1900

24. IOWA SEED CATALOGUE AND GARDEN GUIDE.

GARDEN PLANTS.

Last season we listed few varieties of the old fashioned garden plants and it was really surprising the wonderfully large demand there was for them. This year we have prepared for the trade by growing a large stock of all the best varieties. Every garden should contain an assortment of these hardy plants and a few square feet will supply the family. They are of value either for flavoring or medical use, and many persons now believe that if these well known old remedies were kept and used more in families in place of so many drugs and patent medicines it would be better for the health of the people. Orders for these plants should amount to at least 25c. We prepay the postage. HOLT'S MAMMOTH SAGE.--After having grown and thoroughly tested this valuable variety for several years, we can recommend it most highly. The illustration shows a leaf of average size. The plants are very strong-growing, the first season attaining one foot in height, and so spreading that a single plant covers a circular space 3 feet in diameter. The leaves are borne well above the soil, keeping them clean; very large and of unusual substance, strong in flavor, and of superior quality. A single plant of Holt's Mammoth will yield more than a dozen of the common sort. Perfectly hardy, and attains still greater growth the second season. It never runs to seed. The past three years we have not not been able to supply the demand, but this year we grew a very large number and hope to have sufficient. Each 10c, 3 for 25c, or 75c per doz. postpaid. VARIEGATED MAMMOTH SAGE. (Novelty 1900.)--A sport from the above of beautifully variegated dark green and pure white color which makes it a very ornamental plant for the garden and fully equal to above in flavor and productiveness. It is new and scarce. Plants at 25c each, 6 for $1.00. CHUFAS or EARTH ALMOND.--A nice little ground nut which is greatly liked by the children. In sweetness and flavor they resemble the cocoanut or almond and are considered very nice put on the table in a fruit dish with candies, as an after dinner relish. Very prolific, a single one yielding from two to four hundred. The nuts grow under ground, very near the surface, easily reached by pigs and poultry, and destroyed by them if they have free access. Plant in April, ten inches apart in two and one-half foot rows. Cover them lightly. If the seed is very dry, soak well before planting. Pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 20c, lb. 50c. GOLDEN VARIEGATED THYME.--A handsome and attractive variety of the common garden Thyme. Has an agreeable aromatic odor and is used for sauces, flavoring stews, stuffings, etc. Each 10c, 3 for 25c, doz. 75c. CATNIP or CATMINT--A useful herb growing wild in many parts of the country. Catnip tea is used largely for infants. Each 10c, 3 for 25c, doz. 75c. GENUINE PENNYROYAL.--Has a warm pungent somewhat aromatic taste, and is extensively used for medicinal purposes and no family should be without a bed of it. Our plants are the true Pennyroyal and not the wild intensely bitter variety often substituted for it. It forms a dense mass of bright foliage quite ornamental for rock-work. Each 15c, 3 for 40c, doz. $1.25. ROSEMARY.--A plant used largely in the manufacture of Eau de Cologne. Also used for flavoring meats, stews, etc., and for garnishing. Each 10c, 3 for 25c, doz. 75c. MONARDIA DIDIMA.--Also called Scarlet Flowered Bergamont and Oswego Tea. Each 10c, 3 for 25c, doz. 75c.

COLLECTION. One plant each of any 10 herb and mint plants listed on this page for $1.00 postpaid.

[image] HOLT'S MAMMOTH SAGE.

[image] TARRAGON

[image] CHUFAS.

