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Q ^ Collator The person charging this material is re- sponsible for its return to the library from which it was withdrawn on or before the Latest Date stamped below. Theft, mutilation, and underlining of books are reasons for disciplinary action and may result in dismissal from the University. To renew call Telephone Center, 333-8400 UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS LIBRARY AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN DEC 19 \m L161— O-1096 THE ROSE GARDEN. IN TWO DIVISIONS. DIVISION I. EMBRACING THE HISTORY OF THE ROSE, THE FORMATION OF THE ROSARIUM, AND A DETAILED ACCOUNT OF THE VARIOUS PRACTICES ADOPTED IN THE SUCCESSFUL CULTIVATION OF THIS POPULAR FLOWER : ILLUSTRATED WITH NUMEROUS ENGRAVINGS ON WOOD. DIVISION II. CONTAINING AN ARRANGEMENT, IN NATURAL GROUPS, OF THE MOST ESTEEMED VARIETIES OF ROSES RECOGNISED AND CULTIVATED IN THE VARIOUS ROSE GARDENS, ENGLISH AND FOREIGN ; WITH FULL DESCRIPTIONS AND REMARKS ON THEIR ORIGIN AND MODE OF CULTURE. *H ^X7ri(pui rov po^ov ip^ ytacl arstpacvoT avro dsl rivi syxZ^loo' ras" xaXas^ rouv 'TTocpQivcov sxslvco hixoiovaa,. • Sappho was enamoured of the Rose, and bestows upon it always some distinguished PRAISE : SHE LIKENS IT TO THE MOST BEAUTIFUL OF MAIDENS." — Philostrahl9, Ep. 73. BY WILLIAM PAUL, F.L.S., r.R.H.S., Vice-Chairman Of the Fruit Committee of the Royal Horticutural Society of London ; Corresponding Member of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society, and of the Imperial Horticultural Society of St. Petersburgh ; Member of the Association Horticole Lyonnaise, &c., &c. EIGHTH EDITION. LONDON : KENT AND CO., 2 3, PATERNOSTER ROW. AND TO BE HAD OP ALL BOOKSELLERS. 1881. H. M. POLLETT & Co., Horticultural and General Steam Printers, Fann Street, Aldersgate Street, City, E.C. PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDmON. In submitting the present work to the public, it is thought desirable to state that it contains an exposition of the principles followed in these Nurseries, where the Rose has been extensively and successfully cul- tivated, under the Author's superintendence, for many years. A chief inducement to its pubHcation was the writer's desire to improve the condition of a favourite flower. It had long appeared to him that a work entering into the detail of Rose-culture, elucidating the various practices by means of Wood Engravings, and furnishing Coloured Plates of some of the choicest kinds, was a desideratum ; and that the non-existence of such a work proved a formidable barrier to the agree- able and satisfactory prosecution of this branch of Floriculture. Holding these views, it was his wish to publish, in a form and at a price which would place the work within reach of the humblest cul- tivator ; but the great expense attending the production of Coloured Plates in a highly finished style, and the knowledge that the circulation of a class-work must necessarily be Hmited, pointed out the impracti- cability of pursuing such a course, and the idea was ultimately, though with reluctance, abandoned. ' The publication did not, however, appear unadvisable, because it could not be made more generally accessible. On the contrary, it was evident, from conversation with numerous Amateurs and professional Florists, who from time to time visited the Nurseries, that it was r. greatly required. It was argued that there were more lovers of flowers seeking amusement in the culture of the Rose at the present time than # at any previous period ; that the most difiicult and important branches J. of cultivation were nowhere fully and clearly treated of ; and that although other favourites had figured liberally in the Floricultural ^periodicals of the day, this had remained almost unnoticed, no series of 5 A vi. PEEFACE TO THE EIEST EDITION. Coloured Drawings having appeared later than 1820_, since which period the EosE had undergone a thorough change. Into the causes of this it is needless to inquire. Suffice it to say, that the neglect could not have originated in an indifference to the merits or a supposed unpopularity of the flower. We can scarcely enter any garden, however humble, which does not contain a Kose-tree ; and many of the noted establishments in England have, like in Rome of old, places set apart expressly for their cultivation. And it is not a slavish obedience to fashion that has led to this. Although cherished alike by peer and peasant, the popularity of the EosB rests on a surer foundation — its intrinsic merit. What other genus of plants embraces so great a variety of character, or gives forth such a number of delicious blossoms for so long a period ? Moreover, it is easy of culture ; suited to a great variety of soils ; lives and blooms even when neglected ; yet yields an abundant return for whatever labour may be bestowed upon it. The " Rose Garden " is arranged in Two Divisions. The First includes Chapters on the History of the Rose, the Formation of the Rosarium, and the various practices of Cultivation. The Chapters on Hybridizing and Raising Seedlings are, it is believed, altogether new, and likely to prove interesting and useful at this particular era in Rose- culture. The Second Division embraces a natural arrangement of all the approved Roses known, with full descriptions of their colours, sizes, forms, degrees of fulness, habit, rates of growth, and purposes for which best suited. The descriptions are chiefly the result of close personal observation, having been taken from living specimens at a great cost of time and labour ; which will be granted readily, when it is stated that above 2^000 varieties are described. Nevertheless, it was judged desirable to pursue this course, in order to attain to that accuracy in the descriptive part of the work which should render it a safe and efficient guide in selecting varieties. The execution of the Coloured Drawings has been entrusted to eminent artists, whose design has been, not to fabricate a pleasing flower, but to produce exact representations of Nature. This feature of the work presents the cultivator with Roses at all seasons ; — alike when the blasts of Autumn scatter his favourites without doors to the winds of heaven, and the rigours of winter consign them to a state of tem- porary rest. PEEFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION. vii. Before concluding, the writer would acknowledge his obligations to numerous correspondents for suggestions received from time to time during the period of pubhcation. Such letters as contained hints on cultivation he has inserted in the Appendix as advertised ; and regrets that want of space should have compelled him to curtail some interest- ing communications. The article on the Botany of the Rose/^ contained in the Appendix, will, he thinks, prove particularly interest- ing, and should be read by all who feel inclined to enter upon the pleasing task of raising Seedlings. Paul's Nurseries, Waltham Cross, N. PREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION. — ♦ — A Second Edition of tlie " Rose Gaeden being called for^ the Author is enabled to realise his wish of publishing it in a form and at a price which will place the work within reach of the humblest cultivator. To accomphsh this aim^ it was found necessary to omit the Coloured Plates ; a point deemed of little importance^ as a series of new Plates,, representations of more modern varieties^ is in course of pubHcation in the Author's Rose Annual.^'* The present Edition of the Rose Garden has been carefully revised^ and in part re-written. There is^ indeed, a great change in the descriptive part of the work. Many of the varieties described, and even recommended at the time the First Edition was published, are now withdrawn, because surpassed in excellence by more modern varieties. It was at first the intention to insert in the present Edition only such kinds as could be recommended ; and this principle will be adhered to in the issue of the Yearly Catalogue. But in a work hke the present, it was thought likely to prove of some service to lovers of the Rose, to include the many questionable varieties floating about, if only to fix their position. The original edition of the Rose Garden has been translated into Danish,t and the Author's consent was asked and granted to the pubhcation of editions in German and French also ; but as he has never met with the work in either of the latter languages, he does not know if the translators' intentions have been carried out. Paul's Nursekies, Waltiiam Cross N. March, 1863. * "The Rose Annual," by William Paul, F.R.H.S. ; 8vo., 4 Coloured Plates ; Kent and Co., Paternoster Row. + " Rosen gartneren," &c. En Oversaltolse af Pauls *' Rosegardcn " afpasset efter danske Forholdc ved Bentzien og Skoldager, Kjobenhavn, 1855. CONTENTS. DIVISIO^vT I. TABLE OF CHAPTERS. Chap. Page 1. History of the Rose, from the earliest times to the fall of the Roman Empire 2 2. History of the Rose, from the fall of the Roman Empire to the present day 11 3 On Locality and Soils ; and the Im- provement or Adaptation of Soils for Rose Culture 33 4. Remarks on the Formation of the Rosarium, and on the Introduc- tion of Roses to the Flower Garden 40 5. On the Choice and Arrangement of Varieties, with Remarks on Plant- ing 59 Chap. Page 6. On Pruning 67 7. On Hybridizing 95 8. On Cleaning and Sowing the Seed, and the subsequent Treatment of Seedlings Ill 9. On the Cultivation of Roses in Pots 117 10. On Forcing 133 11. Remarks on Sundry Operations in the Rose Garden 140 12. On Propagation 152 13. On Tea-scented Roses 165 14. On Exhibiting 169 15. Select Lists of kinds suited for various purposes 178 DIVISION 11. TABLE OF GROUPS. Class I.