Mermaid. H. Bracteata. (1918.) We cannot think of Mermaid except in 
association with Frank Lester, and the beautiful specimen plant which he trained 
over the Lester Rose Garden sign carved by his own hand. Much has been written 
about Mermaid, in highest praise, but no-one has excelled the clarity and honesty of 
his own words which follow, because, perhaps, his admiration was so great— 
‘A Climbing Rose of inexpressible beauty, quite different to any other, strongly 
recommended by us for all climates since introducing some years hence, each year 
with heartier response and greater praise. The wax-like, leathery, deep-green foliage 
is quite disease proof and, in mild climates, quite evergreen. The enormous, single, 
yellow, deliciously fragrant flowers, each with its great mass of golden staemens, are 
of rare beauty and borne continuously all through the season. Seedling of Rosa 
Bracteata, a fine Asiatic Wild Rose, it withstands neglect and is quite free from 
attacks of the usual rose pests. Can be grown as climber with support up to twelve 
feet, but is best suited to low wall or fence, on a bank, or as massive, handsome 
garden shrub.” LESTER CATALOGUE 1933. 1.50 
Mme. Alfred Carriere. Noisette (1879.) A blush-white, vigorous 
climber, with a great mass of spring bloom, recurring throughout the season; large 
double, globular and intensely fragrant. Fairly covers the west end of the Lester 
cottage and insists on entering the upper window. Like most roses of its type, old 
canes should be removed occasionally for maximum bloom. 1.50 
Mme. Butterfly. H. Tea. (1918.) We are strong admirers of the fine old 
Ophelia, and Mme. Butterfly is its favorite child. Deeper in color—‘Pink, faintly 
tinted gold,” sweetly fragrant, gracefully formed—rated by the National Rose 
Society, “‘best of its type.” 1.50 
Mme. d’Hebray. Centifolia. (1820.) In our spring garden notes, 
appears the following—‘“This has turned out to be one of the most attractive of our 
‘new’ old roses. Its blooms seem unaffected by any of our pests and its fragrance is 
delightful; is the typical cup-shaped, many petalled Centifolia. Color clear, lasting, 
gentle pink. Blooms in clusters of three to six. Healthy, vigorous, many caned 
bush.” Mrs. L. says “wonderful!” 125 
Mme. Gregoire Staechlin. (Spanish Beauty.) | Creation of the famed 
Spanish expert, Pedro Dot. A very lusty, climbing hybrid perpetual, blooming 
lavishly from laterals in spring and early summer. “Its fairy-airy pink loveliness 
reminds one of that sweet young thing who passes you at garden parties, looking 
cool, fresh, and altogether charming, in organdie and garden hat, while you are 
perspiring in your best wool Sunday suit.” 
Garden Notes, 1948. Another year’s observation only strengthens our opinion— 
this is among the most beautiful and distinctive of all the pink climbers, old or 
modern. Blooms are long-lasting and shatter quickly and neatly, when finished. Has 
been especially attractive, in the display garden, intermingled with the handsome 
white climber, Mrs. Herbert Stevens.” 1.50 
Mme. Hardy. Damask. (1832.) We repeat our statement in last year’s 
catalogue—‘“‘the finest of its Damask type,”’ with the added emphasis and enthusiasm 
of another season’s experience. There is something so jewel-like, so exquisitely per- 
fect in the arrangement of its many pure white petals, it might well serve as a model 
for Tiffany. Nature, thinking better of its almost austere creation, has added a 
touch of palest pink in the center. Just another over-enthusiasm of ours, you say? 
Well, here are the words of Bobbink & Atkins, who should know, “We consider it the 
most beautiful and fragrant of the white old fashioned Roses.” LAs 
OTA 
