1900

44. SEED CATALOGUE AND GARDEN GUIDE.

[image] ALL SEASONS POLE BEANS.

ALL SEASONS POLE BEANS. We cannot call this a new variety as it has been grown by one family for more than sixty years past, but we will call it a novelty of superior merit, as this is the first year that it has ever been introduced in such a manner that it could become known to the general public. In traveling around among our seed growers our attention was arrested by this superb variety of beans which looks so different from any other sort. At once we made inquiry regarding it and found that they had been growing it for a great many years, and considered it by far the best for cooking green in the pod or as succotash. We have tested it on the table and find that it is superior in flavor and quality, and for general family use it has proved itself the non plus ultra. The plant is a strong vigorous grower, clinging well to the poles, and also does excellantly [excellently] well growing with corn. It is from Kentucky where it was kept in the hands of one family for several generations. It has been thoroughly tested now in various parts of the north and south for the past few years having been grown near this city. It begins bearing early in the season--fully as early as the Improved Valentine--and continues until severe frost. It is so early that it has matured well with us when planted the middle of July and yielded twice as much as the Kentucky Wonder. From Ohio, Indiana and Illinois come reports of its superior value. Large showy pods are borne in great clusters. Our artist was crowded for room on the cover of this catalogue and therefore illustrated the pod as being quite short, but in reality they are unusually long, averaging six to eight inches. We are sorry that we have only a few bushels of these beans to offer this year, but we want all of our customers to test them. Price per pkt. 10c, 1/2 pt. 25c, pt. 40c.

Mrs. M. Brewer, of Polk county, Iowa, says: "The All Seasons Pole Beans have been grown in our family for the last sixty years. During this time we have tried almost all the new sorts of beans offered by seed dealers, but have failed to find any variety to compare with the All Seasons in earliness, yield or superior quality. You certainly are doing your customers a great favor in offering them this, the finest and best of all pole beans, and I hope they may enjoy them in years to come as I and my children have for the last half century."

NEW TRIUMPH RADISH. A beautiful and valuable new variety of Radish which is a decided novelty, being both unique and valuable. It is of the shape shown in our illustration, round, with white skin striped bright scarlet, being decidedly ornamental when placed on the table. It is very early, maturing in three weeks, has very small top, thus adapting it to cultivation in hotbeds. The flesh is white, crisp, tender, and of as good flavor as any radish grown. It being a sport some of the roots are always of solid color, not variegated. It will please every one for family use. Per pkt. 10c, oz. 25c.

ROSE-RIBBED SELF-BLANCHING CELERY. The illustration gives a fair idea of this beautiful new Celery. It is a sport of the Golden Self-Blanching Celery, and possesses all the good qualities for which that variety has become so famous. It has the same beautiful, rich golden-yellow color, is self-blanching to the same remarkable degree, and differs only in the color of the ribs. These are of a very attractive shade of rose, which deepens as the season advances. This ornamental feature gives the whole plant a most pleasing appearance, that cannot fail to make it of even greater value for market, while no celery could be of finer quality, and we recommend it to all lovers of nice celery. Pkt. 10c, oz. 35c, 1/4 lb. $1.00.

[image] NEW TRIUMPH RADISH.

[image] ROSE RIBBED CELERY.

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 pyramidal in shape, larger than the Jersey Wakefield, very solid, with few outside leaves. Grows remarkably uniform, the heads even size and shape. Unequaled for market or family garden. Try it this year. Pkt. 10c, oz. 30c, 1/4 lb. $1.00, lb. $3.50.

[image] NEW WASHINGTON WAKEFIELD

IOWA SEED COMPANY, DES MOINES, IOWA. 45.

[image] WHITE'S NEW EXCELSIOR TOMATO.

WHITE'S NEW EXCELSIOR TOMATO. Claimed to be the best purple tomato ever introduced and we have really been surprised to see what an exceptionally large crop it yielded. The fruit is of a dark glossy purplish red, very large, handsome, and nearly solid, which is a peculiarity, as most purple sorts, like the Acme, are very full of seed. It is also unlike other purple sorts in that the skin is tough, so that they will bear long shipments and rough handling exceedingly well. This point will be appreciated by all market gardeners. The fruit is larger than the average, smooth, and ripens evenly all over up to the stem. By our illustration the unusual depth of the fruit will be noticed, as they are not flat, like many other sorts. The vine is of dark green color, a vigorous grower, and sets the fruit in clusters, continuing to bear throughout the season. It is a fit companion for the Matchless, which we consider the best crimson variety. From our personal observation and comparison, we believe the New Excelsior will yield as large if not a larger crop than any variety now on the market, and fruit is of superior quality. We sent out about 50,000 packets of this new variety to our customers for trial last year and it received much praise everywhere. Per pkt. 10c, oz. 50c, 1/4 lb. $1.50.

