1910

[Image Background - Pink, Yellow, Red and White Roses as well as rows of flower bed, green houses and farm land] ESTABLISHED 45 YEARS 1910

TRIUMPH FRANCOIS LEVET HENRI MARTIN HELENE CAMBIER FARU KARL DRUSCHKI TRIUMPH ROSE COLLECTION 75¢ Large 2 Year old plants $1.75 Charges prepaid

32 LARGE GREENHOUSES 12 ACRES IN FLOWERS AT OUR CITY ESTABLISHMENT

IOWA SEED CO SEEDSMEN TO THE AMPERICAN PEOPLE ONLY ONE THE BEST QUALITY Des Moines Iowa U.S

Triumph Rose Collection. (Image of a Rose) All of Ironclad Hardiness. All constant or perpetual bloomers (except Henri Martin) and will grow larger, more beautiful and valuable each year. The following six grand sorts, illustrated on front cover of this catalogue, for only 75 cents; or in large two or three year old plants for $1.75, charges prepaid: TRIUMPH.-This superb new variety from England is the most remarkable new sort introduced for many years. It is known in its native country under the name of its grower, "Hugh Dickson," and it is predicted that it will displace all other hardy red roses as soon as it becomes well known, as it has so many points of exceptional merit. It seems to be perfectly hardy everywhere, is a free and continuous bloomer, of strong, upright, vigorous growth, with handsome foliage. 'l'he blooms are of mammoth size, very full and magnificently formed with high pointed centers. The color is an intense glossy crimson, flamed with scarlet, brilliant in the extreme, with large, smooth petals slightly reflexed on the edges. The color is fast and does not burn under the strong sunlight. Very highly perfumed. Was awarded the Gold Medal of the National Rose Society of England. Each 20c large field grown dorman pants 50c FRAU KARL DRUSCHKI.- A strong growing, extremely hardy new variety with large heavy foliage. The glory of this plant, however, is its flowers, which are immense in size, and an ordinary plant will produce hundreds of magnificent flowers, which are full, very deep and double, and of splendid substance; petals broad, long and pointed. Color snow-white, without a tinge of yellow, pink or any other color. Often called the White American Beauty. Each 20c; large 2 year old plants 35c. HELENA CANBIER.- A charming new rose of French origin; hardy and a continuous and free bloomer; a free grower, making a shapely, compact bush; flowers of good size and splendid substance; color copper yellow, changing to lemon yellow in the outer petals, making a pretty and striking combination. A splendid garden rose. Each 20c; large 2 year old plants 40c. BLACK PRINCE.- There is not one among all of the hardy roses that attracts more favorable comment than this rose does. It is unapproached in color, and may be best described as a blackish crimson. In the bud it is darkest; as the bud expands vivid smoky crimson shades are brought to light. The blossom is very large and double; highly scented; absolutely hardy. The finest deep rich red variety grown. No garden is complete without this glorious rose. Each 15c; large 2 year old plants 35c. FRANCOIS LEVET.- An exquisite cherry-pink, delicately shaded with carmine and blush. Very free flowering. Absolutely hardy. Its charming color, beautiful form, delightful fragrance, long stems, freedom of bloom and perfect hardiness make a combination of desirable qualities not to be found in another rose of this class and color. Each 20c; large 2 yr. old plants 40c. HENRI MARTIN.- A magnificent Moss Rose. Extra large and perfectly double; color a deep rosy-carmine, shaded a bright crimson; very mossy and delightfully fragrant, without doubt the finest Moss Rose grown; one of the hardiest, most rampant-growing Roses to be found in any class, and a most profuse bloomer in its season. Each 15c; large 2 year old plants 35c. TRIUMPH ROSE COLLECTION Consists of one strong plant each of the above six varieties for only 75 cents, or a large sized 2 year old plant of each, ready to begin blooming at once, for only $1 .75, sent prepaid to any town in the United States or Canada. Four collections for $5.50.