TARRAGON.--The true Tarragon is appreciated thoroughly by all who know it for the use of its aromatic leaves in seasoning salads, soups, stews, pickles, etc., and also for Tarragon Vinegar. The foliage, if cut in autumn, can be kept in a dry state the same as other herbs. In the Northern States give some protection during winter. Tarragon should find a place in every good garden, as it is very valuable, and no other herb can rightly take its place. Each 15c, 3 for 40c, doz. $1.25. SPEARMINT.--This is commonly called Mint and thousands of dollars' worth of it is sold annually in New York, Boston and other large cities for flavoring salads, soups, garnishing meat, mint julip, etc. Persons who have once grown it will never be without it, and every garden should contain a small bed of it. Each 10c, 3 for 25c, doz. 75c. VARIEGATED SPEARMINT.--A new showy variety of above which will be greatly appreciated. Each. 25c, 6 for $1.00. PEPPERMINT.--All children know and like the flavor of peppermint, and it is largely grown for extracting. The plant has an agreeable odor and peculiar warm, pleasant flavor. It has high medicinal value and menthol which is so greatly used, is extracted from it. Each 10c, 3 for 25c, doz. 75c. BALSAM MINT.--A well known hardy plant, also called Costmary or Alecost owing to its use in the Old World for flavoring ale or beer. It has a soft agreeable fragrance and is used for perfume and also for flavoring soups, salads, etc. Each 15c, 3 for 40c, doz. $1.25. CALAMUS. (Acorus.)--A well known plant sometimes called Sweet Flag. Leaves have an aromatic odor and root has a pungent taste and is used largely in the south for medicine. Grows best in wet soil. Each 20c. ARTEMESIA or BROTAN.--A hardy plant sometimes called "Old Man." The leaves have a strong resinous somewhat aromatic, pleasant odor, and bitter taste. Use similar to Wormwood. Each 15c, 3 for 40c, doz. $1.25. TANSY.--A plant grown and used largely for its tonic, stomachic and other medicinal qualities. Has a strong peculiar odor and bitter taste. Each 15c, 3 for 35c, doz. $1.00.

CHIVES.--Perfectly hardy little perennial members of the onion tribe, and are grown entirely for their tops, which are used wherever the flavor of onion is required. Planted in small clumps in any common garden soil, they grow readily. The tops appear very early in the spring and can be shorn throughout the season. Every garden should contain a few clumps. In New England it is considered indispensable for use in omelets. A few plants can be kept growing in the house during the winter if desired. Roots, per bunch 15c, 4 for 50c. HOP ROOTS.--A few hop vines are nice on any place for making yeast, etc. The vine is somewhat ornamental for covering dead trees and outbuildings and in many parts of the country they are a profitable and staple crop. Each 25c, 6 for $1.00.

[image] CHIVES.

[image] SEED TESTING AND TRIALS.

TESTING SEEDS. We make it a rule to carefully test all seeds as soon as received from the grower, or as soon as they are brought in from our seed farms. Frequent tests are also made during the spring season of any varieties which are liable to decrease in vitality, so as to be certain that everything is first class before it is sent out. We also carry on extensive trials on our grounds by which we are enabled to offer only those strains of seeds which come up to the standard of purity and excellence, and are of the highest vitality. These tests are very satisfactory to us and to our customers. Our method of testing attracts considerable attention in our store, as all the seeds in the tester are in sight and our customers can see any which fail to germinate as well as those which are of strong vitality. We know of no seed firm in America which is so careful and critical with their seed testing, and the result is that we very rarely have complaints as our CHOICE IOWA SEEDS are sure to please.

IOWA SEED COMPANY, DES MOINES, IOWA. 25.

