5c, 1/4 lb. 15c, lb. 40c, 3 lbs. $1.00, postpaid. Pk. $1.50, bu. $5.00. [Image: Drawing of a soy bean plant loaded with pods, Caption-Soja Beans, Or Coffee Berry.] [Image: Drawing of a tall artichoke plant with a pig dining on the artichokes, Caption-Artichokes.] Mammoth White French Artichokes.-Claimed to be an improvement on the Jerusalem. The greatest hog food known. These are attracting much attention on account or their great fattening properties, great productiveness, (over one thousand bushels having been grown on one acre), and ease with which they can be grown. They need not be dug in the fall; the hogs should be turned on them, and will help themselves by rooting for them. One acre will keep from twenty to thirty head in fine condition from October to April, except when the ground is frozen too hard for them to root. They are also said to be a preventive of cholera and other diseases, and they are also highly recommended for milch cows, increasing the yield of milk and at the same time improving their condition. Five bushels will seed an acre, and they should be cut the same as potatoes, one eye to a cut being sufficient. Plant in April or May, in rows three feet apart and two feet in the row and cover about two inches deep. To destroy them they should be plowed under when the plant is about a foot high, at the time the old tuber has decayed and new ones are not yet formed. Per lb. 30c, 3 lbs. 75c, postpaid. By freight or express, pk. 50c, bu. $1.25, bbl. $3.00. Large Orders If you desire to purchase a large lot or seed of any kind, be sure to send list and let us quote special prices.

[Right Column.]

Whippoorwill Cow Peas.-The most popular variety. Makes short vine, but a fine crop of fodder and dry peas. Per lb. 35c, 3 lbs. 85c, postpaid. Per pk. 75c, bu. $2.50.

Tree And Hedge Seeds. Postpaid at prices named. Ask for price on large lots. [table] [column headings: Per Pkt. OZ. 1/4 LB. LB.] Apple ... .05 ... .10 ... .20 ... .60. Ash, Am. White ... .05 ... .10 ... .15 ... .50. Box Elder ... .05 ... .10 ... .15 ... .50. Catalpa, Hardy ... .05 ... .10 ... .25 ... .80. Locust, Black ... .05 ... .10 ... .20 ... .60. Locust, Honey ... .05 ... .10 ... .20 ... .60. Mulberry, Rus'n ... .05 ... .25 ... .75 ... 2.25. Osage Orange ... .05 ... .10 ... .15 ... .50. Tree Of Heaven ... .05 ... .10 ... .25 ... .75.

Sunflower. Mammoth Russian.-The largest of all sunflowers. This is without doubt one of the best paying crops that can be raised. The seeds make the best of food for poultry and can be raised at a very trifling cost (about one third the cost of corn), and the stalks, which grow very large, make excellent firewood. It is also said to afford protection against malaria. Large pkt. 5c, lb. 25c, 3 lbs. 60c. By express, 10 lbs[.] or more at 7c per lb.

White Beauty.- A mammoth single-flowering variety with pure white seed, which is the result of eight years' careful selection. Desirable for the flower garden and also excellent for poultry, outyielding the old sorts almost two to one in quantity of seeds produced to the acre. Large pkt. 5c, lb. 35c. By express, 5 lbs. or more @ 20c.

Black Giant.-A monster among sunflowers; seeds black. Quite attractive. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 15c. [Image: Drawing of two birds pecking at a large sunflower, Caption-Sunflower.]

28 ... Seed Catalogue And Garden Guide.

Clover And Grass Seed.

For several years we have made these a specialty and we now have our electrical machinery for cleaning so perfected that we claim that our grades average better than those of any other market, and believe they will please the most particular. Other seed dealers who happened to be in our warehouse when we were cleaning clover have often remarked that the seed looked so extra nice that they would not reclean it. From these same lots of seed we were cleaning out five to ten pounds to the hundred pounds, of weed seed, sand and shrunken clover seed. This makes quite a difference in real value, and our seed is really worth $1.00 to $2.00 per hundred pounds more than that obtained from most dealers. Prices on clover and grass seeds are changing almost daily, so that we are unable to quote prices which will be invariable. Don't fail to write for prices before buying. We issue a price list each week from January until June. lf you are in a hurry for the seed you can order it and we will send seed to full value of money sent on day order is received. The following are the prices we are selling at on the date this catalogue goes to press (Dec. 20, 1898.) We prepay postage at the 1 and 3 pound rate; larger quantities shipped at purchaser's expense. Trial packets of any variety at 5c each.