[Left Colum]American Beauty Rose Collection. Who has not heard of the American Beauty, the rose famed in story, poetry and song? The cut flowers being frequently sold during the winter season at $10.00 to $25.00 per dozen. What flower lover has not hoped to some day have a "garden of roses" with American Beuaties galore? This collection has proven very popular and we are growing vast numbers of plants for the immense demand. Read carefully the list of varieties fully described in the Plant List and notice the low prices. American Beauty, White American Beauty, Black Beauty, Striped Beauty, Pink Beauty, and Moss Beauty. SPECIAL One strong plant each of the above six roses for 75c. One large 2 year old plant of each for $1.85. Sent by mail to any town in the United States or Canada.

[Right Colum] International Rose Collection The Rose is the world's most popular flower, and almost every civilized country has a favorite variety of its own. The American Beauty, of course, heads the list, but our collection contains also the favorite varieties of the English, German, Irish, Swedish and French Nations. Full descriptions in the Plant Department. American Beauty, Rosy Crimson; England's Favorite, Golden Yellow; Kaiserin, Pearl White, Killarney, Bright Pink; Marechal Neil, Bright Yellow; King Oscar, Dark Crimson. International Rose Collection consists of one strong plant each of the above six varieties for only 75c; or a large sized 2 year old plant of each, ready to begin blooming at once, for only $1.75, sent prepaid to any town in the United States or Canada. 4 collections for $5.75.

[Image of Cornucopia of vegetables including corn, cabbage, watermelon beets, inions peas on leftg had side of ltest] "Complete Garden" Collection 35 Varieties Best Garden Vegetables. FOR $1.00 All Good Desirable Sorts Sure to Please You.

Consists of one full-sized packet each of Improved Golden Wax Beans, Old Homestead Pole Beans, Market Gardener's Beet, Henderson's Snowball Caulifiower, Washington Wakefield Cabbage, Shortstem Drumhead Cabbage, Oxheart Carrot, White Plume Celery, Early Cory Corn, Country Gentleman Corn, Perfect White Spine Cucumber, Improved Ground Cherry, American Mammoth Brussells Sprouts, Page's Striped Rice Pop Corn, Continuity Lettuce, Improved Hanson Lettuce, Rocky Ford Musk Melon, Duke Jones Watermelon, Large Red Wethersfield Onion, Mammoth Prizetaker Onion, Nott's Excelsior Peas, Early Scarlet Globe Radish, White Icicle Radish, Improved Table Guernsey Parsnip, Ruby King Pepper, Early Crookneck Squash, Long Standing Spinach, Mammoth Sandwich Island Salsify, Market Gardener's Parsley, Iowa Standard Tomato, Matchless Tomato, White Egg Turnip, Purple Top Strap Leaf Turnip, Monarch Ruta Baga, and Vine Peach.

Total of 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 a Dollar Be Better Invested?

The best investment I ever made with one dollar was this spring when I sent to you for garden seeds. I wish you could see my garden. It is just grand. -Mrs. David Horton, Caseville, Mich.

1865- 1910

Forty-five Years Successful Business!

[image: boulder in a field with the inscription: 'Established 1865']

Des Moines, lowa, January, 1910

To Our Customers: We wish you continued prosperity. The past year has been such that all engaged in agriculture might prosper. Prices for produce and live stock are high and every indication points to a continuance of these conditions. We believe we can help you take the greatest advantage of the times by offering you improved appliances and the very cream of new and valuable varieties of choice Iowa Seeds. We are under great obligations to you for increased patronage and for increasing confidence as shown by the words of kindness for ourselves and praise for our goods which come dally In our mall. These kindnesses are a spur to Industry and urge us to still further strive to merit the title-

"SEEDSMEN TO THE AMERICAN PEOPLE." By this we mean not only native born Americans but all residents of this country.

