Some forty years ago the commencement and partial preparation of this work assisted to beguile the tedium of a winter's residence from home, where even Orange and Magnolia groves with the novel vegetation of a semi-tropical region, could scarcely dispel the ennui attending a life of idleness. We were then fresh from contact with some earnest rose lovers abroad. Rivers in England had impressed us with his enthusiastic energy, and, in Paris, the force of Hardy, the industry of Vibert and the charming manners of Laffay left enjoyable memories. For many interesting facts we were much indebted to Deslongchamps and several anonymous writers. To the former our obligations were due, both for the plan of this work and for many researches to which his name could not be conveniently attached on its pages. Upon the classification we bestowed much thought, and now, after many years, we think it is still the best we could have made. Rose growers will, we think, find the labor of selection much diminished by its simplicity.
