the blooms are ‘good to the last drop’, or are unpleasant to lpok at the 
second day. But Great Scott! There are so many things which should 
be said that I doubt if it is possible to avoid writing a book instead of 
a catalogue. 
There are a lot of us who want nice roses and seriously try to grow 
them. And it is to this group the catalogue you have in mind will 
appeal. We have guessed and gambled and feel that we have been 
fooled and hornswoggled by the catalogues which describe roses as 
they usually ‘aint.’ A catalogue which tells all, both good and the bad, 
will be most welcome.” 
And so for you, Dr. Gage, and for you, gentle reader, we will do 
our best to describe our roses as we have viewed them here and else- 
where, telling “‘all.” : 
This simple catalogue is written chiefly for the experienced rose- 
enthusiast, not that it claims any special rose wisdom, but because it 
lists many old and unusual varieties seldom found in catalogues of 
today. When available, we have used the mellow words of those wiser 
than we, who loved these old roses and described them well. 
To you, the old customers, who knew the late Francis E. Lester, 
and supported his efforts to preserve the Roses of Yesterday, a special 
word of greeting and appreciation. 
Soester Rose Gardens 
Marjorie W. LestTER — WILL TILLOTSON 
<a 
Summer 1947. A year has passed since the foregoing was written, 
and many fine letters from customers and good friends have enter- 
tained and encouraged us; they have taught us a lot about our own 
roses. 
It is you, after all, who, by trial in your gardens, the country over, 
best determine the stuff these roses are made of. Why not a rose 
catalogue for 1949 written by YOU! 
For every rose description, in whole or part, which factually, 
sentimentally, or for any reason, merits inclusion in our next cata- 
logue, we will give five rose plants of your selection, in small apprecia- 
tion. 
THE FIRST CUSTOMER WRITTEN ROSE CATALOGUE! 
Will you help? Then write us when our roses are blooming in YOUR 
garden. 
WS 
In gardening, the division between the amateur and the profes- 
sional is often but a matter of words or financial interest. The 
only real difference between one interested gardener and another 
is the time available for study, the seeing eye, and retentive 
memory.” —OLp GARDEN RosEs 
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