1906

24. SEED CATALOGUE AND GARDEN GUIDE.

FARM SEED DEPARTMENT. 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 pre-eminence in seed catalogues. 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 new and convenient buildings and improved machinery for cleaning, which is as perfect as any in the United States, we are enabled to clean seeds perfectly, far better than those commonly sold. 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.--It always pays to grow the best. 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 quotations, 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.

[image] SEEDS BULBS PLANTS TOOLS ONLY ONE QUALITY. THE BEST

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. NOTICE--While we exercise great care to have all seeds pure and reliable, we give no warranty expressed or implied. However, if the seeds are not satisfactory on receipt and examination, they are to be returned to us at once and we will refund the money.

OUR EXPERIMENTAL GROUNDS.--We are continually experimenting with farm seeds on our trial grounds by having plats of each variety of grain and grass seed sown or planted, which enables us to determine their relative values. This enables us to better answer the inquiries of our customers regarding crops suitable to their requirments [requirements].

It costs less than 25 cents an acre to use our carefully selected SEED CORN. SEED CORN Do you deem it wise to risk doubtful corn when GOOD SEED is so cheap?

THIS is our great speciality. We claim to be headquarters for seed corn in the United States, and are pleased to say that we are in a better position than ever before to furnish the choicest seed from the best thoroughbred varieties of corn. We had no early frosts in this section of the country to injure the crops. They were all thoroughly matured and in excellent condition for seed purposes before frost could damage them, and we are confident that we can furnish the best quality and the best varieties obtainable. Write us your wants.

Thirty-Five Years ago when we began in the seed business, farmers would not buy seed corn. Every man save his own seed, and it was considered a folly to buy seed corn. In 1881 we introduced a new variety and those venturesome enough to try it were greatly pleased. But still the sale was very limited. In 1892 we originated and introduced the Iowa Gold Mine which sprang at once into prominence, as it was, and is yet, the deepest grained and smallest cobbed variety ever brought out. Since that time we have introduced Iowa Silver Mine, Early Longfellow Dent, Improved Early Mastodon, Lenocher's Homestead, Star Leaming, New Century Wonder, Profit, Farmer's Reliance, and Golden West which have all become very popular and are everywhere the best of their class.

[image] WHERE WE HANDLE OUR SEED CORN.

Thoroughbred Seed Corn. We are proud to say that the Iowa Seed store is now recognized as headquarters for thoroughbred seed corn and on account of their superiority, the varieties which we have originated or introduced are now listed by the most 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 eight acres) but send your order direct to the Iowa Seed Company for thoroughbred seed corn, and get the best.

WE ARE BREEDERS of seed corn, growing it here in central Iowa, the best section for corn in the great corn belt of the United States. We have a seed corn specialist who selects the stock seed for our crops. Each ear is critically examined in all its points with the greatest of care and only such ears as are strong and vigorous in vitality and true to the ideal of each variety are used. These ears must be uniform in shape and color, with straight rows, the tips being well filled with large grains, which denote vigor and strength, the kernels being uniform in color, depth, width, shape, and such other characteristics as are most desirable and indicate well bred corn. This stock seed is then placed in the hands of careful growers who, for many years past, have made a specialty of growing seed corn exclusively for us, and who therefore know just how to handle the crops to secure the best results. Our rule is to have each variety grown at least ninety rods from any other variety in order to prevent its becoming mixed. The greatest care is used in preparing and having the soil in the best of condition and in the cultivation of the crop. After the crop is well matured and dried it is gathered into well ventilated corn barns, remaining there till thoroughly cured, and is then shipped from the various farms to our warehouse where it is sorted and prepared for seed. This sorting is done by men who have been trained for the work. Each ear is taken in hand and critically examined, and if found true to type of that variety in color, shape, depth of grain, color of cob, and other characteristics, it is then tipped, butted, and reserved for seed purposes. The corn is then shelled and run through two cleaning mills which not only wind it thoroughly but also grade and screen it both ways taking out any small, inferior, or large kernels which might be in it, thus leaving it very uniform in size. It is then tested by taking several lots of one hundred kernels each from different bags or bins, just as the corn runs in the bulk, which is the only way to get a true average test. The utmost care is used through the whole process of handling and preparing it for seed. Corn thus prepared cannot be sold at a price that ordinary seed corn is sold for, but we know that it is worth more to any farmer. YOU RUN NO RISK in buying seed corn from us, because if it is not satisfactory on arrival, it may be returned immediately and we will refund your money.