[left column]You Are Safe in ordering Seed Corn, Clover Seed, or any other seed from us, as you are protected by our $10,000 GUARANTEE BOND as you will note by the following: OFFICE OF CENTURY SAVINGS BANK DES MOINES, IOWA, NOV. 18, 1909

TO Whom It May Concern: This certifies that the Iowa Seed Company of this city has deposited with us a bond for Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000) as a guarantee to any one ordering seeds from them, where cash accompanies order, that if said seeds are found to be unsatisfactory upon examination or test, they may be returned within ten days from date received and the money which has been paid for same will be promptly refunded, D.A. Ryers, Cashier.

After the seed arrives examine it, test it, or have it inspected and tested by the State Seed Inspector, the State Botanist or the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Then you be the judge. If the report or test is not satisfactory, or if for any reason, or without any reason, you want to return the seed to us within ten days, we will return your money promptly without quibbling. Can any offer be fairer? [end left colum]

[right column] You have been more liberal in your patronage the past season than ever before, and to show our apprciation [appreciation] we taken more than usual pains this year in selecting our stocks and goods for this year's offering. We have spent a great deal of time and money In personal Inspection of crops and testing of varieties; also in testing and comparing tools' and miscellaneous articles in our list, and as you will note by tbe following: we believe we have the very best to be obtained in every department of our business.

We invite you to note particularly the completeness of the line we offer. To our old customers we wish to say that nothing new is offered to you this year without the practical knowledge as to its value and we will give you the full benefit of our forty-five years' experience and feel sure that we can please you as fully this year as ever before. To such as receive this book who have not traded with us, we promise you prompt service, liberal treatment, and assuring you that nowhere can ou obtain better goods than we have now in stock, we solicit your patronage.

To the stranger, we wish to say: We want your trade and are willing to devote time and effort to please so that we may retain your patronage, as the particular pride of the house is th long list of continous patrons, some of whom have been with us for over thirty years. IOWA SEED COMPANY. [end right column]

SUGGESTIONS TO CUSTOMERS. [left column]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, 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. You will note there are two order sheets enclosed: one for seeds, tools and miscellaneous goods, and the other for plants, bulbs and nursery stock. If you will use them as intended, it will greatly facilitate the execution of your orders. Terms are invariably cash with order, as we keep no book accounts in our mail order department, and the expense at 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.

Charges Prepaid: All vegetable and Flower Seeds, Bulbs, and Plants, express by the quickest and most direct routes, unless ordered otherwise, and we guarantee the safe arrival. Seeds sold by the peck or bushel, Field Seeds, Potatoes, Implements and other heavy goods are sent by freight or express, customers paying charges. Remember seeds go atspecial rates by express.

Delivery: The point of delivery of all goods is on cars at Des Moines. When we quote a delivery price it means simply that we prepay the freight, express charges or postage. Many of our farmer customers live at 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 the goods.

Discounts: We have this year made the prices in this catalogue as low as our high grade seeds can be sold, and we can give no discounts. In ordering seeds in bulk you may deduct ten cents per pound on vegetable seeds, such as are listed prepaid. If you are willing to have them sent by express or freight at your expense.

Premiums: Each year we put up thousands at packets of new or particularly desirable vareties of seeds for free distribution to our customers . We will send these out with the seeds ordered by you and will treat you liberally In this respect. We shall also try to please our plant customers by adding something to their order when shipping it. [end left column]

[right column]Our Responsibility: As this book wiIl probably go into the hands of some 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.

What We Guarantee: That all money sent to us for seed shall reach us if sent us by registered letter, postoffice or express money order, or bank draft, made payable to our order. That your orders 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.

About Warranting: We thoroughly test all our seeds and nothing 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 any one to warrant seeds 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 as to description, quality, productiveness, or any other matter of any seeds, bulbs or plants we send out and we will not be in any way responsible for the crop. 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 the 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 gurantees seeds any further from this. Compare with other seed catalogues and you will find that we are right.

Market Gardeners: and others who buy vegetable seeds in bulk to the amounf ot $5.00 or more are requested to send this list of seeds wanted to us and let us make special quotations.

