1905

Iowa Seed Company, Des Moines, Iowa. 9

[Image: Country Gentleman.]

Sweet Corn.

One quart will plant about 200 hills; One peck will plant an acre in the hils.

Plant as soon as the ground becomes warm in the spring, in hills about three feet apart; five or six grains to the hill, and when up thin them out, allowing three or four of the strongest plants to remain; give thorough cultivation. Our sweet corn is carefully grown and selected, only the choicest, most perfeect ears being shelled for seed. It costs us more and is far superior to ordinary stock. Packets contain about two ounces. We pay the postage by the packet, half pint and quart. Deduct ten cents on each quart if to be sent by express; pints at half quart prices. The half pint packages are very desirable for small families.

Early Sunrise. - See novelties. Pkt. 5c, 1/4 pt. 15c, qt. 50c; by express, 1/2 pk. 75, pk. $1.25.

Pharaoh's Dream. - The most productive variety. See illustration and description on cover. Pkt. 10c, 1/2 pt. 20c, qt. 60c; by express, 1/2 pk. 85c, pk. $1.50.

Striped Evergreen. - See novelties. Pkt. 5c, 1/2 pt. 15c; by express, 1/2 pk. $1.00, pk. $1.75.

Peep of Day. - Of Minnesota origin and has been offered in the market five to seven days earlier than other well-known early kinds. Ears five inches long, perfect in form, and well filled. The corn is tender and sweet. We are very positive of the earliness of this variety, as on our place it matured with the Early Sunrise and is similar to it in many respects. Our customers will make no mistake in planting some of it for first early. Pkt. 5c, 1/2 pt. 15c, qt. 50c; by express, 1/2 pk. 75c, pk. $1.25.

Extra Early Cory. - (White Cob) - This was for years the most popular variety with market gardeners for first early market until the introduction of Early Sunrise. It is of dwarf growth and yields well; ears are of medium size. Pkt. 5c, 1/2 pt. 12 c, qt. 40c; by express, 1/2 pk. 60c, pk. $1.00.

Early Minnesota. - A standard early variety. The ears are of good size and well flavoured. Valuable for either private or market use. Pkt. 5c, 1/2 pt. 10c, qt. 30c; by express, 1/2 pk. 50c, pk. 75c.

Extra Early Adams, or Burlington. - This is not a true sweet corn, but produces ears well filled with tender white grains. It is very early and on account of its hardiness and hard, round grain it can be planted much earlier than sweet corn. Pkt. 5c, 1/2 pt. 10c, qt. 30c; by express, 1/2 pk. 50c, pk. 75c.

Champion Early. - Without doubt the earliest large corn ever introduced, maturing only a few days later than the small eared sorts and producing large 12-rowed ears, 8 to 10 inches long. Pure white kernels with medium white cob, very sweet and tender, usually producing two ears to the stalk. This variety is unsurpassed for market gardening as well as the family garden, owing to its large size and fine appearance. Pkt. 5c, 1/2 pt. 12c, qt. 30c; by express, 1/2 pk. 50c, pk. 85c.

Country Gentleman. - An improvement on the old favorte Shoe Peg Sweet Corn. Our illustration of a single stalk shows its great productiveness; the crop can be counted on to give three to five ears to a stalk. When this unusual abundance is coupled with the luscious quality, the general superiority of this new variety will be quickly seen. The cob is very small, thereby giving great depth to the kernels which are of pearly whiteness, and we cannot say too often - surprisingly sweet and tender. Pkt. 5c, 1/2 pt. 15c, qt. 40c; by express, 1/2 pk. 75c. pk. $1.25.

Crosby's Early. - For medium early use and general crop this is one of the most desirable varieties. Ears are of medium size and the cooking qualities excellent. A good cropper and profitable for family use and as a market sort. Pkt. 5c, 1/2 pt. 10c, qt. 30c; by express, 1/2 pk. 50c, pk. 85c.

Improved Stowell's Evergreen. - For many years Stowell's Evergreen corn has been the most prominent main crop variety as is more largely planted than any other, being a general favorite with canners and market gardeners for late use. We have been selecting this for a number of years to improve it for family use. The ears are medium to large size, and our illustration was made by combining the picture of the lower part of an ear in fit condition for table use with part of an ear of dry seed corn. The grains are deep, exceptionally tender and remain a long time in an edible condition. The dried kernels are shriveled so much that they readily show its unusual sweetness. Pkt. 5c, 1/2 pt. 10c, qt. 30c; by express, 1/2 pk. 50c, pk. 75c.

