Historic, Archive Document

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FIELD’S

“FOR THE MAN BEHIND THE HOE"

' Vol. 6 Shenandoah, Iowa, May, 1918 No. 4

Printed and Published in the Private Printshop of the Henry Field Seed Co., Shenandoah, Iowa

John Henry and the Little Pigs

You can’t see them, but they’re there all right. John Henry sees them.

We are living in the country again now, and will be here till winter, probably about Thanks- giving. when we will move back to town for the winter. You know we live half the year in town and half the year in the country out 4 miles from town in the timber.

When we first moved out two years ago, we did not keep any stock except the pony, but this summer we have added more land, and a tenant house and a man to live in it and take care of every- thing, and a work horse, and two red sows with 11 pigs apiece, and two cows, one a Holstein and the; other a Brown Swiss. So you see we are all fixed.

every bit of the milk from both cows, except what goes for cooking. You can tell by John Henry’s looks that he is getting his share. He certainly enjoys the country. He is very much interested in the little red pigs and was going right into the hut to pick up one, but just then the old sow gave a “woof”, and about a second after this picture was taken he was streaking it for the fence.

Ruth and Georgia are getting along fine, and so are all the rest of them.

We have three big gardens, one up on the top of the hill, one on the low ground, and one half way between where the house is, so you see we will soon have all kinds of garden. Hope you all are as well fixed. H. F.

The children are getting along fine. They drink

2

Field’s Seed Sense for May

Advice to the Young Market Gardener

I suppose, of course, you have practically all of your garden planted now The main problem you have now is the cultivating of your stuff and the marketing of your crop The trouble from now on will be to keep the cultivating done and the marketing done at the same time. Part of the time you will have to neglect one or the other, or hire a lot of extra help, and as a rule it don’t pay to hire a lot of extra help.

My way used to be to get out as early in the morning as possible with the marketing, get it over with by 9 a. m and then cultivate the rest of the day until supper time, and then after supper get up the load for the next day. It makes long days, but it is the only way you can get the work all done.

If you have not already done so, keep planting a succession of sweet corn. Good sweet corn will sell all summer and fall. Your earliest sweet corn is planted I suppose and up nice by now, but keep on planting about once a week so you will have roasting ears coming on all through August and September. The varieties to plant now are Ever- green and Country Gentleman.

Also, keep planting a succession of string beans, both the yellow and green pod varieties. You will not need to plant many at a time. Just a few rows, and you will have fresh beans every week and will sell more or less all through the summer and fall. Also, plant a little row of radishes occasionally. There are a few people who are al- ways wanting radishes. They take up very little room, are very easy to grow and add surprisingly to the sales.

Just as fast as any crop is done, clear the ground and plant it again. Sometimes you can do your planting before the other crop is off. For in- stance in the early peas you can chop out a little space heie and there, and put in a tomato plant. You can also plant tomatoes, cucumbers or musk- melons in your radishes. They can either be planted right in the row with the radishes or you can run the drill down between the rows.

With high-priced land, and high rent, and a limited amount of land to work with, you must make every foot of ground work double duty.

If you followed my advice in planting plenty of early radishes and onion sets, you will be sell- ing them now and beginning to get back your first real money. The next thing you will get will be peas. They come in about June 1st. The best way to sell them is by the pound. You can save time by weighing them up the evening before and put them in paper sacks holding from 3 pounds to 5 pounds each, all ready to hand out. Have scales on the wagon with you, these little $1.00 scales that weigh up to 20 pounds, and you can weigh out readily any amount you want to. String beans can be sold the same way when they come in.

Asparagus and pieplant, if you have them, should always be sold by the pound. ft is better to sell them by the pound and handle them loose than it is to tie them in bunches. New potatoes when they first come in should also be sold by the pound. You will probably have new potatoes by the middle of June if planted in good time.

Radishes, green onions, and lettuce, will prob- ably have to be bunched and sold by the bunch at 5c per bunch. The size of the bunches depending on market conditions.

You should have all of your muskmelons, watermelons, and cucumbers planted by the middle of May. Put in plenty of seed for there are 57 var- ieties of bugs, cutworms, plant lice and everything else, that will make a fight on your melons. The best remedy 1 have ever found for bugs of any kind, is tobacco dust. You can buy it for about 10c per pound, and you should have a lot of it on hand and use it freely. It will rot harm any kind of a plant, but it will drive away any kind of a bug orr worm. Have a sack of it on hand and put a little* on or around the plants every few days and you will not be troubled with insects of any kind.

The best way to get ahead of the weeds is to kill them before they come up. Keep the ground stirred after every rain and kill the little weeds just as they are starting. A rake or wheel hoe used at the proper time will kill weeds ten times as fast as you can kill them with a hoe if they once get a foothold. Besides this constant stirring of the ground holds the moisture and gives you a much larger crop.

In marketing your stuff, it is an important thing to be clean, honest, good natured and quick. That combination will win business anywhere. Get your stuff up in good shape. If you have any poor stuff, don’t mix it with the good. Keep it by itself and sell it at a cut price just as quick as you can. People are willing to pay a good price for good stuff got up in attractive shape.

Tell the truth about what you have to sell. If there is something the matter with something you have to sell, tell the customer about it before she has a chance to find it out for herself.

Work up a reputation for dependability. If you promise a woman you will bring her certain sup- plies at a certain time, stick to it if it takes the hair off.

It may be that you can sell your stuff to the stores or market 'men and save some time and work, but as a rule I have always found it best to> sell direct to the consumer. It takes a little more time, but you get better prices, and can work up a personal trade of y >ur own. I have been through the mill myself. I rode a market wagon for 20 summers and if I should go broke today I would probably start in market gardening. Henry Field

P. S. Business is still booming at the seed- house. We have had the biggest year by far that we have ever had and we are still filling hundreds of orders every day. If you think of anything you need in the seed line, send along your order and we will rush it to you. There isn’t a day in the year but what we get more or less seed orders and we are organized to fill them in good shape. H. F.

For Squash and Melon Bugs

Use tobacco dust. It is sure death to the, little striped bugs, and it is some help on the big bugs. There is no real cure for the big squash bugs except to catch them and kill them and kill them by hand. When they first come, they are few, and it is net a very hard matter to dispose of them. When the eggs begin to hatch and the new crop of bugs come on, they are too thick to fight with any suc- cess. Strong tobacco dust will help some. The squash borers, which work later in the stems of the plants, are usually driven away by tobacco dust.

Price, postpaid, 20c per lb.; by freight or ex- press, 10c per lb.; 12 lbs. for $1.00; 100 lbs. or ' over, at 5c per lb.

Time^Now to Plant Sudan Grass

Field’s Seed Sense for May

3

It is just coming time <$f the year now to plant Sudan grass. It should not be planted, you know, un- til the ground and the weather are fairly warm Here with us. that means about May 15th or May 20th.

Farther south it would mean a little earlier and farther north a little later.

It matures so quickly, how- ever, that it would be safe to plant it as late as the last of June, but it would be hard in the northern states to ripen seed very well, planted as late as the last of June. It would make lots of fodder, however, and a profitable crop anyway, but you would be safe any- where planting it fora crop of either seed or fodder as late as June 10th. It will make a good crop of hay in 8 weeks from planting the seed, or a crop of ripe seed in about 12 weeks. This would mean that if you planted the seed, say June 1st, you would get a good crop of hay about August 1st and then cut the seed about September 1st.

You should use about three pounds of seed per acre. It will make more and better feed under any conditions than anything I have ever grown.

Hunt up your February Seed Sense and on page 10 you will find a complete catechism on Sudan grass. It will answer all questions you are likely to ask about it. If you don’t have the Feb- uary Seed Sense, let me know and I will send you a copy.

The main thing I want to impress on your

mind, however, is that there is plenty ot time to plant it yet. If you have been putting it off, there is no harm done, for you shouldn’t plant it before the middle of May anyway. If you have not yet made up your mind thoroughly about it, now is the time to get busy and order your seed and have it there so you can plant it any time between the middle of May and the middle of June. Remem- ber to plant it thin and shallow. If you plant it too thick it will crowd itself and grow smal . If you plant it too deep, it will never come up. Get the ground prepared in good shape and plant it in. rows just like you would corn. Don’t broadcast it. It will not do well broadcasted. Plant it in rows and cultivate it like corn and it will well repay you for the work. Three pounds of seeds per acre is plenty. Wholesale price 25c per lb. net.

