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DES MOINES, IOWA, January, 1904

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WAREHOUSE
SEED STORE OFFICES
BIRD STORE
MAIL ORDER DEPARTMENT
GOLD FISH PONDS
GREENHOUSES
SEED FARMS - 8600 ACRES
IOWA SEED CO'S ESTABLISHMENTS
1903
DESMOINES IOWA.

TO OUR CUSTOMERS:

IN presenting this our THIRTY-FOURTH ANNUAL CATALOGUE, we desire to most heartily thank our many friends for their liberal patronage the past season, and we are more than ever determined this year to give each customer the best seeds that they have ever had, and to fill their orders promptly and well, realizing that in the past our promptness and care in filling orders has made many friends. It is our highest ambition to merit the title which has so often been been applied to us, namely:
"Seedsmen to the American People."

Almost every one in Iowa who uses seeds knows the IOWA SEED COMPANY and our Choice Iowa Seeds are sown in every neighborhood in this and the surrounding states, and to a great extent throughout the country. This business has now reached such proportions and is so diversified that it is impossible to conduct it all under one roof, and the accompanying illustrations will help you appreciate our efforts in building up one of the most substantial business enterprises in the world today. In the local retail store at 613-615, Locust Street, are located also our offices, and fifteen stenographers are kept busy answering the correspondence, as during the busy season we receive 2000 to 5000 letters every day. All orders are filled in our mail order building on Eighth Street, which we built and arranged especially for this purpose. Large quantities of seeds are stored in our Fifth Street warehouse, but no orders are filled there except car-load lots. We have 24 greenhouses and 20 acres of land surrounding them devoted to growing flower plants and bulbs, and it requires 8,600 acres to grow our garden and farm seeds. Our Bird and Gold Fish mail order trade is undoubtedly the largest in the world. We keep it separate from the seed business. Our Bird Store on Walnut street is a place of much interest. We are always glad to have our customers call and examine our stock and manner of doing business. We have no secrets and freely invite every one to inspect all departments. Hoping that you will give us the pleasure of filling your order, and assuring you that it shall receive our best attention, we remain
Yours Respectfully,
IOWA SEED COMPANY.

Suggestions to Customers
ORDER EARLY.-The best time to order is just as soon as you receive this catalogue, as we can always give your orders more of our personal attention if they come in before the rush of the spring trade. Please use the order sheet as it makes it more convenient for us in filling orders. Terms are invariably cash with order as we keep no book accounts in our mail order department, and the expense of sending goods C. O. D. is quite large. Postage stamps received as cash.
CHARGES PREPAID.-All Vegetable and Flower Seeds, Bulbs and Plants, except those noted, are sent prepaid by mail or express by the quickest and most direct routes unless ordered otherwise, and we guarantee their safe arrival. Seeds sold by the peck or bushel, field seeds, potatoes, implements and other heavy goods are sent by freight or express, purchaser paying charges.
DISCOUNTS. -On all orders for seeds in packets the purchaser may select twenty-five cents' worth extra for each one dollar sent us. This refers only to seeds in packets, not in bulk. Each year we put up thousands of packets of seeds for free distribution among our customers, by adding liberally of them to orders.
SMALL ORDERS.-If you only want a single packet, do not hesitate to send for it. We take as much pains to fill small orders promptly and correctly as we do large ones. Orders for Flower Plants and Nursery Stock, however, must amount to at least fifty cents.
WHAT WE GUARANTEE.-That all money sent us for seed shall reach us if sent by registered letter, P. O., or express money order or bank draft, made payab1e to our order. That your order will be filled promptly and well. That goods ordered will reach you safely.

