62 A BOOK ABOUT ROSES. 



as I would fain write, without respecting persons, the truth 

 for all. If I have any special sympathy, it is certainly with 

 the poorer portion of our brotherhood ; and as I have 

 passed through all the grades of Rose-growing, commencing 

 with a dozen only (nay, I well remember the Rose which 

 first won my allegiance, D'Aguesseau Gallica, as a man 

 remembers the first love-smile of his heart's queen), and 

 gradually increased to my present maximum of 3000 

 (maximum, do I say ? trop 11 est pas asscz ; and if I had 

 Nottinghamshire full of Roses, I should desire Derbyshire 

 for a budding-ground), I can identify myself with Rose- 

 growers of all denominations, and with Rose-gardens of 

 every shape and size. 



And the directions which I have offered apply equally to 

 the small as to the larger Rosary — expose to the morning's 

 sunshine, protect from cutting wind. Give the best place in 

 your garden to the flower which deserves it most. In the 

 smallest plot, you may make, if you do not find, such a site 

 as I have described. You will make it if you are in earnest. 

 I have seen old boards, old staves (reminding one of the 

 time when the Bordeaux casks made fences commonly in 

 English gardens), old sacking, torn old tarpaulins — yes, 

 once an old black serge petticoat — set up by the poor to 