Medium Red Clover.-The standard everywhere for hay or pasture. Per lb. 25c, 3 lbs. 65c, postpaid. By freight per bushel $4.50. Mammoth Red Clover.-For hog pasture or as a fertilizing crop. Too coarse for hay. Per lb. 30c, 3 lbs. 75c. Per bu. $5.25. Alsike Clover.-Unexcelled for hay and a wonderful cropper. It is a perennial, very hardy, sweet, fragrant and desirable also for pasture. Does well on wet land which is unfit for any other clover. Per lb. 35c, 3 lbs. 90c. Per bu. $6.00. Alfalfa, or Lucerne Clover.-Very popular in many portions of the country, and it is especially of value in all parts of the west, northwest and south. Under proper management it will yield ten to twelve tons to the acre. All classes of stock are exceedingly fond of it. The roots are so long and grow so deep, frost cannot heave or throw them out in winter. One sowing will stand for twenty years, and, instead of impoverishing the soil, enriches it. Grows on the thinnest sandy soil and thrives in the greatest drouth. Sow broadcast about 30 lbs. to the acre. Comes up very spindling and slowly and it is necessary to mow the weeds to give it light, but when once established the weeds will be smothered. Postpaid, per lb. 30c, 3 lbs. 75c. By freight, $5.00 per bu. White Dutch Clover.-Desirable in pasture mixtures. Also used largely for lawns, as it makes a close sod. Lb. 40c, 3 lbs. $1.00. By freight, 10 lbs. $1.50, bu. $7.50. Crimson Clover.-Also called Giant Incarnate. An annual variety of special value for sowing in corn for fall pasture or soiling. Per lb. 25c, 3 lbs. 65c. Per bu. $4.00. Sweet Clover.-Also called Honey or Bee Clover. Of delightful fragrance and much liked by bees. Per pkt. 5c, lb. 50c. By express or freight, 5 lbs. or more @25c per lb. Timothy.-Used universally for hay. Per lb. 25c, 3 lbs. 60c. Bushel $1.25. Kentucky Blue Grass.- Unexcelled for lawn and pastures. Our seed is new crop and the best grade of fancy cleaned. Per lb. 30c, 3 lbs. 75c. Bush. of 14 lbs. $1.50. Fancy Red Top.-Used for wet land. Our seed is the best grade of fancy cleaned. Per lb. 30c, 3 lbs. 75c. Bushel of 14 lbs. $1.60. Orchard Grass.-One of the most valuable of pasture grasses. Grows well also in the shade. Per lb. 30c, 3 lbs. 75c. Bushel of 14 lbs. $1.75. Meadow Fescue.-Also called English Blue Grass. Succeeds on all soils, but gives best results on moist soil. Per lb. 30c, 3 lbs. 75c. By freight, 10 lbs. or more @ 12c. Sweet Vernal.-Is very fragrant and should be in all lawn mixtures. Nice also for hay. Per lb. 40c, 3 lbs. $1.00. By freight 10 lbs. or more @ 25c. Sheep's Fescue.-Desirable for sandy soil or high, dry land or hillsides. Per lb. 40c, 3 lbs. $1.00. By freight 10 lbs. or more @ 20c. Tall Meadow Oat.-Makes a quick growth. Excellent for hay or pasture. Per lb. 40c, 3 lbs. $1.00. By freight, 10 lbs. or more @ 22c. [Image: Drawing between columns, cross-section of a bushy plant with a deep root system, Caption-Alfalfa Clover.] [Image: Drawing of a home on a hilly site, surrounded by sloping areas of lawn. Bottom left corner of page.]

