4 INTRODUCTION. 



the experts, and although amateurs will be found with 

 certain expert knowledge, yet they are in the minority 

 and the experiences of the trade divides them from 

 the professional class. The Rose Encyclopaedia is 

 written by an amateur for amateurs, and if I have 

 in any way been guilty of the sins of omission I must 

 plead the status of the amateur. 



That this book may be a success, 1 have done 

 all in my power to secure the help of the rose-growing 

 trade in the filling up of forms for full particular^, of 

 all roses, old and new, raised by individual firms. I 

 take it that no one can better describe a variety than 

 the raiser and grower of large quantities of the same; 

 however, I have largely edited these reports, and ex- 

 perience has been my guide. The sections devoted to 

 selections and plantings were compiled after a care- 

 ful review of all catalogues and rose lists of our best 

 firms, and although cut down owing to lack of 

 space, yet any firm that has been mentioned in the 

 pages of this book will from their catalogues 

 furnish complete or alternative schemes upon request, 

 and, further, will carry out the laying out and planting 

 of any garden of the dimensions designed. In cases 

 where a grower advocates certain varieties in pre- 

 ference to any that I have suggested, 1 bow to his 

 superior knowledge, for I take it such suggestions 

 will only be made after a more perfect knowledge of 

 soil, surroundings, and situation. The rose grower 

 can always rest assured of this, that the nursery en- 

 gaged will in its own interests carry out the work 

 entrusted to its care both to the credit of its firm and 

 the satisfaction of its client. 



