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AMERICAN BEAUTY ROSE COLLECTION Who has not heard of the Amerloan Beauty, the world renowned rose famed in story, poetry and song, The cut fiowers being frequently sold during the winter season at $10.00 to $25.00 per dozen. What fiower lover has not dreamed that some day she would have a "garden of roses" with American Beauties galore. For a 1ong time we have been planning this collection for our customers and growing vast numbers of plants for the immense demand which is sure to come. Read carefully the wonderful list of varieties and notice the low price. AMERICAN BEAUTY.- The old favorite ever popular variety. Unequaled for large size, beauty and fragrance. They do well grown in the open ground and with slight protection live throught the winter in the northern states. Flowers are very double of deep brilliant red shading to a rich crimson earmine. Has the true ever blooming qualities. Strong young plants each 15o,large two year old dormant plants 350 each, doz. $3.50. WHITE AMERICAN BEAUTY.-A pure ivory white rose of the same form and fully equal in size, beauty and fragrance but easier grown and a much better bloomer. In Germany where it origino.ted it is co.lled Kaiseriln .Augusta Victoria o.nd it is truly a royal variety. It has no rival as a white bedding rose for it grows vigorously, producing a consto.nt succession of crops of fiowers. It is a hardy Hybrid 'l'ea variety like the American Beo.uty and throws up many blooming stems and all of them are surmounted by lovely fiowers. The buds are of elegant shape and slowly develop into full open, very double fiowers with wide petals of best substance. It is a fo.ultless variety of exquisite fragrance. Each 150. Large two-yearoQld plants 3Oceach. BLACK BEAUTY.-This magnificent rose which has sometimes been called Black Prince, has a fine large sized fiower of a very dark velvety crimson shaded with maroon and black. Fragrant and desirable, each 15c. Large two-yearoQld plants 35c, doz. $3.25. STRIFED BEAUTY.-Comparitively a longer fiower than American Beauty, the buds being shaped more like the La Color a beautiful bright pink, shaded with crimson or ~~1 ,cal:mine red. Each 15c. L arge two-yearoQld plants 300, doz. $3.00. MOSS BEAUTY.-If the people only knew how easily these can be grown we would be uno.ble to supply the demand, but it is the popular opinion that moss roses are quite difllcult to Everyone can succeed with this variety which is a shining pink color and"the buds are very bountifully supplied with Moss. Each 20ci large two-yearoQld dormanplants 350, doz. $3.50. PINK BEAUTY.-Simllar to American Beauty but the , . . . One strong plo.nt each of the above six roses for seventy. fiowers are iust atrifie fio.tter o.nd of handsome shining pinkS color, shaded with c3rmine, splendid bloomer o.nd very hardy , . five cents. One large two-yeo.roQld plant of each for $1.85 Each 15c. Large strong two-yearoQld plants 3Oc, doz. $3.00. . Sent by mail to any town in the United States or Canada.
PECIAL!
ABOUT OURSELVES. 81 NEW GREENHOUSES erected during the past four years are devoted exclusively to growing plants for the mall order trade, and they contain a greater variety of plants than any other greenhouse in the west. Hundreds of plant orders are filled daily during the busy season:' small plant orders can be mailed direct from the branch postoffice nearby. They are located convenient to the electrio car line and fronting on Kingman Boulevard, one of the finest driving streets in the city. Here we devote fully 12 acres to fiowers, making the finest display to be found in the west. THE WAREHOUSE on South Fifth street we have occupied for many years for storage purposes only. L o.rge lots of seeds which come in after ho.rvest, are thoroughly cleo.ned and then put away in this building and held in readiness for the spring trade. MAIL ORDER BUILDING.-our trade has increased so constantly that we purchased the ground at 20821(}'2l2 S. Eighth St. about six blocks from the store, and.erected thereon a large building specially arranged for our trade. The r ailway tracks beside the building give us unexcelled facilities for handling carload lots, and ~ are centrally located bet~een the va,. rious freight depots. so that small shipments can be made promptly. Our mo.chinery is operated by four electrio motors, and we claim that our mills for cleaning seeds cannot be surpassed. We can readily fill 2,000 to 4,000 orders per day in this building, and they are bo.ndled in such a ·i~;'~;s:~§:~~ co.reful way that errors seldom occur. I, Most of our employees have been with us many years and appreciate the importance of each order, no matter whethersmallorlo.rge, and no "green hands" handle seeds in bulk. SEED FARMS.-It requires the seed crop from about 8,600 acres to supply our trade and the farms are widely isolated so as to avoid any danger of mixtures. Some seeds cannot also located the offices and correspondence department. During our busy seaso -we receive 2,000 to 5,000 be grown to advantage here, and we contract with practioal seed growers .Jetters every day, and it requires seventeen typew iters to ?,pswer the in other states and a few in Europe to grow for us. For instanoe, we pay correspondence. We are always glad to have ou tomers call and ex- our growers in Denmo.rk about three times all much for caulifiower seed amine our stock and manner of doing business. _ as it would oost to have it grown in this country, but it is much superior.