— SUMMER ROSES. Group Page Group Pago Introductory Remarks 186 10. The Hybrid Chinese Rose ... . .. 210 1. The Boursault Rose 196 11. The Hybrid Noisette Rose ... .. 212 2. The Double Yellow Rose 197 12. The Hybrid Bourbon .. 213 3. The Scotch Rose 199 13. The Alba Rose .. 214 4. The Damask Rose 201 14. The Sweet Briar .. 215 5. The Provence Rose, with its Hybrids 202 15. The Austrian Briar .. 215 6. The Miniature Provence or Pompon 16. The Ayrshire Rose .. 216 Rose 203 17. The Evergreen Rose .. 217 7. The Moss Rose 204 18. The Multifiora Rose .. 218 8. The French Rose 208 19. The Prairie Rose .. 219 9. The Hybrid French Rose 209 20. The Banksise Rose .. 219 CLASS II.- -AUTUMNAL ROSES. Group Page Group Page 21. The Perpetual Scotch 221 29. The Bourbon Rose .. 251 22. The Perpetual Moss 221 30. The Crimson Chinese Rose ... . .. 255 23. The Macartney Rose 222 31. The Chinese or Monthly Rose .. 256 24. The Berberry-leaved Rose 223 32. The Lawrenceana or Fairy Rose .. 258 25. The Microphylla Rose 223 33. The Tea-scented Rose .. 258 26. The Hybrid Perpetual 224 34. The Musk Rose .. 267 27. The Bourbon Perpetual 248 35. The Noisette Rose .. 268 28. The Rose de Rosomane 250 The Botany of the Rose The Entomology of the Rose... APPENDIX. Page 271 289 On New Roses Pago 313 DIVISION I. EMBRACING THE HISTORY OF THE ROSE, THE FORMATION OF THE ROSARIUM, AND A DETAILED ACCOUNT OF THE YARIOUS PRACTICES ADOPTED IN THE SUCCESSFUL CULTIVATION OF THIS POPULAR, FLOWER. THE SUBJECT ILLUSTRATED WITH NUMEROUS ENGRAVINGS ON WOOD. B CHAPTER 1. THE HISTORY OF THE ROSE, FROM THE EARLIEST TIMES TO THE FALL OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE. The Eose^ wMcli is the leading flower of tlie day, the acknowledged favourite of the two greatest nations in the world_, is to be found_, in a wild state_, very generally spread over the earth^s surface. As if too beautiful to be excluded from the natural Flora of any one of the ancient divisions of the world, it graces alike various countries of Asia, Africa, and North America, and extends over the whole of Europe, where, blooming in its native wildness and simplicity, it is universally prized and admired. But although the! geographical distribution of the various species makes the Eose an inhabitant of nearly the whole of the Northern Hemisphere, some species are far less plentiful than others, or, if plentiful in certain localities, have a less extended range. Here is one, confined to some particular and favoured spots; here another, not content with ranging one quarter of the globe ; — the Eosa Canina, for instance, the one most commonly seen adorning our wilds and hedge- rows, is found also in Africa and Asia. It is a remarkable fact, that Australia "has naturally no Eoses, and none have yet been found wild very near to, or South of, the Equator. It is in the temperate regions of Asia, and throughout Europe generally, that those species abound from which nearly the whole of the present garden varieties have sprung. But if we extend our view, we find some growing on the mountains of North America, whose tops are covered with eternal snow ; and others in the dreary wilds of Greenland, Kamtschatka, and Iceland ; while in Siberia there are several interest- ing species. On the other hand, if we turn to warmer climates, we discover that Mexico, Abyssinia, China, Persia, India, and Egypt have THE HISTOEY OP THE ROSE. 3 their Roses ; and even on tlie outskirts of tlie miglity Sahara one species is found_, gladdening the approaches to the desert with its clusters of white flowers^ though often Born to Ibliisli unseen, And waste tlieir sweetness on tlie desert air. Who were the first people to bring this flower from its natural habitats_, to be a dweller in cultivated grounds^ must ever remain a matter of conjecture. Doubtless it attracted the notice of the virtuoso in plants at a very early date ; probably when they were merely valued as objects of natm-al history^ or for their medicinal properties. We may follow in imagination the busy doings of the plant collector in the earliest times ; we may fancy him gatherings and fixing in one spot^ the beautiful productions scattered around him ; and it is natural to suppose that the most beautiful^ or most useful_, would be first collected. This surely would give an early date to the civilisation of the Queen of Flowers. And doubtless the Rose has a claim to our regard as well for its antiquity^ as for its beauty variety and fragrance. The famous gardens of Baby]on_, which are supposed to have existed 2^000 years before the Christian era^ would probably number it among its treasures. This^ of course, can be but conjecture ; though the probability is increased when we consider that the neighbouring country, Persia, has ever been famous for the Roses it naturally produces. In the Sacred Scriptures we read of " Him who was to make the wilderness be glad, and the desert to blossom as the Rose we read also of the Rose of Sharon," and the Rose of Jericho." It has been questioned whether the flowers met with in translations of the ancient writers are identical with those known under like names in the present day. Indeed, what is commonly known as the Rose of Jericho, is a little cruciferous plant, with white flowers, very difl'erent from our Roses. I do not, however, judge it necessary to enter deeply into this question ; indeed, it would be out of place to do so here : but I would remark, in passing, that the non-existence of the wild forms in those countries, at the present time, is not conclusive evidence, to my mind, that they never flourished there ; or even were it so, the pro- ductions of other countries might have been introduced, to administer to the comforts and enjoyments of those who employed them alike in the ceremonies of their fetes, and in the splendid imagery of their writings. 4 THE ROSE GARDEN. In the Book of Wisdom (cliap. ver. 1 , 8) the following passage occurs : — Let us fill ourselves with costly wine and ointment_, and let no flower of the spring pass by us. Let us crown ourselves with Rose- buds before they be withered." Hence it is apparent that the practices so common with the Greeks and Romans of crowning themselves with flowers at their Bacchanalian feasts_, and on various other occasions, were resorted to in these early timcs_, and most probably were borrowed from the Jews. Again_, in the Book of Ecclesiasticus (chap, xxxix. ver. 13) we find the following passage : — Hearken unto me_, ye holy children_, and bud forth as a Rose growing by the brook of the field." Homer_, the most ancient of all the profane writers, uses the Rose figuratively, both in the Iliad and Odyssey; and above 2,000 years have rolled away since Sappho christened it the Queen of Flowers." Philostratus (Epistle 73), writing of this lyric poet, says, Sappho was enamoured of the Rose, and bestows upon it always some distinguished praise : she likens it to the most beautiful of maidens." Such was the Rose then, and it still maintains, and probably ever will maintain, as distinguished a position. It were scarcely necessary to search the Greek authors for quotations to show in what esteem that people held our flower. Ancient history, by which their customs are handed down to us, bears sufficient evidence of its popularity. The Rose, with other flowers, was used by them in times of public rejoicings, in their religious ceremonies, and the youth of both sexes wore them in the fetes. They consecrated it to Venus, Cupid, Aurora, and also to Harpocrates, the God of Silence. If it was dedicated to Venus as an emblem of beauty, and to Cupid as an emblem of love, we may conjecture wherefore it was also dedicated to the goddess of the morning : it was the symbol of youth. But, beyond this, the Greeks doubtless were alive to the fact that the Rose is most beautiful at sunrise : then, newly expanded by the breath of morn, there is visible all that freshness, in which consists so much of its peculiar beauty, and which soon vanishes before the radiance of a summer^s