1905

IOWA SEED COMPANY, DES MOINES, IOWA. 39.

[image] IOWA GROWN RED CLOVER SEED.

CLOVER SEED. For many years we have made this a specialty, and now have our electrical machinery for cleaning so perfected that we claim that our grades average better than those of most other markets, and believe that they cannot fail to please the most particular. The Nebraska Experiment Station tested clover seed from the leading seed firms of the country, and our seed stood the highest for purity of any west of Pennsylvania, and, with one exception, the highest of any in the United States. PRICES--On clover and grass seeds are changing almost daily, so that we are unable to quote prices which will be invariable. Don't fail to write for prices before buying. We issue a price list each week from January to June. If you are in a hurry for the seed you can order it and we will send seed to full value of money sent on day order is received. The following are the prices we are selling at on the date this catalogue goes to press (Dec. 10, 1904.) We prepay postage at the 1 and 3 pound rate; larger quantities shipped at purchaser's expense. Trial packets of any variety at 5 cents each. Grain bags at 20 cents extra. MEDIUM RED CLOVER.--This is the most important of all clovers and the standard everywhere for hay and pasture. It is known as Common Red or June Clover in many sections. Our Iowa grown clover seed has become widely known for its purity, strong vitality, hardiness, vigorous and healthy growth, and stooling qualities, so that now we receive many orders annually from the most distant parts of the U. S. and also from foreign countries. It has been tested by the Agricultural Experiment Stations in various parts of the country and ranks among the highest everywhere. Well posted farmers are beginning to appreciate the difference between it and ordinary stock. It pays to have the best. Sow 15 lbs. per acre. Per lb. 30c, 3 lbs. 80c, postpaid. Per pk. $2.10; bu. (60 lbs.) $7.75. Bags extra 20c each. MEDIUM RED CLOVER:--Second Grade.--Ask for sample. Per bush. $7.00. MAMMOTH RED CLOVER.--Also called Sapling or Pea Vine Clover. This greatly resembles the Medium Red, but is of much taller and more vigorous growth. Nothing equals it for hog pasture as it will produce an enormous yield and is of the highest feeding quality. It gives quick results, making an unequaled crop and is usually considered a permanent pasture grass. If your soil is poor and needs enriching there is no fertilizer as cheap and good as sowing Mammoth Clover and plowing the crop under. It is the clover for poor soils. Sow 15 pounds per acre. Per lb. 30c, three lbs. 80c, postpaid; by freight, peck $2.10; bushel (60 lbs.) $7.90.

ALFALFA or Lucerne Clover.--Very popular in many portions of the country. Under proper management it will yield from ten to twelve tons to the acre. All classes of stock are exceedingly fond of it. The roots are so long and grow so deep, frost cannot heave or throw them out in winter. One sowing will stand for twenty years, and instead of impoverishing the soil, enriches it. Grows on the thinnest sandy soil and thrives in greatest drouth. Sow broadcast about 25 lbs. to the acre. Per lb. 30c, 3 lbs. 80c, postpaid. By freight, per pk. $2.60, bu. (60 lbs.) $9.50. WHITE DUTCH CLOVER.--Desirable in pasture mixtures. Also used largely for lawns. It is the most hardy of any variety of clover, is of a creeping habit, desirable for sowing on terraces or sloping grounds. Seed is very small and it requires only 7 lbs. to sow an acre. Price for our choice quality per lb. 40c, 3 lbs. $1.10 postpaid; by freight, per pk. $3.25, bu. (60 lbs.) $12.00. SANFOIN CLOVER, also called Esparcette Clover.--An excellent but comparatively little known variety of special value for growing on light, dry, sandy or limestone soils. It is very deep rooted, therefore withstands drouths. It is a good fodder plant. Usually sown with oats or barley, using 30 or 40 pounds of seed to an acre. Per lb. 35c; three lbs. 90c postpaid; by freight peck $1.40; bushel (45 pounds) $4.75. SWEET CLOVER (Melilotis Alba or Bokhara.)--A tall, shrubby plant, bearing innumerable small white flowers and very valuable for bees. Both leaves and flowers have a delightful fragrance. Sow 10 lbs. per acre. Per lb. 40c, 3 lbs. $1.10; by freight, 5 lbs. or more @ 25c. CRIMSON CLOVER, also called Giant Incarnate.--This is an annual variety. The yield in fodder is immense, and after cutting, it at once commences to grow and continues until severe freezing weather. It grows about one foot high. Makes good hay. Sow in April or May, 20 lbs. of seed per acre. The only objection to it is that it winter kills in this latitude. Per lb. 25c; 3 lbs. 65c; by freight, peck $1.40; bushel $4.75.