[Image: Notice the small cob and depth of grain.]

Black Mexican. - Although the ripe grain is black or bluish black, the corn, when in condition for the table cooks remarkably white and is surpassed by none in tenderness. This, by many, is considered the most desirable for family use of the second early sorts. Withstands hot, dry weather. Pkt. 5c, 1/2 pt. 15c, qt. 50c; by exp. 1/2 pt. 65c, pk. $1.00.

Mammoth Sugar. - This produces the largest ear of any sweet corn, a single ear sometimes weighing 2 or 3 lbs.; sweet and luscious. Pkt. 5c, 1/2 pt. 12c, qt. 35c; by express, 1/2 pk. 60c, pk. $1.00.

Evergreen Fodder. - For dairymen. Quart 25c; by express, 1/2 pk. 35c, pk. 60c, bu. $1.75.

Early Fodder. - Quart 25c; by express, 1/2 pk. 35c, pk. 60c, bu. $1.75.

Pop-corn.

It pays to raise pop-corn as a general crop. Demand usually exceeds the supply. Some farmers claim that it is as easily grown as field corn and they receive three or four times the amount per acre for the crop. For main crop the Monarch White Rice will bring the best price per pound, as it is better known. Let the children try a small patch anyway for home use. Ask for prices in quantity.

Page's New Striped Rice. - The best, handsomest and most attractive variety of pop-corn in existence. The color is a clear, translucent white and each kernel is beautifully striped with bright crimson. The ears are of good size and well filled out. Early, very productive and very finest quality. Pkt. 5c, 1/2 pt. 15c, qt. 50c; by express, 1/2 pk. $1.00, pk. $1.75.

Miniature. - A regular little beauty. Attractive on account of its small size and handsome, perfect shaped ears which are only two or three inches long, with very deep, pure white kernels which pop to immense size. Three to eight ears to the stalk. Pkt. 5c, 1/2 pt. 20c, qt. 65c.

[Image: In the green state, ready for market.]

Queen's Golden. - Color a peculiar lustrous golden yellow; pops to a rich cream color; very prolific. Pkt. 5c, 1/2 pt. 12c, qt. 40c.

[Image: Page's Striped Rice]

Mapledale Prolific - The most productive pop-corn, averaging five to twelve good ears to the stalk. Tops to large size and very tender. Pkt. 5c, 1/2 pt. 15c, qt. 50c.

Monarch White Rice. - It is the best white variety. Bears from three to six ears per stalk, and produces fifteen hundred to two thousand pounds per acre. It will pay you to try it. Pkt. 5c, 1/2 pt. 10c, qt 30c; by express, 1/2 pk. 60c, pk. $1.00.

[Image: Improved Stowell's Evergreen.]

It pays to plant our evergreen fodder corn for dairy cows.

10 Seed Catalogue and Garden Guide.

[Image: Improved Chicago Pickle.]

Cucumber.

One ounce will plant fifty hills; two pounds will plant an acre.

Cucumbers succeed best in a rich, loamy soil. For first early, sow in hotbeds, in berry boxes, or in small flower pots, six weeks before they can be set out in open ground. When danger of frost is over transplant in hills four feet apart each way. For general crop plant in open ground in May, about twelve seeds in a hill. When danger of bugs is past thin to four strong plants in a hill. For pickling, plant in June. Sprinkle the vines with plaster or air-slacked lime to protect them from the bugs, or use Slug Shot to kill the bugs.

Early Express. - See novelties. Pkt. 10c.

Emerald. - A new variety which possesses that rich, dark green color which has long been sought for but never before obtained, retaining its color until fully ripe. Its fruit sets early and its vigorous vines abound in long, straight, handsome fruits of most desirable qualities. Pkt. 5c, oz. 20c, 1/4 lb. 60c, lb. $1.75.

Green Prolific. - One of the best pickling varieties; dark green, tender, crisp, very productive; of fine flavor, uniform size, and good for table use. Pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 30c, lb. $1.00.