sun. From its being consecrated to Harpocrates, the God of Silence, probably arose that custom practised in the north of Europe, but now almost fallen into desuetude, of suspending a Rose from the ceiling at convivial or other meetings, to signify that what transpired was of a confidential nature. '^The White Rose has long been considered as sacred to silence : over whatever company it was suspended, no secrets were ever THE HISTORY OP THE ROSE. 5 revealed_, for it hung only above the festal board of sworn friendship. No matter how deep they might drink, or how long the wine-cup might circulate round the table,, so long as the White Rose hung over their heads every secret was considered inviolable; — no matter how trivial, or how important the trust, beneath that flower it was never betrayed ; for around it was written the sentence — He who dotli secrets reveal Beneath my roof shall never live. What faith and what confidence must there have been between man and man in the olden time, when only the presence of a flower was needed to prevent the maligning whisper — to freeze up slander^s hateful slime — and destroy that venom which, when once circulated, proves so fatal to human happiness — (The Poetical Language of Flowers, 'by Thomas Miller; Bogue, London.) Of the little that remains to us of the writings of Sappho, we have the following fragment on the Eose : — ■ AVould Jove appoint some flower to reign, In matchless beauty on the plain, The Eose (mankind will all agree), The Eose the queen of flowers should be ; The pride of plants, the grace of bowers, The blush of meads, the eye of flowers ; Its beauties charm the gods above ; Its fragi'ance is the breath of loVe ; Its foliage wantons in the air Luxuriant, like the flowing hair ; It shines in blooming splendour gay. While ze2)hyrs on its bosom play. [Fragment 5. Translated by F. Fawkes. Sappho having named the Rose the " Queen of Flowers,^^ other of the Greek writers would naturally consider it a subject worthy of their attention. This was eminently the case. Theocritus, on account of its transitoriness, compares it to the course of human life. The gay Anacreon alludes to it in several of his Odes, calling it ^'^the most beautiful of flowers,^^ the delight of the gods,^^ the favourite of the muses " ; and says its leaves are full of charms. He speaks of it still more definitively as useful in diseases. The Rose is made the particular subject of his Fifth and Fifty-third Odes. In the former we read — 0, lovely Eose ! to thee I sing. Thou sweetest, fairest child of spring ! 0 thou art dear to all the gods. The darling of their blest abodes. [From Ode 5. Translated by Thomas Bourne. 6 THE ROSE GARDEN. In tlie Fifty-tliird Ode tlie poet considers it sacred, and accounts for its origin in a marvellous manner. While Spring with lavish flow'rets glows, From the gay wreath I'll pluck the Rose, The queen of fragrance will display. Oh ! pour, my friend, th' accordant lay. Dear to earth thy smiling bloom ! Dear to heav'n thy rich perfume ! Sacred to the sportive hour, When the loves, from flower to flower. Blithely trip ; the Graces fair Bind thy treasures to their hair ; By the Paphian queen caress'd, Seated on her snowy breast. Nymphs, who haunt th' embow'ring shades, Poesy's enchanting maids. Woo thee. Rose ; thy charms inspire All the raptures of the lyre. Cull we straight th' inviting Rose ; Shielded by the thorn it grows. Cull the Rose : what boots the smart ? Boundless sweets regale the heart. Pluck it not : the flow'ry gem Unwilling quits its parent stem. Round the feast of fragrance rove ; But gently touch the Rose of love. 'Mid the sons of Comus spread. Blooms the Rose's living red ; Chaplet for the thirsty soul. Well it crowns the purple bowl. Hark, the bard ! his numbers pour Incense to the sacred flower. The rosy-fingered beam of light Undraws the curtain of the night. Health's blushing Rose the virgin streaks, And paints the down of Yenus' cheeks. Lovely Rose ! thy genial power Sweetly soothes the sickly hour ; O'er the grave thy fragrance shed ; We sink in quiet to the dead. When the envious hand of Time Nips the honours of thy prime, Fresh in youth thy odours bear Richness to the ambient air. Say from whence the Rose divine Bids th' unrivalled lustre shine ? From the liquid caves of night, When Cytherea waked to light, — Waked from her Neptunian birth, THE HISTORY OF THE ROSE. 7 To fill with love the circling earth : From the forehead of her sire, When Pallas sprang with martial fire, Mature gave the Queen of Flowers, Coeval sister of the Powers. "When th' immortals' frolic souls Glow'd with Nectar's copious bowls, By chance, upon a blooming thorn, Such as the heavenly seats adorn, Prolific fell the ethereal dew ; — Consecrated Roses grew. The topers hail'd the plant divine ; And gave it "To the god of wine ! " [Anaceeon, Ode 53. Translated by Green. Other Greek writers attribute to tlie Rose a different origin. Bion^ in his Epitaph on the death of Adonis^ tells us it arose from the blood of this lovely youth_, who was destroyed by a wild boar : — Thus Yenus mourned, and tears incessant shed. And all the loves bewailed Adonis dead ; Sighing, they cried, ' Ah ! -wretched queen, deplore Thy joys all fled, Adonis is no more.' As many drops of blood as from the wound Of fair Adonis trickled on the ground, So many tears she shed in copious showers ; Both tears and drops of blood were turned to flowers. From these in crimson beauty sprung the Rose, Cierulean-bright anemonies from those. [BioN. Translated by F. Fawkes. Others^ again^ of the ancient writers^ granting the existence of the White RosOj say that the colour was merely changed from white to red by being stained with the blood of Yenus^ whose feet were lacerated by its thorns in her endeavours to save Adonis. Our own Spenser makes a beautiful allusion to this fancy in the Daphnaida : — White as the native Rose before the change Which Venus' blood did on her leaves impress. But of the English poets hereafter. It appears that the Greeks also cultivated this flower with the view of extracting the perfume from its petals. Theophrastus, who lived about 300 years before the Christian era, tells us that the rough-barked Roses produced the sweetest flowers, and that there was a Rose found on Mount Panggeus with numerous petals of diminutive size, which the people of those parts were in the habit of transplanting, but which was not remarkable for its smell. The 'same writer also informs us 8 THE ROSE GARDEN, that it was common to set fire to tlie Rose-trees in Greece; and tliat unless this practice was resorted to_, they would not produce any flowers. Is the writer in earnest ? If so^ this does not say much for the knowledge of the art of culture in those days. But although flowers were so much used on special occasions, it is generally admitted that gardening, considered as an art, was neglected by the Greeks. If the Greeks considered the Eose worthy of adoration, the Eomans were by no means less lavish in the praises they bestowed on it. They regarded it with that veneration and enthusiasm which the high encomiums passed on it by a people they so much admired might be supposed to give rise to. It has been said by some writers that the Romans acquired their taste for these flowers from the Egyptians, who, during the early ages of the Republic, sent quantities of them to Rome every year. But it appears to me more probable that the taste was acquired from the Greeks, although the Egyptians might have administered to and further developed ifc. Virgil, the prince of Latin poets,^^ makes frequent mention of the Rose in his writings. In the opening of the Fifth Pastoral he contrasts the pale sallow to the blushing Rose : — Puniceis humilis quantum saliunca rosetis ; Judicio nostro tantum tibi cedit Amyntas. — {Ecloga 5, ver. 17, 18. In the Georgics he speaks of ^'^Paestum Roses with their double spring : — Forsitan et, pingues hortos qu£e cura colendi Ornaret, canarem, biferique rosaria Ptesti. — [Georg. lib. iv., ver. 118, 119. In reference to the latter quotation, Botanists who have visited Pgestum have not been able to meet with Roses flowering in autumn ; and some people have pronounced them creations of the poet^s fancy. Be this as it may, it might be accounted for, I think, by presuming the adoption of a particular mode of culture. The culture of Roses was a trade at Pa3stum ; and might not the cultivators have forced the plants, to induce them to flower early in the spring ? After this, they might rest them for a period ; and then, by pruning and watering, backed by the influences of their climate, induce a new growth, and consequently a second development of flowers. I can readily conceive of the practica- bility of this, although no one who cared for the ultimate welfare of his THE HISTORY OP THE ROSE. 9 plants might be disposed to practise