A Good Year to Plant Sorghum

POSTPAID PRICES ON FIELD SEEDS

With sugar scarce and hard to get. this is a mighty good time to be independent by having your own sorghum. It is easily grown and there is a mill in almost every neighborhood that will make it up for you on shares. If not, it is very easy to build a mill of your own.

We tried it in a practical way last summer by growing a patch of it on our trial grounds. It made over 200 gallons of sorghum to the acre and a fine crop of seed. The seed more than paid all the expenses of growing the crop and left the sorghum clear. Any of you can do as well. And Jood old sorghum molasses is not to be sneezed it. It’s mighty good eating and it will help out .he sugar shortage amazingly, both for on the table tnd for cooking purposes.

We can supply you seed of all the leading varieties of sorghum for syrup purposes. See our >rice list. You only need 5 lbs, of seed per acre. Tend like corn, only plant a little later and shallower.

i iPECIAL OFFER — For trial purposes, I will send • lbs of Syrup Cane for $1.10, postpaid.. This ' rill plant an acre.

We find there are lots of people who want only small amounts of field seeds especially Sudan. Cane, Fete ita, Rape, and such seeds as that. For their convenience we have made up this list, which is as near right and fair for every one as we can figure it.

Postpaid prices in Zones 1, 2, 3, and 4, Add 2c per lb. to these prices for each zone beyond.

	1 lb	2 lbs	3 lbs	5 lbs
Sudan Grass	$ .35	$ .65	$1.00	$1.60
Feterita	.20	.35	.50	.80
Broom Corn	.20	.35	.50	.80
Kaffir, Milo, etc	.20	.35	.50	,80
Soy Beans, all kinds.	.20	.35	.50	.80
Cow Peas, all kinds.	.20	.35	.50	.80
Syrup Cane	.25	.45	65	1.00
Dwarf Essex Rape	.25	.45	.65	1 00
Field Beans, all kinds	.30	.55	.80	1.25
Field Corn, all kinds	.30	.55	.80	1.25
Remember these	prices	are for	postage paid

in Zones 1, 2, 3, and 4. For Zones beyond 4, add 2c per lb. for each extra Zone.

4

Field’s Seed Sense for May

Mowing Sudan for Hay

This Sudan was grown at Redvale, California, by B. W. Pinkerton, but it grows the same way here. It makes more and better hay than anything I ever tried and makes it quick, too. Three cut- tings like this in one season.

Sudan Grass for Pasture

Sudan grass is essentially a summer pasture and it will support a larger number of cattle and hogs during the hot weather of summer than any other grass, unless it is Bermuda. At Dodge City, Kansas, the substation carried out a pasture test with milk cows. Three acres kept an average of twenty cows in good condition for thirty two days during the drouth. In a more exact manner it may be put this way, with an actual rainfall of 4.6 inches three acres of Sudan grass furnished pasture equal to 375 days’ grazing for one animal. The Sudan grass showed a gain of 3,2 pounds of milk per day.

A less exact test than that at Dodge Citj was conducted at the Chillicothe, Texas, held station in 1915. Three strips of ground of equal width were planted to Amber sorgo. German millet and Sudan grass, respectively. When the crops had all reached a height of eight to ten inches a gate directly opposite the strip of milkt was opened, the live stock, consisting of four mules, one horse and one cow, were allowed free access to the field. From the first day they all showed a preference for the Sudan grass and kept it grazed closely to the ground all summer, while the millet grew up, headed out and was cut for hay. The sorghum was eaten very sparingly until after it headed out, after which the animals seemed to like it better.

The Arizona Experiment Station found under dry-farm conditions, near Prescott, Arizona, that Sudan grass would maintain twenty sheep per acre continuously for a hundred days. Compared with Amber sorgo, it was noted that sheep pastured on Sudan grass fattened while those on the sorgo made only ordinary growth. The report goes on to state that the grass is a better summer pasture crop than alfalfa and that it prevents bloat to a large extent when seeded in mixture with alfalfa.

A farmer in Southwestern Kansas kept a hun- dred head of shoats growing rapidly On a half grain ration, by allowing them to pasture on three acres

of Sudan grass during the summer.

B. L. Morris, of Lubbock, Texas, pastured thirty- two hogs and an equal number of pigs and two milk cows on five acres of Sudan grass from May 1 until fall in 1915 and the grass grew so rapidly he was compelled to turn in eight head of cattle every few days to eat it down. He claims that in four days after placing his milk cows on the Sudan grass they nearly doubled their output of milk. He expected to pasture 250 hogs on twenty acres of Sudan grass.

These experiences of farmers and the results obtained at experiment stations indicate that Sudan grass can be utilized very effectively as a pasture for hogs, sheep, cattle and horses. Care and judg- ment in pasturing will do much to prevent injuries from poisoning, Sudan grass which has been in- jured by a drouth, or has been subjected to any other sudden stoppage of growlh. such as a hard freeze, should not be pastured except with hogs, A normal continuous growth will usually be safe for any kind of animal. — Kansas Farmer

Set a Spy Behind the Corn Planter

Mr. Farmer, far be it from a mere newspaper man to tell you your business or offer you advice. But if you hate the kaiser and love your country and want to make your crop sure, dig behind the corn planter and see how deep you are planting the seed

During ordinary years you are accused of sock- ing the corn shoes down too deep. Perhaps you do or perhaps you don’t, anyway during usual years you come up smiling with enough corn to supply us all. But this year. Ah, there’s the rub. This year it is going to be mighty hard picking for a ke » * of corn to shoot the little sprout up into th^fjHr. A lot of the seed corn is of very low viOity. Do your best for the little fellow. If the ground is in good condition, and the weather is fine on May first, take a two week’s vacation and keep the corn in the sack.

It will grow just as fast after the middle of May as it will sooner. You will be reasonably sure to miss a late frost and the ground will be warmer then.

But don’t sock the planter shoe into the ground too deep. That is the keynote of it all this year. Taking for granted that you have al- ready tested your seed corn, you know that if you have an 85 per cent germination test it is above the average.

All corn, regardless of the test, is iow in vital- ity this year. It is going to take some tall coaxing to get the little shoots out of the ground.

If you plant the seed in a cold bed it will be bad. If you make the mistake of planting it deep the chances are that you may raise a crop of buck- wheat or millet on your corn ground.

But play it safe. Wait until the middle of May before planting and then be sure, dead sure that you are not getting the seed in too deep. — Cedar Rapids Republican.

Likes Looks of Sudan Seed

“ Friend Field: We received the seeds. Thanks,

very much! The Sudan grass seed looks good. Dear knows , how you can give so much seed for so little money beats me! Yours truly,’'

— John McIntyre, Mizpah, N. «/.

I

Fields Seed Sense for May

5

Still Time to Plant Dahlias

There is plenty of time yet to plant dahlias, in fact, they seem to do best planted late, say in May or June. I have planted as late as July 4th with good results. I can supply good named varieties in any color you want at from 10c to 15c, each, or mixed colors, unnamed, at 75c per dozen post paid. Also a very fine collection of 13 named sorts, no two alike, for $1.00 postpaid.

Pansy Plants For Sale

We will have thousands of pansy plants for shipment after April 15th. They are grown from the very finest strains of seed and we can assure all lovers of this beautiful flower that they will be surprised and pleased with the size and beauty of this strain of pansies. They will be sent bv mail, extra well packed, and safe arrival guaranteed.

Price (All plants in bud or bloom:)

1 dozen, mixed colors, postpaid 50c.

3 dozen, mixed colors, postpaid $1.25.

Extra large plants with lots of dirt on the roots, by express, not prepaid at the same prices.

Special Collection Offer

13 Named Dahlias for ^>1 .00

We have a lot of choice varieties of dahlias, of which we do not have enough to pay to list them, and we are willing to make you a bargain price on them. So here is the offer:

13 choice named varieties of dahlias each one marked with name and color, one or more good, strong, live tubers of each, well packed in a box, and mailed postpaid for $1.00. Our cho:ce of varieties, covering a wide range of color and no two alike. Money back if not satisfied.

