is and {Nal 
Looking forward, for a fact. The winter has seemed even longer than usual. 
Due to “news,” probably—which can be as depressing as continual rainfall. One 
is more than ever anxious for Iris Season. January days being particularly dull, 
no doubt a pepper-upper was in order, and likely the “boom” served the purpose. 
Although from here it appeared to swing a bit wild, and miss where it might have 
done the most good! But not wasted—having served its turn in keeping the cor- 
respondence lively. 
While I am not one of the oldest members, my first card is dated 1931. Through- 
out these years have managed to enjoy much of it, endure some of it, disagree with 
part of it, and take real pleasure in Iris all the way. As well as in new and old 
friendships. And that, undoubtedly, is reason enough for sending in a ’52 mem- 
bership 
There are better Iris varieties, and more interesting developments year by year 
regardless of what may be written at times. And a considerable number of Hy- 
bridists all doing good work, rather than a mere half-dozen or less. Allowing this 
and extent of territory involved, a list of thirty-seven Honorable Mentions is not 
a long one. And the twelve votes required not as “easy” as might appear to the 
casual observer. As to a “highest” award—it might do very well in England or 
France. But for the entire United States and Canada, and now (since that rule 
also has been changed to read “introduction” rather than “origination,,’ the World 
at large, it is at best rather inadequate! (Like employing one brush stroke to 
paint a building.) One of the few things that hasn’t changed—but is the same 
as when the Society membership numbered one thousand or less, and the hybrid- 
izing in proportion. 
Time and again, as in the past, varieties equally worthy will not receive a 
medal. Best illustrated by reviewing two of the latest “Symposiums,” one Na- 
tional, the other Regional. In these two lists, recent medalists placed as follows: 
AIS, 1951 Region Eleven, 1951 
Cherie—4th Cherie—59th 
Blue Rhythm—1st Blue Rhythm—1st 
Helen McGregor—dth Helen McGregor—23rd 
Ola Kala—9th Ola Kala—6th 
Chivalry—7th Chivalry—22nd 
Other varieties not medalists: 
AIS, 1951 Region Eleven, 1951 
Amandine—2nd Amandine—72nd 
Blue Shimmer—3rd Blue Shimmer—7th 
Lady Mohr—6éth Lady Mohr—4th 
Master Charles—8th Master Charles—16th 
New Snow—10th New Snow—24th 
Cascade Splendor—11th Cascade Splendor—40th 
Bryce Canyon—12th Bryce Canyon—14th 
Pink Cameo—13th Pink Cameo—8th 
