The Rose Encyclopaedia. 



CHAPTER I. 



INTRODUCTION. 



" For the Rose, ho ! the Rose, is the grace oj the 

 earth ! " — Sappho. 



In the writing and compilation of this book I 

 have had before me three objects, (i) The furtherance 

 of Rose culture. (2) The promotion of the British 

 Horticultural trade. (3) The guidance and assistance 

 of the amateur grower. 



Who would not break a thorn in the interests of 

 the " Queen of Flowers " ! For many years it has 

 been my intention to write a book in her honour and 

 to testify to her sterling worth, but the opportunity 

 long evaded my wishes, and notes and memories of 

 the past stood in danger of being forgotten. Had 

 it not been for my enterprising printers and publishers, 

 Messrs. Vickery, Kyrle & Co., of 4, Great Marl- 

 borough Street, London, I doubt if in these difficult 

 days this book would have been produced. 



Cost of production has necessitated a less 

 elaborate work than was at first intended, and dreams 

 of numberless roses illustrated in colour or by photo- 

 graphy have been almost dispelled. Such are costly 

 embellishments, when introduced on a large scale, and 

 although they add to the value of a book, and promote the 

 interests of traders, pleasing the eye, yet they tend to 

 make the price of a work prohibitive to the crowd, and 

 for this reason are better kept within bounds. 