[image] ALFALFA CLOVER.

TURKESTAN ALFALFA.--This most valuable new variety was sent out by the Department of Agriculture four years ago, in a small way, and has given excellent satisfaction. It is more hardy than the ordinary variety, having stood a temperature of 40 degrees below zero when the ground was bare. It will also stand extreme drouth, as it comes from a locality where the summers are dry and hot and the winters extremely cold. We believe that the farmers of this country will find it of special value making not only a larger top growth but much better root growth. Price per pkt. 5c, lb. 35c, 3 lbs. $1.00, postpaid. By freight, per pk. $2.75, bu. $9.75. ALSIKE CLOVER.--Unequalled for hay and we cannot too strongly recommend it to our customers. It is hardy, even in Northern Minnesota, and is the only variety which will produce a good crop and not kill out in low wet land. The hay is finer and better than any other, therefore of special value for sowing with timothy. Height 18 to 24 inches and has round pink or flesh colored heads. Seed is small and requires only eight pounds per acre or half that quantity if sown with timothy. Per lb. 30c; 3 lbs. 80c; by freight, peck $2.30; bushel $8.50. JAPAN CLOVER--Grows freely on poor soil. Not a true clover. Per lb. 60c, 3 lbs. $1.50, 5 lbs. or more, by freight @ 40c. Mr. Davidson, of Ottawa county, Kansas, says that his Alfalfa Clover produced four crops of hay,--8 tons, value, $4.00 per ton in the country, or $32.00; also a yield of 11 bushels of seed worth $8.00 per bushel or $88.00, making a total of $120.00 per acre in one season, or about 3 times the value of the land. How would that kind of a crop suit you? Better try Alfalfa this year.

USE Nitro-Culture for Alfalfa and other clovers. See page 37.

MILLETS. There is nothing like millet for sowing to cover up shortage in your hay crops. It can be sown up to the middle or end of July and makes a valuable catch crop. Grain bags 20 cents each extra. JAPANESE MILLET (Panicum crus-galli.)--A distinct new variety which has been called by one seedsman the "Billion Dollar Grass." Especially valuable for the northern states. It yields an enormous crop of forage, which is greatly relished by stock. When cured it makes an excellent hay. Sow the seed broadcast at the rate of 15 lbs. to the acre, or in drills 12 to 18 inches apart, using 10 to 12 lbs. per acre. Per lb. 30c, 3 lbs. 75c, postpaid. By freight, per bu. (50 lbs.) $2.75. GERMAN or GOLDEN MILLET.--Matures about two weeks later than common millet. It grows from 4 to 5 feet high, yielding an abundance of leaves; heads closely condensed; spikes very numerous; seeds round, golden yellow, in rough sheaths. Sow one bushel to the acre. Per lb. 20c, 3 lbs. 50c, postpaid. By freight, bushel (50 lbs.) $1.00. Second grade, northern grown, not as pure or clean. Bushel 85c. COMMON MILLET.--Best quality. Preferred by some to German. By freight, per bu. (50 lbs.) $1.10. HUNGARIAN.--Popular in some sections. By freight, per bu. (50 lbs.) $1.35. NEW SIBERIAN MILLET.--This is frequently called Red German Millet, as it greatly resembles German Millet in manner of growth and productiveness. It is much earlier however and seed is of a mixed red and yellow color. Lb. 20c, 3 lbs. 50c. By freight, bushel (50 lbs.) $1.15. MANITOBA MILLET.--Also called Hog or Broomcorn Millet. Best millet for withstanding drought. About two weeks earlier than German. Per lb. 20c, 3 lbs. 50c. By freight, bu. (50 lbs.) $1.50. PEARL MILLET.--Entirely different from ordinary millet; an immense fodder yielder, of tall growth, highly recommended by the U. S. Department of Agriculture for the south. Pkt. 5c, lb. 25c, 3 lbs. 70c. By freight, 10 lbs. (for one acre) $1.25, 25 lbs. $2.25, 100 lbs. $7.50.

