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 hon- 
esty of his own words which follow, because, perhaps, his admiration was so 
Steat— 
“A Climbing Rose of inexpressible beauty, quite different to any other, strongly recom- 
mended by us for all but severe climates since introducing some years hence, exch 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 stamens, are of rare beauty 
ana borne continuously all through the season. Seedling of Rosa Bracteata, a fine Astatic 
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 ct 1s best suited to low wall or 
fence, on a bank, or as massive, handsome garden shrub.’’—LxstER CATALOGUE, 1933. 
SHO) je25 each 2.00 
August, 1951,—Alas, our ‘Pink Mermaid”’ so enthusiastically mentioned last 
year, turned out to be a very pretty trailer, but not ‘‘Pink Mermaid.’’—We never 
give up, however. 
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 winder. Like most roses of its 
type, old canes should be removed occasionally for maximum bloom. 1.50 
Mme. d’ Hebray Centifolia. (1820.) This is the typical cup-shaped, 
large, many petalled centifolia; color clear, lasting gentle pink . . . delightfully 
scented .. . a healthy, vigorous, many-caned bush. 3 for 4.00 each 1.50 
Mme. Gabriel Luizet. H. Perpetual. (1877.) (Loee-Zay.) We quote the 
words of William Paul, famous English authority of the 19th century, who knew 
his hybrid perpetuals,—‘' Flowers pale pink, a delicate and beautiful tint, large and 
full, cupped, very sweet; growth vigorous,—first rate.’ When a conservative English 
rosarian says ‘‘first rate,’’-—in America it would mean ‘‘magnificent!”’ 1.50 
Mme. Hardy. Damask. (1832.) Generally appraised the finest white 
Damask. There is something so jewel-like, so exquisitely perfect in the arrange- 
ment 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. 
For those who have not had the pleasure of reading Mrs. John Delf’s letter, 
first printed in toto in catalog 1949, we include that portion which applies 
specifically to Mme. Hardy. ‘I doubt that ‘Tiffany’ or any mere human enterprise, 
could do justice to the Madame, and her wonderful children, any more than they could cap- 
ture and successfully translate the exquisite gill-like underside of a mushroom, which I am 
reminded of, in the delicate precision of the petal arrangement .. . plus the thrilling, the 
humbling purity of that whiteness! A neighbor of ours here, a little Hungarian woman now 
in her 75th year, stood like me, of course, silent and enthralled before them one morning, 
and finally ventured, in her charming Old World accent ... ‘How you say .. . ‘ Paradees?’ 
To me Mme. Hardy will forever belong in that ineffable dream . . . ‘Paradees.’ Could I 
say more? I couldn't even if I tried, for the remembrance of that rose, of a still summer 
morning, with the dew glistening on that unreal, unbelievable beauty, brings tears where 
my voice ought to be.” 
Increased quantities permit us to reduce price to li 
Mme. Lombard. Tea. (1877.) We quote again from Wm. Paul,— 
“Flowers salmon-pink shaded with rose and yellow; large, full and globular; perfect in 
shape and petals, fine, strong stems. One of the best.’’-—and from Thomasville Nurs- 
eries, Georgia, ‘‘A generation ago, it was the unrivalled leader in the lower South.”’ 
Among the finest of our tea collection. 1.50 
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