i 


To THts—THe “LITTLE Rose Liprary,” Our GRATEFUL ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 
CWhat ©Fs a Good Rose eCatalouge? 
“What sane rose-lover would be other than grateful to be given 
the whole truth about a rose!” —J. Horace McFarLanp, 1924 
Would you enjoy a rose catalogue which emphasized a variety’s 
faults as well as its virtues? Would you consider well that perform- 
ances vary with location and climate, and the rose which purrs for 
you may be unhappy even with your neighbor? These thoughts we 
wrote to Dr. John G. Gage, of Arcadia, California, who knows his 
roses and his nurserymen. We print the pertinent parts of his reply 
as follows— 
“What would be my reaction to a catalogue which told the plain, 
unvarnished truth about the roses listed? I would stand up and shout! 
A catalogue to get my 100% approval should not only describe the 
blooms, but should tell how much the variety blooms; whether it does 
best in full sun or appreciates a bit of shade; whether it is a vigorous 
plant or a bit on the puny side; whether or not it mildews; whether 
the pests find it good eating; how tall the plants become. Also whether 
the buds ball or open slowly, or fly open and are short-lived; whether 
47 
