ROSES 
''T was claimed by Catullus, the ancient, that the original 
rose was white and that it first blushed red out of shame 
for having wounded the feet of Venus. The phrase ^' sub 
rosa," in common use at the present day, was the emblem of 
lecrecy used by the Romans, who, at the height of the Empire's 
glory, strewed their streets and banquet halls with the scented 
petals, and laved themselves in rosc-perfimed waters. 
In song and poetry the rose has been enthroned in the heart 
of the people these thousand years, and to-day the loyal heart of 
flower-lovers, wherever found, turns wistfully to every new touch 
of beauty and form that genius and science give to their queen. 
California champions the world in the profusion and regal beauty 
of her roses. Exempt from the rigors of the eastern climate, 
their vigor and floriference is unchecked and their culture easy. 
The dainty teas, the rampant climbers, the rough and ready 
hybrids, vie with each other in healthful rivalry and wealth of 
beauty. 
Our list comprises all the most desirable varieties, and to it 
we add, each season, all the new sorts which our extensive tests 
prove to be worthy of general culture. In this way our customers 
are saved many expensive, and oft provoking experiments, and 
can be assured that their roses, after months of care, will not prove "all thorns. Literally, 
fields of roses — "the atr perfumed" — is what can be seen at our nurseries any day in season, 
thousands and tens of thousands of clean, vigorous bushes, waiting to be transplanted to our 
customers' gardens, where they will receive the individual care and love which only the true fiower- 
lover can give. 
SUNSET. 
