Re: Masochism (was Re: color codes)
- To: Multiple recipients of list <i*@rt66.com>
- Subject: Re: Masochism (was Re: color codes)
- From: m*@worldiris.com (Mike Lowe)
- Date: Tue, 27 Jan 1998 06:51:25 -0700 (MST)
Linda Mann asks...
>Has anybody written an annotated guide to the color charts used in the
>R&I books?
Yes.
The gurus of color classification were Irene and J. Arthur Nelson. They
wrote and constantly updated, a series of AIS published and distributed
booklets titled 'IRIS color classification.' They also wrote chapter 27,
Iris Color Classification, in 'Garden Irises' ed. L.F. Randolph; The
American Iris Society, St. Louis, Missouri, 1959.
Be aware, the entire complicated, cumbersome, confusing and ever changing
color classification scheme of the 50s and 60s was an artifact of 'Color
Classified' Iris Shows. When iris were entered into sections divided by
color class, SOME arbiter or guide was needed to keep the murders committed
between outraged competitors, show placement officials and perplexed
judges; to a minimum.
J. Arthur and Irene brought out a new pamphlet almost every year in an
attempt to facilitate placement by color class. The time required for a
placement accepted by all, the ensuing arguments when a placement was
challenged, and the ever expanding list of classes, sub-classes and
sub-sub-classes finally led to the collapse and abandonment of the entire
system after J. Arthur Nelson's death in 1974.
We now do shows, mostly, by cultivar (variety) class and the mayhem is much
reduced.
Cheers,
Mike Lowe mlowe@worldiris.com http://www.worldiris.com
