INTRODUCTION". XV 



to the character of every rose mentioned in the 

 work, will, we think, prove especially useful. 



Incorrectness in the names of plants has long 

 been a stio:ma on commercial srardenino^ ; none can 

 pretend to be quite immaculate in this matter, but 

 all may become still more careful in avoiding 

 these inaccuracies. Every nurserj'man is now 

 aAvare of the great responsibility resting upon 

 him relative to correct nomenclature, and no 

 honest man will condescend to contribute in 

 spreading the practice of attaching a false name. 

 On this point we think Philadelphia nurserymen 

 are as free from reproach as any in the Union, 

 and I may be permitted to add, that in rose cul- 

 ture they are adepts, living, as they do, as it were 

 in a very hot-bed of roses^ fostered by the judicious 

 manao-ement of the Horticultural Societv, and 

 encouraged by the patronage of the lovers of 

 flowers, who, amongst us, are almost as numerous 

 as the dwellings of our city and county. It 

 would be ungrateful not to add my sincere ac- 

 knowledgments to all those to whom I am in- 

 debted for valuable information, and in an espe- 

 cial manner to a lady amateur, whose valuable 

 services have frequently brightened our ideas. 

 And, finally, we place this humble offering under 

 the patronage of the Ladies, trusting that their 