Suggestions to Customers
OUR RESPONSIBILITY.- As this book will probably go into the hands of many who are unacquainted with us, this question will naturally arise, and in answer to same we refer you, by permission, to the Valley National Bank, of this city, to the postmaster or to any of the various express companies.
ABOUT WARRANTING.-We thoroughly test all our seeds and nothing is sent out which we do not believe to be good in every respect. When it is considered how many are the contingencies on which the success of any crop depends, such as sowing too deep or too shallow, too wet or dry soil, unfavorable weather, insects, etc., our customers will readily see that it would be sheer folly for anyone to warrant them to produce a perfect crop, and we want it plainly understood that while we exercise great care to have all seeds pure and reliable, and also true to name, we do not give any warranty, express or implied. If the purchaser does not accept the seeds on these terms and conditions, they are to be returned at once, and the money that has been paid for same will be refunded. However, we have so much confidence in our seeds that we hereby agree to refill any retail order for vegetable or flower seeds free of charge should they prove otherwise than as we represent them. We know of no responsible seed firm in the world which guarantees seeds any further than this.
OUR GERMAN FRIENDS will be pleased to notice that we also issue a catalogue in the German language, and we will take pleasure in sending a copy free on request. Tell your German neighbors about it.

We are Pleased to Receive Samples of New, Rare or Superior Seeds You May Send Us for Trial.

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The entire collection of 6 unequaled Roses for 75 cts. Any 3 for 40 cts.
I Love Roses, Don't You?

1904 ROSE COLLECTION.
There is no flower so popular as the rose. The demand for them is almost doubling every year, and this is largely because their cultivation is becoming better understood and people succeed in producing a plenteous supply of flowers the year around. By our improved methods of culture we are able to propagate much better plants at a lower cost than ever before and we give our customers the benefit. The world has been searched over to secure the grand varieties which we are offering this year and they are sure to please all.
The wreath on the front cover of this catalogue portrays their beauties as nearly as the artist could depict, but neither pen nor brush can do them justice, and we want you to see them for yourself. We have therefore made the price very low. The six for 75 cents.
BESSIE BROWN.-This is called by rose specialists the finest new variety which bas been brought out for many years past. It is a hybid tea variety which originated in England. Blooms are very large in size, full double and of perfect shape; color, creamy white flushed and tinged with pink, especially at the edges of the petals which are shell shaped. It was awarded eight prizes at the great English floral exhibition. Blooms freely; is of the sweetest fragrance, and is just the thing for wearing. Each 20c.
SUNRISE.-This grand new rose has taken first honors in the cut flower shows. When in bud form it is a deep coppery pink color, but as the blossom opens the inner side of petals shade from clear yellow to deep copper color thus making a pleasing color effect. The flower has the true Bon Silene fragrance and is desirable both in bud and when in full bloom. The foliage is also handsome - when young it is of copper bronze color, but as it becomes older it changes to a rich dark green. Each 20c.
HELEN GOULD.-This is claimed to be the most beautiful and satisfactory rose for general planting ever introduced. It has proved itself to be the strongest growing, freest blooming and largest flowering hardy rose in existence. It is better for general planting than the American Beauty. The buds are beautifully shaped, long and pointed; the flowers are full and perfectly double; color rich, rosy crimson, particularly bright and glowing; also a good winter bloomer. Each 15c.
FRANCES E. WILLARD.-Undoubtedly the best pure white ever-blooming rose ever introduced. Buds and flowers are of large size, perfect form, pure snow white color. It is delightfully fragrant and blooms freely. Plant is a strong vigorous grower. Each 15c.
ROGER LAMBERLIN.-The most exquisitely beautiful and rich colored rose ever sent out, and in fact it is so very different from all other varieties that very few persons suspect that it is a rose. The petals are curiously fringed. Color rich, dark, glowing crimson, beautifully margined with white. Not a free bloomer. Each 20c.
TULIP ROSE. (Madam de Watteville.)-Has created a great sensation in Europe. The flower when half open is the shape of a tulip and also of rich variegated color. It is a remarkable shade of cream yellow suffused with rosy blush. Petals are large and each one is widely bordered with bright crimson, thus giving it a very striking and beautiful appearance. The feathery shading on the petals is beyond description. Each 20c.