Vegetable Plants. Well grown and lightly packed to carry long distance. They can be shipped fresh, well packed at the beds, on a day's notice. Plants quoted "by mail," are sent at our expense; "by express" at the purchaser's. By our system of packing they are sure to arrive in good condition when shipped to any part of the United States. No charge for either packing or boxes. Plants from either hotbed or cold frame are ready during April or May; outdoor grown during June and until the middle of July. We sell 500 at the 1,000 rate. CABBAGE PLANTS --Early Varieties.--Ready April 10th.--Extra Early Express, Jersey Wakefield and Washington Wakefield. By mail, 100 75c; by express 100 50c; 1,000 $3.50. CABBAGE PLANTS.--Late Varieties.--Ready May 15th.--Surehead, Premium Flat Dutch, Shortstem Drumhead and Perfection Drumhead Savoy. By mail 100 75c; by express 100 40c; 1,000 $2.00. CAULIFLOWER PLANTS.--Ready April 15th.--Henderson's Snowball. By mail doz. 25c; 100 $1.25; by express 100 $1.00; 1,000 $7.00. CELERY PLANTS.--Ready May 1st.--Golden Dwarf, White Plume, Golden Self-Blanching and Rose Ribbed Self-Blanching. By mail, doz. 20c, 100 $1.00; by express 100 60c; 1,000 $4.00. After June 10th $3.00 per 1,000. EGG PLANTS.--Ready May 1st.--New York Improved. By mail, doz. 25c; 100 $1.25; by express 100 $1.00. PEPPER PLANTS.--Ready May 1st.--Ruby King, Large Bell and Red Chili. By mail, doz. 25c; 100 $1.00; by express 100 75c. TOMATO PLANTS.--Ready May 1st.--Strong, transplanted plants. Dwarf Champion, Bond's Minnesota, Beauty, Matchless, Crimson Cushion and Golden Queen. By mail, doz. 25c; 100 $1.00; by express 100 75c; 1,000 $5.00. Not transplanted, 50c per 100; $3.00 per 1,000. GROUND CHERRY.--Ready May 1st.--Improved Yellow. By mail, doz. 25c; 100 $1.25. By express, $1.00 per 100. SWEET POTATO PLANTS.--Ready May 1st.--Plants strong, vigorous, well-rooted and hardy. We can furnish either the Yellow Nansemond or the Early Yellow Jersey. Write if you want a large lot. Prices vary. By mail, 100 50c; by express, 100 25c; 1,000 $2.00. New Vineless--See page 42--60c per 100 postpaid; by express 100 40c, 1,000 $3.00.

HORSE RADISH SETS.

One of the most valuable vegetables for an appetizer and it is so much nicer to have it in your own garden and grate it freshly. We have the small roots or sets which may be planted at any time in the spring. Set them small end down in rows two feet apart and about eighteen inches apart in the row. They wlll do better in rich, loose soil set slanting and covered two inches. Nice sets 25 cts. per doz., $1.20 per 100 postpaid, or 75c per 100 by express.

GARLIC. A species of onion propagated by offsets; used for flavoring soups, stews and other dishes. Divide a bulb into small parts and plant them in early spring in rows one foot apart, and from two to five inches between plants in the row. The crop matures in August, when it is harvested like onion. We furnish sets of of the best and earliest variety at 40 cts. per lb. postpaid. By express 30 cts. per lb., 10 lbs. $2.50.

[image] GARLIC ROOTS.

[image] BOTTOM ONION SETS TOP ONION SETS EGYPTIAN OR PERENNIAL ONION SETS POTATO ONION SETS

RED TOP, or BUTTON SETS.--These are the old-fashioned sets still largely called for in some sections. Per pt. 15c, qt. 30c, pk. 75c, bu. $3.00. PERENNIAL, or WINTER.--Also called Egyptian and Tree onions. May be set out in the spring, but are usually set in the fall. Come up year after year without the slightest winter protection, and produce the earliest spring onions. Per pt. 15c, qt. 25c, pk. 50c, bu. $1.50.

I was very much pleased with the seed received from the Iowa Seed Co. last year. They were the best I ever used.--Mrs. E. M. Quick, Monroe, Ia.

[image] MUSHROOMS.

[image] HORSE RADISH.

MUSHROOMS. The ease and certainty with which a crop of mushrooms can be grown to perfection in an ordinary house cellar, wood-shed or barn, and the astonishing success of so many who have taken up this new industry both for profit and their own use, induces us to call special attention to the subject. The great luxury of mushrooms can be enjoyed by all at a trifling expenditure of money, time and labor. In markets they are always wanted and sell readily at paying prices. There seems no limit to the demand and an oversupply is seldom known. We recommend the English mushroom spawn as generally the better both for the market gardener and the private planter. Directions for culture sent on application. Per lb. 30c postpaid. 5 lbs. or more, not prepaid, @ 15c per lb.

RHUBARB ROOTS. These may be planted early in spring or fall, setting the roots three feet apart each way. It requires but little labor to plant, and when once planted in good rich soil, it will remain in bearing condition for many years. VICTORIA.--Each 15c, 4 for 50c, postpaid. IDEAL MAMMOTH.--See description on page 46. Each 25c, 4 for 75c, postpaid.