SAND VETCH or WINTER VETCH. A comparatively new forage plant which has proved of highest value, is highly recommended by the U. S. Agricultural Department. Though it succeeds and produces good crops on poor sandy soils, it is more vigorous on good land and grows to a height of 4 to 5 feet. It is perfectly hardy throughout the United States, remaining green all winter. Every dairyman and stock-breeder in the United States should have a field of it and if you try it once you will never be a season without it. It is exceedingly nutritious, much more than clover, is eaten with relish, and may be fed with safety to all kinds of stock. It is the earliest crop for cutting, and a full crop may be taken off the land in time for planting spring crops. Sow ½ bushel per acre in spring or fall. Pkt. 5c, lb. 30c, 3 lbs. 75c. By freight, pk. $1.50, bu. (60 lbs.) $5.25, 2 bu. or more @ $5.00.

[image] SAND VETCH.

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

40. SEED CATALOGUE AND GARDEN GUIDE.

[images] BROMUS INERMIS MEADOW FESCUE. SHEEP'S FESCUE. ORCHARD GRASS.

GRASS SEEDS. We are the largest dealers in this line in Iowa and our trade has been built up by handling only the best grades of new recleaned seeds. Grass seeds are sold on a very close margin of profit and the prices named are what we are selling the seed for at the time this catalogue goes to press and are subject to changes of market. Should you desire a quantity of anything in this line, be sure you write us for special prices, naming the amount needed. At the pound rate we prepay postage. Larger quantities by freight or express at purchaser's expense. Grain-bags 15c each.

BROMUS INERMIS.--The most valuable new grass which has been introduced into this country during the past twenty-five years, and it has everywhere, from Canada to Texas, given the best of satisfaction. It will produce a wonderful crop of hay on land which is too poor for clover or timothy, and it resists intense cold, and also the most hot, dry weather. Forms a quick and dense sod and is a permanent grass. Grows 18 to 36 inches in height and can be cut two or three times per year. Should be sown early in the spring using 20 to 25 lbs. per acre if sown alone, or if with alfalfa use 12 lbs. with 8 lbs. alfalfa. Per lb. 30c, 3 lbs. 75c, postpaid. By freight, per bu. (14 lbs.) $2.00, 5 bu. or more @ $1.75. MEADOW FESCUE, or ENGLISH BLUE GRASS.--Succeeds well in almost all soils, from high, dry land to moist, standing the dry summer heat excellently. It is valuable as a pasturage grass, being one of the earliest in the spring and latest in the fall. It is very nutritious. Lb. 30c, 3 lbs. 75c, postpaid. By freight bu. (14 lbs.) $1.40; 5 bu. or more @ $1.25.

[image] KY. BLUE GRASS.

