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40. SEED CATALOGUE AND GARDEN GUIDE.

Permanent Grasses
Most of our western farmers have not yet learned that a pasture or meadow of mixed grasses is far superior to clover and timothy alone. All authorities agree that for both pasture and hay, best results are obtained from the use of grass seed in mixture. The reasons are that: First: A number of species will insure [ensure] a much denser growth than the same number of seeds of one or two species, and prove less exhausting to the soil, since they live to a large extent on different constituents. Second: Seasons that affect some grasses adversely are favorable to other sorts; so that with mixtures a failure is practically impossible, provided of course, the seed is good. We take great pains in selecting grass seed in order to secure the highest germination, and our mixtures are based on a full appreciation of the requirements of the different soils for which they are intended. We have made a study of this subject and have grass specialists in our employ and can furnish the seed of the best varieties of grasses mixed in proper proportions for any soil or climate. Please read carefully the descriptions of the various kinds of grasses, and remarks below on sowing grass seeds, and don't be content to follow the old way your father and grandfather did; but adopt new methods, sow improved varieties and double your crop.

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OUR SPECIAL GRASS MIXTURE FOR HAY AND PERMANENT PASTURES.
OUR MEADOW MIXTURE COMPARED WITH ORDINARY GRASS CROP.

WHEN AND HOW TO SOW GRASS SEED.
The most rapid way of obtaining a grass crop is to sow the seed early in the spring by itself, without any grain or nurse crop, as the young grass plants are in no way protected by the grain, and when this is cut the young clover and grass are very tender. The cutting of the so-called nurse crop suddenly exposes the young grass at the hottest time of the year, and there is danger of its being burned out, while when grass is sown by itself the young plants are hardened and more able to withstand the hot and dry sun. However, some farmers will want to sow seed oats with the grass seed, and we wish to call their attention to our Early Champion Oats as being especially adapted for a nurse crop on account of its not stooling so heavily as other varieties. To obtain best results use only a moderate quantity of oats to sow with grass seeds.
After the ground is carefully prepared, the seed is sown broadcast, and it should not be covered very deep, the natural covering which may take place after a shower of rain is sometimes sufficient. However, it is best and more certain to lightly harrow it in. The pressure of a common farm roller on clover and grass seed covers the same slightly, and is one of the best means to assure quick and even germination of the seed.

PERMANENT MEADOW MIXTURES.
Will make the best quality hay as the mixture contains such grasses as produce a heavy growth and mature together. We send out the No. 1 mixture when not otherwise ordered, as it is adapted to medium or average soils. Sow about 22 lbs. (1½ bu.) per acre, or for top seeding 10 to 15 lbs.
NO. 1--FOR MEDIUM SOILS.--Contains Meadow Fescue, Perennial Rye Grass, Italian Rye, Orchard Grass, Tall Meadow Oat, Timothy, Red Clover, Alsike, Sweet Vernal, etc.
NO. 2.--FOR HIGH, DRY LAND, LIGHT OR GRAVELLY SOILS--Contains Sheep's Fescue, Alfalfa, Hard Fescue, Perennial Rye Grass; Meadow Fescue, Timothy, Kentucky Blue Grass, Sweet Vernal, etc.
NO. 3.--FOR HIGH, DRY LAND, HEAVY OR CLAY SOILS.--Contains much the same as above with the addition of Orchard Grass, Crested Dogstail and Bromus.
NO. 4.--FOR MOIST AND AND RICH SOIL, OR LAND SUBJECT TO OVERFLOW--Contains Water Meadow Grass; Meadow Foxtail, Perennial Rye Grass, Meadow Fescue, Red Top, Meadow Soft Grass, Alsike, Clover, etc.
NO. 5--FOR TOP SEEDING SWAMPS, MARSHES, ETC.--(Sow 10 lbs. per acre). Contains much the same as above in different proportions.
PRICES Any of the above Permanent Meadow Mixtures, per lb. 40c, 3 lbs. $1.00 postpaid. By freight, not prepaid, per bu. (15 lbs.) $3.00, 2 bu. or more at $2.75.