it. Or again^ is it not probable tbat some of the Eoses raised from seed were of this natm^e^ though lost dm-ing the barbarous ages which succeeded the downfall of Rome ? Plinjj who wrote on gardening towards the close of the first century, devotes considerable space to Eoses. In his "Natural History/^ Book XXI., the Eose is placed first on his list of flowers, and he enumerates several varieties, although it is doubtful if modern Botanists would admit them all to be genuine Eoses. Indeed, it is pretty clear that one of them was our Hollyhock. He speaks of one kind, the " Gr^cula," with remarkably large petals, which always remained in the bud state, never expanding unless pressed in the hand, of which we have numerous examples among modern Eoses. He tells us, further, that the genuine Eose is indebted for its qualities to the nature of the soil, and that Eoses without smell he does not consider genuine Eoses. Towards the close of the chapter he says the plant grows slowly from seed, so that the practice of raising seedlings was evidently resorted to in those early times. He mentions those of Carthage, and others of Miletus (supposed to be E. Gallica). He tells us they used to obtain Eoses before the natural season, by watering the plants with warm water so soon as the buds were visible. Whether such was the plan pursued by the Eoman gardeners we are at perfect liberty to doubt, although it is certain they had, under the reign of Domitian, abundance of Eoses in winter. Martial, the famous epigrammatic poet, ridicules the Egyptians for sending them Eoses when they had already plenty, and asks them to send corn instead. Dr. Deslongchamps relates, on the authority of Seneca, that the Eoman gardeners had at this time found out the means of constructing hot-houses, which they heated with tubes filled with hot water, and thus induced Eoses and Lilies to flower in December. — {Lev Rose J Sfc.j par Dr. Deslongchamps). Cicero, Ovid, and Juvenal speak of Eoses. • On the authority of Horace, it appears that they were grown in beds ; and Columella mentions a place being reserved expressly for the produc- tion of late Eoses. With regard to the culture of this flower in those times, M. Boitard says, " The cultivation of flowers, and particularly of Eoses, was carried on upon a grand scale, both at Psestum and in the environs of Eome. The sale of the flowers was ordinarily in the hands of the prettiest girls of the place ; and the Latin Poets have immortalised the names of several 10 THE ROSE GARDEN. of these charming flower-girls_, and have even deified some of them. The divinity of Flora^ the goddess of flowers,, has no other origin/^ — {Manuel Complet de V Amateur des Roses, &c.^ par M. Boitard ; Paris^ 1836). If there is any one period in the world^s history when flowers engrossed too much the attention of a nation^ it was under the reigns of Augustus and subsequent Emperors of Rome. The love of flowers was then carried to excess ; and the Rose seemed to bear away the palm from all. It was customary for the wealthy inhabitants to take their meals resting on Rose-leaves, — a practise which Cicero loudly condemns. Roses were scattered upon the beds and floors of the chambers of their guests. At their festivals they put the flowers in their cups of wine. In times of public rejoicing the streets were strewed with flowers, and the statues of their deities were adorned with crowns and garlands of Roses. Cleopatra, in a feast given to Marc Antony, is said to have expended a talent in their purchase ; and the room of entertainment was strewed with them to a considerable depth. Suetonius, the Latin historian, relates of the Emperor ISTero that he spent four millions of sesterces, amounting to more than £30,000, in procuring Roses for one feast. Alas, that these gems of earth should have been so perverted from their just use ! Here, instead of opening up a source of pure and intellectual enjoyment, we see them debased, and administering to the lust of a luxurious people. It was customary with both Greeks and Romans to bring in flowers, Roses especially, at their Bacchanalian feasts, placing them on the tables, and ornamenting their persons with them, believing they preserved them from the intoxicating influences of wine.* * I have been told that the Esquimaux and the Georgians, in the present day, decorate their hair with the flowers of the wild Roses which adorn their respective countries. THE HISTORY OF THE ROSE. 11 CHAPTER IL THE HISTORY OF THE ROSE FROM THE FALL OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE TO THE PRESENT DAY. From the fall of the Roman Empire there exists a chasm in the history of gardening which cannot be filled up. The world^ sunk in a state of barbarism^ had neither inclination for, nor opportunity of enjoying, pursuits of this kind ; and Roses share in the general oblivion. As, however, mankind emerged from this state — as wars became less frequent, and men felt the blessings of peace — they found time to attend to the comforts and enjoyments of life. Charlemagne, who flourished in the beginning of the ninth century, enumerates the Rose, among other flowers, and shows his appreciation of it by desiring it to be grown in his garden. The Rose was the favourite flower with the Moors of Spain, and they paid considerable attention to its cultivation. They sowed the seeds ; and it has been said they had blue Roses, which were obtained by watering the plants with indigo-water. That they had such cannot for a moment be supposed ; and the means by which it has been said they obtained them are still more questionable. Nevertheless, a French writer (Marquis D^Orbessan, Essai sur les Hoses) states that he saw them. I have heard persons, unacquainted with Floriculture, maintain that they have seen pure yellow Moss Roses ; a deception probably practised on them by some charlatan, or witty friend. Is it impossible that the same thing might happen with the Marquis D^Orbessan ? In the middle of the thirteenth century was written the famous Roman de la Rose, by Guillaume de Laris and Jehan de Meung. I have recently inspected a manuscript copy of this work, which was once the property of Horace Walpole : a small folio volume, written in the fourteenth century. This pleasing but wire-drawn allegory long found favour in France. Eierre de Crescent, an Italian, who wrote early in the fourteenth century, mentions the Rose, and many poets of Italy have sung its praises. It has also, for some ages, been a custom of the Roman Catholic Church for the Pope to consecrate a golden Rose, and send it 12 THE ROSE GARDEN. to the monarcli of some state, as a token of his particular esteem. Two of our kings received this mark of distinction — Henry VI. and Henry VIII. ''They made/' says M. Boitard, "the delicate and ephemeral Eose emblematic of the frailty of the body, and the short duration of human life ; while the precious and unalterable metal in which it was modelled alluded to the immortaHty of the soul.^' It is now customary throughout Italy, as it was in ancient Rome, to use flowers in times of feasting, and in the ceremonies of religion ; and the Rose is an especial favourite. But let us glance hastily to the land of the East — Persia. The poets of that country idolize this flower, placing it, in song, in company with the nightingales. That it holds a high rank there may be gathered from the following fable : — '' One day,^' said Saadi, '' I saw a tufb of grass which surrounded" a Rose-tree. What ! cried I, is this vile plant, born to be trodden under foot, come to dwell in company with Roses ? I stooped to pluck it out, when it modestly said to me. Spare mo, I pray thee : I am not a Rose, it is true, yet by the perfume which I exhale you may perceive at least that I have dwelt with Roses.'' ^ — Manuel Complet de V Amateur des Eases, par M. Boitard ; Paris, 1836. In Persia, in Turkey^ and throughout the East generally, Roses are grown in considerable quantities, for the manufacture of Rose-water, and the famed Attar of Roses, which has been sold for six times its weight in gold. The Musk Rose is, I believe, the variety cultivated. The Attar, or Otto, of Roses is manufactured chiefly at Grhazeepore, in Bengal, and in Turkey ; but it is also prepared in Persia, in all parts of India, Upper Egypt, and in Tunis. In the Bengal Dispensatory {The Bengal Dispensatory, by W. B. O^Shaughnessy, M.D., Calcutta, 1842) is a paper, drawn up by Dr. Jackson, on the cultivation of Roses, and the Manufacture of Rose-water and Attar of Roses. ''Around the Station of Ghazeepore," says this author, "there are about 300 beegahs, or about 150 acres, of ground laid out in small detached fields as Rose Gardens, most carefully protected on all sides by high mud-walls and prickly-pear fences, to keep out the cattle. These lands, which belong to Zemindars, are planted with Rose-trees, and are annually let out at so much per beegah* for the ground, and so much additional for the Rose-plants ; — generally five rupees per beegah, and twenty-five rupees for the Rose-trees, of which there are 1,000 in each * A beegali is half an acre. THE HISTORY OF THE EOSE. 13 bcegah. The additional expense for cultivation would be about rupees 8.8; so tiiat for rupees 38 . 