[image]

WONDERFUL NEW KHERSON OATS EARLIEST, STIFFEST STRAWED, SUREST AND MOST PRODUCTIVE OATS IN THE WORLD

NEW GOLDEN WEST

THE IDEAL CORN IN YIELD, COLOR AND SHAPE OF EAR.

GIANT HALF SUGAR MANGEL BEST OF ALL FOODS FOR HOGS AND CATTLE.

HOGS MUST HAVE SOME ROOT FOOD IN ORDER TO BE HEALTHY.

DWARF VICTORIA RAPE OR IMPROVED DWARF ESSEX.

26. SEED CATALOGUE AND GARDEN GUIDE.

"Of all that is good Iowa affords the best." Our Seed Corn proves this statement.

Our old customers know that for more than twenty years we have been preaching the gospel of Improved Seed Corn until finally, during the past four or five years the farmers have begun to really wake up to the real importance of the subject. Corn schools are being conducted in many of the states; corn growing is being talked of at all the Farmer's Institutes, and agricultural papers which a few years ago devoted practically all their space to wheat, potatoes, hogs and cattle are finding that there is really more to say about corn than they ever supposed. Competent judges say that the Iowa Seed Company has added Millions of Dollars to the value of the crops in every one of the leading corn growing states by introducing such valuable sorts as Iowa Gold Mine, Iowa Silver Mine, Farmer's Reliance, Profit, etc. Our varieties have proved the best and most satisfactory everywhere, and now when we say that we have a new variety, the Golden West, which combines all their best characteristics in a main crop variety, we know that farmers everywhere will want it.

[image] KHERSON OATS.

GOLDEN WEST CORN. The latest novelty in the corn line and by all odds the best yellow corn in existence. We consider it the best rooted, strongest growing, most productive, best shaped ear and deepest grained variety. Everyone who has tried this grand sort is enthusiastic in its praise. It is an ideal and the acme of perfection. While there are many 12-inch ears in the crop still we do not strive for immense ears and the standard for judging this variety is, length 10 inches, circumference 7½ inches, color, golden yellow, shape cylindrical, corn nearly firm on cob, grain slightly rough, medium wedge shape, long, 18 to 20 rows, narrow space between kernels, butt rounded, tip capped over, shank medium size, deep red cob and 90 per cent of corn to cob. See more full description on page 27. Per pkt. 5c, lb. 25c, 3 lbs. 60c, postpaid. By freight pk. 75c, bu. $2.50; 2 bu. or more @ $2.25. "Last spring I planted 25 acres of your Golden West Corn and am well satisfied with it. It yielded 80 bushels per acre, which was as much again as my other corn yielded, or that of my neighbors."--Will Scoville, Polk county, Iowa. "I was very much pleased with your Golden West Corn last year.--John J. Martin, Graceham."

GIANT HALF SUGAR MANGEL. After growing this several years on our trial grounds and testing its feeding qualities we find that it is far superior to any variety of either Mangel or Sugar Beet, that we know of. It is the result of a cross made in France between the Mammoth Red Mangel and Improved Sugar Beet, growing about as large as the mangel with the rich sugary sweetness and highly nutritive qualities of the sugar beet. Shape of root is shown by our colored plate and it stands so well out of ground that it can almost be "kicked out" instead of plowing or digging. Color light rose, and quality extra fine. On our place this year it grew to a larger size than any of the mangels and was earlier in maturing No one who has even one cow can afford to be without it if they wish a large amount of highly nutritive food at a low price. Costs less than 5 cents per bushel to grow and harvest. Per oz. 5c, ¼ lb. 15c, lb. 45c, postpaid. By express, 5 lbs. (will plant one acre) $1.50. Directions for growing, storing and feeding, free to our customers.

[image] IDEAL EARS OF CORN.