EARLY EXPRESS CUCUMBER. We are pleased to introduce this most remarkable and valuable new variety, which originated with Mr. C. P. Coy the well known seed grower and may be called the best novelty in this line which has been brought out for many years, especially for the private garden. It is by all odds the earliest variety in existence, producing fruit several days ahead of Early Siberian, Extra Early Russian and other early sorts, and nearly double the size. Quality is the very best, being free from any rank, strong flavor, and it is as fine a variety for slicing as any later sort. The plant is quite productive, bearing fruit which is quite uniform in size and shape. Color is a lively green, shading to nearly white at the blossom end as they grow older. Our cut shows compact growth of vine and while we have not tried forcing them, still we believe they will do well in the hotbed or greenhouse. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 20c, 1/4 lb. 60c.

The Excelsior Tomato sent us last spring is medium early, a strong grower, fruits are large, smooth, solid and of fine flavor.--F. B. Van Ornam, Cass Co., Iowa.

GIANT FRINGED WINTER ENDIVE. Endive is one of our best and most wholesome salads for fall and winter use and some people call it winter lettuce. This fine new variety is the best of all. It is strong vigorous grower making a large white heart and the leaves are beautifully curled and of the best quality, very crisp and refreshing. Sow seed in April for early use or in June or July for winter. Transplant or thin out to a foot apart when plants are 2 or 3 inches high. When nearly full grown tie leaves together to blanch. Pkt. 5c, oz. 20c, 1/4 lb. 60c.

[image] EARLY EXPRESS CUCUMBER.

[image] NEW ICICLE RADISH.

EARLY ROUND PURPLE EGG PLANT. The Earliest Variety in Existence. There are many persons who do not attempt to grow Egg Plants, although they are a most desirable vegetable, for the reason that unless season is favorable they sometimes fail to mature the fruits. With this excellent variety however, there is no such danger, as it is fully a month earlier than any other sort. Fruit is exactly the same shape and color as the Improved New York Purple, but is somewhat smaller. It is fully equal in quality, however, and what it lacks in size is made up in productiveness. Try growing Egg Plants this year. You will like them. Pkt. 10c, oz. 35c.

Seeds purchased from you last spring were all right. I grew one egg plant from your seed which measured nine inches in length by eighteen and one-half inches in circumference which is the largest I ever saw here.--F. M. Hopkins, S. St. Joseph, Mo.

NEW ICICLE RADISH. A magnificent novelty from Germany which receives its name from the almost transparent whiteness of the root which has no comparison among all cultivated radishes. The shape is well shown in our illustration. It is of the best flavor, very crisp and brittle. It vies in earliness with the earliest forcing sorts producing nice roots in 22 days from date of sowing. It is one of the best European novelties which has been introduced for several years and should become very popular. Pkt. 10c.

[image] EXTRA EARLY ROUND PURPLE EGG PLANT.

NEW ASTRO CUCUMBER. A variety of the highest merit for gardeners, some claiming that they made more money from a crop of these grown early in hotbeds than from any other crop, as they yield a continual daily picking and sell quickly at $1.00 per doz. Fruit large, perfect shape, 8 to 12 inches long, or with outdoor culture 15 to 18 inches long. They are of the very best quality for slicing, as the flesh is white and crisp and they have very few seeds. Pkt. 10c, oz. $1.00.

[image] ASTRO Cucumber.

46. SEED CATALOGUE AND GARDEN GUIDE.

[image] ATLAS PUMPKIN

NEW ATLAS PUMPKIN. What do you think of a pumpkin weighing 300 pounds! It is not an impossibiiity [impossibility], as that weight has been exceeded in this variety, which is an improvement on the Mammoth Chili. One specimen shown at the World's Fair is said to have weighed 481 pounds, but such a weight is extraordinary. Our seed is the result of years of selection and was saved only from the largest sized perfect shaped specimens which will be sure to produce enormous fruits if properly grown. It is just the thing for exhibition at fairs, etc., and just think of the enormous weight that can be grown from one seed. Flesh is a rich yellow, very thick and of excellent quality, nutritious and profitable to grow for stock feeding. Keeps well. We have only a small supply of the seed this year and can only offer it in packets of ten seeds for 10 cts.

A PRIZE OF $10.00 will be paid for the largest specimen grown from our seed this year, the report to be sent in by October 15th. Full directions for growing large specimens sent with each packet.

THE PRIZE FOR LARGEST PUMPKIN IN 1899 WAS AWARDED TO W. R. SHESLER, JASPER CO., IND. DON'T YOU WANT IT THIS YEAR?

RUDOLPH'S FAVORITE LETTUCE. A very attractive Cabbage Lettuce; large size, crisp and delicate in flavor and very desirable for either winter or summer use, as well as for forcing. Forms a fine, large, solid head, and is remarkable for its fine foliage. The plant is very distinct and attractive; leaves of a beautiful yellow color, is very sweet and tender. The plants are vigorous, do not run to seed until very late, and remains in condition for use as long as any other sort. Pkt. 5c, oz. 15c, 1/4 lb. 40c, lb. $1.25.

