Forenord 
GREETINGS FOR 1947 
Bacon wrote “God Almighty first planted a garden, 
and indeed it is the finest of human pleasures”. 
So let us work in, and enjoy our gardens for they are 
at the roots of our living, and are among our greatest 
assets. They will help us to regain our sense of values, and 
Im a measure relieve the pressure of modern life. 
Each year, we endeavor to see most of the newest iris, 
and in doing this travel to many parts of the country, se- 
lecting seedlings from different hybridizers that we think 
worthy of being grown in our garden with the idea of in- 
troducing them to the public if they prove distinctive from 
other varieties, and are dependable in our northern climate. 
Also we use the same discrimination in choosing iris that 
are introduced through other gardens, for we wish to list 
only those that are worthy garden subjects. 
We have irises and other perennials for the amateur 
as well as the connoisseur, and we hope you will find en- 
joyment in perusing our catalogue, and selecting plants that 
fit your garden needs. 
For the benefit of those that are not acquainted with 
our catalogues we are giving the following bit of explana- 
tion. After most Bearded Iris varieties you will see initials, 
and numbers, by consulting page 2 of the catalogue you 
will find the definitions covering them. The ratings and 
awards have been compiled by the Committee on Awards 
and Ratings of the American Iris Society, and represent 
the consensus of Judges appointed by the Society, in all 
points of the country. In this way, if you are not familiar 
with newer varieties you can gain a good idea of their de- 
pendableness and garden value. 
This year, we have the pleasure of adding three hy- 
bridizers to those for whom we introduce, and following 
our custom, we are giving you a brief outline of their work 
in hybridizing and other activities. 
Mr, E. G. Laphan of Elkhart, Ind., is a prominent man- 
ufacturer of rubber industrial goods. As a respite from his 
business life, his two hobbies are breeding Irises, and Part- 
ridge Wyandotte Bantams. With both he has been most 
successful for he has won many awards. In the iris world 
he is so well known that he needs no introduction. He 
specializes in red and pink iris, and has a keen sense of color. 
The pink that we are introducing, named Barbara Luddy 
is one of the most distinctive of the new pinks, and I am 
very pleased to present this charming iris that won the 
award of Highly Commended in 1946 given by the American 
Iris Society. 
Mrs, Preston E. Corey of Reading, Mass., is well known 
to many American Iris Society members throughout the 
country. Charming and petite, she is an ardent gardener and 
hybridizer, and one marvels at the great amount of work 
she can accomplish. She has been breeding iris for several 
years, and Deep Night, a glowing Mulberry purple that we 
are introducing this year has been admired from the At- 
lantic to the Pacific coast. 
Mr. William F. Cahoon of Birmingham, Ala., is a de- 
lightful Southerner. By profession a Mechanical Engineer, 
he has specialized in saw mill machinery for many years. 
Always, he has had a great love of plants and their propa- 
gation. Even when a boy, his grandfather once remarked, 
“Tf that boy planted a dead stick, it would grow’. Not only 
has he bred iris, and show poultry, but sweet corn that will 
grow and fruit in Alabama. Long a member of the A.I.S. 
he has been hybridizing iris for some years. Most modest 
about his seedlings, but in Barbara Adams, a deep Blue 
purple self that we are introducing, even he admits it has 
fine qualities. I have watched this iris both in the north 
and south, and it is very worthy of a place in any garden. 
As in previous years, we are introducing several iris 
from other prominent hybridizers. These are distinctive 
both in color and garden value. They have been tested for 
hardiness, and are varieties that we are pleased to introduce. 
The day before Christmas, Dr. Henry Lee Grant of 
Louisville, Ky., passed on after a long illness. To all that 
knew him, his integrity and courage will be long remem- 
bered. To iris lovers, he left a heritage of many fine iris. 
The two that we are presenting this year, Pensive a very 
rich dark Purple, and Frank Drake a cool reverse Yellow 
bicolor are splendid examples of his work in hybridizing. 
The two iris from Prof. E. O. Essig of Berkeley, Calif., 
well represent his skill in breeding. Both are fine upstanding 
iris, and thoroughly hardy in our northern garden. They 
are Arcata a glowing yellow, and The Franciscan a flaring 
deep, dark Purple of sturdy form. 
Red, and red toned iris are uppermost in the line of 
breeding that Mr. W. J. McKee of Worcester, Mass., is fol- 
lowing at the present time. The two which we are introduc- 
ing this year are good examples of his success. Mary Ellen, 
a tall rich red, and Miogem a coppery rose blend, have both 
received the award of Highly Commended from the A.I.§S. 
Nashville, Tenn., is famous for its skillful hybridizers 
of iris. Among them is Mr. Wentworth Caldwell, who is 
most critical of the iris he selects for permanent planting 
in his garden, and doubly so concerning his own seedlings. 
So in the introduction of St. Regis a very heavy substanced 
light blue you are assured of its high quality for it received 
the award of Highly Commended from the A.I.S. in 1944. 
In past years, Dr. Robert J. Graves of Concord, N. H.. 
has established a fine reputation in breeding iris for he has 
produced some of the best white and blue iris in the country. 
Also he has_ been hybridizing for other colors, and Lady 
Louise, a tall and stately cream and yellow is a delightful 
example of his skill. 
From Mr. Jesse E. Wills of Nashville, Tenn., we have 
chosen two most attractive iris for introduction. They are; 
Vigil a very large flowered pure white with an extremely 
long season of bloom, and Snow Crystal the clearest white 
and blue plicata that I have seen. Both have received the 
award of Highly Commended from the A.I.S. 
Syringa, the second introduction of Mrs. Franklin P. 
Lowry of Newton, Mass., lives up to the high standard she 
has set in selecting seedlings for further observation. Clear 
lilac in color, it has a delicious fragrance, and is most dec- 
orative in the garden. It won the award of Highly Com- 
mended in 1946. 
This year, the great variation in color of the introduc- 
tions from Mr. Geddes Douglas of Nashville, Tenn., dem- 
onstrates the extensive lines of breeding that he is carrying 
on, not only in iris, but also in hemerocallis. In iris, Drum 
Major is a deep colorful red, while Billet Doux is a petite 
and dainty blue. Mimosa Gold a brilliant late flowering 
yellow, and Katie Belle, one of his wide crosses, is a lovely 
copper blend. In hemerocallis, Flamboyant as the name im- 
plies is very gay and brilliant. 
Mrs. Walter E. Tobie of Portland, Me., has bred many 
lovely iris, but I think White Russia which we are intro- 
ducing this year, is the finest from her hand. A warm white 
with beautiful placement of the flowers on exceptionally 
well branched stalks. It received the award of Highly Com- 
mended in 1946. 
