1906

34. SEED CATALOGUE AND GARDEN GUIDE.

[image] HAYNES' PEDIGREE WHEAT.

Seed Wheat. No crop is more important and profitable than a good wheat. If farmers would pay more attention to having the proper soil conditions, securing the right kind of seed and getting it in properly they would find it as profitable a farm crop as can be raised. A great many have grown our improved varieties the past few years and have received yields of from 30 to 50 bu. per acre. The following varieties we are confident are the best and most profitable to grow. HAYNES' PEDIGREE WHEAT.--We cannot too highly recommend this grand new variety as being the best kind of spring wheat and we are sure it will please every one who tries it. It was originated by Mr. L. H. Haynes, who spent eight years in selecting and improving it in his garden, each year choosing all the largest and best heads and discarding all the balance. This continued selection has had the effect of improving it in vigor, size of head, and quality. For the past few years he has been growing it as a farm crop, taking the greatest pains each season to keep it strictly pure, and by going through the fields and removing everything that was not of ideal quality, he now has a variety which is sure to please all wheat growers. The heads are very large, well filled out, the kernel is hard, the plant stools greatly, and under ordinarily favorable conditions will yield 40 to 50 bushels per acre. It is an improvement on Blue Stem Wheat and fully five days earlier in maturing. We most highly recommend this variety to customers everywhere in the wheat growing belt. Not only in the northwest where wheat is the main crop, but everywhere and under all conditions has this Pedigree Blue Stem Wheat proved itself superior to other varieties, outyielding them all. Lb. 25c, 3 lbs. 60c, postpaid; by freight, peck 65c, bushel $1.75, two bushels or more @ $1.65. "I was very much pleased with Haynes' Pedigree Blue Stem Wheat last year. The weather was very unfavorable for small grain, but it yielded nearly double the crop that my other wheat did and of much better quality."--G. Rubes, Dickinson county, Iowa. VELVET CHAFF OR BLUE STEM WHEAT.--This is now the standard variety for growing in Iowa. It has proved much superior to Scotch Fife, Saskatchewan and other sorts; being fully equal in quality, earlier, more sure and yielding much larger crops. It is now the main crop in the northwestern states and the great milling kings use it for their highest grade flour. Per lb. 25c, 3 lbs. 60c, postpaid; by freight peck 50c, bushel $1.50, 2 bushels or more @ $1.40. MACARONI WHEAT.--This wheat has proved to be a great money maker to the farmers of Minnesota, Montana and the Dakotas, about 150,000 acres being sown to it by Dakota farmers alone last year and they report yields 80 per cent greater than other varieties of wheat. One farmer reported 49 bushels per acre. Few people have any idea of the immense quantity of macaroni used in this country and, until recently, it has all been imported. It requires a special kind of wheat to make it--the best being known botanically as Triticum Polonicum. It is a very heavy yielding variety and does especially well in the semi-arid plains. It seems to be always a sure crop and will mature in a shorter season than any other wheat and is therefore desirable for Minnesota, Dakota, Manitoba and the northwest. It does well on good soil, but the yield is larger and quality better when grown on poor land. The grains are very hard and glossy, often translucent, yellowish white in color, occasionally inclining to reddish, and rather large. In the field Macaroni Wheat is often mistaken for barley, as it resembles this very much. It grows rather tall and the leaves are broad and smooth, aud [and] have a peculiar whitish color. The heads are compactly formed and are bearded. This wheat is hardy and not attacked by smut or rust and is a sure crop. Sow seed early in the spring, about 1½ bushels per acre. Don't fail to try it. Per lb. 30c, 3 lbs. 75c, postpaid; by freight, ½ pk. 40c, pk. 65c; bu. $1.75, 2 bu. or more @ $1.50.

[image] IDEAL BARLEY.

Mr. Zavitz, of Ontario, writes us that he has grown it for eight years past and the average yield has been 39 bushels per acre. CORN WHEAT.--An immense grained variety, sometimes called Wild Goose Wheat. Quite curious and a heavy yielder. Per pkt. 5c, lb. 50c, 3 lbs. $1.20, postpaid.

BAGS FREE--Please remember that our prices on Seed Wheat, Barley, Corn and other grain include cost of Bags for shipping.

[image] MACARONI WHEAT.

EARLY JAVA WHEAT.--A new variety of spring wheat about ten days earlier than Velvet Chaff or other standard sorts, and thus escapes the extreme hot weather so injurious to small grain. It is usually ready for harvest as early as winter wheat, and thererefore [therefore] desirable to sow on land where winter wheat has partially failed. A good crop can this way be secured from fields which would otherwise be unprofitable and the wheat would be all right for milling purposes but would not do for seed. Yields in this locality ordinarily about 35 bu. per acre. Per lb. 25c; 3 lbs. 60c, postpaid; by freight, pk. 75c; bu. $1.65; 2 bus. or more @ $1.50. DEFIANCE WINTER WHEAT.--(Improved Turkish Red.)--Introduced by the Iowa Seed Co. and we claim for this new wheat that it is unequaled in hardiness, stooling qualities, productiveness, rust proof qualities, strength of straw, quality of grain, quality of flour and the best in all respects of any wheat ever offered. It has a record of over 59 bushels per acre, and many crops are reported of 35 to 45 bushels. Flour is equal to the world-famed Hungarian product. Everyone is delighted with it. Ask for price in the fall. Price for shipment now by mail, per lb. 25c, 3 lbs. 60c; by freight pk. 50c, bu. $1.50; 2 bu. or more @ $1.35.