Plant Orders: Orders for Plants will be filled as early in the spring immediate shipment in severe weather they will be sent at purchaser's risk.

Small Orders: We take pains to fill orders promptly and correctly, no matter if only for only one packet of seeds, but we request that plant orders amount to at least 25 cents and nursery stock to at least 50 cents, as otherwise they are filled as a loss to us. [end left column]

2

SEED CATALOUGE AND GARDEN GUIDE. CONTINUED GROWTH FOR 1910. A FEW WORDS PERSONAL ,TO OLD AND NEW CUSTOMERS.

All mail order business must be conducte d on honor, and especially in the purchase of seeds the customer must depend largely upon the integrity of the house with whom he deals. The first question which comes to the mind of the prospective buyer of any seed house is "are they reliable?" Almost everyone in Iowa who uses seeds knows the Iowa Seed Company and our Choice Iowa Seeds are sown in every neighborhood in the state, but as this catalougue goes to many in all parts of the world who have not dealt with us, a few words about our business may help us to become better acquainted. The business has been under the same management many years past, the present manager having been connected with the company over thirty years. During all this time we have been constantly in close touch with the farmers and gardeners and know what will prove satisfactory in the various localities. With the manager are associated a force of men ranging in terms of service from five to twenty years. With such an organiztion the business is systematically divided so that in every department you get the benefit of expert personal supervision.

Every part of our establishment has been increased during the past year in order to accommodate the growth of our business. Our business is growing by leaps and bounds and we are compelled to continually expand our facilities in order to handle the trade in a rapid and satisfactory manner.

There have been no changes in the department managers during the year, and the same efficiency is available for this year as has conduced so greatly to our growth in the past. The greenhouses have been enlarged by the addition of an office and a storage house. At the main building addi· tional space has been secured and the offices thrown to, gether in one large room, giving additionai room for our retail store. At the mail order building additional machinery has been installed to more rapidly prepare and clean the steadily increasing quantity of grass and farm seeds which we sell. At the corn house additional room and machinery have this year been added and a propagating house has been erected on the trial grounds at Altoona.

OUR ESTABLISHMENT. This business has now reached such proportions, and is so diversified that it is impossible to conduct it all under one roof, and the accompanying illustrations will help you appreciate our efforts in building up one of the most substantial enterprises in the world today.

THE IOWA SEED STORE is so well known In Des Moines that it would be difficult to find even a child in this city of 100,000 inhabitants who does not know its location. It occupies the large building at 612-615 Locust street, within three or four blocks of the postoffice, express offices and principa1 railroad passenger stations. The large store room is full of interest to everyone who has a farm or garden, or who loves flowers. Here are located the offices and correspondence department. During the busy season we receive 2,000 to 7,000 letters every day. We are always glad to have our customers call and examine our stock and manner of doing business.

THIRTY-TWO GREENHOUSES erected during the past six years are devoted exclusively to growing plants for the mail order trade, and they contain a greater variety of plants than any other greenhouse establishment In the west. They are located convenient to the electric car line and fronting on Kingman boulevard, one of the finest driving streets in the city. Here we devote fully twelve acres of flowers, 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. Large lots of seed which come in after harvest are thoroughly cleaned 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 208-210-212 South Eighth street, about six blocks from our store, and erected thereon a large building specially arranged for our trade. The railway tracks beside the building give us excellent facilities for handling ca rload lots, a nd we are centrally located between the various freight depots; so that small shipments can be made promptly. Our machinery is operated by four electric motors, and we claim that our mills for cleaning seed cannot be surpassed. We can readily fill 2,000 to 4,000 orders per day in this building, and they are handled In such a careful way that errors seldom occur. Most of our employes have been with us many years, and no "green hands" handle seeds in bulk.

SEED CORN HOUSE.-The seed corn branch of our business has continued to grow every year and in order to handle It In the best manner increased facilities were necessary. To meet this urgent need and provide for future growth which was sure to come, we erected this building two years ago on our seed farm at Altoona. We now have capacity for 25,000 bushels of seed corn, every year of which can be given the personal inspection of an expert with the least possible cost of time and labor.