8^ you have, for the season, one beegah of 1,000 Rose-trees. " If the season is good, this beegah of 1,000 Rose-trees should yield one lac of Roses. Purchases of Roses are always made at so much per lac. The price, of course, varies according to the year, and will average from 40 to 70 rupees. ^' The Rose-trees come into flower at the beginning of March, and continue so through April. ^' In the morning early the flowers are plucked by numbers of men, women, and children, and are conveyed in large bags to the several contracting parties for distillation. The cultivators themselves very rarely manufacture. " There is such a variety of Rose-water manufactured, and so much that bears the name, which is nothing more than a mixture of sandal-oil, that it is impossible to lay down the plan which is adopted. The best Rose-water, however, may be computed as bearing the proportion of 1,000 Roses to a seer* of water ; this, perhaps, may be considered as the best procurable. From 1,000 Roses most generally a seer and a half of Rose-water is distilled ; and perhaps from this even the Attar has been removed. To procure the Attar, the Roses are put into the still, and the water passes over gradually, as in the Rose-water process. After the whole has come over, the Rose-water is placed in a large metal basin, which is covered with wetted muslin, tied over to prevent insects or dust getting into it : this vessel is let into the ground about two feet, which has been previously wetted with water, and it is allowed to remain quiet during the whole night. The Attar is always made at the beginning of the season, when the nights are cool ; in the morning, early, the little film of Attar, which is formed upon the surface of the Rose-water during the night, is removed by means of a feather, and it is then carefully placed in a small phial ; and day after day, as the collection is made, it is placed for a short period in the sun ; and after a sufficient quantity has been procured, it is poured off" clear, and of the colour of amber, into small phials. Pare Attar, when it has been removed only three or four days, has a pale greenish hue ; by keeping, it soon loses this, and in a few weeks^ time becomes of a pale yellow. * A seev is two pounds troy. 14 THE ROSE GARDEN. " From one lac of Roses it is generally calculated that 180 grains^ or one tolahj* of Attar can be procured ; more tlian this can be obtained if the Eoses are full sized^ and the nights cold to allow of the congelation. The Attar purchased in the bazaar is generally adulterated, mixed with sandal-oil or sweet-oil. Not even the richest native will give the price at which the purest Attar alone can be obtained ; and the purest Attar that is made is sold to Europeans. During the past year it has been selling from 80 to 90 rupees the tolah : the year before it might have been purchased for 50 rupees. At the commencement of the Rose season,, people from all parts come to make their purchases^ and very large quantities are prepared and sold. There are about thirty-six places in Ghazeepore where Rose- water is distilled. ^' The chief use the natives appear to make of the Rose-water is at the period of their festivals and weddings. It is then distributed largely to the guests as they arrive^ and sprinkled vdth profusion in the apartments. " I should consider that the value of the Roses sold for the manu- facture of Rose-water may be estimated at 15^000 rupees a year^ and from this to 20_,000 ; and from the usual price asked for the Rose-water^ and for which it is sold^ I should consider there is a profit of 40^000 rupees. The natives are very fond of using the Rose-water as a medicine^ or as a vehicle for other mixtures ; and they consume a good deal of the petals for the Conserve of Roses. But Roses are grown for the purpose of manufacturing Rose-water in other countries besides India/ Persia^ and Turkey. At Provins^ a town forty-seven miles S.E. of Paris^ which has long been celebrated for its Conserve of Roses^ the French Rose has been cultivated ; and in the environs of Paris^ the Damask_, and other kinds. In some parts of Surrey and Kent_, in our own country_, they are grown in considerable quantities — the Provence^ Damask^ and French kinds, indiscriminately. In the process of distillation, six pounds of Rose-leaves are said to be enough to make a gallon of Rose-water ; but much depends on the stage in which the flowers are gathered, the best stage being just before full-blown. The Rose has been valued in medicine from the remotest times : it was so in the time of Hippocrates ; and the Romans believed the root to be efficacious in cases of hydrophobia : hence probably the term " dog- * A tolah is seven pennyweights. THE HISTORY OF THE ROSE. 15 ROSE." Many writers have attributed to it virtues which it does not possess^ though it is still used in medicine, and valued for its tonic and astringent properties. The hips of the Dog-Rose, when reduced to pulp, are also used in pharmacy, to give consistence to pills and electuaries. But to return more immediately to the history of the Rose. This flower, having been considered as the emblem of innocence and purity from remote times, seems so far to have influenced the early Christian writers as to induce them to place it in Paradise. It is well-known, also, that the seal of the celebrated Luther was a Rose. In Hungary our flower is held in great esteem. I am informed by a friend who has resided in that country, that it is customary with ladies of rank and fashion to take bouquets of Roses and go into the woods to bud the wild kinds which they may encounter in their rambles. It must be an agTeeable and exhilarating task to go in search of these Roses during the flowering season ; and, I am assured, it is no uncommon thing to meet with the finest varieties blooming in the most unfrequented places. In Holland the Rose seems to have made but little way, although that country possessed the richest collections in Europe down to 1815, and it was from that country the most beautiful of the tribe — the Moss Rose — was first introduced to England, from whence it found its way to France. The transactions which took place in Holland during the Florimania associate no unpleasant ideas with our flower. The Rose was without the pale. The Tulip, the Hyacinth, the Ranunculus, the Anemone, these, with a few of minor importance, were the pride of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries : these were the flowers of Holland ; and the enthusiasm with which they were cultivated there had rendered them popular in other European countries. Thus the Rose lay neglected. Its capabilities of improvement were not thought of, or unknown. The unlocking of its treasures was reserved for more recent times. The skilful and persevering individuals, to whose labours we are indebted for the choicest ornaments of the Rose Garden, still live to admire the productions of their genius, and to witness their favourite flower reigning without a rival in the Floral world. Let us turn to France, a country naturally rich in Roses. Mizault, who wrote the first book in France specially devoted to Horticulture (1535), mentions four species only, and Olivier de Serres, writing in IGOO, does not recognise a larger number. La Quintinie in 1680 16 THE ROSE GAEDEN. enumerates twelve different kinds. According to Decandolle, she has no less than nineteen species growing spontaneously in her hedges, woods_, and wilds. The chief among them is the Kosa Gallica, or French Eose, which has produced some of the most brilliant and regularly formed flowers of the genus.* France is rich in Rose-lore, scientific, practical, and poetical. Of the former branches, Guillemeau, Boitard, Leleur, Vibert, Thorry, Deslongchamps, and Forney are the most distinguished writers. The country abounding in Eoses, we should expect its poets would not fail to notice them ; and perhaps in no other language have so many beautiful comparisons been instituted, or so many verses written in their praise. Delille exclaims, ^''Mais qui pent refuser un hommage a la Rose?