ASPARAGUS ROOTS. It pays to have a small bed of asparagus so as to gather it fresh from your garden, and when once set a bed will last many years. The roots which we offer are strong, healthy roots. Ask for circular giving directions for planting, etc. PALMETTO, or CONOVER'S COLOSSAL.--@ 35c per doz., $1.25 per 109, postpaid. By express or freight, per 100, 75c; 1,000, $5.00. COLUMBIAN MAMMOTH WHITE.--(See description on page 2.) 40c per doz., $1.50 per 100, postpaid. By express per 100, $1.00; 1,000 $6.50.

ONION SETS. Indispensable for early onions for bunching, as in a very few weeks they are ready for the table. While it is much cheaper to grow onions from seed still it is considerable work to keep them weeded and many of our customers who have only a small garden prefer to grow them from the sets, and gardeners plant large quantities of sets for the early spring market. Our stock is carefully grown and is very nice. Price by the pint and quart include payment of postage (deduct 15c per quart if by express.) Price by the peck and bushel is subject to market variation, and they are shipped at buyer's expense. Top sets are sold 28 lbs. per bushel; all other kinds are measured--stroke measure. If you want a large lot write for prices.

WHITE BOTTOM SETS.--The bottom onion sets grown from seed are the most popular of all and the finest and best for early use and large onions. The white sets are most popular with gardeners and look the nicest for early use on the table. Per pt. 20c, qt. 35c, pk. $1.00, bu. $3.75. YELLOW BOTTOM SETS.--Like above except the color. Per pt. 15c, qt. 30c, pk. 75c, bu. $2.75. RED BOTTOM SETS.--Like above except that they are of dark red color. Very hardy. Per pt. 15c, qt. 30c, pk. 75c, bu. $2.75. POTATO, or MULTIPLIER ONION SETS.--Early cropper; matures quickly; mild and of sweet flavor. Per pt. 20c, qt. 35c, pk. $1.10, bu. $3.75. WHITE MULTIPLIER ONION SETS.--Of a pure silvery white color, enormously productive, frequently producing as many as twenty bulbs in a single cluster from one bulb planted; of excellent quality and size for bunching; very early. Per pt. 20c, qt. 35c, pk. $1.00, bu. $3.75.

The seeds I ordered of you last year were splendid and my friends who sent with me were as well pleased also.--Mrs. F. E. Simmons, Sedan, Kansas.

26. SEED CATALOGUE AND GARDEN GUIDE.

High Grade Seed Grain It costs more to grow a crop for seed purposes than the ordinary farmer can understand. It requires extra choice stock seed, special preparation of the land, special cultivation, great care in harvesting, cleaning, testing, preparing for shipment, bags, etc., etc., so that we are obliged to ask a considerable advance over market prices, but any intelligent farmer will agree with us that such pedigreed seed is well worth to him the price we ask for it. It Pays TO SOW The Best.

Selected Farm Seeds. As the farm crop is more important to the general welfare of the country than any other, so the farm seed department should have the prominence in seed catalogues, but we regret to say that with most seedsmen it has very little attention. Realizing the vast importance of this branch of our business, we devote our careful attention to the growth and selection of the best farm seeds of all sorts. Our seed grain is grown especially for seed in the section best suited to its development and perfect maturity, is all carefully selected, thoroughly cleaned, of the best quality and we sell at reasonable prices. We take pride in our large and increasing trade in this branch of our business. With our improved machinery for cleaning which is as perfect as any in the United States, we are enabled to clean seeds perfectly, far different from such as are commonly sold. The Nebraska Experiment Station tested clover seed from the leading seed firms of the country, and our seed stood the highest for purity of any west of Pennsylvania, and, with one exception, the highest of any in the United States. PRICES named in this department are subject to important market changes. Quotations are net and are not subject to premium or discount which is offered on other seeds. Clover and grass seeds are constantly varying in value and we issue a price list daily during the busy season. Please write for rates, sending list of requirements, when in need. Orders sent us will be given benefit of lowest prices on day order is received. Will take pleasure in mailing samples and quoting inside prices at any time on large orders. NOTICE.--While we exercise the greatest care to have all seeds pure and reliable, we give no warranty expressed or implied. However, if seeds are not satisfactory on receipt and examination, they are to be returned to us at once and we will refund the money. SHIPPING.--In this department everything that is quoted by the packet or pound is sent by mail postpaid; all large quantities, unless noted, are sent by express or freight, at the expense of the purchaser. Prices named include bags, except on clover and grass seeds, and delivering to depot here.

