HIST: SPEC: REF: Nose-Specific Fragrances

Greetings.
 
Does anyone recall ever hearing anything about any Iris having a  fragrance 
that only some highly sensitive noses can detect?
 
I suppose I should provide some disclaimers here:  I am not  talking about 
the scientific aspects of this question. I think we all appreciate  that some 
noses are more sensitive than others; that some noses can't smell some  floral 
fragrances; that perception of plant fragrances may vary a good deal  due to 
prevailing times and conditions, as, indeed, may the fragrances  themselves. 
 
What I am asking about falls squarely into the category of plant  lore. 
 
Elizabeth Lawrence in her book *A Southern Garden* speaks of some  irises 
being said to have fragrances only some folks could smell, and this  sensitivity, 
this ability to smell those particular irises specifically, was  seen as a 
social discriminator, a mark of refinement and class, all of which is  very like 
the story of the Princess and the Pea. 
 
The irises Lawrence mentions in this context are I. florentina, and I.  
persica. 
 
Has anyone ever run into any of this sort of thinking? Do you recall where?  
I expect it is likely to be in a pre-1950 sort of context or source.  

Responses to my private line would be much appreciated.
 
Cordially,
 
Anner Whitehead
Richmond VA USA 

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