^' (Who can refuse homage to the Rose?) And Bernard, Malherbe, Saint Victor, Roger, Leonard, and others too numerous to mention, have made it the subject of the most delightful strains. Rapin, a French writer of the seventeenth century, gives a pleasing and ingenious tale, which I shall venture to insert. " Rhodanthe, Queen of Corinth, having enamoured several princes with her beauty, and having disdained their proffers of homage, three of them, furious to see themselves despised, besieged her in the temple of Diana, where she had taken refuge, followed by all the people, who, dazzled by her extraordinary beauty, made her assume the place of the statue of the goddess. Apollo, enraged by the indignity offered to his sister, changed Rhodanthe into a tree which bore the Rose. Under this new form Rhodanthe is always queen, for she became the most beautiful of flowers. Her subjects, pressed around her, seem still to defend her, metamorphosed, as they are, into prickly thorns. The three princes were changed ; the one into a butterfly, and the two others into winged insects, which constant in their love, flutter without ceasing around tbeir cherished flower.^^ — {La Rose, &c., par Dr. Deslongchamps.) There exists at the present day, in the village of Salency in France, a custom which is of very ancient date. As early as the sixth century the Bishop of Noyon offered a prize of a crown of Roses, to be given yearly to the maid of the village who should have earned the greatest reputation for modesty and virtue. The villagers have the power of appointing * The French Rose crossed with the Chinese Rose produced the Hybrid Chinese ; the latter again, crossed with the Bourbon and Damask Perpetual, produced the Hybrid Perpetual. THE HISTORY OF THE ROSE. 17 her wlio sliall receive it; and it is awarded with mucli ceremony and rejoicing. It is tlie opinion of some of tlie Frencli authors on this flower, that Roses were cultivated far more extensively in France in former times than at present ; which they arrive at from the statements made, by early authors, of the great quantities which were used on particular occasions. I have sometimes thought it a matter of surprise that the Eose should have taken the precedence of all other flowers in France at an earlier period than in this country, especially when we consider that it is our national emblem, and that to the enterprise of English collectors Europe stands indebted for many species which were sent from this country to France and elsewhere. It was so with the Tea-scented, the Chinese Eose, the Banksia3, the Microphylla, the Macartney, the Multiflora, &c., some of which were from 16 to 20 years in England before they found their way to France. But it was fashion paved the way for the general reception of the Eose in that country. At the commencement of the present century, the Empress Josephine acknowledged it as her favourite, and caused varieties to be collected throughout Europe, and brought to her garden at Malmaison. The late Mr. Kennedy was provided with a passport to go and come as he pleased during the war, in order that he might superintend the formation of that garden. The patronage of the Empress gave an impetus to Eose-culture. Establishments were soon formed solely for the purpose, among the earliest of which were those of M. Descemet and M. Yibert, and the taste spread throughout Europe, It has been said that the collection of the former at St. Denis was destroyed by the English troops in 1815, but I believe they were sold to M. Yibert, and removed to Chenevieres-sur-Marne, on the approach of the allied troops. Monsieur Yibert, of whom we have just spoken, was one of the most celebrated cultivators among the French. He founded his establishment in the vicinity of Paris in 1815, at which time the only Moss Eose known in France was the Eed, or common one. He removed, a few years since, to Angers, where the climate is more favourable for the pursuance of that science to which he was entirely devoted. To him we owe the existence of those old favourites, Aimee Yibert, Cynthie, D^Aguesseau, Julie d^Etanges, Blanchefleur, La Yille de Londres, Madeline, Gloire des Mousseuses, Jacques Lafitte, General Brea, c 18 THE ROSE GARDEN. Ornement des J ardins^ Pius IX._, and a host of striped and spotted Eoses. It is worthy of remark^ that the lattcr_, though much admired and cultivated in France, have never gained any great popularity here. M. Laffay, another distinguished cultivator_, owns a list of names no less worthy. Who, even among modern Eose cultivators, is not familiar with Archduc Charles, Fabvier, Brennus, William Jesse, Madame Laffay, Coup d'Hebe, La Reine, and Duchess of Sutherland ; these and others, of nearly equal merit, were raised in his garden. His residence at Bellevue, near Paris, where these Roses were raised, was a most enviable one : he lived surrounded with Roses and Chestnut-trees ; and his garden, although not extensive, commanded a wide and most agreeable prospect. The soil was a stiff — I had almost said rank — clay, and never appeared to have had much labour bestowed on its amelioration. Both M. Vibert and M. Laffay were engaged in the cultivation of Roses for many years ; and their enterprise and industry brought them a full reward. Having realized a comfortable independency, and attained to the highest eminence in their profession, they seem content to recline beneath the laurels they have so peacefully won.* In the Preface to his Catalogue, published towards the close of 1846, M. Yibert writes to this effect: — "My establishment, which I founded in 1815, and where Roses only are cultivated for sale, is the first of the kind which had existence in France. Thirty-five years^ practice in this branch of Horticulture, with numerous and reiterated experiments made in every mode of cultivation ; a long habit of seeing, studying, and of comparing the productions of this beautiful genus ; — such are, at the least, the claims I have to public confidence. But I know all the obligations under which I remain, from the long and sustained kindness with which amateurs and the members of the profession have honoured me ; and it is in reply to the honourable proofs of concern which have been so often addressed to me, that I am resolved not entirely to renounce my profession. To cover the expense of my garden, and to use my time sparingly, is the end which I propose to myself. Without seeking to extend my connections, I shall receive willingly orders from persons su^ciently reasonable to value what time * Since the publication of the first edition of this work, both M. Yibert and M. Laffay have retired from the profession. M. Lafliiy is, I believe, still alive, but M. Vibert has been dead some yf-ars. THE HISTORY OP THE ROSE. 19 and care it costs in the present day to obtain novelties really decided. I shall always continue the cultivation of my seedlings ; I shall never renounce them ; I shall rather increase them ; and shall propagate but few others/' M. Laffay wrote to me in the autumn of 1847 : C^est mon intention de cesser le commerce. Mon projet etait de quitter cet automne_, et de m'installer dans le sud de la France_, sous le climat des Grangers et Palmiersj mais mon Pere, qui est tres-alge, ne veut pas que nous le quittions cet hiver_, ce qui derange un pen nos projets d^emigration, qui ne sent que retardes. Aussi il est bien possible que je vous offre encore quelques bonnes Eoses^ surtout des Mousseuses HybrideSj car je me dispose a faire un semis de plusieurs milles graines de ces varietes. Ainsi je presume que ma Pepiniere sera encore bonne a visiter quelques annees. Je suis persuade qu'a I'avenir nous verrons de bien belles EoseSj qui effaceront toutes celles que nous admirons maintenant. Les Mousseuses joueront bientot un grand role dans T Horticulture.^' " It is my intention to cease cultivating the Pose_, in a commercial sense. My project was to do so this autumn^ and to instal myself in the south of France^, in the land of orange and palm trees; but my father, who is very aged, wished that we should not quit Paris this winter, ^hich deranges a little our plans of emigration, although they are only retarded. But it is very possible that I may yet offer you some good Eoses, especially of the Hybrid Moss, for I intend to make a sowing of several thousands of seeds of these varieties. Thus I presume that my seed-plot will be worth visiting for some years to come. I am persuaded that in future we shall see many beautiful Eoses, which will efface all those that we admire now. The Mosses will soon play a grand part in Horticulture.'' It is somewhat remarkable, that while M. Yibert's operations have produced chiefly French and Provence, and, of late years, a few varieties of Moss and Hybrid Perpetual Eoses, the results of M. Laffay's labour have been chiefly visible among the Hybrid Chinese and Hybrid Perpetuals. We can only account for this by supposing each cultivator to have had his favourite group, which he strove to improve. I should think one-half of the Hybrid Perpetual Eoses known up to the year 1850 originated with M. Laffay ; he may indeed be said to have originated this group, one of the earliest of which was the Princesse Helene. 