Greetings . . 1952 
DEAR IRIS FRIENDS: 
It seems good to be sitting here saying Hello to all of you once again and even 
though I can see the heavily falling snow and the rising drifts outside the window, it 
doesn’t seem at all cold and threatening. Perhaps its just that one knows that March 
always puts up a bold front before giving way to April. Or perhaps its the feeling 
one gets when spring draws near and it seems that it is no longer something to look 
forward to but something to wrap yourself in and rush along with. Possibly its just 
Spring Fever. At any rate its a nice feeling and it seems to me as if the following 
lines describe it pretty accurately. 
Endless snow and frosted pane, How sure you feel, that winter will 
not wane. 
Till suddenly at dawn you feel the air grow soft—you hear a 
Robin sing. 
And while the earth breathless deep in rain, that touches every 
yearning to be growing thing. 
You wake to find the lawn has had its birthday fling. 
You'll be enraptured over Violets and the joy the jonquils bring. 
And marvel at the blueness of the sky, where calling birds have 
taken wing. 
And in the hush that follows, you’ll give thanks, for everything. 
But most of all, it’s Iris, that you'll think of, for Iris is the Heart 
of spring. 
But whatever you want to call it, Spring fever or Anticipation, it’s a nice feeling to 
have and if you are having visions and dreams of a perfect Iris season then you have 
it too. I hope so, and may I say I hope all of your dreams for that perfect season become 
true reality. 
I want you to know that I have certainly enjoyed your many wonderful letters 
relative to my new type catalogue. Due to your appreciation the pages on parentages 
Sincerely, 
CHET TOMPKINS 
TERMS—Cash with order. Check, draft or money order. 
POSTAGE PAID—On all orders of $3.00 or more. With orders for less, add 35c for 
postage. 
SHIPMENT will be made beginning the second week in July, on both Iris and 
Hemerocallis orders, shipped in rotation as received, unless a specific date is requested, 
SUBSTITUTES will not be made unless you send a list of alternates, which will be 
appreciated in the event we run short of any stock; and all items that do not grow or 
might prove to be incorrectly labeled will] be replaced. 
The American Inia Society 
Join the American Iris Society and see the Iris world. (Apologies to the U. S., 
Navy.) But, it’s truer than you think, for the fine quarterly bulletins will take you on 
vivid “Word Trips” to the doorsteps of Irisarians and through their gardens, in almost 
every state and country. JOIN NOW! It’s easy, just send $3.50 to THE AMERICAN 
IRIS SOCIETY, 444 Chestnut Street, Naashville, Tenn. 
FOR ANY GENERAL INFORMATION YOU MAY NEED we suggest the new book 
“The Iris, An Ideal Hardy Perennial,” recently published by the American Iris Society. 
This may be procured directly from them either in heavy paper binding at $1.50 or 
permanently bound in cloth for only $2.50. 