The dahlias we ship are divisions of field-grown clumps, and are guaranteed to be sound and alive and to sprout with any ordinary care. Remember the sprout on a dahlia root or tuber comes right at the neck or stem end. You often cannot see the bud or sprout at first, as it is dormant, but it will appear with warmth and moisture.

Dahlias From Seed

Dahlias can also be grown from seed. We sell it at 10c per pkt. Plant and tend just like toma- toes. They bloom the first year, but mostly single.

Dahlias

The dahlia is the queen of fall flowers, as the rose is of early summer. They much re- semble a rose in appearance and except for fragrance, they are the equal of roses in every /way. They are as easily grown as potatoes, will grow in any kind of soil and give continuous bloom in the greatest profusion .from late June until after frost. They cover a time of year when flowers are scarce, and are fine for boquets or decorating of any kind. The colors range from pure white to the darkest red and show all the shades be- tween. The roots can be taken up in the fall and stored like potatoes till spring, when a single hill can be divided into roots enough to make a big bed.

There is an endless list of named varieties of every color, shape and size; but about three- fourth of them are for the fancier or collector only, and are no account for common folks. What we want is a list of varieties that will bloom any- where, for anyone, and good dis- tinct bright colors. I have tried hundreds of kinds, and weeded them down. These all did well and bloomed fine here at Shenandoah last sum- mer. I will guarantee them to do well for you. I have divided them into three general classes. The first class, show, decorative and fancy, includes all the big, well known type of dahlias. They range from the flat, wide-open type, to almost globe shaped, The cactus dahlias are the new class

greatly admired for their graceful shape and beauti ful coloring. The petals are twisted and waved like a fancy chrysanthum. The Pompom dahlias are the little early, hardy fellows with perfect globe- shaped blooms that blooms so early and so profusely. They are not very big, but are very satisfactory. See catalog for prices.

6

Field’s Seed Sense for May

A New Idea in Seeding Alfalfa

Probably the most discussed question of any is, as to when and how to sow alfalfa seed. There is a great difference of opinion on this. Some be- lieve in sowing with small grain in the spring, some believe in sowing it along in May without a nurse crop, some believe in sowing it in August or September. The advocates of all the different plans claim their way is the best. It is hard to decide.

Recently, I have heard from several farmers of a new plan for seeding or at least a new plan to me, which I believe is the best idea of the lot.

That is. to sow the alfalfa seed in the corn at the last cultivation in June.

One of my neighbors tried this last year and it worked to perfection. I never saw a better piece of alfalfa than he has right now. He planted the corn in the ordinary way. but tended it extra well, shallow and as near level as possible. He did not ridge up the coin any, as he did not want any ridges in his alfalfa seed. Also, he used shallow cultivation so as to get the ground fairly solid underneath and well worked on the top two inches. By the way, this just exactly suited the corn and you never saw corn do better than his did.

Then along about the middle of June he went in and sowed alfalfa broadcast at about the rate of about 20 pounds per acre, just the same as he would with small grain. He put it on with a broadcast seeder like that little Cyclone seeder which we sell. The corn was not tall enough yet to bother about sowing the alfalfa seed.

Then he immediately followed with a very shallow, fine tooth cultivator which worked the ground down fine and covered the alfalfa shallow. From then on he just let it alone and he had the finest field of alfalfa you ever saw. It W3S so big that it bothered the cornbinder a little when he cut the corn fodder in September.

He just went in with a cornbinder and cut the corn fodder in the ordinary way and hauled it right off. If he had shocked it in the field, it would have killed the alfalfa where the shocks stood, so he hauled it off the field just as soon as he cut it. The corn stubbs will be rotted down by the first time you have to cut the alfalfa this summer and the ground is so near level that there will be no trouble about running a mower.

I have h:ard of several other farmers who have tried this plan and every one of them report success. Personally, I believe it is the best plan I have ever found for seeding alfalfa. The soil in the corn field, where it has been well cultivated all spring, is in ideal condition and you know yourself that the soil in a corn field holds moisture better than in most other places. I have gone through a corn field in July during dry weather when the ground looked mighty dry on top, but if you kick away a little loose dirt, you would find moist soil not very far down.

The next patch of alfalfa that I put in I am going to try this plan. I believe it will give more certainty of a stand, better growth the fir >t year than any other way you can put in alfalfa and there is no danger whatever of losing a crop while you are getting a stand of alfalfa. It will not be hard on the little alfalfa like the small grain.

I never was enthusiastic about putting in alfalfa with a small grain crop, for so many times I have seen dry weather in the last part of June or July

Sudan for Hay

With the great shortage of hay apparent now, it is just the time to try out Sudan. It is no ex- periment any more with us and others who have already grown it, but it may be new to you. By all means plant a few acres. It makes more hay and better hay and is a surer yielder than any other quick crop you can use. Besides it costs you sp little for seed. It only takes 3 lbs. of seed peracr£ and we are pricing the seed this month at 35c per lb.

Drill it in rows by all means, corn row width is the best as it is the easiest to tend. Cultivate just like corn Cut it with a corn binder or a grain? binder or a mower or grass hook or any way that comes handy. It will cure in the shock or in the bundle. You can plant it as late as July 1st, if nec- essary and if planted by May 15th you can get 3 good cuttings.

Don’t cry about your lost clover and alfalfa. Get busy and break up the ground and plant it to Sudan and you will have more hay than ever.

Free Sample Alfalfa

I will send free to anyone, a sample of alfalfa seed for testing. Send it to your experiment station and ask them if it is good; if it has dodder or any other b + d weed in it; if it is good, blight, sound seed that will grow.

An eastern experiment station bought seeds from a dozen or more seed houses and tested it, they reported that mine was the best and only one they would care to plant for their own use. Small sample free. Large samples (several ounces) 10c.

I am willing to have my alfalfa seed put to any test you want — examine it yourself, let your neighbors look it over, send it to your State Ex- periment Station if you want to. If the seed isn’t right I don’t want you to keep it— send it back at my expense. But I think I am safe when I make this offer, for I know the seed is the best that you o. I, or anyone else, can buy.

Plant Some Feterita

I believe that it will pay you to plant at least a trial patch to feterita, the new grain sorghum, and if you live in a dry country you ought to plant a big field of it, for it will stand more drouth than anything I ever saw. In many parts of Oklahoma and Kansas it was the only thing that made a crop at all last fall. It made a fairly good crop where milo, kaffir and such crops failed entirely.

It makes fine feed for stock of any kind and is valuable both for grain and fodder. It is especially fine for chicken feed, and yields heavily even on a small patch. It should be drilled in rows like corn and cultivated the same way. Thin to about 6 inches apart in the row, single stalks, 2 to 3 pounds will plant an acre. It will yield anywhere from 25 to 75 bushel of seed per acre, according to the soil and the season. Price, 20c per lb. post- paid, or 10c per lb. not postpaid. Lower prices on larger lots.

and the small grain literally choke the life out of the alfalfa. In the corn it would be different, especially if you had rather a thin stand of corn. The alfalfa would grow to perfection there and neither it or the corn would hurt each other. Try it and see what you think of it

Field’s Seed Sense for May

7

Standard Inoculating Bacteria

Hastens Maturity Increases the Yield

Builds up the Land Enriches the Soil Improves the Feeding Values

Easy to Apply— Simply moisten the seed before sowing. Full directions in every package.

t Prepared for

Alfalfa Sweet Clover Soy Beans

Red Clover Cow Peas Alsike Clover

Field Beans Crimson Clover Navy Beans

, Vetch Canada Peas Sweet Peas

Garden Beans Garden Peas

PRICE:

Garden size .35

1- acre size .50

2- acre size 95

4-acre size $1.50

6-acre size 2.00

By Mail 5 cts. Extra

Special Notice

When ordering state Crop to be Inoc.ulated as there is a different Bacteria for each Legume.

Applied Direct to the Seed DIRECTIONS IN EACH PACKAGE

A 1-acre package of Inoculating Bacteria will inoculate bu. (90 lbs.) of beans, peas, or any large sized seeds.