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1870-1907 Thirtyseven Years Successful Business!
Des Moines, Iowa, January, 1907.
To Our Friends and Patrons:
It is always a pleasure to meet our customers, many of whom visit our store every season, but by far the larger number of them we never see as our trade is so world-wide in extent, and therefore our only way to talk to you is through the medium of this, our annual catalogue. We desire, first of all, to thank you for your liberal patronage in the past which we assure you is most heartily appreciated. The past year may be considered one of the most profitable that the farmers and gardeners have ever had. The crops have, on the whole, been good in all parts of the country and prices much above the average, so that we have every reason to believe that the new year will bring fully its share of blessings. Our seed crops of almost everything have been abundant. They were harvested in excellent condition, are of superior quality and we are prepared to furnish our customers this season with the best seeds that they have ever had, fully realizing that in the past the high quality of our CHOICE IOWA SEEDS and our promptness and painstaking care in filling orders have made many friends. It is our highest ambition to merit the title which has so often been applied to us, namely: "SEEDSMEN TO THE AMERICAN PEOPLE."
What Des Moines People Say: Voluntary expressions of a few of the leading market gardeners of this city, showing how we stand at home.
I have now been purchasing seeds from you for 30 years and have found them true to name and of good quality. I recommend your seeds to all gardeners. HENRY ROLLINSON.
I have planted your seeds for 26 yeasr and have found them perfect and true to name. I can always depend on you for quality and purity. F. SESTIER.
I have planted Iowa Seed Co's seeds for the last 27 years. Have found them true to name and of good quality, and can cheerfully recommend them to any gardener. DUNCAN ELDER.
By this we mean not only native born Americans, but all residents of this country.
WE GROW OUR OWN SEEDS either on our own place or have them grown from carefully selected stock seeds, and it requires the entire seed crop from about 8,600 acres to supply our trade. The soil and climate of Iowa are specially adapted to growing and maturing most seed crops, still there are some varieties which will produce better seed in other localities, and we spend a large part of the summer and fall in travelling around among our growers, inspecting the growing crops.
Again thanking you for past favors, respectfully soliciting a continuance of your patronage and wishing you a happy and prosperous New Year, we remain Your friends, IOWA SEED COMPANY M. KURTZWEIL, President. CHAS. N. PAGE, Treasurer and Manager.
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.
SHIPPING.--There are five express companies and fifteen railroad lines at Des Moines, so that quick shipments can be made to any town in the United States. It is well to remember that express charges are usually much higher on heavy goods, and you should order them sent by fast freight.
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 guarautee their safe arrival. Seeds sold by the peck or bushel. field seeds. potatoes, implements and other heavy goods are sent by freight or express. The terms "by express" and "by freight" mean that goods are shipped at purchaser's expense, not prepaid.
OUR PRICES.--Our constant aim is to make the highest quality the first consideration, and next to put our prices as low as good seed can be sold.
DISCOUNTS.--On all orders for seeds in packets the purchaser may select twenty-five cents worth extra for each one dollar sent us. The refers only to seeds in packets, not in bulk. This discount does not apply to Collections of any kind nor other special offers. Each year we put up thousands of packets of seeds for free distribution among our customers, by adding liberally of them to orders. We will allow you a discount of ten cents per pound on vegetable seeds, such as are listed as prepaid. If you are willing to have them sent by express or freight at your expense.
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 twenty-five cents.
PLANT ORDERS.--Orders for plants will be filled as early in spring as we consider it safe to send them. If ordered for immediate shipment in severe weather they will be sent at purchaser's risk.
