1934 IRIS LOVER'S CATALOG
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COVER: The cover of the catalog is of thick cardstock, with detailed texturing. It is unusual in that the catalog is only five inches wide (Height 10.575"). It looks like a pamphlet or brochure, but contains 64 pages of Iris information. It was probably done this way due to the economic times of the Great Depression, although I have yet to look further into it.

ABOUT: The early Schreiner's Iris Lover's Catalogs were very much different than those of today. Along with previous catalogs, the 1934 edition contained no photographs and read much more like a book. This was done at least until 1938, as the 1939 catalog contain photographs.
     The top feature was the 100 Best Iris in which cultivars (tall bearded only) were ranked. They were then sub-grouped into twelve color categories.

GREETING: Each succeeding issue of "An Iris Lover's Catalog," (this being the seventh) is an earnest attempt to perform a distinctive and worthwhile service to all Iris loving people - an attempt to reveal in a simple, helpful way, the soul-satisfying fascination and happiness to be found in this delightful hobby - and how to go about it.
     Our method of presentation is not only comprehensive, but classifies the multitude of Iris varieties into color groups; gives the relative merit of each variety in each group, regardless of price; tabulates other interesting data and includes our personal comments on most of the Iris listed; thus familiarizing the Iris enthusiast with the most desirable Iris available.
     The mission of our catalog is to give impartial Iris data compiled form judgments from our own observations, both in our own gardens and in others throughout the country. No attempt is made to highly colour our descriptions or conceal qualities that may be detrimental - our comments are simply a straightforward, honest attempt to present the facts, leaving the decision up to you.
     Next year will see a decided innovation in our catalog presentation - an idea which we believe will interest all Iris lovers - but another blooming season is necessary to collect and tabulate the information required. There will also be included many notes taken while visiting Iris gardens throughout the country, many belonging to famous hybridizers including those in California and Tennessee.
     This year we are introducing a number of very promising Iris which we have grown from seedlings, some the result of our own breeding, others sent to us for test adn evaluation by eminent breeders. Although we have been growing seedlings for several years, we have not previously felt that they warranted introduction, despite the urging of many distinguished visitors. Now, our endeavors for the creation of finer Iris are beginning to materialize. We hope to have opinions from other national authorities when these seedlings bloom this year. The devlopment of fine Iris is indeed a most fascinating pursuit.
     We believe you will find this catalog wonderfully informative and helpful - entirely different from any other published, and hope you will continue sending us your candid comments, not only on the type of our catalog, but on our appraisal of any particular Iris. We appreciate and welcome suggestions which may help us improve our catalogs and our service.
     We take this opportunity of expressing our appreciation and heartfelt thanks for your patronage and good will, and hope we may merit your consideration when you order Iris this year.

     ROBERT SCHREINER

IRISES INTRODUCED:
     SCHREINER INTROS:
           Autumn Frost (their first introduction!)

     OTHER INTROS:
           Byzantium (Dr. Wylie Ayres)
           Cheerio (Dr. Wylie Ayres)
           Indigo Bunting (Dr. Wylie Ayres)
           Parthenon (Clarence Connell)
           St. Louis (Joseph Wiesner)
           Tint O'Tan (Dr. Wylie Ayres)

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