When used for the smaller seeds; such as al- falfa and clover a 1-acre package should be used for each 15 lbs. of seed

For Vetch use a 1-acre package for 20 lbs. of seed.

You Can Now Order “Nitragin” as Follows:

(These cultures are put up in 1-2, 1 and 5-acre sizes)

Alfalfa or Sweet Clover Culture A

Clovers — Such as Red, Alsike, Crimson,

White, Yellow, etc Culture B

Garden and Field Peas or All Vetches Culture C Garden and Field Beans Culture D

Soybeans Special Soybean Culture

Cowpeas Special Cowpea Culture

Sweet Peas . Special Sweet Pea Culture

We also furnish special “Nitragin” cultures for the following; Beggarweed; Fenugreek; Horse- beans; Lentils; Lupins; Peanuts; Sainfoin; and Serradella.

(Cultures for less extensively used legumes furnished on application.)

Prices on “Nitragin”

Garden size .30

(For peas, beans and sweet peas)

1-2 acre size .50

1-acre size 1.00

5 acre size 4.00

Postage, express or freight charges extra

Soy Beans

We have them Several varieties.

Prices right.

Seed corn, too.

And all the rest.

Ask if interested.

HENRY FIELD SEED CO‘

Shenandoah, Iowa.

We Can Furnish Soy Beaps

There is going to be a big demand for Soy Beans this year and the supply is short. There isn’t going to be enough to supply the demand.

We have been looking out for this and have been quietly buying up all the good seed stock we could get, mainly in northern Missouri and in Illi- nois. We have the varieties that are grown and recommended there. Here is what we can supply:

Jet (early black )

Black Beauty (large, medium late.)

Shingto, Hollybrook, Morse, Mongol, Medium Yellow (all very similar varieties of early or med- ium early yellow.)

PRICES. For this month I am making a spe- cial price of 10c per lb., net, in fair sized lots. We furnish bags, you pay express or freight.

For planting with corn, use about 4 lbs. of Soy Beans per acre, either mixed with the corn in the planter boxes, or planted with a separate set of boxes on the planter. You can get this attach ment for any corn planter for about $14.00.

When planted separately for a seed or hay crop, use about 20 to 30 lbs. of seed per acre, drilled rather thick in rows like corn.

By all means inoculate the seed. See prices in next column. The 1 acre size will treat 90 lbs. of Soy beans. It is quick, easy, cheap, and mighty good insurance.

Send AH Orders to Henry Field Seed Co., Shenandoah, Iowa,

8

Field’s Seed Sense for May

Field’s Seed Sense

FOR THE MAN BEHIND THE HOE

Published Monthly by the HENRY FIELD SEED COMPANY Field Building, Shenandoah, Iowa And Printed in Their Own Private Printshop.

Henry Field, Editor.

E. F. Vincent, Managing Editor.

SUBSCRIPTION PRICE. 25c per year or 5 year* for $1.00.

Plenty of Hayseed

Hay is going to be some object this year, and we will all have to plant lots of rough stuff for forage and fodder. Stuff that you plant on waste land or as a catch crop where you have failed to get a stand of other crops. We look for an enor- mous demand for cane, and millet, and kaffir, and all such crops late in the season. Along in May and June there will be the worst rush you have ever seen, stocks low, and prices rising. Re- member how it was last year. We refunded thousands of dollars, late. Better get busy and order while you can. We have big stocks on hand now during April can make these prices, for quantities. Small lots higher.

Fodder Cane $4.00 per bu.

Millet 3.50 per bu.

Kaffir and Milo _ 3.00 per bu.

Feterita 4.00 per bu.

Sudan Grass . .25 per lb.

Dwarf Essex Rape .15 per lb.

Cow Peas .06 per lb.

Soy Beans .10 per lb.

Canada Field Peas .06 per lb

Fodder Millet 3.25 per bu.

Ensilage Corn 4.00 per bu.

Buckwheat 3.00 per bu.

The Fairchild Cane Seed

I consider the cane seed we got from these people extra good. It is a specially selected strain of Orange cane, quite early and very sweet. It has been grown for years in southern Nebraska, about 100 miles west of the river, in a rather dry section.

If you want it, ask for the Fairchild Orange syrup cane, trice 15c per lb. in quantities. Small lots higher.

Price of Cane Seed

We can supply you seed of all the leading varieties of sorghum for syrup purposes. See our price list. You only need 5 lbs. of seed per acre. Tend like corn only planta little later and shallower.

SPECIAL OFFER — For trial purposes, I will send 5 lbs. of Syrup Cane for $1.10, Postpaid. This will plant an acre.

(See next column for bulk prices)

What About White Beans?

They are a good thing to plant this year and they will all be needed. Better plant all the spare corners you have to them and maybe a good sized field, too. They can be planted any time up to July 1 and maybe later. One man told me that he planted some last year the last half of July and made it all rig 'it, but that’s pretty risky. Better make it May 15th to July 1st. i

I have had them yield as high as 40 bu. per acre, but that is unusual. Plant in rows anywhere from 2 feet to 4 feet apart with from 5 to 10 seed to the foot. Cultivate like corn or potatoes. Pull . when ripe and pile to dry, then thresh with a ma- chine or beat out with a club or fork.

Late planting is generally most likely to dodge the weevils, but if you have reason to suspect you have weevils in the beans, you can get rid of them by fumigating with Carbon Bi-sulphide, The drug- gist can tell you how to use it.

As to variety, any good white field bush bean will be all right, either the small pea or navy bean, the marrow bean or the kidney bean. The stand- ard sort, however, is the small, almost round, white bean that is sold in the stores everywhere.

We have a fair supply of seed of these and will be glad to quote you special prices at any time.

The Tepary bean is fine for the dry country out west, but does not do well where there is plenty of rain, as it cannot stand prosperity. Pole beans and Lima beans are good and especially for garden culture, are in many places, preferable to the ordinary field beans. They are not so saleable on the market, however.

Tomato and Cabbage Plants

We are having a nice lot of tomato and cab bage plants grown and unless something happens to them between now and planting time, we will be able to fix you out in good shape. They will be ready about May 1st or possibly earlier.

Tomatoes, (heavy transplanted plants), de- livered by parcel post, postpaid, 6 for 25c, 12 for 40c, 25 for 75c, 100 for $2.50.

Varieties Early June. Mississippi Girl, New Stone, Earliana and Redhead. Also Pepper, Egg- plant and Cauliflower at »he same price.

Cabbage plants, leading sorts, 12 for 25c, 25 for 40c, 100 for $1 50, all delivered by parcel post, prepaid.

Ask for special prices on larger lots of cab- bage plants-

Prices on Onion Plants

Prizetaker variety only $1.50 per M, f. o. b. southern t hipping station, in large lots. Small amounts bv mail postpaid, 100 for 50c, 300 for $1.25. 500 for $2.00.

Wholesale Prices Not Postpaid

CANE OR SORGHUM {all 50 lbs, per bu.)

per cwt. per bu

Fodder cane. Amber type $ 8 00 $4 00

Fodder cane, Orange type 8 00 4 00

Fodder cane, mixed 8 00 4 00

Syrup cane, Orange {Short Orange) 15 00 7 50

“ “ Early Amber 15 00 7 50

“ Early Rose {Amber Type) 15 00 7 50

Field’s Seed Sense for May

9

The Seed Corn Situation— Time to Get Busy

Never in all the years I have been in the seed business have I seen the seed corn sit- uation in as bad shape as it is now.

Practically none of the new corn anywhere in Iowa or Nebraska will grow except what was hung up very early. The man who has a supply of good seed ears picked and hung in September or early October is mighty lucky, and also mighty scarce. And all of it will have to be single ear tested to make sure.

The Old Corn Helped

Fortunately there was a fair supply of good old corn and that has helped out a whole lot. There are still many localities that are short of seed even for one planting. And when it comes to replant- ing they will be up against it. That is the serious phase of it. The possibility or rather the prob ability of more or less replanting and no seed to replant with.

We Have Seed Corn

We have been working hard on the seed corn business all winter, and while we have sold a world of seed, we have also managed to accumu- late a fair supply of seed for the late rush.

