T HE normal man likes to talk about beautiful things. 
My greeting to my friends who are lovers of flowers 
has reference to two of the most beautiful of flowers. 
In the production of them I have an unusual interest and 
the greatest satisfaction. 
Universal in appeal are the Peony and the Iris. Of all the 
sweet strains that compose the symphony of the flowers, 
none is more charming and enchanting. Memory takes 
us back to grandmother’s garden. Her love for the Peony 
and the Iris has prompted us to improve and develop these old-fashioned flowers. The 
newer and more charming varieties prompt us to continue the production of unique and 
choicer varieties. Imagine grandmother’s amazement could she glimpse the magnificent 
beauty acquired by her modest favorite through two generations of skillful, intensive, 
scientific breeding and cultivation of the Peony and the Iris. 
The perfection of the Peony and the Iris, as the Peterson product is known today, is 
due to a sincere desire to achieve the highest and best in Peony and Iris production, 
concentrated effort, sincere devotion, of advanced intelligence, urged by our grand¬ 
mothers’ brand of love for the beauties of Nature as typified in these wonderful flowers. 
Recognizing the place the Peony and the Iris deservedly hold in the affections of their 
legion of admirers, I know of no more worthy ambition than this—earnestly to strive for 
the fulfillment of my father’s aims in the culture of two flowers only — the Peony and the Iris. 
I believe the profuse assortment of trustworthy varieties I have arranged for convenient 
selection in Peterson’s Master Lists of both the Peony and the Iris provides for every 
requirement of the flower lover, as well as of the average devotee. Some of the unusually 
choice varieties are set forth in this book. Large supplies are not available. It will be a 
pleasure for me to serve my flower friends while the supply holds out. 
JVM. A. ^PETERSON 
