Former customers, especially, will be interested in the 43 
new varieties listed in this catalog for the first time, mostly 
from the gardens of G. S. Thomas, Surrey, England, which 
contain, perhaps, the largest commercial collection of rare 
old-fashioned roses in the world. It is our great privilege to 
grow and now offer you many of his favorites. 
Among all those to whom we are indebted, we mention 
particularly Professor Griffith J. Buck of Iowa State College, 
whose advice and help in propagation have been in- 
valuable. 
This I consider our small but unique place in the sun—To 
test the finest rose varieties, regardless of age or origin in- 
cluding the best available from Europe—adding to our 
collection each year, those of greatest beauty, the most un- 
usual, romantic, or historical. To grow those we discover, 
whose rare and unique qualities—old-fashioned or recent, 
will add new zest to your rose-hobby and new beauty to 
your garden. 
The roses described herein have been divided broadly 
into four classes—‘The Old-fashioned-Unusual Varieties, 
The Moss Roses, Gay Polyanthas and Floribundas, and the 
Newer Roses.” An alphabetical index of all, is found on 
pages two and three, for the convenience of impatient 
readers. We have attempted to assist in the pronunciation 
of difficult titles, but do not guarantee you a French “accent”. 
Without undue ego, we believe this is the largest and most 
varied listing of rose beauty in America. 
May we introduce ourselves— ‘Honorable Secretary,” Mrs. 
Dorothy Stemler, who will be your chief correspondent— 
loves her roses with “passionate pride” and intimate know- 
ledge. Likes humans. 
Fred Hamisch, who watches over the planting of the under- 
stock, the budding, cultivation, fertilization, pest control and 
harvesting—the head-man behind the many all-important 
growing operations. Nice guy—you would like him. 
Alas, the catalog-writer is not a likable character, and there 
be some who say unkind things about him. I have not 
approved of him since birth, but seem to be “stuck” with him. 
Now that you have met us, shall we proceed through the 
catalog together... 
6tWill @illotson and “'@Ffon. eS&ecretary” 