MEADOW FOXTAIL.--A fine grass for permanent pastures. Its growth resembles timothy. Sow 14 lbs. per acre. Per lb. 45c, 3 lbs. $1.25 postpaid. By freight, bu. (14 lbs.) $3.25; 5 bu. or more @ $3.00. KENTUCKY BLUE GRASS.--Very valuable and popular as a permanent pasture grass. It is productive and unusually early in spring, furnishing delicious food for all kinds of stock. Unexcelled for lawns. Our seed is all new crop, best grade "fancy cleaned." Sow 14 lbs. per acre for pasture, or 60 to 100 lbs. for lawns. Per lb. 30c, 3 lbs. 75c, postpaid. By freight, bu. (14 lbs.) $1.60, 5 bu. or more @ $1.50. TALL MEADOW-OAT GRASS.--For either hay or a permanent pasture a most valuable grass, which can be successfully grown in all parts of the country. Grows tall and therefore desirable for meadow. Does not winter kill. Per lb. 35c, 3 lbs. $1.00, postpaid. By freight, bushel (14 lbs.) $3.00; 5 bu. or more @ $2.75. SWEET VERNAL.--Valuable on account of its delicious perfume; when included in hay its aroma is imparted to other grasses, enhancing the value of the hay and making it relished by the stock. Per lb. 35c, 3 lbs. 85c. By freight, bushel (14 lbs.) $2.00; 5 bu. or more @ $1.75. CREEPING BENT GRASS.--Of special value for pasture and low ground. Starts early, deep rooted and a valued sort for holding sloping ground or terraces together. Sow 15 lbs. per acre. Lb. 35c, 3 lbs. $1.00, postpaid. By freight, bu. (14 lbs.) $2.50; 5 bu. or more @ $2.30. RED TOP.--A very hardy native perennial grass, succeeding best on moist land. It remains green for the greater part of the year. In the east it is one of their principal sorts, but is not so highly valued here. Fancy cleaned seed. Per lb. 30c, 3 lbs. 75c, postpaid. By freight, per bu. (14 lbs.) $1.35; 5 bu. or more @ $1.20. PRIME RED TOP.--(Or chaff seed.) Per bu. 75c, 5 bu. or more @ 60c. WATER, or FLOATING MEADOW GRASS.--For wet soils and marshes and lands which occasionally overflow. Per lb. 40c, 3 lbs. $1.10, postpaid. By freight, per bu. (14 lbs.) $4.75; 5 bu. or more @ $4.50. RED FESCUE.--For meadows or pastures on dry, hard or sandy soils. It is very hardy, a true perennial, growing about 1 to 2½ feet high. Per lb. 35c, 3 lbs. $1.00 postpaid. By freight, per bu. (14 lbs.) $2.20; 5 bushels or more @ $2.00.

SHEEP'S FESCUE.--Suited to light sandy soil, and dry uplands or hillsides. It is deep rooted, and not affected by extreme drouth. Sheep are especially fond of it. Sow 14 lbs. per acre. Per lb. 35c, 3 lbs. $1.00, postpaid. By freight, per bu. (14 lbs.) $1.50; 5 bu. or more @ $1.35. ORCHARD GRASS.--A valuable grass for pasture or hay land, and on account of its earliness veay [very] valuable for permanent pastures. It furnishes the first green bite in the spring and the last in the fall, and is quick to recover from close cropping, and even thrives better the more it is cropped. It is well suited to shady places, such as orchards and groves. Sow 14 lbs. per acre. Per lb. 35c, 3 lbs. $1.00 postpaid. By freight, per bu. (14 lbs.) $2.25, 5 bu. or more @ $2.10. ITALIAN RYE GRASS.--An annual variety which will give a large crop the first year. Sow 20 lbs. per acre. Per lb. 30c, 3 lbs. 75c, postpaid. By freight, per bu. (14 lbs.) $1.10; 5 bu. or more @ $1.00. TIMOTHY.--Best suited to moist, rich, strong and loamy soils, where it grows to perfection, but does not succeed well on dry sandy soil. We are located in the best section of the country for growing timothy seed, and more of it is grown in Iowa than in any part of the world. Our seed is extra nice. Sow 11 lbs. per acre. Per lb. 20c; 3 lbs. 50c, postpaid. By freight per bu. (45 lbs.) $1.40. Bags 15c each extra. Ask for price in quantity. WATER FESCUE.--A perennial grass with long creeping roots, which is desirable for sowing on low, wet ground, in shallow ponds, beside lakes, rivers, etc. Per lb. 40c; 3 lbs. $1.10 postpaid. By freight per bu. (14 lbs.) $4.50, 5 bu. or more @ $4.25. CRESTED DOGSTAIL.--For permanent pastures, especially on high land and hard, dry soils and hills. Is very hardy, and but little affected by extreme drougth [drought] or cold weather. Per lb. 50c; 3 lbs. $1.35 postpaid. By freight, per bu. (14 lbs.) $3.50; 5 bu. or more @ $3.25. WOOD MEADOW GRASS.--Is invaluable for wooded pasture or shaded ground, and should be included in all mixtures for permanent pastures, especially in shady places. Sow 20 pounds per acre. Per lb. 50c; 3 lbs. $1.25, postpaid. By freight, per bushel (14 lbs.) $4.00, 5 bushels or more @ $3.65.