Improved Chicago Pickle. - This variety which originated with a leading pickle grower near Chicago, is considered the best variety there as it is very prolific, matures early and produces an immense number of desirable shaped pickles. Pkt. 5c, oz. 15c, 1/4 lb. 35c, lb. $1.20.

Boston, or Jersey Pickle. - Is used almost exclusively by the market gardeners near Boston for pickling. Pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 25c, lb. 75c.

Perfect White Spine. - This improved strain is pronounced by good judges superior to all others. Fruit even and good size, straight, well formed and symmetrical. It is of uniform shape, making it unexcelled for picklin. Immensely productive, and keeps solid and crisp a long time. Pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 30c, lb. $1.00.

Early Cluster. - Fruits of the slim form desirable for pickilng. It is extra prolific, frequently setting in cluster of two and three. These are desirable for small pickles. If the fruits are kept gathered, the vines will continue in bearing. Pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, lb 30c, lb 85c.

New Astro. - A variety of the highest merit for gardeners, some claiming that they made more money from a crop of thes grown early in hotbeds than from any other crop, as the yield a continual daily picking and sell quickly at $1.00 per dozen. Fruit large, [perfect] shape, 8 to 12 inches long. They are of the very best quality for slicing, as the flesh is white and crisp and they have very few seeds. Pkt. 10c, oz. $1.00.

Improved Bismarck. - An excellent variety with very long fruit, pointed at both ends, very uniform in shape, size and color, thus making it an excellent sort for marketing. Holds its dark green color well. Pkt. 5c, oz. 20c, 1/4 lb. 60c, lb. $1.75.

Japanese Climbing. - Vines are of healthy, vigorous growth with rich, dark green foliage, and throw out strong, grasping tendrils, which enable it to climb trellis, wire netting, brush or any other suitable support. Of large size, cylindrical shape, flesh pure white, skin dark green turning to brown and netted when ripe; of excellent quality for slicing. Pkt. 5c, oz. 20c, 1/4 lb. 50c, lb. $1.50.

Improved Long Green. - A standard sort. Vine vigorous and productive, forming fruit fit for the table nearly as early as the shorter sorts; fruit about 12 inches long, firm and crisp. Pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 30c, lb. $1.10.

Cumberland. - A cross between the Peeress White Spine and Japanese Climbing cucumber. It is a hardy, rapid, vigorous grower, and one of the most prolific varieties that we know of. The pickles differ from all other sorts in being thickly set with fine spines over the entire surface except the extreme stem end. The are exceptionally straight and symmetrical, and the flesh is crisp and tender, so that we are safe in calling it the best pickling cucumber on the market. Pkt. 5c, oz. 15c, 1/4 lb. 40c, lb. $1.40.

West India Gherkin, or Burr. - Makes a handsome pickle of first-class quality. Be sure to try it. Pkt. 5c, oz. 25c, 1/4 lb. 80c.

Snake. - A remarkable and very interesting curiosity. Cucumbers grow curled up like a snake with the head protruding, and some measure six feet in length. Grown chiefly as a curiosity and for exhibition. In packets only, each 10c.

Egg Plant.

A tender plant which should be started quite early in a hotbed or box in the house which must be kept warm. Transplant late to open ground 2 1/2 feet apart.

Improved New York. - Our strain of this, the leading market variety, we believe to be unsurpassed. Very large size, skin deep purple, flesh white and of excellent quality. Very productive. Pkt. 5c, oz. 40c, 1/4 lb. $1.25.

Early Round Purple. - The earliest variety in existence, being several weeks earlier than the above. Fruit is exactly the same shape and color as the Improved New York Purple, but is somewhat smaller. It is fully equal in quality, and what it lacks in size is made up in productiveness. Pkt. 5c, oz. 85c, 1/4 lb. $1.10.

Pearl White. - Pure creamy white, with slight shading of light green near the stem; good quality. Pkt. 5c, oz. 40c, 1/4 lb. $1.40.

[Image: Improved New York Egg Plant.]

Kohl Rabi.

One ounce will produce 2,500 plants. If you have never grown Kohl Rabi you should try it this year. It is a most excellent vegetable, intermediate between the cabbage and turnip. Cultivate like cabbage and cook like turnips.