If You Have to Replant

If you are short of seed at the last minute, or have to replant, we can probably fix you out. We have been holding back several lots of extra good seed for just such cases. High germination, sure- to-grow stuff.

‘ Poor But Honest” Seed

We also have some seed that is not so high in germination, but all right to use in a pinch if you know the germination and plant accordingly. We have tested everything we have, time and again, know just what it will test and mark the test on the tag so you will know. We sell this for just what it is, and price it accordingly. You will get your money’s worth in it.

Mixed Colors

Also we have some high testing corn that is mixed white and yellow. Not very pretty but good for a big crop and all right to plant. We price it lower than the straight colors and it is a bargain.

90 Day Corn

In 90 day corn we have a fair assortment, not as much as we would like, but probably more than any one else.

We Will Price It Right

So send along your order for seed corn and we will fix you out and make the price right. It is hard to name exact prices in a printed list as there is so much variation in different lots, and the list is changing so fast as some lots are added and others cancelled.

Send Your Order By Mail, Wire or Phone

If you have time you can write or wire for prices, or you can send in your order at the latest prices of ours that you have seen and we will ship the corn and adjust the prices if not right. If any prices have declined we will give you the benefit of it.

Better Ship by Express

Late in the season it will be best to have seed corn shipped by express, as freight is slow this year. Express is not perfect but it is better than freight. Parcel post is all right on small amounts. We will rush the orders out promptly and give you the best treatment we possibly can.

The Last Replanting

And if it gets too late entirely to plant corn, we can furnish you cane, and millet, and kaffir and buckwheat, and beans, and all such stuff for the last replanting.

Will Your Seed Corn Grow? Test, Don’t Guess

Southern Corn For Ensilage

Southern grown seed corn makes the finest ensilage in the world. It is a trifle late, but very large and heavy and leafy and makes enormous tonnage. The following lots of corn were meant to sell souih for a grain crop, but they would also be fine stuff for Ensilage in Iowa, Nebraska, Illinois and similar latitudes. The quality is the very best.

Missouri and Southern Corn

Variety		Where Grown	Test	Price per bu.
Reids Yellow Dent	new	Holt Co., Mo	85-90.	.... $5 00
Boone Co White		Holt Co., Mo	85-90...	.. 5 00
Ozark beauty		Rogers, Ark	90-95. __	5 00
Southern Reids Yellow Dent	..new.	_ _ .Rogers, Ark .	.90-95. ..	. 5 00

10

Field’s Seed Sense for May

I

The Shorter “Catechism” On Sudan Grass

'•/V- . . V' -ir

Q. What is Sudan Grass Anyway?

A. It is an annual plant of the sorghum fam ily, supposed to be the parent type of all the sor- ghums. It is an annual, dying when winter comes. It looks like sorghum, but is much more slender, more leafy, finer stalks and stools like wheat.

Q. What is it good for?

A. It is grown for stock feed andean be either cut and fed green or cured as hay.

Q. Will stock eat it and is it good for them?

A. All kinds of stock eat it readily and it is especially good for horses, mules and cattle. It cannot possibly harm them and, in fact, is better feed than any other hay except alfalfa.

Q. How is it better than corn, or kaffir , or millet for fodder hay?

A. It is richer feed than either, makes more leaf and less stalk than either cane or kaffir, cures easily and will not sour or spoil like cane so often does. Besides it will make a crop on less moisture than any other crop known.

Q. How long does it take to make a crop?

A. It will make a crop as quick as millet and quicker than either cane or kaffir. With warm weather it will be ready to cut for hay in 8 to 10 weeks from sowing and again every 30 days until killed by frost.

Q. How does it yield? Will it yield more than other fodder or hay crops?

A. It will yield two or three times as much as either cane, kaffir, milo or millet and makes far better feed than either. Ours made about 8 tons per acre cured feed, besides a crop of 1600 lbs. of seed per acre.

Q. Where will it grow? Can it be grown in the north? On thin land?

A. It will grow anywhere that field corn, cane, kaffir, or milo can be grown and besides, will thrive where it is so dry none of these can be grown. It will make a fair crop even on very thin, or sandy or stony land. It likes heat, the more the better, but will grow wherever there is heat enough to grow corn to tasseling. It has been grown suc- cessfully as far north as South Dakota and southern Montana. Probably will grow suc- cessfully in every state in the Union.

Q. What are the objections to it?

A. None so far as anyone has been able to find out yet.

Q. How should it be planted, drilled or broadcast, and why?

A. The best way to plant it is to drill it in rows, corn row width and cultivate like corn. This takes from 2 to 5 lbs. of seed per acre. It can be cut by hand or with a mower, or binder, or corn binder. It handles easiest in bundles, as it is so long it tangles if handled loose. It cuts easily and perfectly. Many people, in order to save the work of cultivating, sow it broadcast or drill it with a wheat drill, using about 20 lbs. of seed per acre and handle it with a grain binder. This gives about the same yield as the drilled crop and no cultivat- ing, but takes more seed. In an extremely dry country it should always be drilled in rows and cultivated so as to conserve the moisture. This is true of all crops in such counties.

Q- How can this be done and how much seed will it take?

A. Use 2 to 6 lbs. of seed per acre. Small patches can be drilled with a garden drill. For larger fields use a cane or kaffir drill with cane or kaffir plates. This means a plate with very small holes, generally three-sixteenth of an inch in diameter. Run the drill very shallow. It should not be put in over 1 inch deep. Plant it a little later than field corn, as it does not like cool weather.

Q, How should the crop be harvested?

A. It can be cut with a mower, or a binder, or a corn binder. The corn binder would be better. It cures readily when set up in shocks It can be cut by hand with a corn hook in small patches. The seed can be threshed with a regular threshing machine, or in small amounts beat out with a club.

Q. When should I order the seed?

A. The sooner the better. The supply is short, especially on the northern grown seed and the sooner you get it the better.

Q. What will it cost?

A. 25c per lb, net in fair sized lots.

Henry Field Seed Company, Shenandoah, Iowa

Field’s Seed Sense for May

11

Peonies In Bloom In Our Garden

It is too late now to set out Peonies this spring. The best time to set them any- way is in September or Oct- ober. If you love Peonies, you ought to remember and plant a lot of them this fall. In many ways they are the finest of all flowers. They are as hardy as an Oak, live for years and get better with age. They need no protec- tion, will grow in any good soil and have absolutely no disease or insect enemies. A millionaire could have noth- ing finer and no flower will do so well for the common .gardener.

We have over 300 named varieties besides all the fine mixed or unnamed sorts.

Special Offer on Peonies

Double White. Mixture of the best large double white varieties. 20c each. 6 for Si. 00.

Double Pink. A collection of pink sort ran- ging from a light shell pink almost to crimson. 20c each. 6 for $1.00.

Double Red. Various shades of deep red. 20c each, 6 for $1.00.

Mixed Double. All colors. Hardly any two alike. 20c each, 3 for 50c, 6 for $1.00, 12 for $2.00.

Postpaid — These prices include delivery by parcels post, all charges prepaid. Remember this ■when comparing prices.

Strawberry Short Cake in October

“Just a few lines to say how well I like your cata- log also Seed Sense. To say the least they are original, and they are interesting. They would sell seeds any where. I read them as I would a book, not just because they deal with seeds, and I enjoy the pictures, and es- pecially those of your fine, large family. Now about some of the seeds, The Norseman cabbage beats any thing I ever saw in that line, the earliest, largest, most solid cabbage I ever raised and an excellent keeper. Bast season it was a much better keeping cabbage than my late Flat Dutch. I made all my sauerkraut of the Norseman and kept many for winter use. Several of my neighbors have ordered seed this spring from seeing mine last year. The Progressive Everbearing Straw- berries which came from you were certainly true to name, finest hind of berries all this fall and bore so heavy too. Short cake October 24th which is late for this locality. -Best wishes for your future success as you seem certain- ly to be the right man for the business.”

— Mrs. H. B. Moore, Douglas, Minn.

Our War Garden Collections

We have ready made seed collections to fit any size garden and any size pocket book. AH the way from our Junior Collection at 30c to our Complete Garden Collection at $2.60. You will find a complete list of them in our catalog, on the extra pages in the center of the book.