[image] CRESTED DOGSTAIL.

MEADOW SOFT GRASS.--Although not of high feeding value, it is very valuable for low, soft, spongy places, where other grasses don't succeed. It is very productive, a hardy perennial, 18 to 20 inches high. Per lb. 35c, 3 lbs. $1.00, postpaid. By freight, per bu. (14 lbs.) $2.50; 5 bu. or more @ $2.25. BERMUDA GRASS.--The most valuable grass for the southern states, as it withstands heat and drouth wonderfully well. Is valuable for hay and pasture and unsurpassed for lawns in the south, as it runs over the ground, forming a dense turf. Sow 8 lbs. per acre. Lb. $1.25, 3 lbs. $3.00 prepaid; 5 lbs. not prepaid @ 75c. per lb. HARD FESCUE.--Is emphatically a grass for dry lands, doing well on sandy and shallow silicious soils. It is exceedingly hardy and withstands extremes of heat, cold and drought. Per lb. 35c, 3 lbs. $1.00, postpaid. By freight, per bu. (14 lbs.) $1.50, 5 bu. or more @ $1.35. PERENNIAL RYE GRASS.--(Or English Rye Grass.)--A nutritious permanent grass for meadows and pasture, or for mixing with other grasses for lawns. It is also well adapted for permanent meadows, and yields large quantities of very nutritious hay. Sow 20 lbs. per acre. Per lb. 30c; 3 lbs. 75c, postpaid. By freight, per bu. (14 lbs.) $1.10; 5 bu. or more @ $1.00.

BAGS FURNISHED FREE WITH ALL SEEDS EXCEPT CLOVER, TIMOTHY AND MILLET.

IOWA SEED COMPANY, DES MOINES, IOWA. 41.

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 constituent. 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.

[image] 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 is 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 the 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, which can be nicely and evenly done and very quickly with the little hand seeders which we advertise. As seed is small 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 the quick and even germination of the seed.

PERMANENT MEADOW MIXTURES. Will make best quality hay every year, the mixture containing 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 avarage [average] soils. Sow about 20 lbs. per acre, or for a top seeding about half the amount. NO. 1. FOR MEDIUM SOILS.--Contains Meadow Fescue, Perennial Rye Grass, Italian Rye, Orchard Grass, Tall Meadow Oat, Timothy, Red Clover and 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 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. 30c, 3 lbs. 75c, by mail; by frt., 20 lbs. $2.25, 50 lbs. $5.00, 100 lbs. $9.50.

PERMANENT PASTURE MIXTURES. 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 twenty pounds 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, etc. 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. 30c, 3 lbs. 75c, by mail. By frt., 20 lbs. $2.25, 50 lbs. $5.00, 100 lbs. $9.50.

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 grasses for mowing, after which the dwarf-growing varieties will cover the ground and furnish grazing until late in the fall. Consists of the best varieties of clover and grass seeds, 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. 30c, 3 lbs. 75c postpaid. By freight, 20 lbs. $2.25, 50 lbs. $5.00, 100 lbs. $9.50.

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. 30c, 3 lbs. 75c, postpaid. By freight, 25 lbs. $3.00, 50 lbs. $5.25, 100 lbs. $10.25.

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. 30c, 3 lbs. 75c, postpaid. By freight 15 lbs. $1.75, 50 lbs. $5.00, 100 lbs. $9.50.

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 to 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. 30c, 3 lbs. 75c, postpaid. By freight, 15 lbs. $1.85, 50 lbs. $5.50, 100 lbs. $10.50.

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 upwards, 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.--Geo. Wendel. The clover and grass seed purchased from you grew splendidly and yielded well.--Fred Winter, Hubbard, Iowa. 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.