WHAT WE GUARANTEE.--That all money sent to us for seed shall reach us if sent by registered letter, P.O. or express money order, or bank draft, made payable to our order. That your order will be filled promptly and well. That goods ordered will reach you safely. Keep a copy of your order. Sometimes persons think they have ordered articles which they have omitted, and blame us for not sending them.
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 Century Savings Bank, of this city, to the postmaster, or to any express company.
ABOUT WARRANTING.--We thououghly 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. No officer, agent or employee of this company is authorized to make any warranty whatsoever. 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. Compare with other seeds catalogues and you will find that we are right.
MARKET GARDENERS and others who buy vegetable seeds in bulk to the amount of $5.00 or more, are requested to send for our Market Gardeners' Price List. This list for market gardeners is intended only for large buyers, and is exclusively for those who order vegetable seeds alone by weight or measure amounting to $5.00 or over. Club orders which call for this amount of bulk seeds alltogether are entitled to these prices.
PREPAID RAILROAD STATIONS.--Many of our farmer customers live at Prepaid Railroad Stations where there are no agents. In such cases we must request them to send sufficient money to prepay freight charges on heavy shipments, also in cases where perishable or other goods are ordered to be sent by freight or express to such great distances that cost of transportation will nearly or quite equal the value of goods.
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.
[German]
FOREIGN ORDERS.--Our trade with European countries, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, the West Indies and other foreigh countries, is increasing constantly, and while it is still somewhat expensive and slow to send large shipments by freight, small lots can be sent by mail quite easily. We are willing to prepay the postage on all vegetable and flower seeds offered by the packet or ounce, at the prices named in this catalogue, to Canada, Mexico, all parts of Europe and all countries of the Postal Union. Not more than 12 ounces can be sent in each package.
WE ARE PLEASED TO RECEIVE SAMPLES OF NEW, RARE OR SUPERIOR SEEDS YOU MAY SEND US FOR TRIAL.
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2 SEED CATALOGUE AND GARDEN GUIDE.
VEGETABLE SEEDS
Our stock of vegetable seeds we are sure cannot be excelled either in quality or selection by any firm in the country, as we watch our growing crops with great care, taking pains to isolate and keep pure and true to name. Every variety listed is desirable and has our recommendation. The packets are, we believe, as well filled as any reliable seed dealer's in the United States, and in fact a comparison has shown that they contain more seed on the average, than those of any other firm whose packets we have secured. We pay the postage at these prices, except on Beans, Peas and Corn at the peck or bushel rates.
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. 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, and the result is that we very rarely have complaints as our Choice Iowa Seeds are sure to please.
SEED TESTING AND TRIALS. A CHOICE LIST OF THE BEST NOVELTIES ARE DESCRIBED ON THE COLORED PAGES IN THE CENTER OF THIS BOOK.
ASPARAGUS. One ounce wilt sow forty feet of drill. Asparagus is so easily grown and such a large quantity is produced on a small amount of ground that every garden should contain a bed. A bed ten feet square, requiring 50 plants, will give an abundant supply for any ordinary family. Soak the seed 24 hours in tepid water; sow early in spring, in rows a foot apart; keep clean by frequent weeding and hoeing. Ask for circular giving instructions for growing.
COLUMBIAN MAMMOTH WHITE .-A new and entirely distinct variety, that produces shoots which are white and stay white as long as fit to use. It is more robust and vigorous in habit and throws up larger shoots and fully as many of them as Conover's Colossal, and requires no earthing up in order to furnish the white shoots so much sought after. Per pkt. 5c, oz. lOc, 1/4 lb. 25c, lb. 75c.
PALMETTO.-Stalks frequently measure two inches in diameter, and, even when twelve inches long, are perfectly tender when cooked. Pkt. 5c, .oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 20c, lb. 50c.
CONOVER'S COLOSSAL -The standard variety. Pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 15c, lb. 40c.
ASPARAGUS ROOTS.-We can furnish strong roots of the Conover, Colossal at 25c per dozen; $1.00 per 100. Columbian Mammoth White 30c per doz. $1.93 per 100 postpaid. See page 23.