KHERSON OATS. This new variety was discovered by Prof. F. W. Taylor, the superintendent of the Agricultural Department of the great St. Louis World's Fair, when he was traveling in the province of Kherson, Russia, and in 1900 they were first imported into this country and grown in Nebraska where they proved a wonderful success, far exceeding all expectations. They are about three weeks earlier than any ordinary sort. The plant is of vigorous but rather dwarf growth being shorter than any of the other varieties which have been tested with it, hence it is not so liable to lodge. The leaves are broad, and the heads are large containing a large number of grains which are of medium size, light yellow color and remarkably heavy. The Nebraska Experiment Station states that Kherson Oats have proven in their five years' tests to be earlier, yield better and weigh heavier than any of the other varieties with which they have been tested. J. R. Lang of Sherman Co., Neb. raised 112 bushels per acre. John Sippel of Guthrie Co., Iowa, says that the Kherson produced about double the yield of the common oats on his place. While the grain is not as large as some sorts still the yield in bushels is immense. Our seed is as pure as can be obtained but they have always shown a slight mixture with barley ever since the variety was first brought to this county. It will pay you well to try Kherson this year. Per pk. 35c, bu. 90c, 2 bu. or more @ 80c; 10 bu. or more @ 75c.

DWARF VICTORIA RAPE. Almost everyone knows the Dwarf Essex Rape which has since its introduction about 15 years ago, been the most popular of all forage plants. The Dwarf Victoria is an improvement on the ordinary Dwarf Essex which we are obtaining direct from the best grower in England. It has been very carefully grown and selected for seed purposes, and we are sure will greatly please every farmer by its very vigorous growth, wide leaves and enormous yield. Per pkt. 5c, lb. 30c, 3 lbs. 75c, postpaid. By freight 5 lbs. 50c, 10 lbs. 85c, 25 lbs. $1.75, 100 lbs. $6.25. S. G. Bassett, Editor of the Weekly Journal says: "I have raised Kherson Oats for four years with very satisfactory results. E. G. Montgomery, the field crop specialist, says that Kherson Oats yielded 95 bushels per acre during season of 1905 and weighs heavier per bushel than any other variety. Floyd Brallier of Guthrie County, Iowa, says: "The Kherson Oats were very satisfactory. Have short straw, never goes down and are absolutely rust proof.

NITRO CULTURE. The Vest Pocket Fertilizer--Recommended by U. S. Dept. of Agi.

After years of experimenting Prof. Moore, of the Department of Agriculture has discovered a new manner of fertilizing the land with very little expense, and the preparation was first put on the market last spring and proved to be a grand success. Plants need nitrogen--can't grow without it. Heretofore fertilizers have been needed to put nitrogen into the soil. Nitrogen is very necessary--is the most expensive part of fertilizers. The new way is easier, surer and cheaper--is is to let nitrogen-gathering germs feed the plants. The soil is full of air. Air is four-fifths free nitrogen, and it is right at the plants root ready for use, but plants are unable to extract nitrogen from the air. It is useless to attemp [attempt] to grow certain crops on some soils, because they do not contain the bacteria or germs which help the plant make use of the nitrogen. These germs, when put into the soil, fasten themselves to the roots of the plants, draw the free nitrogen out of the air, and feed it to the plants. The new way saves the cost of fertilizers and is very easy to use. The germs come ready for use, in a form called Nitro-culture. Nitro-culture is put up in small dry packages--like yeast cakes--you can put in your vest pocket. Simply add it to water, and sprinkle the water over the seeds before planting. The germs remain on every seed--live with it--increase very rapidly in number--feed the roots when they start and keep on feeding them. They also enrich the soil by storing nitrogen in it, so that the second year's crop, whatever it may be, is increased wonderfully. We furnish the Nitro-Culture for either Red Clover, Alfalfa, Soy Beans, Cow Peas, Vetches, Peanuts, Wax Beans or Lima Beans at $1.50 per pkg., (sufficient for 1 to 1½ acres) charges prepaid with full directions for use. Trial size 50c.

IOWA SEED COMPANY, DES MOINES, IOWA. 27.

GOLDEN WEST. The past ten years have brought out many new varieties of corn which we have tested on our farm but none were perfect in every respect. The one which nearest approached perfection was the Golden West, which is a new variety originated in eastern Iowa by one of the most practical seed corn specialists in the United States. We have watched it during the four very trying years just past, and are now satisfied that it is the Best Yellow Corn Ever Offered. For years past we have been searching for a variety of corn which had the characteristics of the Iowa Gold Mine as to depth of grain and color but which produced a larger ear and would yield a better crop. We have also been at work trying to produce such a variety on our own place, but it is difficult to breed it up in such a way that it will hold these valuable characteristics. The New Golden West comes the nearest to our ideal and is far superior to any yellow corn now on the market. The stalk and manner of earing greatly resemble the Iowa Silver Mine, the ears averaging fully as large or larger and the grain is more solid on the cob.