IDEAL WHITE HULLESS BARLEY. Is an ideal that pleases all who try it. The heads are large and well filled with big plump kernels which are hulless and of great value for feeding. Those who have grown it say that it produces a very much larger crop than any other. It weighs 60 to 65 pounds to the measured bushel, while ordinary barley weighs only 48 lbs. The straw is very stiff and strong. It is the handsomest, most productive and best variety that we know of. The kernels shell out without the hulls and are the prettiest and handsomest white berry, plump and oval in shape, that has ever been grown. Is not a malting barley, but can be used for feeding only, and as a fattening feed for hogs it has no equal. Is a vigorous grower and can be sown after all the other grain is sown, and it will mature before wheat or oats will. Per lb. 25c; 3 lbs. 60c, postpaid. By freight pk. 65c, bu. (48 lbs.) $2.00; 2 bu. or more @ $1.85.

SUCCESS BEARDLESS BARLEY. Earliest barley known. The straw is about the height of common barley, but better, and will stand up on any land; on good land will produce 80 bushels per acre. Sow as early as you can; frost does not hurt it. Many farmers will not grow barley on account of the long, harsh beards which are so disagreeable in threshing, although it is a profitable crop. This is beardless and as easy to grow and handle as oats. It has hulls like the Mansury or any other old variety, and is a heavy cropper, yielding from 50 to 75 bushels per acre, and the quality is excellent both for malting and for feeding hogs. Seed is scarce this year. Per lb. 25c, 3 lbs. 60c. By freight, pk. 50c, bu. $1.25; 2 bu. or more @ $1.10.

IF YOU DESIRE TO PURCHASE A LARGE BILL OF SEEDS PLEASE SEND LIST FOR SPECIAL QUOTATIONS.

IOWA SEED COMPANY, DES MOINES, IOWA. 35.

SPRING RYE.

[Image entitled, "SPRING RYE."] [Image entitled, "GRAINS OF SPELTZ."]

This is quite different from the winter rye and is highly valued wherever known. It is not only more productive but the grain is of finer quality and it can be successfully grown in any latitude. The straw is of special value as it stands six or eight feet high, being better than that of winter rye and producing nearly four times as much straw as oats. Produces 30 to 40 bushels of grain per acre. As it does not stool like winter rye, not less than two bushels to the acre should be sown. Pkt. 5c, lb. 25c, 3 lbs. 60c, postpaid. By freight, pk. 60c, bu. $1.60; 2 bu. or more @ $1.45.

MONSTER WINTER RYE. We consider Winter Rye one of the most important of all farm crops. In the first place it is a sure crop--failures being almost unknown. Every farmer should have at least a few acres of it. It is usually sown in the fall and as it grows very vigorously, will furnish pasture till late in the fall and also early in the spring before other grasses have begun to make a growth. For this reason it is of great value to dairy farmers. If sown very early in the spring it makes an early and abundant pasture but will not make a grain crop. Our Monster Rye is of extra quality and we are sure it will please you; no matter whether you want it for pasture or a grain crop. Pk. 50c; bu. $1.25; 2 bu. or more @ $1.10.

SPELTZ--A Valuable New Grain From Russia. This most wonderful new grain was first introduced in this country by the Iowa Seed Co., and has proved of great value, and is now listed by almost all of the leading seedsmen. It is botanically known as Triticum Spelta, or Emmer, and is supposed to be the grain grown in Egypt in the time of Moses. It is mentioned several times in the Bible. For centuries past it has been grown in a limited way in Eastern Russia near the Caspian Sea, its value not being known to the civilized world. Is of high value for feeding and will make a fair grade of flour similar to rye. Will grow well and produce immense crops on poor soil, and dry weather appears to have no effect on it; will make a good crop with almost any condition of soil or climate. It makes excellent pasture and good hay if cut at proper season. Yields 70 to 100 bushels of grain to the acre besides several tons of straw for feeding. The grain is much richer than corn for feeding and of superior quality for fattening hogs, cattle, sheep, poultry, etc. May be sown in the spring or fall, 50 to 75 lbs. per acre. Per lb. 25c, 3 lbs. 60c, postpaid. By freight, peck 50c, bushel (40 lbs.) 90c; 2 bushels or more @ 85c; 10 bushels or more @ 80c.