Goliath Purple. - Of immense size, solid and sweet; keeps well. It will pay to get the best. Pkt. 5c, oz. 25c, 1/4 lb. 75c, lb. $2.00.

Early White Vienna. - Flesh white and tender. Good market sort. Pkt. 5c, oz. 20c, 1/4 lb. 60c, lb. $1.75.

[Image: Goliath Kohl Rabi.]

Okra, or Gumbo.

One ounce will sow about 80 feet of drill.

Why not try Okra this year? It is extra nice for soups, stews, etc., and also much liked when pickled. Sow at the usual time of tender vegetables, in drills 2 inches deep, leaving the plants 2 to 3 feet apart. Pick pods while still tender and slice crosswise before cooking.

Dwarf White Velvet. - Pods round, smooth and of an attractive white velvety appearance, very tender and of a superior flavor. Plants dwarf and very productive. Pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 25c, lb. 75c.

Rhubarb, or Pie Plant.

One ounce will produce about 100 plants.

Succeeds best in deep, rich soil. Sow in spring in drills, cover one inch. Thin plants to six inches apart. Transplant in autumn or spring to permanent beds three feet apart each way.

Ideal Mammoth. - Largest and best. See novelties. Pkt. 10c, oz. 25c.

Victoria. - The old standard sort. Pkt. 5c, oz. 15c, 1/4 lb. 40c, lb. $1.25.

Victoria Rhubarb Roots. - By mail 15c each, $1.00 per dozen.

Ideal Mammoth Roots. - Have only a limited supply of this improved variety. Each 30c, doz. $2.5, postpaid.

[Image: White Velvet Okra.]

See list of herbs, garden plants and sundries on pages 22 and 23.

Iowa Seed Company, Des Moines, Iowa. 11

[Image: Iceberg Lettuce.]

Lettuce.

One ounce will sow 120 feet of drill.

Probably no vegetable is more universally used than Lettuce, and to be thoroughly appreciated it must be brought to the table fresh and unwilted. The quality of lettuce depends largely upon a rapid and vigorous growth. Sow in hotbed in March and in open ground as early as it can be worked, thinly in drills one foot apart. For a succession sow every three weeks during season. The soil should be rich and mellow. Thin out the plants as they grow.

Continuity. - A novelty of dark brown, nearly black color and excellent quality. See description with novelties. Pkt. 10c, oz. 25c.

Early Curled Simpson. - An improved variety of Curled Silesia; large, loose heads; fine flavor. Pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 25c, lb. 75c.

[Image: Improved Harson Lettuce]

Iceberg. - The large, curly heaves that cover the outside of the solid heads are of a bright, light green, with a very slight reddish tinge at the edges. The center is thoroughly blanched. Whether in the early spring or the hottest days of summer, the quality is simply perfect. Pkt. 5c, oz. 15c, 1/4 lb. 40c.

Denver Market. - An early variety of Head Lettuce either for forcing or open ground. It forms large, solid heads, of a good light green color, and is very slow to go to seed. The leaves are beautifully marked and blistered (like the Savoy cabbages), and very crisp, tender and of excellent flavor. By these blistered leaves it distinguishes itself from any other kind grown. Pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 30c, lb. 85c.

Grand Rapids. - A forcing variety of superior quality and beautiful appearance, strong grower, free from rot, and keeps crisp and tender without wilting when exposed for sale, longer than any forcing lettuce. It is also a desirable variety for sowing in open ground. Pkt. 5c, oz. 15c, 1/4 lb. 40c, lb. $1.20.

California Cream Butter. - A variety of cabbage lettuce, with round, solid head, as shown in the illustration; outside, the heads are of medium green, slightly marked with small brown spots; within, the leaves are of a very rich cream yellow color, and particularly rich and buttery to the taste. The heads are of good size, compact, very hard and solid. In California they eat the heart only, with a dressing of olive oil, vinegar, salt and pepper. Pkt. 5c, oz. 15c, 1/4 lb. 40c, lb. $1.20

Salamander. - An excellent spring, summer and fall variety, forming good sized heads that stand [drought] and heat longer without injury than any other sort; matures very early. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 30c. lb. 90c.