SEED FARMS.-Jt requires the seed crop from about 8,600 acres to supply our trade and the farms are widely isolated so as to avoid any mixtures. Some seeds cannot be grown to advantage here, and we contract with practical seed growers elsewhere to grow for us.

Iowa Seed Company, Des Moines, Iowa 3

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 out 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. Our packets are, we believe, as well filled as reliable sseed dealer's in the United States, and, in fact, a comparision 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 hightest vitality, and the result is that we rarely have complaints as our Choice Iowa Seeds are sure to please.

[Image of a variety of seedlings planted in rows and labelled Seed Testing and Trials]

Iowa Standard Vegetables.

[Image of the State of Iowa labelled Iowa Standard]

Every year there are hundreds of customers who request us to select for them varieties which will prove most satisfactory for general use, as they are unable to choose from the descriptions in the catalogue, because all the varieties seem to be well recommended. It is true that we do not handle a single variety of vegetable which we cannot commend and each variety has thousands of friends who think that it is the best, but after much care in experimenting on our own place as well as examining crops grown by a large number of our customers, we have selected the "Iowa Standard" sorts, which we believe will prove the most generally satisfactory for the family garden, and most of the kinds are also very desireable for market gardeners. Every variety has our personal recommendation and some of them are kinds which we have been growing for years past but have never, until two years ago, offered them in our catalogue. We give each of the varieties the name "Iowa Standard" and you cannot make a mistake in ordering them.

Artichoke.

This vegetable is a great delicacy, highly valued in all parts of Europe, and also one of their 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. The young stalks are also sometimes tied and blanched like celery, but they are not equal to the flower heads. Cook like asperagus and serve with cream or butter sauce. Sow seed early in hotbeds or box in the house, and when weather becomes settled transplant in rows four feet apart and two feet in the row. When started early sometimes blooms the first year.

Large Green Globe. The best variety for general use; buds large; scales green; very thick, fleshy. Pkt. 10c, oz. 30c, 1/4 lb. $1.

[Image of two artichoke flower heads labelled Large Green Globe Artichoke]

Asparagus.

(One ounce will sow forty feet of drill.) For asperagus roots, see page 31.

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 4 hours in tepid water; sow early in spring in rows a foot apart; keep clean by frequent weeding and hoeing. Ask for free circular giving instructions for making an asparagus bed.

Columbian Mammoth White. A new and entirely distinct variety, that produces shoots which are white and stay white as long as fit for use. Is more robust and vigorous in habit, and throws up larger shoots and fully as many as Conover's Colossal, and requires no earthing up in order to furnish the white shoots so much sought after. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 20c, lb. 60c.

Palmetto. Stalks frequently measure 2 inches in diameter, and even when 12 inches long are perfectly tender when cooked. Pkt. 5, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 20c, lb. 60c.

Conover's Colossal. The standard variety. Pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 15c, lb. 50c.

[Image of bundle of asparagus labelled Columbian Mammoth Asparagus]

Brussels Sprouts.

(One ounce will produce about 3,000 plants.)

Of the cabbage family, producing numberous 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.

[Image of stalk with brussels sprouts labelled Brussels Sprouts]

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 of market gardeners. Pkt. 10c, 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 Mossback. A most attractive variety; fine crimped leaves, light green admirable for garnishing. Best cooking. Pkt. 5c, oz. 15c, 1/4 lb. 4c, lb. $1.25.

[Image of kale plant with ruffled leaves labelled Extra Curled Mossback Kale]

Dwarf German Green, or Siberian. Popular. Pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 20c, lb. 60c.

Thousand Headed. Grown mainly for forage, but also an excellent garden vegetable. See description in farm seed department. Pkt. 5c, 1/4 lb. 15c, lb. 50c.

Please use the yellow order sheet for seeds; the green one for plants, bulbs, etc.