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varieties. There are a number of thii\c:s which need to be done, 

 and a program witli special reference to the Japanese varieties 

 has been developed which if followed out may result in the solu- 

 tion of some of the problems. 



1. Idcntificafion of Varieties and Nomenclature. — There is a 

 great deal of confusion regarding the proper identification of 

 varieties of Japanese irises. The same name has been applied to 

 two or more dilTerent plants and also the same variety has been 

 listed bv different growers under different names. The original 

 importations of these irises came from Japan, several being made 

 independently by growers in Europe and America. A great deal 

 of confusion in the noiuenclature exists, and this is due in i^art to 

 Japanese nurserymen sending out varieties incorrectly labeled ; 

 in ])art to the difficulty in spelling Japanese names ; in part to the 

 different translations of Japanese names; and finally the practice 

 of renaming the Jaj^anese varieties in Europe and America. 



In order to properly identify the varieties and apply to them 

 the correct name, it is necessary to get together and grow all 

 named plants. It ma\- then be possible, by means of the original 

 published descriptions and illustrations, to correctly identify many 

 of the original varieties. Previous to the fall of 1924, the Botanic 

 Garden, through the cooperation of The American Iris Society, 

 had assembled a collection of about eighty varieties, or rather that 

 number of plants were received under the corresponding number 

 of names. Last fall the Garden added about fiftv different 

 ])lants. many of these, however, under names already listed. Dur- 

 ing this spring approximately one hundred varieties have been im- 

 ported from Europe. In addition, through the active coopera- 

 tion of Eresident John G. Wister of The American Iris Society, 

 several American growers have sent a number of plants for grow- 

 ing in the Test Garden, over one hundred plants having been re- 

 ceived. 



When the collection has become fairly complete and the plants 

 cive vigorous bloom it may be possible to attain some accuracy in 

 the identification of varieties. The preparation of an authentic 

 check-list giving the correct spelling, meaning and ai)plication of 

 names to definite varieties and the reduction to synonymy of the 



