PREFACE 



Every man is a potential rose grower ; therefore, a 

 possible reader of The Rose Book. It would then 

 be excessive modesty to make an apology (as is common 

 with writers of gardening books) for the appearance of 

 this, the very latest work on roses. The moment is, in 

 fact, opportune, for during recent years varieties have 

 increased at a remarkable rate, even in such numbers as 

 seriously to bewilder the amateur rosarian; new classes 

 have arisen, and methods of cultivation have been per- 

 fected. Discriminating guidance is needed by the un- 

 learned in rose-growing who would have his garden 

 full to overflowing with blossom and feel justified in 

 joining in the poet's song: 



" Everywhere are roses, roses ; 

 Here a-blow, and there a-bud. 

 Here in pairs, and there in posies." 



The Rose Book makes a bid for the post of com- 

 panion-guide, essaying to tell not merely how things 

 are done in the rose garden and when to do them, but 

 ^j- also to warm the heart of the amateur with words of 

 cr> encouragement and to urge him ever onward with 

 visions of rose beauty still unattained. First and chiefly, 

 „.-it is designed to assist the real beginner that he may 