Wants to try Everbearing Strawberries

“Dear Mr . Field: We have been using your seeds

the last three or four years and consider them absolute- ly reliable, as we've never had a disappointing package yet. I only ordered a few this year, as I saved a good many of our own last year, but we are going to try a few of your Progressive Everbearing strawberries, and I’m anxious to know just how to get the best results. Several have told me they are not a success, but when I ask them if they have tried ‘ Field's ’, they say 'no.' So I want to know how to care for them and if you print a booklet on the care of strawberries, I want one. I have never raised strawberries of any variety (r hr ugh I've tried it a time or two.) Would also like a little advice about rais- ing Asparagus. Last year I planted a package of seed and they are up fine this spring and I haven't any idea whether I should thin and reset some of it or not. My rhubarb I started from the seed ( your seed, of course) is starting off nicely this spring, too. Thanking you I remain a customer.” — Augusta Park, Parker, Kans.

Became Interested in the Catalog

“Dear Sir: You say in one paragraph of the cata-

log that it isn’t fair for you to do all the talking and since looking through the book ( courtesy of S. A. Madden , Downs, Kans.,) I am persuaded that you are right. At least, I felt like telling you that it is quite refreshing to read a seed catalog that hasn’t been ground out of a pro- fessional institution. It sounds like it was written by a man acquainted with the soil, in fact, may have a little of it mixed with the sweat sticking to him, and can put on overalls without being told which way the straps go. But speaking of your catalog, while reading ‘ My Own Page’ I gathered the idea that you were discounting the value of old patrons when you say, ‘We are getting better patrons all the time. I may have found a reason, how- ever, when looking over the ‘Field’ family group, for I notice that while you have Faith and Hope you lack the other and greatest of the three graces, Charity. But laying all jokes aside, I must say that the frontispiece, which we suspicion was ‘ manufactured ’ for the purpose, is the only discordant feature of the catalog. Hoping to become better acquainted, I am Yours truly”

— F. E. Taylor, Portis, Kans.

12

Field’s Seed Sense for May

Soy Beaus

Growing Soy Beans in Corn

( From the Homestead)

Having grown soy beans in corn for] some years, as well as for seed and soil building, possibly my experience may assist some other farmer to secure better returns from his soil regardless of whether he is a renter or a landowner.

When I began to grow soy beans I planted the mammoth, a tall growing variety, in my corn with the idea of making more fodder for the silo. I ac- complished that all right because the mammoth variety grows so tall that it fails to mature in this section and so I got my fodder, but plenty of it. The following year I planted jets and mikados, and then I got beans by the bushel. I have found that the jets grow high enough to be harvested with corn at silo filling time and at the same time reach maturity when the corn is ready to cut. Last sea- son was an exceedingly dry one in this section, but the jets grew almost shoulder high in the corn and in many instances 1 found plants high than an ordinary sized man. A specimen of the beans from my field was exhibited at the state fair.

If you want to hog off the beans in a corn crop or if you want to turn lambs in, I wouldn’t plant jets, but rather some white or yellow variety. When soy beans ripen they shell and a hog or lamb cannot see a black bean, (and the jets are black) as well as they can a white or brown one. Early last spring our county agent and I walked over a forty-acre field on my farm where I had planted soy beans with the corn and over which the hogs had run during the fall and winter pre- vious and to our surprise we could scarcely find a single bean in the field, showing that the hogs had picked up the yellow and white beans in fine shape.

About the same time when my neighbors came over they asked how it happened that I had such sturdy pigs and large litters. The only answer I could give was “soy beans.” There is nothing like a soy bean field for a hog. What a relief it is today, blustery as it is outside, to see the stock hogs get needed exercise and practically feeding themselves on beans standing in the field from which a crop of corn was removed a short time ago. It is some item, too, in these days of high priced feed; besides you ought to see the difference

in these hogs of mine in the bean field and hogs that ha /e not had soy beans as a side dish.

|!5jjFor the benefit of farmers who may wish to plant soy beans in their corn next year or who may wish to grow them for hay, let me say don’t fail to inoculate the field with soy bean bacteria before planting. Don’t let inoculation stump you. It is simple and takes very little time. There is no use in trying to grow soy beans on uninoculat- ed soil because you will only invite failure, so I repeat, inoculate, I use inoculated dirt on the seed I plant and drop from three to four beans in each hill of corn by means of a cowpea attachment to the corn planter and plant both at the same time. I wish I could go into details and give you my var- ied experience along this line, but time and space will not permit, so without further comment let me insist that you inoculate. I do this regardless of whether I am planting on an inoculated or an uninoculated field. That is how much I think of inoculation. Personally, I would do without beans rather than to plant them in soil that I knew was not inoculated. “There’s a reason.’, Soy beans being a legume cannot make use of free atmos- pheric nitrogen without the bacteria that grow on their roots and if they are not in the soil they should be placed there at the time the beans are planted.

So far I have been unable to detect any draw- back to the corn by having beans growing with it. If there is any difference in the corn yield where beans are planted with it, it is in favor of growing both crops together. I am not guessing at this be- cause I have used a small check plot without beans several years in succession and not once have I found that the beans reduced the yield of corn. What you get from the beans is clear gain, barring the cost of the seed, and that is not very much be- cause a bushel of soy beans planted in the way mentioned will cover anywhere from fourteen to thirty acres, depending upon the size of the beans and the variety you plant.

As you will see from this, I am strong for soy beans and so will any man be after he has once given them a fair trial. Even though a man had no use for the beans they would pay well plowed under as a fertilizer, but practically every farmer can pasture them off either with hogs, lambs, sheep or cattle. It isn’t necessary to turn them under; it is a better plan to convert them into beef, pork or mutton and then plow the manure under.

J. C. Longan.

Dig Out the Barberry

Professor Melheus, of the Iowa Agricultural College, says that all of the common barberry in the grain belt should be dug out and burned; that it is the home of the black-stem rust fungus, the rust which causes heavy loss in the small grain crops each year. He estimates that in 1916 this black stem rust caused the loss of $110,000,000 in the wheat crop of Minnesota, the Dakotas and Nebraska, and that even in Iowa the loss amounted to over $5,000,000. He thinks this rust would be greatly reduced if all of the common or European barberry should be dug out and burned within the next thirty days.

Will Your Seed Corn Grow? Test, Don’t Guess

13

Field’s Seed Sense for May

Sorghum Mill Wanted

We expect to operate a sorghum mill in con- nection with the seedhouse this fall, and have not yet purchased our machinery. If you have a mill to sell, maybe we can do some business if you have the right sort of equipment and will make the price right. We have our own power, a 20 h. p. electric motor, right where we want to place the mill. Also we have a steam boiler about 100 h. p. capacity, which will furnish steam for cooking.

We figure that we want machinery that will grind 2 tons of cane per hour and take care of that much juice without crowding nor much overtime. We have a good man to operate the machinery, and a good place to put it, and we are planting about 40 acres of syrup cane. If you have the machinery you think we want, write us at once giving full description of what you have, the con dition of it, and your lowest cash price. H. F'

Fine Garden from Field’s Seeds in Colo.

“Dear Sir: Say, that half pound of parsnip seed I

got will take me a week to plant, say nothing about the carrots, if I don't get a seeder. Well, I guess I will make a letter out of this, as you may want to hear from some of your ‘ way high up' customers. Riland is only a post office located here in the mountainous altitude from 7,000 to 9,500 feet, and I found out 4 or 5 years ago that your seed beats the best of them in this country. Say, you get in the middle of Seed Sense and toot your horn! It’s all right and I like it, but I give myself credit of advertising your seed here in this country, that is, high up as my place is out of the valley, up in the bench or tablelands. And, by the way! I was the second homesteader up here, so after trying your seed and knew they were the best for this country, I knew right then what to do. I would go to my neighbors and say, ‘ Have you ordered your garden seed? 1 want to make a little order with you. There is some seed that I want more than I’ve got. Have you one of Field' s catalogs?’ Well, it isn’t any trouble after I tell them they would be throw- ing away their money on any other seed except yours. Well, it worked. No, you don’t owe me anything. I’ve been paid by seeing my neighbors raise good gardens.