LARGE GREEN ARTICHOKE. ARTICHOKE. This vegetable is a great delicacy, highly valued In all parts of Europe, and also one of the most prominent table vegetables in California and other parts of this country. It is a perennial producing the large flower heads, which are the part eaten, the second season and every year thereafter. Sow seed early in hotbeds or boxes in the house, and when weather becomes settled transplant in rows four feet apart and two feet apart in the rows. When started early it sometimes blooms the first year.
LARGE GREEN GLOBE -- The best variety for general use; buds large; scales green, very thick and fleshy. Pkt. 10c, 0z. 35c, 1/4 lb. $1.00.
ARTICHOKE ROOTS. --These are an entirely different plant from the above and used mainly for stock food. See description in Farm Seed Department. Per lb. 25c, 3 lbs. 60c postpaid. By freight pk. 40c, bu. $1.25.
BROCCOLI. One ounce will produce about 3,000 plants. Growth and habit like the Cauliflower, except that it is more hardy, and the heads are not as compact. It is not desirable for warm or dry countries, but is of special value in the North. Cultivate the same as Cauliflower.
EARLY LARGE WHITE.--The most popular sort. Has medium sized creamy white heads. Pkt. 5c, oz. 35c.
BRUSSELS SPROUTS. One ounce will produce about 3,0 0 plants. Of the cabbage family, producing numerous heads on the stem, of most delicious quality, as well as cabbage-like head at the top. Use and cultivate the same as winter cabbage.
AMERICAN MAMMOTH.--A new and greatly superior variety of American growth which forms heads ready for picking about three weeks earlier than other varieties. It makes stronger plants and more heads. A profitable crop for market gardeners. Pkt. 5c, oz. 30c, 1/4 lb $1.00. ENGLISH.-Pkt. 5c, oz. 15c, 1/4 lb. 45c.
BORECOLE or KALE. One ounce will produce about 3,000 plants. A hardier vegetable than cabbage; excellent for greens during winter and spring; splendid winter food for poultry. Cultivate like cabbage.
EXTRA CURLED MOSBACK.-Fine crimped leaves, light green, admirable for garnishing. Best cooking. Pkt. 5c, oz. 15c, 1/4 lb. 40c, lb. $1.25.
DWARF GERMAN GREEN or SIBERIAN.-- Popular. Pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 25c, lb. 75c.
THOUSAND HEADED.--Grown mainly for forage. See description elsewhere. Pkt. 5c, 1/4 lb. 15c., lb. 30c.
| $1.00 COLLECTION | 33 VARIETIES |
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Total 35 full-sized packets sent postpaid for $1.00; at regular catalogue price they amount to about $2.00.
NOTICE.--These collections are all put up ready for mailing before our busy season begins and therefore cannot be changed or divided.
IT IS A BARGAIN! CAN ONE DOLLAR BE BETTER INVESTED?
SET OUT A BED OF ASPARAGUS THIS YEAR AND HAVE IT FRESH DAILY.
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IOWA SEED COMPANY, DES MOINES, IOWA. 8
BEANS. Dwarf Bush Varieties. One quart will sow 100 feet of drill. Dwarf or bush beans require no support and should be planted in drills an inch and a half deep and drop the beans three inches apart in the drills. Beans are tender annuals and cannot be planted until danger of frost is past. A sandy loam is the best. The half pint packages will be found very desirable for small families. We furnish pints at one-half the quart price. Packages contain about two onuces [ounces]. Price includes postage except at peck and half peck rates. Deduct 15c from qt. rate if to be shipped by express. All varieties of beans are scarce owning to crop failure in many sections.
ERFURT EARLY PROLIFIC BROAD.-See novelties. Per pkt. 10c, 1/2 pint 20c, quart 65c.
IMPROVED EARLY VALENTINE.--About ten days earlier than the common Early Valentine. In addition to this it is more robust and vigorous, and produces the true, round, curved pods very abundantly. Unexcelled in quality and uniformity of ripening; nearly the whole crop can be taken at one picking, usually within thirty-five days after planting. Pkt. 5c, 1/2 pt. 15c, qt. 45c; by express or freight, 1/2 pk. 85c, pk. $1.25.
STRINGLESS GREEN POD BUSH.--The only stringless green pod bush bean in cultivation. Consequently it surpasses all others in crisp, tender flavor. The finely shaped, long green pods are absolutely stringless, and are ready to market two weeks earlier than the Valentines. It is of immence value, not only to the market gardener but also to the amateur who seeks a rare quality early for the home table. Pkt. 5c, 1/2 pt. 15c, qt. 50c; by express, 1/2 pk. $.00, pk. $1.75.