SEED OATS. A change of seed oats is even more important than a change of seed potatoes, and it will pay you to renew your seed oats this year by sowing some of our improved varieties and thus greatly increase your yield. Any variety, except where noted, at 25c per lb.; 3 lbs. 60c, by mail postpaid. KHERSON.--A grand new variety described on colored plate. Per pk. 85c, bu. 90c, 2 bu. or more @ 80c, 10 bu. or more @ 75c. LINCOLN.--When we introduced these oats to our customers in 1893 they had never been tested in this state, but had done so exceptionally well in Minnesota that we had much faith in them. Seven prizes amounting to $500.00 were offered for the largest crops grown from one bushel of seed sown, and in our 1894 catalogue we published a list of the awards, the first prize going to a man who grew 174 bushels from one bushel of seed sown, and the average of seven successful competitors was 116 bushels each. What we claim for the Lincoln Oats is that it is a heavy yielder, is comparatively early, has proved itself to be entirely rust proof, and stands up exceptionally well. On account of its soft nib, heavy meat, and thin hull it is unsurpassed for feeding and making into oatmeal. Per pk. 35c, bu. 90c, 2 bu. or more @ 80c, 10 bu. or more @ 70c. The Lincoln Oats went about 25 per cent more per acre than other white oats on same kind of ground. I sowed them just as I did the others.--C. F. Herrick, Buchanan county, Iowa. EARLY CHAMPION.--This grand new variety which was introduced in 1898, has given excellent satisfaction to our customers and it gave the largest yield per acre of any variety in the test at the Iowa Agricultural College, and is highly recommended by them. This variety has comparatively short straw, matures a week to ten days earlier than other kinds, largely escaping the liability to rust. Its greatest value lies in its adaptability as a nurse crop to sow with grass seed, as it does not stool as freely as some other sorts. Will not lodge on rich land. Henry Wallace, editor of Wallace`s Farmer, says: "I would rather risk growing grass seed with them than with any other variety I know of." Pk. 30c, bu. 75c, 2 bu. or more @ 65c, 10 bu. or more @ 60c.

[Image: LINCOLN OAT]

SILVER MINE.--A popular variety in some sections; has the reputation of yielding immense crops of 100 to 160 bu. per acre. The grain is usually large, plump and heavy, but has a reasonably thin hull. It is quite a hardy, vigorous variety and has greatly pleased our customers. It stands up well and has shown little tendency to rust. Our seed was grown from headquarters stock and is nice. Pk. 30c, bu. 75c, 2 bu. or more @ 65c, 10 bu. or more @ 60c. WINTER TURF.--This valuable grain has for several years been growing in favor and use in many parts of the south and has proven valuable, both for the grain and for winter grazing. The oats may be sown any time from August until October. We have also sown these oats in the spring and they have done well. Per pk. 60c, bu. $1.50, 2 bu. or more @ $1.35. BLACK TARTARIAN.--While attending the Royal Agricultural Show in Cardiff, Wales, we saw a fine lot of English grown Black Tartarian Oats on exhibition there, and knowing there would be a considerable demand for these from our customers we arranged for a stock, which is of quality far superior to any which we have ever seen before. This is the most hardy and most productive variety of oats that we know of; 442 grains have been grown on a single straw. It stools freely and grain is short and plump, of best possible quality. The English farmer, Mr. Bennett, says: "I sowed nine bushels on three acres of land last year and they yielded 365 bushels; this is equal to about 122 bushels per acre." We believe that many of our customers will want to try them this year and although the expense of importation was quite heavy, we are enabled to offer them at the comparatively low price of 75c per peck, bushel $2.25, 2 bushels or more @ $2.10, 10 bushels or more @ $2.00. Stock comparatively small; order early if you want them.

[Image: JAPANESE BUCKWHEAT "NATURAL SIZE"

EUROPEAN HULLESS OATS.--This will doubtless be a novelty to many farmers, but hulless oats are not new in this country, as they have been cultivated to a limited extent for many years. The berry or grain, which is much larger than that of the ordinary varieties, is loose in the hulls and easily threshed out as clean as wheat or rye. It should prove to be a very desirable variety to make oat meal from. Better try a little of it. Our stock is small and will doubtless be exhausted before season is over. Pkt. 10c, lb. 35c, 3 lbs. for $1.00 postpaid. JAPANESE BUCKWHEAT. About a week earlier than Silver Hull and yields more. The flour made from it is equal in quality to any other buckwheat, while it is much more productive than any other, and succeeds well far north. The straw is heavier and it branches more; it does not need to be sown as thickly as other kinds. Pound 25c, 3 lbs. 60c. By freight, peck 50c, bushel (52 lbs.) $1.50; 2 bushels or more @ $1.35; 10 bushels for $12.50. SILVER HULL BUCKWHEAT Very good, popular variety. Grain is of light gray color, rounder than the common variety, has a thinner husk, earlier and yields more. Lb. 25c; 3 lbs. 60c. By freight, pk. 50c; bu. $1.50; 2 bu. or more @ $1.35; 10 bu. for $12.50. RYE BUCKWHEAT. A wonderful novelty growing exactly like buckwheat but the grain has no hull on, and looks exactly like the grains of rye. Pkt. 10c, lb. 40c; 3 lbs. $1.00, postpaid. By freight, 1/2 pk. 65c, pk. $1.15, bu. $3.50.

[footer: SOW VICTORIA OR DWARF ESSEX RAPE AND OBTAIN THE BEST HOG PASTURE YOU EVER HAD.]

36. SEED CATALOGUE AND GARDEN GUIDE.

[Image entitled "EARLY AMBER CANE."]

EARLY AMBER CANE.

[Image entitled "KAFFIR CORN."]

Dairy farmers say that the Early Amber Cane is the most valuable fodder plant in existence for their use. Notwithstanding its great adaptability as a food for livestock, it is only quite recently that the real value of sorghum (or sugar cane) has attracted general attention. Its great merit is now beginning to be appreciated. It is of the very best quality, being sweet, tender, nutritious and greedily eaten by cattle, horses and hogs. Dairymen find that the cows will give more and richer milk from its use and it is claimed that as high as ten tons of green fodder have been grown per acre. Sow 100 lbs. per acre for best results. It is a profitable crop also to grow for seed which is excellent for feeding poultry, and is very frequently ground and substituted for buckwheat flour. Price subject to market change. Per lb. 20c, 3 lbs. 50c. By freight, 10 lbs. 50c, 25 lbs. 85c, 100 lbs. $2.00, 500 lbs. or more @ $1.75.

