r 
EUGENE S. BOERNER 
GREETINGS TO THE MANY FRIENDS OF THE RESEARCH DEPARTMENT 
It was in Paris, after my visit to the South of France, that the news reached 
me of the death of my dear friend. Dr. Nicolas. It was my sad task to carry the 
word of his untimely passing to his many long-time associates and admirers in the 
European rose world. 
Back in Newark, I am attempting to pick up the threads of his work and to chart 
my course in his footsteps. It is with a sense of sadness, over the loss of a 
friend, and at the same time inspiration at having been chosen to carry on, that I 
approach this great responsibility. 
I feel it is my great fortune that I was for so many years closely associated 
with Dr. Nicolas and that he shared and discussed with me his hopes and goals in 
his rose work. I hope to follow thru on many of the projects he had in mind. 
Sharp in my recollections are many six A.M. sessions in the rose garden in 
Newark with him and Mr. Perkins when we caught the roses with the first flush of 
their opening. I can still hear his voice exclaiming fervently over the soft blend¬ 
ings or clarity of colors which the heat of the midsummer sun had not yet been able 
to dilute or transform. 
I shall be greatly aided in my work by having possession of Dr. Nicolas' notes, 
horticultural papers and books, which Mrs. Nicolas has kindly passed on to me. 
I anticipate arduous work in my new position, but also a great deal of 
pleasure. I am counting on your continued cooperation toward the furthering of the 
welfare of the rose and horticulture in general. I hope that you will relate to me 
your experiences and call on me for any help that I may be able to offer and I hope 
we shall be able to retain your friendship and have it grow with the years before 
us. 
