54 THE AMATEURS’ GUIDE 
CLASSIFICATION. 
The classification of Roses is somewhat arbitrary, and far from 
being clear and distinct. We have selected such only as have 
proved to be worthy of cultivation, and shall endeavor to give an 
accurate description of their habit, growth, color, &. In some 
instances, however, we may be mistaken, for it is rather a difficult 
task to describe accurately the peculiar tints of some roses; beside 
which, many varieties of the Rose, owing to soil and cultivation, 
oceasionally ‘‘sport,”” presenting, at the same time, different tints 
and colors. It has been our aim to give the correct name of each, 
and its synonymes, in order to protect the Amateur against impo- 
sition and assist him in his selection. 
The cultivation of the Rose is very simple, the main secret con- 
sisting in having the soil well drained, pulverized, depth, and 
richness. By keeping the ground free from weeds, and enriching 
the soil when requisite, with a judicious selection of plants, all can 
readily secure their successful cultivation. 
The Amateur generally finds himself confused when making his 
selection of plants from the extensive catalogues of nurseymen ; for, 
between the name and color described as appertaining to some 
particular plant, (named after some celebrated beauty,) his imagi- 
nation become centered on the charms and loveliness of the origi- 
nal, and he, in all probability, selects those which are compara- 
tively worthless. In order to assist him in making a judicious 
selection, we have enumerated the best varieties now in cultiva- 
tion. The synonymes are in ¢talic. 