There is no question but that seeds GROWN IN IOWA are the best-- that is now quite generally admitted on many items. The reason for this is that the soil and climate here are well adapted to the perfect growth and maturity of the crop. Seeds grown here are better matured and of strong growth and vitality than those grown either north or south, and WILL PRODUCE BETTER CROPS

SEED CORN

It costs less than 25 cents an acre to use our carefully selected seed corn.

Do you deem it wise to risk doubtful corn when good seed is so cheap?

This is our great specialty and we claim to supply more farmers with seed corn each year than any firm in the United States, that means that the Iowa Seed Store may well be considered the world's headquarters for choice seed corn. We ship annually to every state in the Union and to almost every country in the world where they can grow corn, our largest foreign trade being in South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. We are in the center of the best corn growing country of the world, where the soil and climate are peculiarly adapted to its culture, and now we can say without fear of contradiction, that for the season of 1900 we have the best supply of seed corn ever offered by any seed firm in the world. The necessity of planting the very best varieties is plain, and it will not pay you to experiment with the many sorts which we have tried and found worthless, nor to purchase from unscrupulous dealers. The varieties of field corn we offer are the best now in use. They were grown especially for seed purposes, and well matured, cured, carefully sorted by our seed corn experts, and shelled with great care. Choice seed corn is scarce this year, and prices a trifle higher, but it will not pay you to buy doubtful seed at any price. All our seed corn is very carefully tested, and none sent out that we are not certain will grow well under proper conditions. If not satisfactory on arrival and examination, it may be returned and we will refund money. If a large quantity is wanted, ask for prices. No extra charge for bags.

Thoroughbred Seed Corn. We are proud to say that the IOWA SEED STORE is now recognized as headquarters for thoroughbred seed corn, and the varieties which we have originated or introduced are now listed by almost all the prominent seedsmen in America, Europe and Australia who handle this grain, and are the best everywhere. The value of the average corn crop can be fully doubled by planting our improved varieties. Don't be satisfied with a second grade even if you can save five or ten cents per acre in cost of seed (one bushel plants 8 acres,) but send your order direct to headquarters and get the best.

[image]

The 70 acres of corn we planted with seed from your firm, is the best field of corn in this county. It runs from two to five ears on each stalk.--D. M. McKindley, Kane Co., Ill. I don't think a better quality of corn can be found than the Iowa Silver Mine, and it yielded 114 bushels per acre for me this year.--S. S. Troxel, Benton county, Iowa. The seeds purchased from you produced the finest yields ever seen in our county. The Iowa Silver Mine corn yielded 188 bushels to the acre.--W. A. Johnson, Mississippi county, Ark. The Iowa Silver Mine corn was badly injured by a severe hail storm, but still it matured and yielded well. We intend to plant largely of it another year.--C. A. Graves, Fillmore county, Minn.

READ THE RECORD.

FULL CORN CRIBS, FAT HOGS, AND MONEY IN THE POCKET OF FARMERS WHO PLANT OUR SEED CORN. The Iowa Silver Mine corn grows the biggest ears, deepest kernel, and made the best corn by far of any variety that I had and far exceeds any other sort in yield.--G. L. Morsch, La Salle county, Ill. A prominent Polk county farmer says: "Profit Corn has outyielded every other variety on my place. Ears are large, extremely solid, and grain is deep, so that it shells out more than other sorts." Your Profit corn is a splendid variety, and was much pleased with it, and will plant it largely next season.--P. O. Sheckler, Stevenson county, Ill. Your Profit corn was very satisfactory this year, although I planted it quite late in the season. Silver Mine corn was also excellent and so were the seed potatoes received from you.--Lewis Schweppe, Sullivan county, Mo. The best on a 22,000 acre farm. On this estate, comprising about 22,000 acres, there were grown this year nearly 10,000 acres of corn, including about all known standard sorts suited to this latitude, and we consider that of the white varieties the Silver Mine is the purest, and in all respects the most satisfactory of all.--W. A. Bicket, manager, Ford county, Ill. Your famous Iowa Silver Mine corn yielded a big crop this year.--Lewis Frater, Escambia county, Fla.