KAFFIR CORN. This is a most excellent fodder plant, yielding two crops of fodder during a season. It grows from five to six feet high, making a straight, upright growth. The stem or stalk bears numerous wide leaves. The stalks keep green and are brittle and juicy, making excellent fodder either green or dried. The seed crop is also heavy, sometimes yielding sixty bushels to the acre. Both grain and fodder are excellent. The stalk remains tender to full maturity of the seed. There is no failure about it as it possesses the quality that all the tribe possess, of going without rain without any loss of capacity to yield. The grain is extremely valuable for feeding to poultry and will make a flour that is like wheat. Cultivated the same as our common Indian corn, requiring five pounds of seed per acre. For fodder sow one-half to one bushel, either broadcast or in drills. Pkt. 5c, lb. 20c, 3 lbs. 50c. By freight, peck 40c, bushel (50 lbs.) $1.00, 2 bushel or more @ 90c.

JERUSALEM CORN. Claimed by many practical growers to be an improvement on Kaffir corn as it is a surer crop in unfavorable seasons. Produces a large crop of fodder, which is of very good quality. Seed white and nearly flat. Yields a good grain crop also. Three or four pounds will plant an acre in drills, 40 to 50 lbs. broadcast. Pkt. 5c, lb. 25c, 3 lbs. 60c. By freight, peck 75c, bushel (50 lbs.) $3.00, 2 bushel or more @ $2.75.

TEOSINTE A fodder plant grown largely in some parts of the country. Somewhat resembling corn in its general appearance, but the leaves are much longer and broader and the stalks contain sweeter sap. In its prefection [perfection] it produces a great number of shoots growing as much as 12 feet high; very thickly covered with leaves yielding such an abundance of foliage that one plant is considered sufficient to feed a pair of cattle for 24 hours. Eighty-five stalks have been grown from one seed, attaining a height of eleven feet. Horses and cattle eat it as freely as young sugar corn. Plant as soon as ground becomes warm at usual corn planting time, in hills, three to four feet apart each way, two seeds to the hill. We advise all those interested to give it at least a trial so as to be ready to plant large quantities hereafter. Teosinte is one of the heaviest yielding forage plants known, having yielded 50 tons of fodder to the acre. Large pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 25c, lb. 80c, 3 lbs. (sufficient for one acre) $2.00 by mail prepaid.

[Image entitled, "TEOSINTE."]

GIANT SPURRY. An excellent plant for pasture and it grows so well on poor, dry, sandy soil that it has been called "the clover of sandy land." Several years experimenting at the Michigan Agricultural College has proved that it is the only plant which can be grown on poor, sandy, dry soil that will surely return a paying yield. In another report he says: "The Spurry has shown wonderful productiveness. Its value as a manurial plant on light sands is pronounced. It seems to enrich the soil more rapidly than other plants. It is readily eaten by sheep and cattle. Sow broadcast the latter half of March or in April or May at the rate of 10 lbs. per acre if wanted for hay. It germinates quickly and in from six to eight weeks is ready to cut. Pkt. 5c, lb. 30c, 3 lbs. 75c, postpaid. By freight, 10 lbs. $1.25, 50 lbs. $4.50, 100 lbs. $8.75.

SERADELLA. When traveling in Germany we found that Seradella was the most profitable of all fodder plants grown there and almost everybody grows it for hay. It is specially adapted to light, poor or sandy soil, being fully equal to red clover in nutritive qualities and yields a much larger crop. It is one of the best drouth-resisting plants known and does well on high land as well as low. Cattle are very fond of it as hay, green fodder or for pasturing. It makes a dense, thick, rapid growth, covering the ground completely and choking out all weeds. It is not a perennial, but can be cut twice and will produce good pasture balance of year. Sow early in spring alone or with wheat or other grain. Pkt. 5c, lb. 30c, 3 lbs. 80c, postpaid. By freight 10 lbs. or more @ 10c. per lb. Bushel of 45 lbs. (will sow 3 acres) $3.75.

AUSTRALIAN SALT BUSH. A most valuable plant for soils containing alkali and for all regions subject to prolonged drought. It is highly desirable to furnish forage during the hot, dry summer months, in our western and southern states. Not hardy in the north. The plant needs some little moisture to start it into growth, but when once started it will make a strong growth during the hottest and driest weather. The plant is of spreading habit, branching freely and making a thick mat of stems and foliage 12 to 18 inches in depth over entire surface of the soil. Pkt. 5c, oz. 15c, ¼ lb. 40c, 1 lb. $1.25.

SEED FLAX. It will pay you to sow nice, pure high grade flax seed. It is one of the most profitable crops, especially on new land. Price subject to market changes. Per pk. 65c, bu. $1.85, 10 bu. or more @ $1.75.

