INTEODUCTION 



It is only a few years ago since I introduced 

 the first edition of this little Manual to the lovers 

 and admirers of the Eose. Xow, the fourth is 

 called for. Each edition with the present has 

 been revised, the inferior sorts displaced, and the 

 new and superior kinds introduced. We had no 

 anticipation of the popularity it was to enjoy, nei- 

 ther had we conceived that the germ of rose cul- 

 ture was at that period ready to burst forth in 

 luxuriant grandeur. This popularity has sur- 

 passed that of any contemporary work on the 

 subject either in this country or Europe. We do 

 not assert this as proof of the merit of the pages, 

 but as a fact confirmatory of the growing and 

 general taste prevailing in the air of the cottage, 

 in the suburban residence, and in the pleasure- 

 grounds of the mansion. The " Sunny South" is 

 the home of the rose; there it grows and blooms 

 from January to Christmas, with all the glorious 