We find the Iowa Silver Mine to be the only really pure white corn, the deepest grain, the smallest cob and largest percentage of perfect ears of any corn I have ever tested, and I have grown about all the named varieties. You have in the Iowa Silver Mine a variety that combines more good qualities than any other, either white or yellow. Being a thoroughbred corn it has great flexibility of constitution, and thus is adapted to any soil or climate. Your customers will find it a veritable "Silver Mine" if developed with a plow and cultivator instead of a pick and shovel.--J. H. Beagley, Editor of American Corn Journal. Your new Iowa Silver Mine corn is the earliest white corn I have ever seen. Ears of good size and in many instances producing two ears to the stalk. It is seldom one sees anything bred up to such perfection as this new corn.--W. O. Ruddick, Lee county, Iowa.

Profit Corn FOR profit in the corn field don't fail to notice this fine variety on page 34.

IOWA SEED COMPANY, DES MOINES, IOWA. 27.

IOWA SILVER MINE CORN. THE GREAT $1,000.00 CORN--YIELDS 215 BUSHELS PER ACRE. The most marvelous variety of corn ever offered, and one which will surprise everyone who plants it. If the farmers take hold of this as they should it will revolutionize the corn growing of the country. Just think of this wonderful yield, 215 bushels per acre with ordinary culture. We don't blame some practical farmers for looking incredulous when this is mentioned; we did not believe it ourselves until we had measured the ground and proved conclusively that the report was correct. The seed corn trade is our great specialty, and we claim to be corn experts, and in the spring of 1895, when we first saw this corn, we purchased the entire stock for $1,000.00 cash. An offer of $10.00 per pound would not have induced us to sell all we had of it, as we wanted to save it for our customers. Our judgment was correct, as proven by the crops, which were the most marvelous ever grown. Just think of it! The average corn crop of the United States is only 28 bushels per acre, and there was more than seven times this amount of Iowa Silver Mine grown on one acre. Would you like to grow this kind of a crop? Plant Iowa Silver Mine corn--plant your whole farm to it. Adopt our new method of culture, which will be sent free to everyone ordering this variety of seed corn from us. DESCRIPTION.--Stalk grows to a height of about seven or eight feet, and sets the ears about three and one-half to four feet from the ground, just the right height for easy picking. One peculiarity we noticed in going over the field was that there were no barren stalks, every one had an ear, many stalks had two or three good ears, and the originator says that has been characteristic every year that he has grown it. The type is very even. Ears measuring from ten to twelve inches in length, and weighing one and one-half pounds are often found. The ears are very uniform in size and shape, with sixteen to twenty straight rows (usually eighteen rows) of deep, pure white kernels set on a small white cob, and the ears are well filled out over the tip. It is early, matured last year in less than ninety-five days, and never has been caught by the frost. The cob dries out rapidly, so that it is ready for market earlier than any white field corn in existence. In its yield it will surpass all other varieties of any color. Seventy pounds in the ear will make sixty-two pounds shelled. It is adapted to a wider range of soil and climate than any corn ever offered. From Minnesota to Florida, from Massachusetts to California, it will yield a paying crop where other varieties are grown at a loss. It is in every way a distinct type of corn and possesses many of the features which have made the Iowa Gold Mine so popular, while the ear is larger. It is hardy and a wonderful register [resister] of drouth. ITS PRIZE RECORD.--Everywhere the Iowa Sliver Mine captures the prizes over all other varieties. At one fair ten of the largest ears took first prize, ten of the smaller ears took second prize. Afterwards the same ten large ears took sweepstakes over all other varieties both white and yellow, making a total of $95.00 in prizes taken at one fair by twenty ears of the Iowa Sliver Mine corn. It captured the big prize offered by us in 1896 for the largest crop against all other kinds of any color, yielding 215 bushels. At Illinois State Fair it took first premium for the best bushel of corn, any color or sort; first for best white corn in state, and grand sweepstakes for the best corn of any color, competition open to the world. In 1899 the Illinois State Agricultural Society offered three large prizes for the largest corn crop grown on an acre, and the Iowa Silver Mine captured all three of them with crops of 196, 176 and 154 bushels. No other corn of any color can compare with it in wonderful productiveness. Read the Astonishing Record of our own prize contest: It produced 215 bushels per acre in Scott county, Iowa; 211 bushels per acre in Indiana; 201 bushels per acre in Arkansas; 178 bushels per acre in Illinois; 145 bushels per acre in Nebraska; 144 bushels per acre in Ohio; 137 bushels per acre in Texas. Average of above is 176 bushels shelled corn per acre. Produced Immense Crops Everywhere. Our Customers all Rejoice with us. NOW FOR 1900.--To every one who orders Iowa Silver Mine seed corn from us we will send free, full information as to how 215 bushels of corn were grown on one acre and instructions so that you can do as well. There is money in farming if you only know how. Don't be a snail; be progressive; adopt new methods and use good seed. Figure out what your profit would be if your crop were that large. It will pay you to plant your entire field with this variety. Get your neighbors to order with you. WARNING! If you want pure Iowa Silver Mine corn it must be purchased direct from us. Cost of pure seed is almost nothing (only about 20 per acre.) One bushel per acre added to your crop will pay for it, and you can't afford to use doubtful seed. Order Early--sure to be a great demand. PRICE Postpaid or by Express Prepaid: Per pkt. 5c, lb. 25c, 3 lbs. 60c, 7 lbs. (will plant an acre) $1.00, Specimen ears 25c each. By Freight or Express, Purchaser Paying Charges.--Per pk. 50c, bushel $1.50; 2 bushels or more @ $1.40; 10 bushels or more @ $1.25. WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS SAY. The Iowa Silver Mine corn yielded 197 bushels of ear corn on one carefully measured acre. The yield was very nearly as large on my entire field of eight acres of this variety.--A. A. Gher, Boone county, Indiana. The Iowa Silver Mine is all you represent it to be. It ripened in 90 days and produced ears 10 inches long and 7 inches in circumference.--H. R. Burton, Butler county, Penn. The Iowa Silver Mine corn will do as well here as any variety. It was cut down twice by frost this year, but still it yielded 75 bushels per acre.--J. E. Olson, Nicollet county, Minn. Your Iowa Silver Mine corn grew splendidly and ripened sufficiently to make seed corn 100 miles north of St. Paul.--Francis Maddox, Crow Wing county, Minn. My crop of Iowa Silver Mine corn was greatly injured by a storm in July, but still it yielded 108 bushels per acre, and 12 ears selected from it took three first prizes at state fairs. It is a world beater.--S. D. Maddock, Champaign county, Ill.