DWARF ESSEX RAPE. The [This?] is beyond all question the most popular and profitable of all forage plants, and everywhere it is giving the best satisfaction. It it [is] easily grown anywhere and stands unsurpassed as a forage plant for hogs, cattle or sheep. They eat it greedily and seem to prefer it to any other pasture during the summer and till late in the fall or early winter. It can be sown early in the season to provide early pasture for sheep and swine, or sow in small grain a week or so before cutting to provide pasture after harvest, or sow on the stubble, but it is usually sown in June, July or August with corn or potatoes or on well prepared land alone for summer and fall pasture. Makes a wonderfully productive pasture for sheep, hogs and cattle, and they gain flesh so rapidly that they soon "weigh like lead." While it is the ideal food for sheep still it is of equal value for hogs and cattle as they are very fond of it. It is extremely cheap and very prolific, having yielded twenty tons of fodder per acre. In the east it is usually sown in drills, two or three pounds per acre, and cultivated, but in western states it is almost invariably sown broadcast, four to five pounds per acre and it grows so rapidly that weeds are quickly smothered. The United States department of agriculture claims that it adds greatly to the fertility of the soil for the following grain crop. A Nebraska farmer says that he sowed only 3 lbs. per acre on a four and one-half acre field, and five weeks after sowing he turned eighty head of hogs and forty pigs into the field and they pastured there constantly until October. The plants grew so rapidly that at no time could he tell where the hogs had been twenty feet away from the gate. Per pkt. 5c, lb. 30c, 3 lbs. 75c, postpaid; by frt. 5 lbs. 50c, 10 lbs. 75c, 25 lbs. $1.50, 100 lbs. $5.00. Write for circular on growing rape.

MAMMOTH RUSSIAN SUNFLOWER. Largest sunflower. This is one of the best paying crops that can be raised. Seeds are the best of food for poultry and is much cheaper to raise than corn. Stalks make good fire wood. Large pkt. 5c, lb. 20c, 3 lbs. 55c; by freight, 10 lbs. 75c, bu. of 25 lbs. $1.50.

[image] DWARF ESSEX RAPE

FODDER AND FORAGE PLANTS ARE A PROFITABLE PART OF THE FARM PRODUCTS.

IOWA SEED COMPANY, DES MOINES, IOWA. 37.

PENCILARIA. This wonderful fodder plant has proved a great boon to farmers, especially in dry sections of the country where they have been delighted with it. When we first introduced Pencilaria to the farmers of this country there were many who looked incredulous at our statements of its wonderful productiveness, but still it created a great deal of interest and fully 75,000 farmers in all parts of the United States gave it a trial. In spite of the unfavorable season it proved wonderfully satisfactory and they evidently told their neighbors of it as there has been a great demand for the seed during the past three years, largely from those who had previously tested a small sample of it, and who say that they are satisfied that there is no plant in existence equal to it for quick growth, immense size and superior quality. The same report comes from all parts of the country except the extreme north, and even in the most northern states and Canada, there are many who like it. It is without parallel in productiveness. It does not do so well wet seasons, being particularly a dry, hot weather plant.

[image] PENCILARIA.

HISTORY. About thirty years ago a New York seedsman introduced to the farmers of the United States a plant known botanically as Penicillaria Spicata or Pennisetum Typhoideum, and renamed it Pearl Millet although it is not really a millet. It soon became popular in the south but could not be so successfully grown in the north. There are said to be eight varieties of this plant growing in Africa, and a more recent importation from there has proved much better for growing in the north. It is now so well acclimated that it yields a wonderfully large crop even in the northern states. A comparative test with the old Pearl Millet shows that Pencilaria is of stronger, more vigorous growth, stools out better, the leaves are broader and more succulent, it grows more vigorously after being cut, and many of our customers report having cut four to seven crops during the season. It also produces a good, profitable crop in sections where Pearl Millet is a failure. DESCRIPTION. The seed is very small, about the size of a pin head, and it is really wonderful, that it should produce such an immense growth of foliage. When it first comes up it looks like grass, but very soon changes its appearance so that it more nearly resembles corn, growing very rapidly and having broad, succulent leaves. It stools out wonderfully, our customers reporting as high as 75 stalks grown from one seed. One of the most noted farmers and agricultural writers in the United States says that he cut the first crop on July 1st, 45 days after sowing the field. It was then 7 feet high and it weighed, green, thirty tons per acre, when dry gave six and one-half tons of hay per acre. The second growth was cut on August 14th when the plants were nine feet high and the crop weighed 55 tons per acre green, and 8 tons per acre dry. The third cutting was made Oct. 1st. It weighed 10 tons green and one and one-half tons dry, thus making a total crop of 95 tons green fodder and when dry made 16 tons of hay, all from one sowing of seed on one acre. If there is any other plant in existence that will afford such a yield we do not know what it is. Seed may be sown in drills 24 to 36 inches apart dropping 3 or 4 seeds to each foot of row. In this way one or two lbs. will plant an acre. Some of our customers sow broadcast 10 to 15 lbs. per acre. Do not sow until the soil is quite warm and do not cover deeply. Cattle, horses and hogs are very fond of the fodder either green or dry and we feed it on our place the year around. Per pkt. 5c, ¼ lb. 15c, lb. 35c, 3 lbs. $1.00 postpaid. By express per lb. 25c, 5 lbs. $1.00, 25 lbs. $3.75, 100 lbs. $13.50.