Relish. - When visiting the place of one of our seed growers in California, we were greatly pleased with this fine new variety which we do not hesitate to call the best of all for family use. It is one of those rich buttery flavoured sorts which after one becomes accustomed to, they always prefer to the crisp leaved varieties. It is the blanched yellow center of the head that is eaten with olive oil, vinegar, salt and pepper. A desirable sort for family use and market gardeners, either for forcing or growing in the open ground. Early and hardy. Pkt. 5c, oz. 15c, 1/4 lb. 45c.

[Image: Denver Market Lettuce]

[Image: California Cream Butter Lettuce.]

Improved Hanson. - For general use both of market gardeners and in the private garden, we are sure that no variety can surpass our improved, carefully selected strain of Hanson Lettuce. It has been so judiciously improved that the heads are so solid that often they do not send up a seed stalk unless cut open with a knife. Heads are very large, green outside and nearly white within, deliciously sweet, crisp and tender, and almost absolutely free from rank or bitter taste. Resists the summer head exceptionally well. Pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 30c, lb. $1.00.

Morse. - Might well be called an improved Black Seeded Simpson. Is very desirable for growing under glass or outdoors. We consider this one of the finest family sorts in existence. Pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 30c, lb. $1.00.

Prize Head. - Very tender leaves of dark reddish brown color, variegated with dark green. Heads large and of good flavor. We sell more of this than any other brown leaved variety. Always satisfactory. Pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 30c, lb. 80c.

Black Seeded Simpson. - Nearly double the size of ordinary Curled Simpson. Stands the summer well without becoming tough or running to seed quickly. It is by far the most popular variety for greenhouse forcing, making large, handsome heads in a very short time. Gardeners are always pleased with our seed. Pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 30c, lb. 90c.

Rudolph's Favorite. - Of large size, crisp and delicate in flavor and very desirable for summer use, as well as for forcing. Forms a fine, solid head of a beautiful yellow color. Pkt. 5c, oz. 15c, 1/4 lb. 40c.

Mixed Varieties. - Seed of about 20 early, medium and late sorts mixed, thus giving lettuce for the table during the entire season, and giving opportunity to try all the leading varieties with but little expense. Pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 30c, lb. $1.00

[Image: Relish Lettuce.]

Leek.

Leeks are quite appetizing when sliced and served as a salad, or they can be cooked and served like onions. Sow seed thinly in drills early in spring; thin out so as to stand six inches apart in the row. Early in the fall draw earth up about the stems the same as you would to blanch celery.

Large Rouen. - Largest and most uniform of all. Pkt. 5c, oz. 15c, 1/4 lb. 45c, lb. $1.35

Mustard.

A pungent salad, used with cress or for greens. Sow thickly in rows; cut when about two inches high. One ounce will sow about seventy-five feet of drill.

Ostrich Plume. - see novelties. Pkt. 5c, oz. 15c. Southern Giant Curled. - Highly esteemed in the south for fall sowing. Pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 25c, lb. 65c. White English or London. - Pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 20c. lb. 40c. Chinese Golden. - Leaves very thick, finely curled and of a bright golden yellow color. Pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 25c

[Image: Large Rouen Leek.]

Have you tried endive, the winter lettuce? You will like it. See page 2.

12 Seed Catalogue and Garden Guide.

[Image: Emerald Gem Musk Melon.]

Musk Melon. One ounce will plant about 80 hills, two pounds to the acre.

The soil best adapted to the culture of melons is a warm, rich, sandy loam. Plant in hills five or six feet apart each way, ten or twelve seeds in a hill. When they begin to vine, thin out, leaving only four of the most thrifty. As melons are very sensitive to cold, they should not be planted until the settled warm wearther begins - in this latitude about the middle of May. Cultivation should commence as soon as the plants appear above the ground, and be kept up once a week until the vines interfere too much. You will be pleased with our melon seed.

European Mixed. - See novelties. Pkt. 10c.

Osage Gem. - See novelties. Pkt. 10c; oz. 25c.

Grand Rapids. - The main characteristic of this melon is its extreme earliness; has been on the market two weeks earlier than any other sort and sold readily at $2.50 per dozen to the hotels and fancy grocers, while melons grown in the south were practically unsalable. The flesh is pure yellow clear to the rind; skin finely netted. To obtain the best results, and to show its remarkable earliness and productiveness, we would advise our customers to pinch off runners, thus throwing growth into fruit, making it of larger size and earlier. Pkt. 5c; oz. 20c; 1/4 lb. 60c; lb. $2.00.