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28. SEED CATALOGUE AND GARDEN GUIDE.

Iowa Gold Mine Corn. The Best Variety of Yellow Corn In the World. Everyone who has tried it is enthusiastic in the praise of this splendid variety which we introduced. Iowa is not called a gold mining state, but in this grand new variety farmers of this country will find a veritable mine of wealth. It has everywhere received the most cordial endorsement as the best and most profitable sort ever grown. This variety originated as follows: Twelve years ago a special premium offer brought sample ears of corn from several hundred farmers and seed growers and from these we chose the one which was most decidedly the best, and have been selecting and improving it until it is about as near perfection as corn can be made. It is early, ripening only a few days later than Pride of the North; ears are of good size and symmetrical; color a bright golden yellow, as handsome as a twenty dollar gold coin just from the mint; grain is very deep, cob small, and therefore dries out very quickly as soon as ripe. Seventy pounds of ear corn makes sixty to sixty-two pounds of shelled corn, and in hauling to market it weighs out five bushels more to the wagon load than common varieties in the same wagon. We have shelled selected ears of this variety which produced sixty-four pounds of shelled corn and only six pounds of cobs to the bushel. This is an unparalleled record. It cannot be equaled by any other corn in the world. Thousands of our customers say they consider it the ne plus ultra in corn; that it would be impossible to attain any nearer perfection. We can most confidently recommend it as the acme of perfection and stake our reputation on its pleasing everyone who tries it. It will grade No. 1 in any market. We shall not be satisfied until every farmer in the United States has seen this grand new variety. Remember, if you want pure Iowa Gold Mine Corn, you must purchase it from us. Don't be deceived. If you purchase from your local dealer, insist on seeing that our label is on every bag, plainly marked Iowa Seed Company. We most highly recommend it to our customers in all parts of Iowa and other states in the same latitude. It matures perfectly up to the extreme northern tier of counties in Iowa, and some years does well in Minnesota. It will pay you to change your seed, and don't fail to at least see a sample of Iowa Gold Mine before buying elsewhere. Notice our low prices this year. Per large package 5c, lb. 20c, 3 lbs. 50c, postpaid. By freight, pk. 50c, bu. $1.25, 2 bu. or more at $1.15 per bu., 10 bu. or more @ $1.00.