PERMANENT PASTURE MIXTURE.
Selected with a view to having a succession of grasses coming on constantly from earliest spring through the dry summer weather, and through the fall. It is permanent and keeps improving year after year. Sow about 22 lbs. (1½ bu.) per acre, or for top seeding, half the amount.
NO. 6. FOR MEDIUM SOILS.--Contains Kentucky Blue Grass, Meadow Fescue, Perennial Rye Grass, Orchard Grass, Tall Meadow Oat Grass, Hard Fescue, Alsike Clover, White Clover, Timothy, Red Clover.
NO. 7. FOR HIGH, DRY, GRAVELLY SOILS.--Contains Sheeps Fescue; Hard Fescue, Creeping Bent, Bromus Inermis, Crested Dogstail, Meadow Fescue, Timothy, Kentucky Blue Grass, White Clover, etc.
NO. 8. FOR HIGH, DRY, HEAVY OR CLAY SOILS.--Contains much the same as above, mixed in different proportions, with the addition of Alfalfa and Orchard Grass.
NO. 9. FOR MOIST AND VERY RICH SOILS.--Contains Perennial Rye Grass, Water Meadow Grass, Water Fescue, Meadow Foxtail, Orchard Grass, Meadow Soft Grass, Tall Meadow Oat Grass, Alsike, etc.
NO. 10. FOR ORCHARDS, WOOD PASTURES AND SHADY PLACES --Contains Wood Meadow Grass, Orchard Grass, Kentucky Blue Grass, English Blue Grass, Meadow Foxtail, Sweet Vernal, Red Clover, Alsike, etc.
PRICES Any of above Permanent Pasture Mixtures per lb. 40c, 3 lbs. $1.00 postpaid. By freight per bu. (15 lbs.) $3.00, 2 bu. or more at $2.75.

DAIRY FARMERS' GRASS MIXTURE.
Dairy farmers particularly desire to take a crop of hay off the meadow and have the aftergrowth for pasture, and where the natural grasses are carefully selected with this object in view, this can be successfully done. This mixture is composed of tall, quick-growing varieties, will cover the ground aud [and] furnish grazing until late in the fall. Consists of the best varieties of clover and grass seed, as Red Clover, Alsike, Orchard Grass, Rye Grass, Tall Meadow Oat, Meadow Foxtail, English Blue Grass, Kentucky Blue Grass, etc. It is a special mixture which will please everyone. Sow 20 lbs. per acre on ordinary soils. Per lb. 40c, 3 lbs. $1.00 postpaid. By freight, per bu. (15 lbs.) $3.00, 2 bu. or more at $2.75.

SHEEP PASTURE MIXTURE.
Everyone who keeps sheep should sow this mixture. It will grow well on high, dry, poor soil, and also on good ground; is drouth resisting, and endures close cropping. Contains Sheep's Fescue, Hard Fescue, Red Fescue, Creeping Bent, Crested Dogstail, Bromus Inermis, Meadow Fescue, White Clover, etc. Sow 25 lbs. per acre. Per lb. 40c, 3 lbs. $1.00 postpaid. By freight per bushel (15 lbs.) $3.25, 2 bu. or more $3.00.

QUICK RESULT PASTURE.
Not permanent, but when sown early will give a full crop of hay and good pasture until late in the fall. Desirable for both cattle and hogs. Contains Italian Rye Grass, English Rye Grass, Meadow Fescue, Timothy, Crimson Clover, Mammoth Red Clover, Tall Meadow Oat-Grass, etc. Sow 15 lbs. per acre. Per lb. 40c, 3 lbs. $1.00 postpaid. By freight per bushel, (15 lbs. $3.00) 2 bu. or more at $2.75.

PERMANENT HOG PASTURE.
Ready to use the first year and many years thereafter. Will fatten the hogs quickly and keep them in good health. Much superior to a corn diet for them and helps keep hog cholera and similar diseases away. Contains Perennial Rye Grass, Orchard Grass, Italian Rye Grass, Clover, Timothy, Red Top, etc. On any ordinary soil sow 15 lbs. per acre. Per lb. 40c, 3 lbs. $1.00 postpaid. By freight per bu. (15 lbs.) $3.00, 2 bu. or more at $2.75.

LARGE ORDERS
If you desire to purchase a large lot of seed of any kind be sure to send list and let us quote special prices. Our orders range from 5 cents upward, but we are not afraid of big orders. Our largest retail order was for $1,370.00 worth of seeds, another customer's purchases amounted to $1,487.33 during the season, but it was divided up into several orders. Both were perfectly satisfied. W. P. Turner, of Pennsylvania who bought seeds of us to the amount of $1,397.54, wrote us in the fall: All the seed has given perfect satisfaction.
We are prepared to select and make up special mixtures of Grasses for all particular purposes, adapted to all soils and climates. When in need please write us describing peculiarities of ground.
THE BEST, not only in Iowa, but everywhere. W. B. Robinett, of Lockwood, Kentucky, says: "The grass seed received from you is the finest I ever saw. I like it much better than any I ever bought before, and am well pleased in every respect."
Your Hog Pasture Mixture made a good stand and I was satisfied with the results.--George Wendel.
The seeds you sent us are indeed more than you claim for them. The timothy is fresh and clean; clover seed the cleanest I ever saw tested under a microscope. Please accept my thanks for honorable treatment.--John Mitman, Dodge County, Neb.
All the seeds purchased of you have given good satisfaction. In particular your clover grass mixture No. 10 has given good results. I shall seed down more ground with this mixture next spring.--John U. Hunziker, H---, Neb.

OUR "IOWA SHIELD" BRAND GRASS MIXTURES ARE OF HIGHEST QUALITY.