Zjo Our J^riencis and Customers. 



Nothing gives us more pleasure each season than to greet our many custom- 

 ers through the medium of our Garden Annual; and we hereby extend our hear- 

 ty thanks to each one of our patrons and we wish each of you a prosperous and 

 "Happy New Year." 



In the busy season going over our orders, we are pleased to meet so many 

 lifelong customers and friends, who have been with us annually since we embark- 

 ed in business. Nothing would give us more pleasure than to meet such old 

 friends face to face and give each a good hearty shake of the hand. 



In writing our Catalogue we try to give plain and concise descriptions of ev- 

 erything we offer to sell. We do not exaggerate in descriptions or illustrations 

 and you will find nothing in our catalogue which is not true. All our seeds are 

 thoi*&ughly tested. Our Novelties are all varieties of merit. We have no catch- 

 penny collections to offer, containing Seeds of little value to the gardener. 



Our more than thirty years experience in the seed business gives us a great 

 advantage to know something about seeds. Good seeds are the basis of good crops. 

 We can assure our patrons that we will use our best efforts to furnish them with 

 the choicest seed that can be grown. Will be pleased to hear from you at any time 

 with an order, or on subjects pertaining to our business. We only offer the best 

 improved varieties, old worn-out sorts are discarded as soon as superceded by bet- 

 ter kinds. 



Every intelligent gardener knows that the best seeds cannot always be the 

 cheapest in money. Really good seeds are the cheapest in the end. Seeds, like 

 drugs, require knowledge and care to handle them. With the short crop this 

 season, and necessarily higher prices for some items, all sorts of cheap and old 

 trashy seed will be thrown on the market. 



SEED CROPS. — On account of another unusual wet and cool summer, seed 

 crops have suffered greatly, and many items are nearly a complete failure, espec- 

 ially among tender sorts, like Beans, Cucumbers, Sweet Corn, Melons, Pumpkins, 

 Squash and Field Corn, which are in some cases a total failure, and what was 

 grown is not of the highest quality. Prices on many of these will rule high, and 

 late in the season the question will be where to obtain stock if demand is normal. 



TESTED SEEDS.- Our seeds are all tested as to vitality, and none are af3nt 

 out from our establishment until we are satisfied that they are absolutely of the 

 best quality and of the highest germinating power, and are certain to gfow un- 

 der favorable conditions and planted at the right time. With bad weatl^r and 

 careless planting the very best seeds may fail to grow and no seedsmcir is to 

 blame for this. If any fail to grow when properly tested, we stand rieady to re- 

 place the same or give value in other seeds. 



WARRANTY. — Failure of seeds to produce a good crop is dependent upon so 

 many causes, as every experienced cultivator well knows, that the utmost care 

 with the seeds and planting cannot control it, and the maturing of a crop also 

 sometimes fail from causes that- no human power can control. We know that the 

 seeds we offer are unsurpassed in quality, yet with our practical experience of 

 many years as growers we find that crops sometimes fail no matter how good the 

 seed. Hence to guarantee seed to invariably produce a perfect crop would be sheer 

 folly. Under all these circumstances, while we exercise the greatest care to have 

 all seeds pure and reliable, we do not give any warranty, expressed or implied. If 

 the goods are not accepted on these conditions they must be returned at once and 

 the money paid for same will be refunded. 



MARKET GARDENERS AND DEALERS who buy Seeds in bulk and in large 

 quantities are requested to send for our Wholesale Price List. 



OUR RESPONSIBILITY. — As this Catalogue will go into the hands of many 

 who have never dealt with us, we kindly ask for a trial order from you, which 

 shall have our best attention. As to our standing, we refer you to the Pella Na- 

 tional Bank, to the Postmaster, or to the Express Agent. 



In conclusion we tender you our thanks for past favors, and trust to hear from 

 many of our customers. Wishing you again a prosperous and Happy New Year, 

 we remain, Yours Respectfully, 



COLE'S SEED STORE 



Pella, Iowa, January 1, 1904 



E. M. COLE, Proprietor 