Description: Golden West is one of the most vigorous growing varieties that we know of. Stalk is of medium height and very thick at the ground, short jointed with broad leaves which help to mature the large crop of corn it produces. It is the deepest rooted corn that we know of and therefore not easily injured by hard wind storms nor are the roots so near the surface as to be broken off and the vitality of the plant sapped and weakened in cultivating the crop. The ears have usually eighteen to twenty rows. There are many ears which measure eleven inches in length and weigh one and one-half pounds, containing from twelve to fifteen hundred grains to the ear. The kernels are of such shape that they wedge in tightly and make a solid ear not only at the cap but down near the point or germ end (see cut of ear section.) This is a characteristic which is overlooked by many corn breeders, thus causing ears of ordinary varieties, which appear solid, to be of light weight. The ear is solid, nearly uniform in size throughout its entire length, but gradually tapering off to a blunt oval tip, cob comparatively small and of such nature that it dries out rapidly, thus insuring [ensuring] a well matured crop, even during unfavorable seasons. It matures in about one hundred days, thus making it a safe corn to plant, and we claim that it will yield a larger crop than any other yellow corn in existence. The breeder of this corn has been working on essential principles for many years, and instead of simply crossing two good varieties, he has made his cross from several varieties and selected so as to combine the best characteristics of each with an ideal in his mind towards which he was working. Instead of having simply surface roots like other northern varieties, he has bred to obtain a deep rooted sort which would obtain its nutriment from the subsoil as well as having plenty of surface roots. In this way he has secured a better leaf structure for the plant which enables it to stand long seasons of drouth, hot weather and strong winds. By working with his first cross to obtain plants with unusual heavy leafage and roots, he has been enabled to build this new variety on a foundation of perfect health and vigor. It is sure to become the leading corn for this latitude and will rapidly win the confidence of all corn growers.

[image] Exact size of standard ear. GOLDEN WEST.

Vast Treasures Of Iowa soil, rain and sunshine are being annually wasted by trifling with varieties of corn not capable of utilizing them. Don't plant the old worn out sorts any longer, begin right, this year, by buying Golden West. It is a new variety of wonderful leafage and vigor of growth and is sure to become the leading corn for this latitude and rapidly win the confidence of all corn growers. Thousands of farmers made money by buying our Iowa Gold Mine and Iowa Silver Mine corn when they were first introduced and selling the seed to their neighbors, the following season. It will pay you to follow this plan and send in your order early as the supply is limited. Remember that a bushel plants seven or eight acres; therefore it will cost you only about 35 cents per acre for the seed. PRICE--Pkt. 5 cents; pound 25 cts.; three pounds 65 cts.; seven pounds (will plant one acre) $1.25, charges prepaid to any part of the United States; by freight ½ peck 45 cts.; peck 75 cts.; bushel $2.50; 2 bushels or more @ $2.25. Ask for price in quantity.

What the Farmers Say: I have grown your Golden West corn two seasons and it is all right. This year I planted 40 acres of it and it is true to type and looks just like the picture in your catalogue. The ears are filled out at tip end just as your cut shows.--Geo. T. Randolph, Scott county, Iowa. Your Golden West is by far the best corn ever grown in this locality and fully equal in yield to the Iowa Silver Mine. Part of my land was flooded this year and badly washed by the river, but owing to the Golden West being so deeply rooted it stood up very much better than either of the other varieties which I grew or any other sorts in this locality. It yielded a grand crop of good, sound corn in spite of unfavorable season.--G. W. Pfeifer. I have just finished gathering my Golden West, and one field grown on sloping land yielded 103 bushels per acre and another field which was on low, level ground and damaged considerably by overflow, yielded over 80 bushels per acre.--Wm. Day, Dallas Co., Iowa. In reference to the Golden West Seed Corn which I purchased of you this season will say this season has been very unfavorable but I can recommend the corn as in every way better than any I ever raised. Am sorry I planted my corn so thick. As usual I made allowance for some not to grow, but I was mistaken. I believe every kernel grew. The quality is unsurpassed.--Daniel Marlan, Carroll county, Ia. We planted ½ bushel of Golden West and it has done fine and is now (Sept. 15th) out of danger from frost, sound and bright, and we are pleased with it. Also planted a bushel of the Gold Mine Seed Corn and it has also done well and is sound. Both varieties are excellent. The garden seeds we purchased of you gave entire satisfaction.--A. VanSperren, Jasper county, Iowa. I planted the Golden West Corn purchased of you May 11th, and it was out of danger from frost September 8th. I am very well pleased with it and think it will come up to all you claim for it. Although we have had a very wet season to raise corn, still the seed purchased of you was far ahead of that purchased of one of your competitors.--C. A. Bonar, Adams county, Iowa.