AN EXPERIENCED AGROSTOLOGIST WILL PREPARE SPECIAL MIXTURE FOR SPECIAL SOILS AND PURPOSES.

42. SEED CATALOGUE AND GARDEN GUIDE.

SEED POTATOES. "The Proof of the Potato is in the Eating." With no other seed is the importance of change more essential than with potatoes and by using our northern grown seed you are assured of early maturity, increased yield and vigorous growth. The following varieties are, we think, the best and most satisfactory sorts for growing in Iowa and other states of the same latitude. Most of our seed potatoes are grown in Minnesota or the Dakotas and are of superior quality. Order as early as possible and we will ship as soon as weather permits. Prices are subject to important market changes. Ask for quotations on large lots. POUND PRICES.--All varieties 25c per pound, 3 pounds 60c, postpaid, except where noted. Read T. B. Terry's new book "A B C of Potato Culture." Price 40c, postpaid. EARLY WHITE TRIUMPH.--Novelty 1904.--The earliest and best variety of all. In shape it resembles the Bliss Triumph but is of better color. Has proven earlier than Early Ohio and still exceptionally productive yielding a large crop of good sized perfect shaped tubers. Looks a little like the Peachblow in shape and has the same fine grain, mealiness and excellent flavor which was characteristic of that old variety. It has won prizes at the Iowa State Fair and wherever exhibited. We introduced this new variety last spring and the demand was so great that we were obliged to return money to fully four-fifths of the customers owing to stock being exhausted. Don't fail to order early as the supply is limited. Per lb. 35c, 3 lbs. $1.00 postpaid. By freight, ½ peck 50c; peck 85c; bu. $2.50. BLISS TRIUMPH.--The earliest potato in existence, equaled only by our new Early White Triumph. A handsome round variety which matures before the Extra Early Ohio, and is wonderfully productive. The tubers are not large, but are of a nice medium size for early use, round as a ball, and a beautiful red color. For several years it has been the most popular variety in the southern states, and hundreds of carloads are shipped to the northern markets and bring fancy prices. Not so desirable for main crop. Per pk. 50c, bushel $1.50, barrel $4.00. RURAL NEW YORKER NO. 2.--One of the largest yielding varieties in existence. Large and unusually smooth, with few and shallow eyes, skin white as is also the flesh, which is of superior quality. Medium late and the best drouth resister. There is no other potato of more handsome appearance than the Rural New Yorker. Although it is a large yielder, it grows but few and small vines. It is very hardy and will stand the heaviest manuring without getting scabby or spotted. For this reason it is one of the most desirable varieties for farmers and potato growers near large cities to grow for main crop for market. Under ordinary circumstances they will yield from three hundred to four hundred bushels per acre, and by heavy manuring this yield can almost be doubled. Peck 50c, bushel $1.25, barrel $3.25. CARMAN NO. 3.--This handsome main crop potato is of large size, yielding immense crops of uniform size and shape. It is of perfect form, almost every potato being of same size and shape, and averaging nearly one pound each in weight, in good seasons. It has but few eyes and they are shallow, the skin and flesh are extremely white and its cooking qualities are very fine. It is a remarkably handsome potato, enormously prolific, and will please all potato growers. Keeps well. Peck 50c, bushel $1.25, barrel $3.25.

Ask for Prices in Quantity.

[image] EXTRA EARLY OHIO. (Grown in Red River Valley.)