— A. L. Walker, Riland, Colo.

Seeds Satisfactory

“Dear Sir: I will write you today to tell you that

I received my bill of seeds and tobacco dust all in good shape and many thanks to you for being so prompt with me to send them to me so soon. They are O. K. I will tell you what I done just before I sent an order to you. I sent a small order of 65c to R. H. Shumway of Rockford, this state, just a few little packages that could be sent to me right off but I have not got them yet and do not know when I will. I sent my order to him the 5th of March, over three weeks ago. My last or- der to him. You can claim me as a customer from this on, for all the seed I send for. I will send the cord he sent me back when I write to him about the order. What do you think of it? If I had not wanted the seed I should not have sent for them. Please send me Seed Sense as I like to read it. With best wishes and best regards for you and your family, I remain,

Yours truly,” — Abner Wright, Herrick, III. Rt. 1

Will Your Seed Corn Grow? Test, Don’t Guess

Somp Fine Squashes

“ Dear Friend: I will write a few lines to you .

Well we are having some winter here How is the winter in Iowa? We had a fine garden this last summer although the weather was hot and dry. I wish you could see our Squash patch. We planted 8 Banana Squash seed and raised 40 squashes. Some were 2 feet, 10 inches long. My! but they were good. We have some in the cave yet, besides we gave the neighbors one apiece, so they could save seed. Well we have en- closed $5 for the single Wheel Hoe and 50 cents for garden seeds. Now I hope you will send me the Seed Sense for one year as we have bought $5.50 worth of things from you. Well I will close hoping to hear from you soon. — Mrs. EdWood, Rt. 1. Bx 82, Youngstown, Mo.

Fairness and Good Business Method

Gentlemen: I want you to know of the high ap-

preciation that is aroused in me for your fairness and good business method in sending me another package of alfalfa seed for the previous one lost in the mail. This second shipment as also your letter of advice have both been received, and I feel confident that your wares must be as honest and as varily sound as are yow modes of rendering service to your customers. It all makes of me a booster for you. And its a pleasure for me to point to a business concern in whom I discern such ad- mirable qualities, indeed. Thank you, it’s bread on the waters, all right. Appreciatingly yours”,

— A. G. Wagner, Box 11, Keisling , Wash.

Seeds Bring Good Results

“ Dear Mr. Field: Received the check for the

sweet corn O. K. and received the nice box of garden seeds which you sent me, and thank you very much for them, and shall be glad to fill out the enclosed cards with a couple of my friends names which I think will be good customers. I have used your garden seeds for several years and always had good results. Thanking you again. Your Friend” — Mrs.J.L. Sagert, Yutan, Neb.

Plant Onion Sets

The quickest money in the garden is from the onions from sets. We are selling enormous amounts of them this year, but fortunately had a good supply. We are out of whites but have plenty red and yellow yet. No change in prices. Send along your order.

14

Field’s Seed Sense for May

A Young Cowboy

“ Dear Friend: The reason you did not hear from

me last year was because I sent my order with my father, George May. We are all on ranches close to- gether and ordered under one name. I have used your seed off and on for 9 years, and can say I like them fine, and always found them fine and everything you claimed them to be. We were sure pleased with your Catalpa trees we got last year. Some made a growth of 18 inches and only one died. Our grape vines made a good growth, but was eaten off by range stock. I have always tried to help you all / could by recommending your seeds to others. We are building a family with our ranch and am sending a picture of our boy 3 months old. He is now 5 and healthy and bright for his age too I can tell you. We will send you an order this time and hope it will be a big one next year. Best wishes to all. — David May, Goldburg, Idaho.

Alfalfa Makes Big Pigs

Professor Evvard of Iowa State College, Ames, la., conducted a hog raising experiment to ascer- tain what the influence of different feeds given to sows would have upon the number and vigor of their pigs. Thirty-five gilts were divided into seven lots of five each, and corn was made the basis of the various feeds fed to each lot. The lot which was fed corn alone produced the smallest number of pigs, the weakest pigs and the light weight per pig The sows fed corn and alfalfa produced the largest and fattest pigs, though their number was a trifle smaller than those produced by sows fed on a ration consisting of four pounds of meat meal to thirty pounds of ear corn. The corn alone pigs averaged 1.74 pounds at birth, while the corn and alfalfa pigs averaged 2.29 pounds, which was the heaviest average of any and showed a gain of 32 per cent in weight besides being much better pigs. — Duroc Bulletin .

Great Northern Field Beans

* —— — — *

We have secured a limited amount of nice seed of the Great Northern field beans, a variety grown extensively in northwest Nebraska and the Dakotas. They are pure white, larger than the regular navy bean and said to be very hardy and yieldy. They are fine eating, I know, for we tried some< Our seed is Dakota grown. Price, small amounts same *s White Wonder. Write for price* on larger lots.

A Nebraska Pair

“ Well as I am sending you an order. I’ll write a few lines too. Well the seed I bought of you last year sure did fine and thought I would buy again. I am sending you my children's picture. Their names are Delbert and Myrl Swick, three and four years old. They have had tough luck, but are doing fine now. They lost their mother a year ago, the 25th. of this month.

— Walter Swick, New Castle, Neb.

Gladiola Bulblet Collection

Grow Your Own Bulbs

These are the little, wee fellows, about as big as a pea. from which we grow the blooming-size bulbs to sell a year from now. Some few of them will bloom this year, but all will grow and make a bulb that will bloom next year. These are from our best mixture. Most growers refuse to sell these bulblets, but I have decided to offer a limited amount of them at 200 for 25c, or $1.00 per 1000, sent postpaid. I will send out with each package full directions for growing them to blooming size.

About Ordering Inoculation

Mr. Pitzer wants us to put in a paragragh in Seed Sense advising folks to be sure and state what kind of bacteria they want — whether for soy beans, alfalfa or wheat. So many just say “bacteria” and leave it to us. Many also want it for Sudan, radishes, corn, etc., and forget that it is for legu- munous crops only.

What Am 1 to Do?

If you have sent me a picture for Seed Sense and it is not here, you need not feel slighted, for there are plenty more in the same fix. I mentioned a time or two I wanted pictures and you never saw such a lot of them as I’ve been getting. I’ll bet I’ve got a thousand right now that have come in just this spring. About a dozen every day. I can’t possibly use a tenth part of them ant I wish I could use them all, for they are all just fine. I’ll just have to pick around the edges of the pile and take what I can use.

Field’s Seed Sense for May

15

Show This To Teacher

We have got a plan for you to get a school house flag as a premium for selling the Banner seed col- lections. The children can sell the seeds easily. We send the seeds without pay in advance, simply on request of the teacher, and when sold and the money turned in, the flag will be sent promptly by mail. The flags are cotton, medium weight, fast brigh colors, sewed stripes and painted stars, sizes 3x5 ft. and 5x8 ft.

The smaller size can be earned by selling one set of 10 Banner collections at 30c each, and the larger one by selling two sets or 20 collections. Each Banner collection consists of 10 packages of seeds, 7 vegetables and 3 flowers, all strictly first class and is a bargain at that price. If you wish to purchase the flags, they are $1.25 and $2.50.

Catalog and Seed Sense Fine

“Dear Mr. Field: I received your catalog and

Seed Sense. I think that they are fine though I have not had time to go over them thoroughly yet and though I have not sent for seeds I wanted to write and tell you how fine I thought your offer was. I thank you for the seeds you sent and expect to send for some things later. I have one of the Johnson incubators. I got your ad- dress from them. I wish very much I could come to see your place and people but being old and limited as to means I fear I shall never be able to. I like you western people but have always lived in New York state. I will give your catalog to some friend. Yours sincerely ,”

— Mrs. M. F. Farrell, Saugerties, N. Y.

Redhead Tomato Beat all Ever Had

“ Dear Sir: I was very glad you sent the seeds so

quick. Your Redhead tomato beat anything I ever had last year. How did you happen to send me two packets of parsnip seed? Did you hear that the parsnips you sent me last year didn’t grow? There ' is quite a joke about that. One of my neighbors said the parsnips he got didn’t grow. I told him that I would give him some that I got from Field's that would grow, but they didn't grow for him, or me either. That was the first time they ever failed me, so we have no parsnips this spring. I hope your pansy seed will be good. We have been getting flower seed from Miss Emma White for 25 years. I thank you for the flower seed. Yours truly:'’

— Anton Luck, Motley, Minn.

