a difficult and complicated breeding problem, but now they 
can be produced quite consistently. 
Our irises are mostly of variegata origin. This is a hardy 
strain, as the home of the variegata is Hungary where clim- 
atic conditions are similar to those of eastern Nebraska and 
Iowa. They are adapted to the larger portion of the United 
States, but are not reliable in the warmer regions with little 
or no frost. In these sections they often fail to bloom or 
bloom on very short stems. The reason is that the variegatas 
are waiting for the approach of winter and as they usually 
start growth late in the year, they will be caught by the 
heat. 
The variegata gives the entire color range of the beard- 
ed irises except blue. Hans and Jacob Sass used variegatas 
in their early experiments more frequently than any other 
pioneer breeders to obtain a wide color range. They used 
Trojana to overcome the dominance of low growth in the 
varigatas and gain height and infusion of Macrantha or 
Amas blood to increase the size of the bloom. 
Plant irises in sunny, well drained locations. The rhi- 
zome, the botanical term for the creeping rootstock from 
which the true roots grow, should be placed just below the 
surface of the soil, making a hole sufficiently large to 
spread out the roots. Pack the soil around them, water and 
do not let them dry out until new growth has started. Point 
the growing points in the same direction when planting three 
or more rhizomes of the same variety. If, as so often done, 
they are pointed in opposite direction the result will be a 
clump with an open center which will not produce a solid 
mass of bloom. July and August are the best planting 
months, but they can be planted at any time the soil can be 
worked. 
We are introducing only three irises this year—in reality 
only two—as the entire available stock of one was sold out 
to visitors to our fields last season. Two of these are Jacob 
Sass originations, one of the first originations sponsored by 
our new firm. We make our debut with: 
MATTIE GATES (Sass Brothers) 1946.—This was Seed- 
ling 42-50, a yellow of the same reverse bitone pattern as 
Golden Fleece, but enough deeper in tone to make it distinct 
from that variety. It also has heavier substance...... $25.00 
SALMONETTE (Jacob Sass) 1946, Seedling 44-39.—One 
of a series of new pinks. According to Ridgway light ochra- 
ceous salmon. In effect a yellowish pink or salmon self. A 
tangerine beard blends so well into the ground color of the 
bloom that it is not conspicuous. Medium sized blooms on 34 
to 36 inch well branched stems. (H. C., 1945) ........ $50.00 
RAINBOW ROOM (Jacob Sass) 1946.—A remarkable 
new blend so named because it seems to us to contain all the 
colors of the rainbow. At the end of the beard in the center 
of the fall a metallic blotch gives a striking contrast. Sold 
mremrtrmcnise year. CH. ©., 1945). 62s Whe cede cancwdens $40.00 
OTHER SASS IRISES 
ALEPPO PLAIN (J. Sass, 1943)—A yellow plicata. 
Cream ground heavily dotted and sanded on edge forming a 
border of Pansy Purple. Large flowers on 36-inch good 
IEE ESE CIM s ofs, 03,4 4 circa ade be so bie 6.5 Hm oes ew 4 $15.00 
AMENTI (H. P. Sass, 1936)—S, grayish vinaceous. F, 
light mauve. Beard pale yellow. 36-inch branching stem. .25c 
AMITOLA (H. P. Sass, 1936)—S, and stigmas light russet 
vinaceous. F, Tourmaline pink. Beard bright yellow. 38-inch 
BPR AMCMING SEONU ote cline cle eGale as dea aeldilesaceues 25c 
ANITRA (H. P. Sass, 1936)—Verbena violet self. Celeste 
color. S, domed. F, flaring. Large flowers on 36-inch branch- 
Ee a leih aie dclicin ae adie ec decncescedcescess 50c 
AUTUMN FLAME (H. P. Sass, 1941)—A big, tall, bright 
MP OUIIOPe AL, DIOOMECT 6c ges cece eta es alslecea dees $5.00 