20 THE EOSE GARDEN. The trade of cultivating Eoses in France is in the hands of many- individuals j and to visit that country with the view of forming a collec- tion is (I speak from experience) a laborious undertaking. As far as my powers of observation serve me^ I should think the establishments where they are grown for sale_, in the neighbourhood of Paris^ vary in extent from one to five acres ; and there are others_, situate in various parts of France (Lyons especially)_, nearly all of like extent. It is thus that English amateurs^ who may chance to visit any of them^ are usually dis- appointed, owing to the contrast of their Eose Gardens with those of England, which are so much more extensive. Formerly the most splendid collection of Eoses in France was that in the Jardin du Luxem- bourg at Paris, when under the superintendence of Monsieur Hardy. Most of the plants there were of some age, and flowered profusely in the season. They were seen from the public promenades. It is true they looked rather drawn ; but when we consider their proximity to the heart of the city, it is surprising that they flourished so well.* M. Hardy was no stranger in the Eose world ; one of his varieties alone (Madame Hardy) would have sufficed to render his name popular ; but he was fortunate enough to raise many others of first-rate properties, some bearing the after-appellation of Du Luxembourg.^^ And hov/ could it be otherwise, when he devoted so many years to the cultivation of this flower, and raised so many thousands of seedlings ? He never practised selling his Eoses, but exchanged with his friends for other plants. He retired from the superintendence of these gardens some fifteen years ago, and was succeeded by Monsieur Eiviere, under whose charge the few remaining Eoses now are. The Eose amateurs of France, who are exceedingly numerous, are enthusiastic in the cultivation of their favourite. So soon as they hear of any new variety, possessed of merit, they cease not to importune the riiiser till he places it within their reach. * Every one who has visited Paris will not fail to have remarked the clean appearance of the buildings, compared with those of London, which is due to the burning of wood instead of coal. It is the extensive use of the latter which exerts so injurious an influence on vege- tation in or near London. I recollect, upon one occasion, seeing a Honeysuckle and a liose growing up a house in a street in Paris, the name of which I do not remember, but it was not far from the Hotel de la Monnaie. Both looked flourishing ; and the Rose, which was of the Sempervirens kind, was in bloom. Independent of its appearing to thrive there, a second cause for surprise was the fact of its remaining untouched, which it apparently had done for a length of time, and did, to my knowledge, for five or six days, although within reach of every passcr-by. THE HISTORY OF THE ROSE. 2t WMle admitting France to liave been more prolific than England in tlie production of new Eoses^ it is yet worthy of remark that the English cultivators produce far sounder plants than the French. Although I may be ranked among the former, I state this boldly ; not from prejudice, nor from interest, but from a thorough conviction of its truth. If proof be needed, it may be found in the large exports of the French varieties, of English growth, to America and elsewhere. It may not be generally known that some few of the finest and most esteemed Eoses in France do not succeed well in this country. On the other hand, many kinds are developed in far greater perfection here than there. The flowers of Eoses generally canuot bear the scorching of the summer^s sun in France ; even here it is during our cloudy days, or when refreshed with a soft shower or a fall of dew, that the buds expand in fullest beauty. I cannot help mentioning the jealousies which exist among some of the Cultivateurs de Eosiers in France. I once visited the gardens of a noted grower, in company with a grower of less celebrity. I was surprised to see so little in these grounds, and to find the owner careless as to showing what he possessed. Although exceedingly polite and talkative on other subjects, he was disinclined to speak on Eoses. The mystery was cleared up by a letter received soon afterwards. In it were words to this effect : — " If you visit my establishment again, which I beg of you to do, pray do not bring any French Eose-growers with you, for I cannot show them my rarities and beauties.^^ This opened my eyes ; I concluded I had not seen the lions ; and an after visit proved this to be the case. But let us trace the history of the Eose in our own land. It is again matter of surprise to me that the Eose should not have been more ex- tensively cultivated in England at an earlier date, when it is considered that it must have been brought prominently before the eyes of our fore- fathers in the wars of the Houses of York and Ijancaster ; or, as they are often termed, the Wars of the Eoses. But perhaps this was the very cause of its unpopularity. It might have been the remembrance of those sanguinary struggles which, casting a halo around this emblem of innocence and purity, made our forefathers shrink instinctively from cherishing a flower that recalled to mind scenes or tales of carnage and of woe — whose leaves were once saturated with the blood of England's bravest sons. 22 THE EOSE GAEDEN. It may not be considered out of place to give an account liere of tlie origin of the Red Rose in tlie arms of tlie House of Lancaster. About 1277j Guillaume Pentecote^ Mayor of Provins^ was assassinated in a tumult ; and tlie King of France sent Count Egmond, son of the King of England^ and who had assumed the title of Comte de CPiampagne^ to that city to avenge his death. After staying some time there, he re- turned to England, and took for his device the Red Rose, which Thibaut, Comte de Brie, and De Champagne had brought from Syria some years before, on his return from the Crusades. This Count Egmond was the head of the House of Lancaster, which preserved this flower in their arms. — (UAncieii Provins, par Opoix). The Damask Rose being the wild kind of Syria, it would hence appear that it was this gave rise to the Red Rose of the Lancastrians, and not the French Rose, as asserted by some. The White Rose was probably assumed by the Yorkists in contradistinction to the other. Chaucer, our first great English author, who wrote in the middle and toward the close of the fourteenth century, alludes in his early pieces to the poetical worship of the Rose and the Daisy. And others of our early poets were not unmindful of its charms. Harrington speaks of " cheeks that shamed the Rose ; Marlowe of beds of Roses,''^ &c. Spenser, whose genius sheds a brilliancy over the age in which he lived, makes frequent mention of it. Every one is familiar with his fable of the Oak and the Briar, contained in the Shepherd's Calendar. Of the latter he says : — It was embellished with blossoms fair, And thereto aye w onted to repair The shepherd's daughters, to gather flowers To paint their girlands with his colours. The poet makes the " bragging Brere " vaunt his own praises, to the disparagement of his neighbour the goodly Oak.'^ Seest how fresh my flowers been spread, Dyed in lily white and crimson red ? The mouldy moss which thee accloyeth My cinnamon smell too much annoyeth. — [^Shepherd's Calendar^ Eclogue 2. Again, in the Shepherd's Calendar (Eclogue 4) we meet with the following : — See where she sits upon the grassy green, (0 seemly sight !) Yclad in scarlet, like a maiden queen. And ermines white ; THE HISTORY OF THE ROSE. 23 Upon her head a crimson coronet, With damask Roses and daffodillies set ; Bay leaves between, And primroses green, Embellish the sweet violet. In the next verse lie speaks of The red Kose meddled with the white yfere. In the Fairy Queen/^ especially in the Second Book^ he makes several allusions to it, and also in tlie Epithalamion. Shakespeare often introduces the Eose in his writings. I know a bank whereon th.e wild thyme blows, Where oxlips and the nodding violet grows Quite over-canopied with luscious woodbine, With sweet musk Roses and with eglantine. [Midsummer Night's Dream, Act II., Scene 2. In Richard III. the lips of the murdered babes are compared to Roses. girdling one another Within their alabaster innocent arms ; Their lips were four red Eoses on a stalk. Which in their summer beauty kissed each other. [Act IV., Scene 3. In one of his Sonnets, the comparisons of the greatest English poet are obviously so much to the advantage of our favourite, that I cannot help inserting it : — 0 how much more doth beauty beauteous seem, By that sweet ornament which truth doth give ! The Rose looks fair, but fairer we it deem For that sweet odour which doth in it live. The canker blooms have full as deep a dye As the perfumed tincture of the Roses ; Hang on such thorns, and j^lay as wantonly, When summer's breath their masked buds discloses ; But, for their virtue only is their show. They live unwooed, and unrcspectcd fade ; — Die to themselves. • Sweet Roses do not so ; Of their sweet deaths are sweetest odours made. And so of you, beauteous and lovely youth. When that shall fade, my verse distils your truth. From the allusions of Chaucer, Spenser, Shakespeare, and others, it is evident the Rose was a favourite flower, at least among the poets in England, some centuries since; and this I should have thought a sufficient passport to public favour. That they did not owe their love and respect for this flower to the existence of superior garden varieties, or to an interest displayed in their cultivation by their countrymen, will, I think, soon be sufficiently evident. But the wild forms of Roses are 24 THE EOSE GAEDEN. beaufciful ; and they probably gave rise to these effusions. Or the poets might owe their veneration for them to the writings of the ancients,, with which they were probably famihar. Were I to pursue the plan of quoting all the agreeable things which our poets have written on the Rose that matter alone would occupy this volume. In every love-song Roses bloom.