“Best Seeds Money Can Buy”

“ Dear Sir: Have just received the seeds I ordered

from you and they are certainly satisfactory in every way, and I thank you very much for the flower seeds you sent me for I think there is nothing better than a little flower garden all of your own. We think you have the best seeds that money can buy. I thank you very much for the advice how to grow Rhubarb. We had good Ivck with our garden last year except a few of our seeds that did not come up. The fault was our’s. We got them planted too deep especially the parsnip , carrots and bunch beans and they did not come up for us.”

— Mrs. Stelts, Seneca, Mo.

Nasturtiums with Cucumbers

' Send around a rain maker. Here’s one for your Seed Sense. An old aunt of mine claims that * Nastur- tiums planted in the hill with cucumbers hinders the bugs.’ It is harmless to try anyway.”

— Dr. R. B. Tubbs, Emerson, la.

Likes Our Business

“ Dear Sir: When I sent for your seed book I

thought we were going to get a place where we could raise garden, but I am afraid not now, but I just want to tell you how glad I am there is one man who cares for his help and wants to bring happiness to others. If such a thing were possible that 1 might raise my two girls in such a place I would think just a little of heaven was sent here on earth. My littte four year old girl gets the book and climbs upon her papa’s knee and wants him to show her all the flowers and says “ we will send for these and these.” She wants them all. If we get where we have room, we will certainly plant Field's seeds. How I wish we could see your flowers and go through your big buildings. Yours respectfully,”

Mrs, Chas. L. Rice, Dodge City, Kans.

Field’s Seed

“ Received our seeds and onion sets all in fine con~ dition and wish to thank you for your promptness in sending them. We think Field s seeds are the only seeds and reading your seed catalog and Seed Sense are just like talking to an old friend. This is our second year for your seeds and expect to have the best garden ever this season. Respectfully,”

— Mrs. Arthur Going, Yale, Okla.

Fine Melons from Field’s Daisy

’’Dear Mr. Field: I have put off writing to you for

some time, but here goes. I ordered my garden seeds from you folks last year, was well pleased with them, so ordered again this year. Was surprised at the quick service, as the seeds were here in about four days. We raised some muskmelons from Field’s Daisy last year, and must say, they were the finest melons we ever ate. Here is hoping that you have a successful year. I al- ways intend to be a Field's customer. ”

— Mrs. Frances L. Eden, Lone Tree, Iowa.

Likes Our Kind of Description

“ Dear Sir: I received a catalog but too late to order

my seed this year as I had already sent to another seed house. You can count on an order from me next year if I buy any seeds. I like the way you describe veget- ables, so different from other catalogs, one can just tell what they want by reading the descriptions. Last year my late cabbage was a complete failure and I never knew what was wrong until I read in Seed Sense that the variety I had planted did not do well south of Iowa. Wishing you success I am, Yours truly.”

— Mrs. C. C. Barksdale, Ikau, III.

Good Luck With Seeds

“ Dear Sir: I received your catalog]and that friend

of ours is my daughter and that Mr. Len Meichart is my son, so you see we ore good friends sure enough and we are also your friends. I have bought your seeds al- most every year, either sent in with a neighbor or bought of a friend that sends for collections. I bought a col- lection this spring of a Miss Mina Alison, our school teacher. She sold them and got our school a flag now. I am always pleased with your seeds and did want to send for some flower bulbs but will wait until fall.

Respectfully,” — Eva Brown, Braymer, Mo.

Will Your Seed Corn Grow? Test, £>on’t Guess

16

Field’s Seed Sense for May

Sud i*,n Grass

The Great New Fodder Crop

Last year when I told you about the merits of Sudan Grass I suspect some of you thought that— to put it mildly — I was stretching it a little, but another season of experience with it has proven rather that we did not tell it near strong enough.

It is undoubtedly the greatest new crop since the introduction of alfalfa. That is the great thing about it, it will grow anywhere, on any soil and in any climate.

It is distinctly a fodder or hay plant. It pro- duces lots of seed, but I do not think it will ever be grown much as a grain plant. But it will make more hay or fodder, of a better quality and with more absolute certainty of a crop, than anything else except alfalfa and it has the advantage over alfalfa of being quick and easy to get.

It is certainly “the poor man’s friend.” It will grow on even the thinnest of soil and will make good in a dry season when everything else fails and will feed a team and cow to every acre. The renter or small land owner who goes on a farm with no hay, can sow seed in May and begin cut- ting hay in July and get another cutting in August and another in September. Good hay, too.

Briefly, it is an annual plant, somewhat similar to cane or kaffir, but much more slender and fine- stemmed, easier to cure, hardier, quicker to ma- ture, making a greater yield of better quality.

It stools like wheat and makes as high as 100 stems from a single seed. It keeps sprouting up and can be cut once a month. Ours planted in May was cut July 1st, when about five feet high, and by August 1st was five feet high again and again by September 1st was almost as high and ready for another cutting. The hay stays green, even after the seed ripens, and if cut before frost makes the best of hay, besides a seed crop.

The best way to plant it is to drill it in rows corn width and cultivate like corn. This takes from two to five pounds of seed per acre. It can be cut by hand or with a mower or binder or corn binder. It handles easiest in bundles, as it is so long it tangles if handled loose. It cures easily and perfectly.

Common Barberry Quarantined

The U. S. Department of Agriculture has dis- covered that the Common Barberry and the Purple Barberry are instrumental in spreading the dis- astrous Black Rust of wheat which has caused so much damage the last few years.

They have requested that all nurserymen at once discontinue the sale of these two plants, as a patriotic duty, until the laws can be arranged for putting the quarantine into legal effect. This, of course, we have agreed to do.

Fortunately, there is one species of Barberry that is innocent. This is the Japanese Barberry (Berberis Thunbergii). It is by far the best of all Barberries anyway, so it will be no harm to cut out the old kinds. Hereafter we will fill this on all Barberry orders.

Many people, in order to save the work of cul- tivating, sow it broadcast or drill it with a wheat drill, using about 20 pounds of sf ed per acre and handle it with a grain binder. This gives about the same yield as the drilled crop and no cultivat- ing, but takes more seed.

In an extremely dry country it should always be drilled in rows and cultivated so as to conserve the moisture, same as all crops in such countries.

The hay keeps easily, either loose, in bulk, or stacked or shocked in bundles. It can be fed same as any hay and has higher feeding value than any other hay except alfalfa. It yields about the same as good alfalfa, say 5 to 10 tons per acre of dry hay.

It is also fine to feed green as a soiling crop or to put in a silo like corn. It does not sour like cane, nor get woody like kaffir. Its greatest advan- tage over other crops is in its ability to withstand drouth. It makes a crop on less moisture than any other crop known. It was first introduced by the U. S. Department of Agriculture as a crop for the extremely dry regions of Oklahoma, Kansas and the Texas Panhandle and they went crazy over it there. It made a crop every year in spite of dry weather, hot winds or anything else. It has proven equally valuable in other states and has been grown successfully in every state in the Union. It is certain to supplant millet entirely and probably cane also, as it makes more and better feed than either and is easier grown and will stand more dry weather.

It is important to get northern grown seed free from Johnson grass and free from cane and kaffir hybrids. We are growing a big acreage of seed here at Shenandoah and can furnish genuine Iowa grown seed, guaranteed free from Johnson grass or hybrids or weeds of any kind. Can also furnish Colorado (mountain grown) seed and northwest Nebraska seed to those who wish it, at the same price as Iowa seed.

Whenever you buy your seed, insist on a guarantee on all the above points. They are im- portant. Northern grown seed for planting either north or south.

The Cyclone Seeder

This is the best seeder made at any price. It is roomy, strong, works evenly and will sow any kind of seed any desired thickness. It is fully guaranteed, and if not fully satisfactory may be returned at our expense. Price, $1 50 net, f. o. b. here. If wanted by parcels post add postage for 5 lbs.