Emerald Gem. - This is undoubtedly the finest in flavor of any variety of musk melon. It is also the earliest to ripen, and while too soft to stand shipping any great distance to market, it is unequaled for home use and nearby markets. Vines of strong vigorous growth and very prolific. If fruits are gathered as soon as they ripen, the vines will continue in bearing throughout the season. The melons are rather small and flattened at both ends. The skin is a rich, deep emerald green, smooth and free from netting. The fruits are heavily ribbed, with narrow bands of lighter green between the ribs. Flesh very thick, with thin rind and small seed cavity, crystalling in appearance, and of rich salmon color. Seed scarce this year. Pkt. 10c, oz. 20c, 1/4 lb. 65c, lb. $2.25.

Bay View. - One of the most prolific melons in cultivation. It has been grown to weigh from 15 to 20 lbs. and from 15 to 18 inches long. Hardy, vigorous and continues a long time in bearing. Pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 35c, lb. $1.15.

Montreal Market. - This is a very large fruited variety of superior quality. They are nearly round in form, slightly flattened at the ends, with very large, broad heavy ribs. Dark-green skin, thickly covered with heavy nettings. The flesh is two inches thick, light-green, melting and of delicious flavor. This is one of the handsomest varieties to grow for exhibition purposes. Pkt. 5c; oz. 15c; 1/4 lb. 50c; lb. $1..65.

Banana. - Attains a length of from eighteen inches to three feet, three inches, and is from two to four inches thick. Flesh very thick, of a slamon color. It looks almost like an overgrown banana; smells like one, hence its name. Pkt. 10c; oz. 25c

Princess, or Perfection. - This splendid variety is nearly round, with heavy, netted, dark green skin; the flesh is of a rich salmon color, and in flavor it is sweet and luscious beyond description. They ripen early and grow to a good size, often weighing 8 to 10 lbs. each. Pkt. 5c; oz. 15c, 1/4 lb. 40c; lb. $1.25.

Improved Green Nutmeg. - A greatly improved strain of the old Green Nutmeg. Fruit of a fair size, very rich, melting and of exquisite flavor, flesh light green. Very productive. Pkt. 5c; oz. 15c; 1/4 lb. 45c; lb. $1.35.

Nutted Gem. - A most excellent small melon and very popular with melon growers. It is finely netted and looks nicely on the market. Flesh green and particularly rich and juicy, so that it seems to melt in the mouth. Pkt. 5c; oz. 10c; 1/4 lb. 25c; lb. 75c.

Paul Rose. - We have been greatly pleased with this new variety, and we consider it one of the finest sorts. Is is the result of a cross of the Osage and Netted Gem, and combines the sweetness and high flavor of the former with the fine netting and superior shipping qualities of the Netted Gem. It is of particularly sweet, rich, delicious flavor and a long keeper. If you are a gardener, plant it and catch top of market prices. Pkt. 5c; oz. 15c; 1/4 lb. 40c; lb. $1.25.

[Image: Rocky Ford Musk Melon.]

[Image: New Early Hackensack Musk Melon]

Improved Early Hackensack. - This valuable variety is ready for market fully ten days ahead of the well known Hackensack, which it resembles in size, shape and quality. They are almost equal in size to the old Hackensack, weighing from five to ten pounds each. It is also very productive, averaging from five to six melons on the vine, all which are deeply netted; flesh light green. Pkt. 5c; oz 10c; 1/4 lb. 35c; lb. $1.20.

Rocky Ford. - This new variety, which might be described as an improved Netted Gem, has everywhere been in great demand by the high class hotels and restaurants. Hundreds of carloads of them have been shipped from the little town of Rocky Ford, Colorado, to Chicago, St. Louis, New Orleans, Philadelphia, Newport, Boston, and other cities, driving out the home grown. The melons are of just the right size for table use, slightly oval in shape. The flesh is thick, of a light green color, and a fine, juicy, luscious flavor. It is very early, and is wonderfully productive. Pkt. 5c; oz. 10c; 1/4 lb. 25c; lb. 75c.