FIELD PEAS. For northern states there is no crop of greater value than field peas, and none is more neglected, which can only be attributed to a lack of knowledge as to its merits as a fodder plant, being very rich in the elements that improve the muscle, bone and nervous system. Sow as early as ground can be worked using two bushels peas and two bushels oats per acre. SCOTCH BEAUTY PEAS.--Best blue field peas. Will yield an immense crop of superior quality. Per peck 60c; bushel $2.00; two bushels or more @ $1.80. WHITE CANADA PEAS.--More used than any other. Per peck 60c; bushel $2.00; two bushels or more @ $1.80. WHIP-POOR-WILL COW PEAS.--The most highly valued plant in the south for fodder and reclaiming old or worn out land as it is a leguminous plant of special merit as a fertilizer. The vines when fed green make the best fodder and are very nourishing. The whip-poor-will is the most popular sort and yields a good crop of both fodder and peas. When ripened the ground peas make the best cattle fattener. Pkt. 5c, lb. 25c, 3 lbs. 60c, by freight, pk. 85c, bu. $2.40; 2 bu. or more @ $2.25. NEW ERA COW PEAS--Similar to above but much earlier and therefore more desirable for growing in the north. Pkt. 5c, lb. 25c, 3 lbs. 60c; by freight pk. 90c, bu. $2.75; 2 bu. or more @ $2.60.

[image] ARTICHOKES.

IDAHO COFFEE PEAS.--A new substitute for coffee, not at all resembling the German Coffee Berry. It is a native of Idaho, and has been grown largely in Colorado and elsewhere, producing immense crops at a low cost, one plant sometimes bearing as many as one thousand pods. When roasted and ground it has the flavor of coffee. Pkt. 5c, ¼ lb. 15c, lb. 40c, 3 lbs. $1.00.

THE VELVET BEAN. Nature's great soil restorer. The Velvet Bean is a green manuring and forage plant that is creating a great sensation in the south. The vines grow to a length of ten to thirty feet and form a deep mass of nutritious fodder, and is said to make valuable hay. Plant 1½ pecks per acre in drills five feet apart. Per pkt. 15c, lb. 25c, 3 lbs. 60c, postpaid; by exp. or frt. pk. $1.00, bu. $3.50.

MAMMOTH WHITE ARTICHOKE. An improvement on the Jerusalem Artichokes. The greatest hog food known. These are attracting much attention owing to their great fattening properties, great productiveness (over 1000 bu. having been grown on one acre), and easy culture. They need not be dug in the fall; hogs should be turned on them, and will help themselves by rooting for them. One acre will keep 20 or 30 head of hogs in excellent condition from October until April except when ground is frozen solid. Plant in April or May, 3 to 5 bu. per acre. Lb. 25c, 3 lbs. 60c postpaid. By freight or express, pk. 40c, bu. $1.25, 5 bu. at [or] more @ $1.00.

IMPROVED PROLIFIC TREE BEANS. Also called California Wonder. Undoubtedly the most prolific bean grown, and it will yield a larger crop under ordinary circumstances than any variety that we have ever seen. On our own farm it yielded a crop of forty-one bushels per acre. The beans are pure white, of small size, greatly resembling the "Navy." Per packet 5c, ½ pint 12c, quart 35c; by freight, peck $1.25, bushel $4.00.

IMPROVED NAVY, or BOSTON PEA BEANS. A wonderful improvement over the old-time Navy bean and in every way superior to the Michigan pea bean. This variety makes a very desirable farm crop, especially in the far north. Per packet 5c, ½ pint 12c, quart 35c, postpaid; by freight, peck 90c, bushel $3.25; 2 bu. or more $3.00.

EARLY SOJA BEANS. Also called Soy Beans or Coffee Berry.--During recent years this variety has been largely sold under the name of German Coffee Berry at extremely high prices, but we prefer to offer it under its correct name. The berries ripen in about three to four months from the time of planting and produce a crop of 20 to 40 bushels to the acre. When roasted and ground it closely resembles coffee and tastes similar. Some mix half and half with coffee when using and claim it is superior. Its great value to the farmer lies in the fact that when ground it makes one of the most valuable crops for feeding stock and adds very greatly to the milk production. The ordinary soja beans are too late to mature here, but this variety ripens in all the northern states. Plant in drills two or three feet apart and one foot between plants. Per packet 5c, lb. 30c, 3 lbs. 75c, postpaid. By freight, peck $1.00, bushel (50 lbs.) $3.65.

TREE AND HEDGE SEEDS. BY MAIL POSTPAID. [table] [column headings: Variety. Pkt. Oz. ¼ Lb. Lb.] Apple. .05 .10. .30. .90. Ash, White. .05 .10. .20. .60. Box Elder. .05. .10 .20. .60. Catalpa, Hardy. .05. .10. .25. .85. Locust, Black. .05. .10. .25. .75. Locust, Honey. .05. .10. $ .25. $ .75. Mulberry, Russian. .10. .35. 1.00. 3.25. Osage, Orange. .05. .10. .25. .75. Tree of Heaven. .05. .10. .25. .75.