LUXEMBERG HARD HEAD CABBAGE. An excellent variety, which is in great favor on the Chicago market, and the seed frequently sells there at $1.00 per ounce or more. It makes a medium size, very hard head of extraordigary [extraordinary] weight. Owing to its remarkable keeping properties, and the fact that the head remains as green as when gathered in the fall, it is the king of all cabbage for late spring selling. "Late Keeping" would have been an appropriate name, for in this it occupies the field without a competitor. In late spring sales when cabbages usually bring their highest price, the Luxumberg looks as fresh and green as if just cut from the field. It differs from all other varieties in this respect. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 25c, 1/4 lb. 75c, lb. $2.55.

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 the 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. 40c, lb. $1.25.

[image] Paul Rose Muskmelon.

HAMBURG PARSLEY. This is not a novelty, but is one of our oldest and best known sorts. It was omitted from our general list, and so we give it a place here. It is sometimes called Turnip-rooted Parsley, but the root is long, resembling a parsnip. This root is used extensively for flavoring soups, etc., is very popular with our German trade, and would be more popular everywhere if better known. Pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 20c, lb. 60.

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. Pkt. 10c, oz. 25c. Strong roots, 25c each, 4 for 60c postpaid.

[image] NEW IDEAL MAMMOTH RHUBARB.

WARREN'S BERRY PICKING CRATE. A new device which has been tested by fruit growers near this city for two years, and has proven of great merit. As will be seen it is a crate holding two berry boxes attached by a belt to the waist. This belt is attached with buckle and snap for adjustment, and the wire supports the crate so that it is always in position. It enables the berry picker to make use of both hands in picking, and it pays for itself in half a day's time. Price 25 cents each, $2.50 per dozen if shipped by express or freight at purchasers expense, or 50 cts. each by mail postpaid.

[image] BERRY PICKING CRATE.

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.

48. SEED CATALOGUE AND GARDEN GUIDE.

[image] EXTRA EARLY CRIMSON GLOBE BEET.

EXTRA EARLY CRIMSON GLOBE BEET. Novelty for 1900. This magnificent new variety from England is the best novelty in table beets which has been offered since we introduced the Market Gardener's. It is a very early variety, generally of spherical form as shown in our illustration. Skin is smooth and it is as handsome a beet as you can imagine. Color rich deep red shading to purple. Cooks readily, is fine grained, and flavor cannot be surpassed. Our illustration shows the beautiful variegation of the cut beet, but when cooked it is of even dark color throughout and looks attractive on the table. It is not only a choice sort for early use, but is also very desirable for main crop as it keeps well until spring. They are of such uniform shape and size that they make the most desirable variety for selling in bulk in the fall as well as for bunching. Everyone who has even a small garden should try Crimson Globe this year. Pkt. 10c, oz. 25c.

WHITE PRIZEWINNER ONION. In magnificent shape and enormous size, the White Prizewinner is the exact counterpart of the Mammoth Yellow Prizetaker, which has become so popular in the last few years, differing only in its handsome silvery-white skin. Hundreds of market gardeners and onion growers have tried it, and say that nothing equal to it in the line of white onions has ever before been grown in America. One enthusiastic grower says: "I raised a White Prizewinner measuring 17 inches in circumference, and weighing over four pounds, which astonished my neighbors, and took first prize at the county fair." Per pkt. 10c, oz. 40c, 1/4 lb. $1.25, lb. $4.00.

EARLY SUNRISE SWEET CORN. This splendid new variety which we introduced originated with a market gardener in the western part of this state, and for eight years he has been selecting it to an ideal size and shape, and also the earliest maturing. In this way he has finally obtained this variety, which is distinct from all others. The ears are about six inches long, well filled out at the end, and husk covering so completely and being so tight as to prevent the work of worms, which are so bad in the Cory. The grains are fairly deep and are set in straight rows on a small white cob. Very uniform and handsome. It is quite productive and of as good flavor as any corn we ever tasted. Don't fail to try it. Market gardeners will find the Early Sunrise a most profitable and satisfactory variety. Per pkt. 5c, 1/2 pt. 15c, qt. 50c, postpaid. By freight, peck $1.00, bu. $3.50.

The Maine State Bulletin No. 27 states that the Early Sunrise was as early as any variety in their long list, much larger and better than Cory; in quality equal to most of the later varieties and the most prolific of all. It is worthy of special mention.

[image] WHITE PRIZE WINNER ONION.

[image] EARLY SUNRISE SWEET CORN.

KIND WORDS FROM OLD FRIENDS This is my 29th year getting seeds from your firm and they are all O. K. We are back in "Peerless Old Iowa" again after four years in California and eight years in Arkansas.--Bryant Graves, Lenox, Iowa. I want to say that in my trading with you for the last ten years, my orders have been filled promptly, seeds have been the best quality, shipped in good shape, treatment courteous, and I assure you that it has been appreciated.--E. B. Cooper, Trenton, Mo. I have bought seeds every year from your company since 1871 when Mr. Fuller started the business at Des Moines, and have always found your seeds good.--W. S. Maxwell, Lawndale, Tex.