PREFACE 



It seems right to make some sort of apology, as most 

 of my predecessors have done, for putting forth another 

 Rose-book when there are already so many ; but per- 

 haps it is not really required, as the columns devoted 

 to the subject every week in horticultural literature 

 show that there is ever something fresh to be said on 

 the different matters connected with the Rose. 



My idea was, in the first place, to give, from an 

 amateur, full details of practical culture for amateurs 

 from the beginning to the end : and I ought to be able 

 to do this satisfactorily even if I have not succeeded, as, 

 under unfavourable conditions of soil and situation, 

 I have done with my own hands every portion of the 

 work, from raising and establishing the stocks to carry- 

 ing off a champion challenge cup at the Crystal Palace. 

 Secondly, to give such descriptions of the best known 

 Roses as should tell of their faults and bad habits 

 as well as of their good qualities and perfections, 

 since I have good reason to believe a record of this 

 sort will be welcomed. And thirdly, if possible, to 

 make a readable as well as useful book : under no 