[Right Column.] [Text box with border, Grass is King. Text: More Grass-More Cattle. More Cattle-More Manure. More Manure-More Grain. More Grain-More Money. -But No GrassNo Cattle, No Manure, No Grain, No Crops. -No MoneyPerennial Rye Grass.-For permanent meadows or pastures. Per lb. 25c, 3 lbs. 65c. By freight, 10 lbs. or more @ 8c. Crested Dogstail.-For permanent pastures or lawns on high, dry ground. Per lb. 60c, 3 lbs. $1.50. By freight 10 lbs. or more at 40c. Creeping Bent Grass.-Desirable for pasture on wet ground. Per lb. 50c, 3 lbs. $1.25. By freight, 10 lbs. or more @ 30c. Wood Meadow.-Valuable for woodland pastures or orchards. Per lb. 50c, 3 lbs. $1.25. By freight 10 lbs. or more @ 30c. German Millet.-Much better than common and yields much more. One of the best for hay or fodder crops; three to four feet high. A great yielder; large close heads. Per lb. 25c, 3 lbs. 50c, bu. of 48 lbs. 85c. Common Millet-Not as tall as above, but some prefer it for horses. Per lb. 25c, 3 lbs. 50c, bu. 75c. Hungarian.- Preferred by some to millet. Per lb. 25c, 3 lbs. 50c, bu. of 48 lbs. $1.00. Early Harvest Millet.-This new variety was produced by sowing the Golden Wonder and Manitoba millet together and they formed a perfect cross. It is as early, if not earlier, than the Manitoba. The fodder stays green and in excellent condition even after the seed is fully ripe, differing in this respect from any other kind. It is very early, will produce two crops in one season on the same ground. The stem is filled with broad leaves. It makes good hay. Lb. 25c, 5 lbs. 50c, bu. of 48 lbs. $1.25. Manitoba Millet.-Also called Hog or Broomcorn millet. Has proved to be the best millet for withstanding drouth. Seed about double the size of German millet; has a branching head, like the old-fashioned cane. Ripens about two weeks earlier than German millet. From 3 to 4 feet high with abundant fodder and heavy cropper [missing text cut out] c, 3 lbs. 50c, bu. $1.00. [Section cut out of page - missing the left half of the right column.] [Missing Text] Lawn Grass. A [Missing Text] to the beauty of a place that [Missing Text] Do not spend money in sod [Missing Text] nsive and is seldom satisfactory [Missing Text] om the roadside or some ou [Missing Text] or in quality and full of weed [Missing Text] d produces a rough surface [Missing Text] Our Central Park Lawn [Missing Text] mixture of about a dozen grasses which our years of [ex]periment have proven to be [Missing Text] growing together. This [Missing Text] by ourselves from new [Missing Text] pure seeds of the best va [Missing Text-variety?] [Missing Text-selected?] for even and perma [Missing Text] good as money can buy. [Missing Text] excelled for producing a lawn of beautiful dark [Missing Text] the grasses are selected so [Missing Text] earliest spring through [Missing Text] months until winter it [Missing Text] rich, green carpet effect. [Missing Text] this, our best mixture, [Missing Text] always look well. Our [Missing Text] Make A Lawn sent free [Missing Text] on request. One quart [Missing Text] square feet, 100 lbs. will sow one acre. Our lawn grass seed is also desirable for making an old lawn look fresh and bright and one-third the quantity named above is usually sufficient. Per qt. 25c, 4 qts. 85c, postpaid. By freight, 10 lbs. $2.75, 25 lbs. $5.00, 100 lbs. $15.00. Shady Lawn Mixture.-For sowing under trees. Per qt. 35c, postpaid. Terrace Lawn Mixture.-For terraces or hillsides. Qt. 35c, postpaid. Lawn Fertilizer-Instead of putting manure on you lawn, which is apt to contain noxious weeds, use our lawn fertilizer sowing at the rate of 200 lbs. per acre. Price, 10 lbs. 60c, 25 lbs. $1.00, 100 lbs. $3.25.

Iowa Seed Company, Des Moines, Iowa. ... 29

[Image: Drawing of cabbage, leaves curling back, inset head and shoulders drawing of George Washington, Caption in banner-New Washington Wakefield.]

[Left Column.] Blue Gem Water Melon. This remarkable new melon is one of the tinest ever brought out, and by some has been called Blue Kolb Gem, but it is of infinitely better quality than the old Kolb Gem. Averages a better size, and with less culls. It is of dark bluish green color, bright red flesh and black seeds. T. H. Johnson, who ships about 250 car loads each season, says he considers it the best shipping melon, as it has a tough rind, keeps longer than any other variety, the quality is superior, and it therefore readily brings $25.00 per car load more than other sorts. It is the coming melon for shipping, and wlll please all who try it. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 15c, 1/4 lb. 50c, lb. $1.25. [Image: Drawing of a compact oval water melon, patch on side with caption-Blue Gem.]

Fordhook Fancy Tomato. A decided novelty, and more than a novelty, as it is a most excellent market variety, which should become popular. The fruit is of large size, very solid, with but few seeds, of a rich ruby red color and delicious flavor. The handsome, smooth fruits are borne in clusters of three and four at every other joint, and as the joints are close together, the plant presents a very crowded appearance. Small plants, pruned to a single stem only, two and a halt feet high, have produced four to five pounds of fruit. From the appearance of the first leaves the plant resembles that of a potato; in fact it might be called the Potato Leaf Bush Tomato. It is so compact and erect in growth that no stakes are required. Even the side branches grow upright, and more plants can be set to a given area than of any other variety, making it the most productive good tomato in cultivation. Pkt. 10c, oz. 75c.