SEED SWEET POTATOES. Our stock is grown, stored and handled especially for seed purposes and cannot fail to please all. Prices subject to market changes. We usually ship about April 12th to 20th. Circular telling how to grow sweet potato plants free. See page 23 for price of plants. EARLY YELLOW JERSEY.--An improvement on the Yellow Nansemond. In spite of the many so called new varieties, all of which we have tested, Early Jersey holds the first place. The earliest and most productive; of large, short, chunky shape and of the very best quality. It will probably always remain the most popular market sort. Peck 50c, bushel $1.50, barrel $3.25. Ask for price in quantity. WHITE SOUTHERN QUEEN.--These are the large "Yams" which are so popular in the south. Even the seed potatoes are monster size often weighing several pounds each. Peck 75c, bushel $2.00, barrel $4.25. NEW GOLD COIN VINELESS.--A novelty of great merit which has become very popular. Instead of having long running vines it is of a dwarf bush-like growth, tubers yellow, medium to large size, quite productive. Peck 75c, bushel $2.25. Barrel $5.00.

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RED JERSEY.--Similar in shape to our Early Yellow Jersey, but dark red color. The quality is excellent. Peck 75c, bushel $2.00, barrel $4.50. Any of the above varieties by mail, postpaid, at 35c per lb.; 3 lbs. $1.00. Ask for price in quantity.

OUR NORTHERN GROWN SEED POTATOES WILL PLEASE YOU.

38. SEED CATALOGUE AND GARDEN GUIDE.

[image] IOWA GROWN RED CLOVER SEED.

CLOVER SEED. For many years we have made this a specialty, and now have our electrical machinery for cleaning so perfected that we claim that our grades average better than those of most other markets, and believe that they cannot fail to please the most particular. 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 of the United States. PRICES.--On clover and grass seeds are changing almost daily, so that we are unable to quote prices which will be invariable. Don't fail to write for prices before buying. We issue a price list each week from January to June. If you are in a hurry for the seed you can order it and we will send seed to full value of money sent on day order is received. The following are the prices we are selling at on the date this catalogue goes to press. We prepay postage at the 1 and 3 pound rate; larger quantities shipped at purchaser's expense. Trial packets of any variety at 5 cents each. Grain bags at 20 cents each extra. MEDIUM RED CLOVER--This is the most important of all clovers and the standard everywhere for hay and pasture. It is known as Common Red or June Clover in many sections. Our Iowa grown clover seed has become widely known for its purity, strong vitality, hardiness, vigorous and healthy growth, and stooling qualities, so that now we receive many orders annually from the most distant parts of the U. S., and also from foreign countries. It has been tested by the Agricultural Experiment Stations in various parts of the country and ranks among the highest everywhere. Well posted farmers are beginning to appreciate the difference between it and ordinary stock. It pays to have the best. Sow 15 lbs. per acre. Per lb. 30c, 3 lbs. 80c, postpaid. Per pk. $2.15; bu. (60 lbs.) $8.00. Bags extra 20c each. MEDIUM RED CLOVER.--Second Grade.--Ask for sample. Per bu. $7.20. MAMMOTH RED CLOVER.--Also called Sapling or Pea Vine Clover. This greatly resembles the Medium Red, but is of much taller and more vigorous growth. Nothing equals it for hog pasture as it will produce an enormous yield and is of the highest feeding quality. It gives quick results, making an unequaled crop and is usually considered a permanent pasture grass. If your soil is poor and needs enriching there is no fertilizer as cheap and good as sowing Mammoth clover and plowing the crop under. It is the clover for poor soils. Sow 15 pounds per acre. Per lb. 35c, 3 lbs. 90c, postpaid; by freight, peck $2.25; bu. (60 lbs.) $8.50.

ALFALFA, or Lucerne Clover.--Very popular in many portions of the country. Under proper management it will yield from ten to twelve tons to the acre. All classes of stock are exceedingly fond of it. The roots are so long and grow so deep, frost cannot heave or throw them out in winter. One sowing will stand for twenty years, and instead of impoverishing the soil, enriches it. Grows on the thinnest sandy soil and thrives in greatest drouth. Sow broadcast about 25 lbs. to the acre. Per lb. 35c, 3 lbs. 90c postpaid. By freight, per pk. $2.60; bu. (60 lbs.) $9.60. WHITE DUTCH CLOVER.--Desirable in pasture mixtures. Also used largely for lawns. It is the most hardy of any variety of clover, is of a creeping habit, desirable for sowing on terraces and sloping grounds. Seed is very small and it requires only 7 lbs. to sow an acre. Price for our choice quality per lb. 40c, 3 lbs. $1.10, postpaid; by freight, per pk. $3.25, bu. (60 lbs.) $11.25.

[image] ALFALFA CLOVER.

SANFOIN CLOVER, also called Esparcette Clover.--An excellent but comparatively little known variety of special value for growing on light, dry, sandy or limestone soils. It is very deep rooted, therefore withstands drouths. It is a good fodder plant. Usually sown with oats or barley, using 30 or 40 pounds of seed to an acre. Per lb. 35c; 3 lbs. 90c, postpaid; by freight, pk. $1.60, bushel (45 pounds) $5.50. SWEET CLOVER.--(Melilotis Alba or Bokhara).--A tall, shrubby plant, bearing innumerable small white flowers and very valuable for bees. Both leaves and flowers have a delightful fragrance. Sow 10 lbs. per acre. Per lb. 40c, 3 lbs. $1.10; by freight, 5 lbs. or more @ 25c. CRIMSON CLOVER, also called Giant Incarnate.--This is an annual variety. The yield in fodder is immense, and after cutting, it at once commences to grow and continues until severe freezing weather. It grows about one foot high. Makes good hay. Sow in April or May, 20 lbs. of seed per acre. The only objection to it is that it winter kills in this latitude. Per lb. 30c, 3 lbs. 80c; by freight, pk. $1.90, bushel $7.00.

