Re:Iris Shows - Show Biz


	Iris show fanatics use many tactics of showmanship in order to win
blue ribbons and the rosette for the Best Specimen of the show.  I am
listing some I have observed and am wondering if any of the following
tricks might be considered unethical.  

	Section C-3 of the HANDBOOK FOR JUDGES AND SHOW OFFICIALS
published by the American Iris Society is entitled "Exhibition Judging
Tall Bearded Irises."  Grooming is discussed at length, and there is only
one vague statement that touches on this discussion I am presenting as
"Show Biz."  On page C-19 is the statement, "The Judge must refrain from
accusing an exhibitor of over-refrigeration or forcing as these
accusations are impossible to confirm."  So, is it ethical to:

	1. Refrigerate a stalk to suspend and hold the bloom for the show?

	2. Heat a stalk in the bathroom to force open a reluctant bud?

	3. Chill a stalk under airconditioning in the bedroom to hold an
open bloom for the show?

	4. Use a hairdryer to blow open a bud?

	5. Wrap opening buds in tissue to prevent buds from opening until
show?

	6. Use an aspirin, Sprite, or Listerine in the bottle of water to
maintain freshness?

	7. Use ice water in the bottle of water to hold an open bloom?

	8. Use warm water in the bottle of water to force open a bloom?

	9. Use a pill bottle or wedge to make a bud tow out or to force an
open flower on a branch away from the stalk for a better display of that
flower?

       10. Use a make-up brush in grooming your stalk?

	Thanks for your comments!


	Walter Moores
	Enid Lake, MS 7/8
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