Paul Rose Melon. We have been greatly pleased with this new variety during the past season, and we consider it one of the finest sorts. It is the result of a cross of the Osage and Netted Gem, and it combines the sweetness and high flavor of the former with the fine netting and superior shipping qualities of the Netted Gem. Our illustration, which was made from a photograph, shows shape of melon, thickness of flesh and smallness of seed cavity. It is of peculiarly sweet, rich, delicious flavor and a long keeper. If you are a gardener, plant it and catch top of market prices. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 15c, 1/4 lb. 50c, lb. $1.50. [Image: From photo of a basket of 8 muskmelons, with two split melons in front of the basket, Caption-Paul Rose Muskmelon.]

Black Queen Beet. A splendid half-long blood beet of the finest table quality with beautiful dark blood-red foliage, thus combining the useful and ornamental. Pkt. 5c, oz. 20c.

Scarlet Egg Plant. Closely resembling the edible purple Egg plant in growth of plants and shape of fruit and well worthy of growing because of the handsome and unique color, which is a glossy, brilliant scarlet. An attractive novelty. Per pkt. 5c.

[Right Column.] Novelties and Specialties for 1899. ''What have you that is especially new and desirable this year?" is the first question asked us by many of our patrons. In the following pages on pink paper we give special prominence to some of our most important novelties and specialties for this year. Each is faithfully described from careful observation. All are worthy and recommended by us. Aside from these, many desirable novelties will be found listed in various parts of the catalogue, as well as the standard sorts which everyone wants for stand-bys.

New Washington Wakefield Cabbage. For many years the Jersey Wakefield Cabbage has been the most prominent early sort with market gardeners, and many attempts have been made to improve on it, with heretofore but limited success. In this grand variety, which is well shown by our illustration, we have a most superior strain, well worthy the name it bears. It is a leader, and First in Head! First in Market! and First in the Hearts of the Gardeners! It is very early, the heads are pyramidal in shape, much larger in size than the Jersey Wakefield, and very solid, with few outside leaves. It grows remarkably uniform, the heads being of very even size and shape. Unequaled for either the market or [Large chunk of page cut away - text missing.] of our seed growers secured a few seeds of it from the originator prior to the time of its introduction and one of the vines bore fruit different from the type in color and also much earlier. Since that time he has been selecting it so as to grade it up and thoroughly establish the variety. For four years past we have been watching it and finally obtained the stock from him and now offer it to our customers for the first time. It is of same shape as the parent variety, but the color is of a pinkish yellow, slightly striped at the point with light green. They are early and quality is excellent even when fruit is quite small so that they can be used as an early summer squash. From that time until mid-winter they are the best of all squashes, and under proper condition will hold their own until spring. Per pkt. of 6 seeds 10c.

80 ... Seed Catalogue And Garden Guide.

[Image: Drawing of a round melon with a wedge section cut away to show the interior, Caption-Iowa Mastodon.] Iowa Mastodon Melon. The most extraordinary new variety which has been offered for years; will create a sensation wherever seen. It is from Japan, and just a few seeds were sent to a friend over in this country. This friend knew of our interest in novelties and brought in specimens of the melon. One weighed 23 1/2 pounds and the other 25 pounds. We at once secured the entire crop, althougb [although] but a few vines. Tbe melons are of monstrous size and greatly resemble the common Yankee Field pumpkin; so nearly in fact, as to even deceive us at first sight. The flesh is a clear, creamy white, fully 3 1/2 inches thick; and of excellent flavor; it is tender and sweet up to the rind, which is thin and tough. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 20c, 1/4 lb. 60c, lb. $2.00.

Improved Danish Ball Head Cabbage. This variety has been selected and perfected for more than fifty years by the Danish gardeners. They prize it so highly that they grow it almost exclusively for winter cabbage, and annually export large quantities to London, Paris and other cities. It will stand long journeys and keep far into the spring, and is of most rich and mild taste. Heads round as a ball, of good size, solid and very fine grained. Has but few outer leaves, thus admitting of close planting. Medium size and hardest of all; tender and crisp with but little waste heart. Flavor excellent. Pkt. 5c, oz. 25c, 1/4 lb. 80c, lb. $2.65.

Danish Sugar Beet. An improved strain of the White French Red Top sugar beet which is wonderfully fine for feeding to milch cows and will add greatly to the milk production as well as to its richness. It will yield as much or more than any variety of mangels and we consider it superior to any variety of sugar beet or mangel for feeding. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 20c, lb. 60c, 5 lbs. or more by express @ 40c.