[image] WHITE TRIUMPH

ROSE OF THE NORTH.--An improvement on the old Early Rose which has been grown on the virgin soil of the far north. It is very early being only a trifle later than Early Ohio and much larger. Is smooth and of handsome rose color. Quality superb, either baked or boiled and yields immensely. Keeps sound and fresh well into the spring. Peck 50c, bu. $1.50; barrel $4.00. Your seeds always give good results. The seed potatoes last year exceeded all expectations and gave an enormous yield of fine, large sized potatoes, some weighing 22 ounces each.--J. J. Lemon, Tacoma, Wash. EARLY OHIO.--Grown in Iowa. Our stock is as nice as any which can be obtained, we think, and is desirable both for early and main crop. Peck 50c, bushel $1.25, barrel $3.25. The barrel of seed potatoes received from you were fine in every shape, form and fashion. Grand they were. I will remember you, gentlemen, for more farm seeds the coming year.--S. A. Kester, Bagley, Iowa. EARLY WHITE OHIO.--There is a great demand now in many markets for a white potato, and even the good old standard Early Ohio has to suffer because of the color of its skin. Here we have, however, a genuine Early Ohio identical with the old variety in every way except in the improved color. It is of quick, vigorous growth, making many tubers which are compact in the hill, and has produced a crop of 2,500 bushels on five acres in this state. Per peck 60c, bushel $1.75; barrel, $4.25. Lee Hudler, the well known gardener of Audubon Co., Iowa, says: "I consider the Early White Ohio the finest early potato I have ever grown." The potatoes received from you are the finest I ever had.--A. A. Perry, Meckling, South Dakota. The potatoes you shipped me are the nicest I have ever seen in size, smoothness and purity.--Geo. M. Graff, Orleans, Illinois. Potatoes received O. K. and they are very nice.--L. Woodman, Blocksburg, California. EXTRA EARLY OHIO.--Fancy Northern Grown Stock.--For several years past we have been having these grown in the noted Red River valley, about 409 miles north of Des Moines, and careful tests have proved them to be fully ten days earlier than the Iowa grown stock. This is a great advantage to the gardener, and puts this variety at the head--the most popular of all. They are all of good average size, strictly pure, smooth and free from scab or rot, and outyield other early sorts. It is an especial favorite with marketmen, and the most profitable potato they can grow. The sprout is very strong and the vines grow erect, making it easy to cultivate, and on account of its early maturity you can get the highest market prices. They keep firm till late in the spring. This variety is frequently sold under name, Extra Early Six Weeks. This is our specialty in standard varieties. Also desirable for late planting as they keep well for winter and spring use. Peck 50c, bushel $1.50, barrel $3.75. The barrel of Extra Early Ohio Potatoes received from you were all right in every respect.--D. E. Hoffman, Arcanum, Ohio. HYBRIDIZED POTATO SEED.--Potato seed from the flower boll (the true seed). It is from such seed that the choice new varieties of potato seed are originated. The result is interesting, and often very profitable, as you are just as apt to obtain a choice new variety as an experienced potato specialist. Packet 10c, 3 for 25c.

SLUG SHOT WILL KILL THE BUGS. BETTER ORDER SOME WITH YOUR POTATOES AND BE PREPARED. SEE PAGE 97.

IOWA SEED COMPANY, DES MOINES, IOWA. 43.

Novelties and Specialties FOR 1905

"What have you that is especially new and desirable this year?" is the first question asked us by many of our patrons, and the following pages on colored paper contain much which is of great value. Some of them are novelties and others are sorts of rather recent introduction, but of such superior qualities that we call special attention to them by giving them a place here. Each is faithfully described from careful observation. All are worthy and recommended by us. Aside from these, many desirable novelties will be found listed in various parts of the catalogue, as well as the standard sorts everyone wants for stand-bys. Notice the collection of novelties offered on cover and on the colored plates.

Pharaoh's Dream Sweet Corn. "And Pharaoh slept and dreamed * * and behold seven ears of corn came up, upon one stalk, rank and good."--Genesis 41:5. The most productive and one of the finest varieties of sweet corn ever sent out. This new variety was bred by one of the best seed corn specialists in the country and does not come from an accidental sport, but was gradually worked up from a cross made of two well known varieties and selected for a number of years, until it has attained its high value. Its peculiar manner of growth and earing are well shown by the accompanying illustration, aud [and] owing to the fact that it so frequently produces seven ears to the stalk it has been aptly named "Pharaoh's Dream." Stalks which we have on exhibition in our store have attracted a great deal of attention and favorable comment. The corn begins earing almost from the bottom and produces quite long ear stalks from each leaf joint. Ears are of large size, but still not overgrown, just right for table use and would be taken for Stowell's Evergreen in almost any market. It is of superior quality, well bred and will please the most particular. Corn is pure white, tender and of rich delicate flavor, remaining a long time in an edible condition. Instead of ears maturing all at once, they form in succession and therefore make a constant supply throughout the season. Ear stalks are so long that it might well be called a branching variety, and it looks tree-like when growing. It is the greatest novelty in sweet corn, that has ever been sent out. You should not fail to plant it this year. Produces better when only one or two grains are planted in a hill. Pkt. 10c, ½ pt. 20c, qt. 60c, postpaid. By freight ½ pk. 85c, pk. $1.50.