[Image: Osage Musk Melon.]

Osage. - One of the best melons on the market for family use and also greatly liked by gardeners. The skin is thin, of dark green color and slightly netted. The flesh is salmon color, remarkably sweet and spicy in flavor, extremely thick and delicious to the rind. The seed cavity is very small. It is seldom that one of poor quality is found. The whole crop is very even and extra heavy, owing to the thickness of the meat. All lovers of fine melons should try the Osage.

Mixed Musk Melons. - All of the above and a few other kinds grown separateely and the seed mixed together. Will produce melons throughout the whole melon season. Per pkt. 5c; oz. 10c; 1/4 lb. 35c; lb. $1.20.

Pleased Customers.

All the seeds purchased from the Iowa Seed Co. have given excellent results. I have some of your Majestic Tomatoes weighing 1 1/2 lbs. each. The Pharaoh's Dream Sweet Corn is without any doubt the finest corn I have ever seen; your Eismark Cucumbers are of the finest quality and enormously productive. I have a number of plants of the Gold Nugget Tomato bearing over 100 fruits on each plant. The fruit is of fine taste and very juicy when eaten raw. This tomato is the finest for preserves. -Mrs. Geo. Barcis, Hannibal, Mo.

I have bought my seeds from you for over 25 years, and have no reason to find fault. -O. Burton, Sibley, Iowa.

Enclosed my order for seeds. I have purchased seeds from you for the past eight years, and find them just as advertised. -Mary F. Nicholson, New Virginia, Iowa.

Do not neglect to send for a few flower seeds for your wife.

Iowa Seed Company, Des Moines, Iowa.

Watermelon.

One ounce is required for forty hills; three pounds will plant an acre.

A light, sandy soil, with good exposure to the sun, is the best for watermelons. It should be prepared deep, but receive shallow cultivation. Hoe often and thoroughly. Plant in hills 8 to 10 feet apart each way. Plant 8 to 10 seeds in a hill, and finally, when danger of insects is past, leave but three strong plants. Thousands of melon growers depend on us annually for their seeds and are universally pleased, claiming that nowhere have they ever obtained seed so pure and reliable. It pays to have the best. Packets contain about 100 seeds.

Cole's Early. - Decidedly the finest early variety for the private garden, but is too brittle for long shipments. It is very early and will mature farther north than most other sorts. Of medium size, very productive, continuing to bear throughout the season. Flesh of bright red color, of granulated, sparkling appearance. In flavor it is lusciously sweet and refreshing. Pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 25c, lb. 75c.

Peerless, Or Ice Cream. - (White Seeded.) Of unquestionable quality, very early, of medium size, thin rind, flesh bright scarlet. Pkt. 5c, oz 10c, 1/4 lb. 20c, lb. 50c.

Fordhook Early. - A large early sort. From seeds planted May 10th, ripe melons were produced the last of July. The rind is tough, making it valuable for shipping. Color a uniform medium green; flesh red and very sweet. Pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 30c, lb. 85c.

Phinney's Early. - One of the first to ripen, of good size and productive; shape oblong; rind a distinct mottled color; flesh of a deep red; quality fine. Pkt 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 20c, lb. 60c.

Blue Gem, or Iceberg. - This remarkable new melon is one of the finest ever brought out, and by some has been called Blue Kolb Gem, but it is of infinitely better quality than the old Kolb Gem. Averages a better size, and with less culls. Is of dark bluish green color, bright red flesh and black seeds. Has rough rind, keeps longer and the quality is superior to most other varieties. Pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 30c, lb. 90c.

[Image: Cole's Early.]

Improved Triumph. - Undoubtedly the largest of all melons, having been grown to the extraordinary weight of 149 3/4 lbs. It is also very productive, as melons aggregating over 800 lbs. have been grown on one vine. Isn't that enough to make the pickaninnies dance, as shown in our picture? Governor Candler states that he "had one of the Triump Melons weighing 132 lbs., which was sufficient to supply the 43 persons present with all they could eat." It is of dark green color, matures in good season; flesh is dark red, solid and of excellent quality. Pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 30c, lb. 90c

C.B. Vail, the noted melon grower of Muscatine, Iowa, wrote us September 15, 1903: "We are sending a sample Triumph Melon to you to-day, weight 62 lbs. I have shipped several carloads of this variety this year which average nearly 50 lbs each."