Mougri. A wonderful vegetable from the Island of Java, which is greatly liked by the natives. It is a great curiosity and if once seen it will never be forgotten. The plant grows to a height of 18 to 20 inches, but the great oddity of it is that the pods are very long, sometimes two or three feet, much longer in fact than the plant is high. The plant is of easiest culture. Seed may be sown early and transplanted when well started two or three feet apart each way. The pods are very curious, attaining an immense size in a wonderfully short time, sometimes growing as much as three inches in a night. The pods are solid, crisp and tender, some say they taste "just like radish," other epicures insist that in flavor they more nearly resemble the water cress. Persons who cannot eat radishes because of their proving indigestible with them, will be much pleased with Mougri[.] The flavor is most agreeable and when half grown they can be eaten on the table in the same way as roots of the common radish. In salads they will be highly esteemed and they make a good pickle. It is, however, when the pods are boiled that they are most delicious eating, like the most tender bleached asparagus and having a very delicate flavor. Splendid served on toast with cream dressing. Pkt. 25 seeds 10c.

[Left Column.] [Area of page cut away, possible missing text.] New Ideal Mammoth Rhubarb. The rhubarb (or pie plant) is a vegetable which it is difficult to improve and it takes many years to fully establish a new variety. About twenty-five years ago Dr. Kennicott, of Illinois, in growing roots from seed found one which was so far superior to and different from all others that he saved it carefully, and the root has been divided and propagated from year to year until finally we purchased the stock. Like all other highly improved sorts it seeds very sparingly and comes more nearly true to name when grown from seed than most other sorts. The stalks are fully as large, if not larger, than the Victoria, and are produced in greater abundance. Quality is unsurpassed. Per pkt. 10c, oz. 25c. Strong roots 25c each, 4 for 60c postpaid. [Image: Drawing of a large, black, furry dog carrying a wide, flat basket full of rhubarb, Caption-New Ideal Mammoth Rhubarb.]

Giant Scarlet Ground Cherry, Or Chinese Lantern Plant. A remarkable novelty which is being widely advertised under various names, but its botanical name is Physalis Francheti. The plant grows to a height of 18 to 24 inches, of sturdy, upright growth and is loaded with balloon-like husks 3 to 3 1/2 inches in diameter. These husks are at first light green, gradually turning to bright yellow and then to the most intense orange scarlet. At this period of growth the plant is strikingly suggestive of being hung with hundreds of miniature Chinese lanterns, as the bright scarlet husks have the appearance of lights in the midst of the green foliage. Inside of these husks is the fruit which is of a deep, ruby red color and of excellent flavor either as a fresh fruit for dessert or preserving or dried in sugar for fruit cakes or puddings. lt is a perennial, the roots living over winter in the ground and producing a far better crop the second year. Does better on rather poor soil. Per pkt. 10c. Strong plants 10c each, 3 for 25c, doz. 75c. [Image: Drawing of a ground cherry husk and fruit, Caption-Giant Scarlet Ground Cherry.]

[Text in a box with a simple border.] Complete Garden Collection. A Bargain In Seeds. 35 Varieties For $1.00. All Good, Desirable Sorts. Sure to Please You. Consists of One Full Sized Packet each of Improved Golden Wax Beans, Old Homestead Pole Beans, Market Gardeners' Beet, Henderson's Snowball Cauliflower, Washington Wakefield Cabbage, Shortstem Drumhead Cabbage, Oxheart Carrot, Early Sunrise Corn, Golden Self Blanching Celery, Country Gentleman Corn, Perfect White Spine Cucumber, Improved Ground Cherry, American Mammoth Brussels Sprouts, Page's Striped Rice Pop Corn, Iceberg Lettuce, Improved Hanson Lettuce, I. S. Co.'s Improved Green Nutmeg Musk Melon, Duke Jones Watermelon, Large Red Wethersfield Onion, Mammoth Prizetaker Onion, Nott's Excelsior Peas, Non Plus Ultra Radish, White Strasburg Radish, Improved Table Guernsey Parsnip, Ruby King Pepper, Sibley Squash, Long Standing Spinach, Mammoth Sandwich Island Salsify, Marktet Gardeners' Parsley, Early Minnesota Tomato, Matchless Tomato, White Egg Turnip, Purple Top Strap Leaf Turnip, Monarch Ruta Baga, and Vine Peach. Total 35 full sized packets sent postpaid for $1.00; at regular catalogue price they amount to $2.05.