[image] PHARAOH'S DREAM

Continuity Lettuce. In this grand new variety we have one of the most distinct and desirable sorts now on the market. The outside leaves are of a very dark brown color tinged with purple, while the inside of the head is fine creamy white, tender, crisp and well flavored, making it in all respects a very desirable sort. It is especially recommended for holding on through hot dry weather, such as we had in 1901, and remaining crisp and brittle at all times. We most highly recommend it and firmly believe that it will please one and all who give it a trial. Per pkt. 10c, ounce 25c, ¼ lb. 75c.

Early Express Cucumber. We are pleased to introduce this most remarkable and valuable new variety, which originated with Mr. C. P. Coy, the well know [known] seed grower, and may be called the best novelty in this line which has been brought out for many years, especially for the private garden. It is by all odds the earliest variety in existence, producing fruit several days ahead of Early Siberian, Extra Early Russian and other early sorts, and nearly double them in size. Quality is the very best, being free from any rank, strong flavor, and it is as fine a variety for slicing as any later sort. The plant is very productive, bearing fruit which is quite uniform in size and shape. Color is a lively green, shading to nearly white at the blossom end as they grow older. Our cut shows compact growth of vine. Crop short so that we can only offer it in packets. Per pkt. 10c.

[image] NEW CONTINUITY LETTUCE

Crimson Giant Forcing Radish. This may well be considered the most valuable new variety which has been sent out for many years past. It is a German variety introduced in Europe last year, in packets only, at a very high price. It is a rapid growing sort, developing roots of beautiful deep crimson color, perfect shape and more than double the size of any other forcing variety. The old standard sorts, such as Non Plus Ultra and Scarlet Globe usually measure from two to three inches in circumference at time of marketing, while the Crimson Giant forms roots six to seven inches in circumference without getting pithy or hollow, and they retain their firmness and tenderness of flesh. Has received most flattering testimonials from all parts of Europe and wherever tried in this country. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 15c, ¼ lb. 50c. I was much pleased with both the flower seeds and plants received from you.--Mrs. S. R. Curry, Duncan, Mo.

Giant Fringed Winter Endive. Endive is one of our best and most wholesome salads for fall and winter use and some people call it winter lettuce. This fine new variety is the best of all. It is a strong, vigorous grower, making a large white heart, and the leaves are beautifully curled and of the best quality, very crisp and refreshing. Per pkt. 10c, oz. 30c, ¼ lb. $1.00.

[image] EARLY SUNRISE SWEET CORN.

Early Sunrise Sweet Corn. This splendid new variety which we introduced originated with a market gardener in the western part of this state, and for eight years he had been selecting it to an ideal size and the earliest maturing. In this way he finally obtained this variety, which is distinct from all others. Ears about 6 inches long, well filled out at end, and husk covering so completely and being so tight as to prevent working of worms which are so bad in Cory. Grains fairly deep and set in straight rows on small white cob; very uniform and handsome. Quite productive and of as good flavor as any corn we ever tasted. Don't fail to try it. Market gardeners will find Early Sunrise a most profitable and satisfactory variety. Pkt. 5c, ½ pint, 15c; qt. 50c, postpaid. By freight, ½ pk. 75c, pk. $1.25. The Maine State Bulletin, No. 27, states that the Early Sunrise was as early as any variety in their long list and much larger and better than Cory; in quality equal to most of the later varieties and the most prolific of all. They say it is worthy of special mention. Try it this year.

NOTICE THE ILLUSTRATION OF VEGETABLE NOVELTIES ON BACK COVER OF THIS BOOK.