[image] IOWA GOLD MINE CORN. (From a photograph.)

[image] HICKORY KING

ORDER EARLY. Last year we had an immense supply of this variety, but it was exhausted long before season was over and we were obliged to refuse many orders for it.

Three years ago I got a bushel of Gold Mine Corn, and it was the finest corn in the country.--S. M. Phelps, Winnebago Co., Ill. I bought of you several bushels of Iowa Gold Mine Corn that has proven very satiafactory.--Harry D. Burress, Green Co., Ill. The Iowa Gold Mine Corn yielded three times as much as any other variety. Think it is the best corn I have ever seen.--C. H. Shearer, McHenry Co., Ill. Have just harvested the Iowa Gold Mine and it is a grand corn. Our farmer is enthusiastic over it. The type and color are perfect.--J. H. Beagley, Ford Co., Ill. The Iowa Gold Mine Corn is the best I ever saw and it is well adapted to this climate.--S. F. Reynolds, Dane Co., Wis. The Iowa Gold Mine Corn I purchased of you last spring is the best yielder I ever planted. O. E. Hughes, Butler Co., Iowa.

GRAINS OF GOLD. We want to urge every farmer to send for a sample of our IOWA GOLD MINE CORN just as soon as he receives this catalogue. Don't be satisfied with old worn out, mixed varieties. Compare these grains of gold with the corn you are growing, and if you find this better, order a supply early.

HICKORY KING.--A white field corn, which has the largest grains, with the smallest cob, of any white corn ever introduced. So large are the grains and so extremely small the cob that on an ear broken in half a single grain will almost completely cover the cob section. Of strong, vigorous growth, and yields splendid crops on light soil, and is a desirable variety where the season is long enough to mature it, but we do not recommend it north of southern Iowa. Per peck 75c, bu. $2.00, 2 bu. or more $1.75. GIANT MEXICAN JUNE.--A giant among corn, growing from 16 to 20 feet iu [in] height, with ears 10 feet from the ground. A grand variety for grain in the south, for the silo in the north, and a grand curiosity for every section. It is exceedingly leafy in its upper sections and this gives special value to it for the silo. A few stalks of this giant corn will make a grand sight in any garden. It is a white dent with a good sized ear. Pkt. 5c, 1/4 lb. 15c, lb. 50c, postpaid. Per peck $1.00, bu. $3.50. LEGAL TENDER.--This variety is the result of about ten years' selection by a seed corn specialist in Iowa, and has taken first premium at many state and county fairs. The corn is very productive, of uniform pure yellow color, ear very large and long, and a deep grain on a small cob, while the stalk does not grow too large. The introducer says: "Our ideal ear is an ear two-thirds as large around as it is long, containing sixteen to twenty rows, and small shank. The kernels are deep, the cob is small at the butt and the ear holds its bigness toward the point until near tapering off. It should be capped over and the kernels should hold their bigness toward the point and the butt run out straight and not crinkle." It matures in about 115 days, but we do not recommend it for the extreme northern portion of this state. Our stock of this is extra select. Per peck 50c, bushel $1.25, 2 bushels or more @ $1.10, 10 bushels or more @ $1.00.

[image] LEGAL TENDER.