TURKESTAN ALFALFA.--This most valuable new variety was sent out by the Department of Agriculture four years ago, in a small way, and has given excellent satisfaction. It is more hardy than the ordinary variety, having stood a temperature of 45 degrees below zero when the ground was bare. It will also stand extreme drouth, as it comes from a locality where the summers are dry and hot and the winters extremely cold. It makes a large top growth, also fine root growth. Pkt. 5c, lb. 35c, 3 lbs. $1.00, postpaid. By freight, pk. $2.85, bu. $10.50. ALSIKE CLOVER.--Unequalled for hay and we cannot too strongly recommend it to our customers. It is hardy, even in Northern Minnesota, and is the only variety which will produce a good crop and not kill out in low wet land. The hay is finer and better than any other, therefore of special value for sowing with timothy. Height 18 to 24 inches and has round pink or flesh colored heads. Seed is small and requires only eight pounds per acre or half that quantity if sown with timothy. Per lb. 30c; 3 lbs. 80c; by freight, peck $2.30; bushel $8.50. The Alsike Clover I got from you 2 yrs. ago made an immense crop of hay. Much of it measured over 5 ft. and we found some stalks that measured over 6 ft. It was very fine in straw and made the finest hay I ever fed to my cattle. I now order more of it. J. M. HERSHEY, Palmyra, Mo. JAPAN CLOVER.--Grows freely on poor soil. Not a true clover. Per lb. 60c, 3 lbs. $1.50, postpaid; 5 lbs. or more, by freight @ 40c.

Mr. Davidson, of Ottawa county, Kansas, says that his Alfalfa Clover produced four crops of hay--8 tons, value, $4.00 per ton in the country, or $32.00; also a yield of 11 bushels of seed worth $8.00 per bushel or $88.00, making a total of $120.00 per acre in one season, or about three times the value of the land. How would than kind of a crop suit you? Better try Alfalfa this year.

Use Nitro-Culture for Alfalfa and for other clovers. See description on another page.

MILLETS. There is nothing like millet for sowing to cover up shortage in your hay crops. It can be sown up to the middle or end of July and makes a valuable catch crop. Grain bags 20 cents each extra. JAPANESE MILLET.--(Panicum crus-galli.)--A distinct new variety which has been called by one seedsman the "Billion Dollar Grass." Especially valuable for the northern states. It yields an enormous crop of forage, which is greatly relished by stock. When cured it makes an excellent hay. Sow the seed broadcast at the rate of 15 lbs. to the acre, or in drills 12 to 18 inches apart, using 10 to 12 lbs. per acre. Per lb. 30c, 3 lbs. 75c, postpaid. By freight, per bu. (50 lbs.) $2.50. GERMAN or GOLDEN MILLET.--Matures about two weeks later than common millet. It grows from 4 to 5 feet high, yielding an abundance of leaves; heads closely condensed; spikes very numerous; seeds round, golden yellow in rough sheaths. Sow one bushel ro the acre. Per lb. 20c, 3 lbs. 50c, postpaid. By freight, bushel (50 lbs.) $1.00. Second grade, northern grown, not as pure or clean. Bushel 80c. COMMON MILLET.--Best quality. Preferred by some to German. By freight, per bu. (50 lbs.) $1.00. HUNGARIAN.--Popular in some sections. By freight, per bu. (50 lbs.) $1.35. NEW SIBERIAN MILLET--This is frequently called Red German Millet, as it greatly resembles German Millet in manner of growth and productiveness. It is much earlier however and seed is of a mixed red and yellow color. Lb. 20c, 3 lbs. 50c. By freight, bushel (50 lbs.) $1.00. MANITOBA MILLET.--Also called Hog or Broomcorn Millet. Best millet for withstanding drouth. About two weeks earlier than German. Per lb. 20c, 3 lbs. 50c. By freight, bu. (50 lbs.) $1.50. PEARL MILLET.--Entirely different from ordinary millet; an immense fodder yielder, of tall growth, highly recommended by the U. S. Department of Agriculture for the south. Pkt. 5c, lb. 25c, 3 lbs. 70c. By freight, 10 lbs. (for one acre) $1.25, 25 lbs. $2.25, 100 lbs. $7.50.

SAND VETCH or WINTER VETCH. A comparatively new forage plant which has proved of highest value, and is highly recommended by the U. S. Agricultural Department. Though it succeeds and produces good crops on poor sandy soils, it is more vigorous on good land and grows to a height of 4 to 5 feet. It is perfectly hardy throughout the United States, remaining green all winter. Every dairyman and stock-breeder in the United States should have a field of it and if you try it once you will never be a season without it. It is exceedingly nutritious, much more so than clover, is eaten with relish, and may be fed with safety to all kinds of stock. It is the earliest crop for cutting, and a full crop may be taken off the land in time for planting spring crops. Sow ½ bushel per acre in spring or fall. Pkt. 5c, lb. 30c, 3 lbs. 75c, postpaid. By freight, pk. $1.60, bu. (60 lbs.) $5.75, 2 bu. or more @ $5.50.

[image] SAND VETCH.

TRY OUR DAIRY FARMER'S GRASS MIXTURE DESCRIBED ON PAGE 41.