BURPEE'S BUSH LIMA.--A dwarf or bush form of the true large Lima which is of great value. They are of bush form, growing 18 to 20 inches high, of stout, erect growth, yet branching and vigorous. An immense yielder. Does not always mature dry shelled beans in this latitude but you are sure of a good crop of green ones. Pkt. 5c, 1/2 pt. 20c, qt. 60c; by express, 1/2 pk. $1.10, pk. $2.00.
IMPROVED GOLDEN WAX --In spite of all the new sorts of beans being introduced every year, our trade calls for more Golden Wax than any other variety. This great popularity is due largely to the fact that the variety we have is a great improvement on the old Golden Wax, having larger pods and being more prolific. This improved stock is one ot the handsomest beans we have ever seen, the pods being of dark, rich golden yellow color and of perfect shape For family or market you make no mistake in planting them. Pkt. 5c. 1/2pt. 15c, qt. 50c; by express, 1/2 pk. $1.10, pk. $1.85.
EARLY REFUGEE, or THOUSAND TO ONE.--Most prolific green podded sort, thick and fleshy. Pkt. 5c. 1/2 pt. 15c, qt. 45c; by express, 1/2 pk. 85c, pk. $1.50.
LONG YELLOW SIX WEEKS.--Very early and prolific; long, green, tender, flat pods; matures quickly. Pkt. 5c. 1/2 pt. 15c, qt. 45c; by express, 1/2 pk. 700, pk. $1.25.
DAVIS WHITE WAX. - A new white, rustless, productive, wax-podded bean; pods flat, verv long, white, straight and handsome seeds, clear white; excels all other in hardiness and productiveness. Valuable for market gardeners' and canners' use. Pkt. 5c, 1/2 pt. 20c, qt. 60c; by express, 1/2 pk. $1.10 pk. $2.00.
HENDERSON'S BUSH LIMA.-Grows in compact bush form, producing enormous crops of delicious Lima beans which can be as easily gathered as the common garden bush bean; is at least two weeks earlier than any of the climbing Limas; produces a continuous crop from the middle of July until frost. Enormously productive. Pkt. 5c, 1/2 pt. 20c, qt. 60c; by exp. 1/2 pk. $1.10, pk. $2.00.
WARDWELL'S KIDNEY WAX.-One of the earliest, hardiest and most productive of all wax beans, a week earlier than the Golden Wax, yields onethird more, and almost free from rust and spots. Pkt. 5c, 1/2 pt. 20c. qt. 60c; by exp. 1/2 pk. $1.25, pk. $2.25.
LARGE WHITE MARROW. - Excellent as a shelled bean. The beans are ivory white and double as large as the Navy. Pkt. 5c, 1/2 pt. 15c, qt. 45c; by exp. 1/2 pk. 75c, pk. $1.25.
CHINESE SAGO BEANS -A very small variety from China, which is quite a curiosity. See description with novelties. Pkt. 10c, 1/2 pt. 30c.
CHALLENGE BLACK WAX -Earlier, more productive and of better quality than the old Black Wax. Pods tender, round, fleshy and stringless. Pkt. 5c, 1/2 pt. 15c, qt. [60?]c; by express, 1/2 pk. $1.10, pk. 1.85.
PROLIFIC TREE, or California Branch. -- A valuable variety for field culture. Grows about 20 inches high, has stiff, upright branches and bears immensely, sometimes yielding 45 bu. per acre. The beans closely resemble White Navy. Pkt. 5c. 1/2 pt. 12c, qt. 35c; by express, 1/2 pk. 75c, pk. $1.25.
IMPROVED NAVY, or Boston Pea.--A wonderful improvement over the old-time Navy bean and in every way superior to the Michigan pea bean. Thi [This] variety makes a very desirable farm crop, especially in the far north. Pkt. 5c. 1/2 pt. 12c, qt. 35c; by express, 1/2 pk. 60c, pk. $1.00, bu. $3.25.
REMEMBER! That we prepay the postage at the quart rates.
THE IMPROVED NAVY BEANS LISTED ABOVE ARE A PROFITABLE