MONEY IN GRASS If you raise cattle, horses, hogs or sheep, there is money in providing proper pasture for them. Instead of sowing simply Clover and Timothy this year, better try grasses which are of special value for special soils. Notice our Pasture Mixtures on Page 40.

28. SEED CATALOGUE AND GARDEN GUIDE.

PRIZE WINNER EVERYWHERE IOWA SILVER MINE. 215 BUSHELS PER ACRE. The most marvelous variety of corn ever offered, and one which will surprise everyone who plants it. Thousands of farmers have tried it and doubled their crops and also made money rapidly by selling seed to their less enterprising neighbors. It is revolutionizing the corn growing industry 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 seed corn experts, and in the spring of 1895, when we first saw this corn, we purchased the entire stock for $1,000.00 cash. The originator is not growing or selling seed corn now and you must buy from us if you want pure, true to name seed. 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. 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 which will be noticed in going over the fields is that there are no barren stalks; every one has an ear, many stalks have 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, maturing in ninety-five days. The cob dries out rapidly, so that it is ready for market earlier than any other white field corn in existence. 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, hardy, and a wonderful resister of drouth. ITS PRIZE RECORD.--Everywhere the Iowa Silver 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 Silver 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 the Illinois State Fair it took first premium for the best bushel of corn, any color or sort; first for best white corn in the 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 one acre, and the Iowa Silver Mine captured all three of them with crops of 196, 176 AND 154 BUSHELS PER ACRE. No other corn of any color can compare with it for 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. NOW FOR 1906.--To everyone 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. 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. WE ARE THE ORIGINAL INTRODUCERS. And if you want pure Iowa Silver Mine Corn it must be purchased from us. We have proof that other dealers are copying our descriptions and selling common white corn as Iowa Silver Mine. The cost of pure seed is about 25 cents per acre. One bushel per acre added to your crop will pay for it, and you can't afford to use doubtful seed. PRICE: For high grade extra select seed corn 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 postpaid. By Freight or Express, purchaser paying charges: Per pk. 60c, bush. $1.75, 2 bush. or more, at $1.60. Ask for special price in quantity. READ WHAT THE PEOPLE SAY: "The seed purchased from you produced the finest yields ever seen in our couutry [country]. The Iowa Silver Mine Corn yielded 188 bushels to the acre."--W. A. Johnson, Miss. Co., Ark. "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 Co., Ia. "Your Silver Mine Corn grew splendidly and ripened sufficiently to make seed corn 100 miles north of St. Paul."--Francis Maddox, Crow Wing county, Minn. "Your Iowa Silver Mine Corn is the earliest white corn I have ever seen. Ears of good size and in many instances producing two good ears to the stalk. It is seldom that one sees anything bred up to such perfection as this new corn."--W. O. Ruddick, Lee county, Iowa. "I am especially pleased with the Iowa Silver Mine Corn and it is worth five times as much as the Mastodon which I have been growing.--Jacob Siemens, Reno county, Kan. 231 BU. PER ACRE. Sept. 25, 1905.--"Am very well pleased with your Iowa Silver Mine and Golden West Corn. I planted the Silver Mine on a piece of land a little less than one acre. The other day I husked 12 shocks and got 42 bushels of good corn. At this rate I will harvest about 231 bushels corn per acre."--Geo. Haerry, Morgan county, Mo.

[image] IOWA SILVER MINE. 215 BUSHELS PER ACRE.