Green and Gold. - Red fleshed melons are the most popular, but some consider the yellow finer. This variety is of large size, flesh as yellow as gold. Pkt. 5c, oz. 15c, 1/4 lb. 50c, lb. $1.50.

[Image: The Triumph]

Monte Cristo, or Kleckley's Sweets. - After testing all varieties of melons, we do not hesitate to pronounce this one of the sweetest, juciest, most delicious melons in existence, and it is especially desirable for the private family. The skin is dark green, faintly striped; flesh bright red and peculiarly rich, crisp, and pleasant flavored. It ripes early, is of large size, is a good shipper and long keeper. Market gardeners will also be pleased with it. Pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 25c, lb. 75c.

Gypsy, Or Georgia Rattlesnake. - A superior early market variety; large, oblong, the skin green, mottled and striped. Pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb 20c, lb. 50c.

Mountain Sweet. - The old standard; best quality. Pkt. 5c, oz, 10c, 1/4 lb. 25c, lb. 75c.

Dixie. - A cross between Kolb's Gen and Mountain Sweet, surpassing the former in shipping qualities and fully equaling the latter in fine eating quality and flavor. It is early, has a remarkably thin, tough rind and will keep and ship well. The flesh is bright scarlet and of fine quality. Pkt. 5c, oz 10c, 1/4 lb. 20c, lb. 60c.

Kolb's Gem. - This variety, on account of its excellent shipping qualities, is extensively grown for that purpose. Grows nearly round, and the color is a dark green with lighter narrow stripes. Very thin and tough rind; flesh bright red and of good flavor. Our seed is choice. Pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 20c, lb. 50c.

[Image: Blue Gem]

Black Diamond. - A cross between Kolb's Gem and Hoosier King. All that could be said of the Kolb's Gem as to good shipping qualities can be truthfully stated in a higher degree of the Black Diamond. All the praise of high quality bestowed on the Sweetheart can be repeated of our new melon, but its prominent point of merit is its large size and productiveness. Its color is a rich, dark green, almost black. Shape roundish to bluntly oval. Pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 25c, lb. 75c.

McIver's Wonderful Sugar. - This is becoming the most famous melon for sweetness and high quality. The fruits are long and of large size, averaging about 35 lbs. each. It is considered one of the handsomest melons ever sent out, being rather light colored, irregularly striped and mottled with dark green. The rind is rather thin but tough, so that it is a good shipper. Flesh is delicate light red, entirely stringless and the most tender, juicy and luscious that can be imagined. The vine is a strong, virogous grower, very prolific and withstands the extremes of weather, either wet or dry. Enthusiastic melon growers unite in pronouncing this the finest quality of any melon grown. Pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 25c, lb. 75c.

Sweetheart. - Early, large, handsome, heavy, good shipper, long keeper, bright color and of good quality. Its vines are virogous and productive, ripening the fruit early. The fruit is large, oval, very heavy, uniformly mottled light green and dark green; rind thin, but firm. The flesh is bright red, firm, solid but very tender, melting and sweet. Pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 20c, lb. 50c.

Duke Jones. - This magnificent large melon has a dark green rind, slightly striped, flesh bright red, very juicy and delicious. It matures medium early, is very prolific and much larger than Kolb's Gem. A carload of 800 melons, averaging 43 pounds each, were gathered from 2/3 of an acre. One grower writes that they produced ripe melons in 65 days from the time of planting. Everyone who has a place to grow melons should try this new, splendid variety. It has been grown to immense size, and even the largest specimens hold their good flavor. Pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 25c, lb. 85c.

Mixed. - 25 varieties of the finest watermelons, the largest, earliest, sweetest; grown separately and seed carefully mixed by us. Pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 25c, lb. 75c.

Citron Melon.

Very nice for preserving and are largely used for this purpose.

Apple Pie. - Best flavored of all. See novelties. Pkt. 10c.

Colorado Preserving. - Pkt. 5c, oz. 15c, 1/4 lb. 40c, lb. $1.25.

Red Seeded Citron. - Pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 30c, lb. $1.00.

[Image: McIver's Wonderful Sugar Melon.]

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