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IOWA SEED COMPANY, DES MOINES, IOWA. 47.

[image] ROCKY FORD MUSK MELON.

ROCKY FORD MUSK MELON.
During the past four years the melon growers of the United States have been startled by the appearance of this new variety, which has everywhere been in great demand by the high class hotels and restaurants. Hundreds of carloads of them have been shipped from the little town of Rocky Ford, Colorado, to Chicago, St. Louis, New Orleans, Philadelphia, New York, Boston and other cities, driving out the home grown. They have attained a national reputation for high quality. The melons are of just the right size for table use, slightly oval in shape. The flesh is thick, of a light green color and fine juicy luscious flavor. It is very early, and is wonderfully productive. These delicious melons can be grown to perfection anywhere if you have the right kind of seed. Those who send direct to us can fully rely on securing genuine stock, as our seed was grown under our own supervision. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 15c, 1/4 lb. 40c, lb. $1.25.

[image] ORANGE WATERMELON.

BLUE GEM WATERMELON.
This remarkable new melon is one of the finest 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 a carload more than other sorts. It is the coming melon for shipping, and will please all who try it. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 15c, 1/4 lb. 45c, lb. $1.25.

Our Choice Iowa Seeds are used and endorsed in all parts of the world.

Alaska Heard From.
The seeds received from you last spring were all right. Our season was backward but nevertheless we had a fair crop of peas, radishes, turnips, beets and cabbage. Your Iowa seeds seem to be well suited to this northern climate.--O. T. Pingree, Wrangsll [Wrangell], Alaska.

[image] BLUE GEM

ORANGE WATERMELON.
Everyone knows what a bother watermelon rinds are on the table, and were it not for this trouble, the watermelon would be still more popular as a dessert fruit. This difficulty is now overcome, and the Orange will make the handsomest ornament ever set on the festive board, and will attract universal attention. The great peculiarity of this melon is that the rind naturally separates from the flesh when ripe, and with the slight use of a knife between the segments, can be removed like the rind of an orange, leaving a most beautiful fruit for the center of the table. The illustration shown herewith was made from an average size twelve pound melon and well shows the shape and peculiar manner of separation. Quality is excellent, juicy and sweet. Seed is scarce this year. Pkt. 10c, oz. 20c.
APPLE PIE MELON.
A novelty which will be appreciated in many sections of the country, and especially so during seasons when apples are scarce or high in price. They are easily grown on any good soil. The vine produces 4 to 8 large, oblong fruits, weighing 20 to 50 pounds each, of dark green color, and greatly resembling watermelons. The flesh is white, solid throughout, and of excellent quality for making pies, sauce, preserves, etc., greatly resembling apples in taste. They will keep all winter, and can be used at any time. One vine will produce 200 pounds, or equal to about four bushels of apples. Pkt. 10c.

[image] IOWA MASTODON

IOWA MASTODON MUSK MELON.
The most extraordinary new variety which has been offered for many 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, although but a few vines. The 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. In packets only. Per pkt. 10c.
FORDHOOK FANCY TOMATO.
A decided novelty, and more than a novelty, as it is a most excellent market variety. Fruit of large size, very solid, few seeds, rich ruby red color, 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. It is so compact and erect in growth that no stakes are required. Pkt. 10c, oz. 50c.
ERFURT ROUND SUGAR CABBAGE.
A novelty from Germany which is entirely distinct in character and color. It ripens at mid-season and makes a very hard, solid, heavy head with short stem. Head is round as a ball, smooth, fine flavor, sweet, superior quality for all purposes. Its great characteristic, however, which distinguishes it from all other sorts is that when pickled it assumes a fine golden color which makes the Sauerkraut better liked, more appetizing and more saleable than any other. It pays to grow and put up sauerkraut and you should have the Erfurt Round Sugar if you want to obtain the highest price. Per pkt. 10c, oz. 30c, 1/4 lb. $1.00.