10 INTRODUCTION 



H. L. Collier, those well-known rose experts whose contributions 

 makeup Chapter XI, I hereby express deep appreciation. 



Frequent use has been made in this volume of the work and 

 findings of the American Rose Society, principally as published 

 in the ''American Rose Annual," edited by J. Horace McFarland, 

 whose permission and kindly cooperation are hereby gratefully 

 acknowledged. 



How universal has been the devotion of the race to this 

 "flower of flowers" is attested by the praise of poets through- 

 out the ages. I like to think of the passages quoted as messages 

 of sweetness and beauty borne by the flowers from their Creator 

 and by the poets caught and distilled into verse like precious 

 attar of roses. 



Do not these thoughts suggest that we, too, may get our 

 messages direct from that same Great Source if we but attend 

 at Nature's shrine? Shall we, with Thomas Edward Brown, 

 be able to say: 



"A garden is a lovesome thing, God wot! 

 Rose plot, 

 Fringed pool, 

 Ferned grot. 

 The veriest school 

 Of peace; and yet the fool 

 Contends that God is not! 

 Not God! in gardens! when the eve is cool. 

 Nay, but I have a sign; 

 'Tis very sure God walks in mine." 



May the pages which follow lead the reader straight toward 



a richer practical experience in a pastime which "age cannot 



wither." 



R. P. 



Rose Hill, West Grove, Pa. 

 March ^i, ig2^ 