-" It is a long way from Shakespeare to Cowper^ but the poem of the latter on the Rose is so exquisitely beautiful that I cannot omit it. THE KOSE. The Eose had been washed, just washed in a shower, Which Mary to Anna conveyed, The plentiful moisture encumbered the flower And weighed doAvn its beautiful head. The cup was all filled and the leaves were all wet. And it seemed to a fanciful view, To weep for the buds it had left with regret On the flourishing bush where it grew. I hastily seized it, unfit as it was, For a nosegay so dripping and drowned. And swinging it rudely, too rudely, alas ! I snapped it, it fell to the ground. And such, I exclaimed, is the pitiless part Some act by the delicate mind. Regardless of wringing and breaking a heart Already to sorrow resigned. This elegant Eose, had I shaken it less. Might have bloomed with its owner awhile ; And the tear that is wiped with a little address May be followed, perhaps, with a smile. But we must quit the land of poetry. Lobel_, who had a garden at Hackney^ and who was appointed Royal Botanist by James the First, published, towards the close of the sixteenth century, a work entitled ^^^Plantarum sen Stirpium Icones." In this work he describes ten species of Roses. ^' In 1622, Sir Henry Wotton sent from Venice, to the Earl of Holderness, a double yellow Rose of no ordinary nature, which was expected to flower every month from May till almost Christmas, unless change of climate should change its properties.^^ (Johnson's History of Gardening.'-') This most probably was the old double yellow Rose, so notorious for refusing to unfold its blossoms in our less propitious climate. With regard to its flowering from May till Christmas ! — this no doubt was an embellishment, to which an enthusiastic collector may be readily excused for giving ear. THE HISTORY OP THE ROSE. 25 Parkinson_, an early Englisli writer on Gardening and Botany, in his *^ Paradisus," publislied in 1629, speaks of tlie "white, the red, and the damask," as the most ancient in England. He enumerates twenty-four varieties ; and speaks of others, but does not specify their names. He treats, in a separate chapter, of the propagation of Roses by budding and by seed. The red Eose of which he here speaks was no doubt the Cabbage or Damask ; and the white one, an old variety of Rosa Alba. In how many old Enghsh gardens do we find trees of the apple-bearing Eose still occupying a conspicuous position, and whose ancient appearance denotes them to have withstood the changes of many a by- gone year. Sometimes, indeed, the scathing hand of time has severely marked them, and they are hastening to decay.* There is now before me a work published on Gardening in 1654, entitled "The Countryman^s Eecreation, or the Art of Planting, Graffing, and Gardening : in Three Books." In a work with such a title we might expect to find a variety of flowers treated of. But no ! fruit-trees seem then to have been the chief ornament of country gardens : the utile was preferred to the dulce : in truth, the attention of our fore- fathers seems to have been chiefly directed towards the "making of good cyder," and the " keeping of plummes ! " In the above-mentioned work there is but one flower named, and that is the Eose ! Here is the article as it appears in the original : — *' To Graffe a Eose on the Holly. — For to grafFe the Eose, that his leaves shall keep all the year green, some do take and cleave the holly, and do grafFe in a red or white Eose- bud ; and then put clay or mosse to him, and let him grow. And some put the Eose-bud into a slit of the bark, and so put clay and mosse, and bind him featly therein, and let him grow, and he shall carry his leaf all the year." This is a recipe for obtaining evergreen Eoses ? Satis superque. Must we infer that practical men in those day s held tenets such as these, or that they were merely the eflusions of the brain of some would-be savant in horticultural matters ? As gardening was then a practical art, we cannot suppose the former to have been the case, since the very first experiment would throw a doubt on such a proposition, which the failure of every subsequent attempt would confirm ; and thus the most credulous would soon be undeceived. The latter would certainly seem the juster inference. Without wishing to be too severe against the * I recollect meeting with two or three of this description in the gardens of Bruce Castle, Tottenham, a short time since ; they were of prodigious height and size, resembling ap^jle- trees more than Eoses. But alas ! they arc no longer there. 26 THE ROSE GARDEN. early writers on Horticulture,, we certainly were not aware that the sun of Horticultural science had reached the meridian so long since as 1654^ and feel some concern^ as well as humiliation^ that nearly two centuries should elapse without our profiting by so wonderful a discovery ! We cannot forbear quoting certain lines of Yirgil^ met with in our school- days^ and to which^ perhaps^ the above writer was indebted for his idea : Inseritur vero et foetu nucis arbutus horrida ; Et steriles platani malos gessere valentes : Castanese fagus ornusque incanuit albo Flore piri, glandemque sues fregere sub ulmis. [Georg. lib. ii. ver. 69-72.t + The thin-leaved arbute hazel-graffs receives, And planes huge apples bear, that bore but leaves. Thus mastful beech the bristly chestnut bears, And the wild ash is white with blooming pears, And greedy swine from grafted elms are fed With falling acorns that on oaks are bred. — [Dryden's Virgil. Such are the workings of the imagination^ that the black Eoses produced by grafting on black-currant bushes^ the blue Eoses of the Moors^ and the oft-talked-of yellow Moss^ are already before our eyes ! Could we but retain them there ! But^ alas ! this were impossible. Creatures of the imagination,, a mementos sober reflection dissipates you in thin air ! But to be serious. As late as 1762^ Linnaeus appears to have acknow- ledged only fourteen species. In an edition of '^Miller^s Gardeners^ Dictionary/'' pubhshed in 1768^ thirty-one species are described. It was only at the close of the last century^ and the dawning of the present^ that the species multiplied^ and the garden varieties of Eoses were really recognised and esteemed. In 1789 the Chinese Eose was intro- duced; and in 1810 China furnished us with the Tea-scented also. At this period nearly all the varieties known bloomed in summer only. In 1812 came forth that exquisite variety^ the ^'^Eose du Eoi," or Crimson Perpetua]_, which^ according to some, was raised in the Eoyal Gardens of St. Cloudy then under the care of Le Comte Leleur. In 1799 Miss Lawrence published ^^A Collection of Eoses from Nature/'' which contained ninety coloured plates_, including many of the most beautiful species and varieties then known. In 1820 the ^' Eosarum Monographia/^ by J. Lindley, appeared ; in which seventy- eight species, besides sub-species, are described, and thirteen of them figured. This work is of a scientific character, and the system there THE HISTORY OF THE ROSE. 27 adopted has been followed^ more or less_, by many subsequent writers on the botany of the Eose. About this time the types of the Bourbon and Noisette Eoses appeared,, and in a very short period the varieties were increased and improved beyond what the most sanguine could have anticipated. Loudon^ in the Encyclopaedia of Gardening/' published in 1822^ says^ " The lists of the London and Paris Nurserymen contain upwards of 350 names." .... ^^New varieties are raised in France and Italy annually. L. Villaresii^ Eoyal Gardener at Monza^ has raised upwards of fifty varieties of Eosa Indica^ not one of which has^ as far as we know^ reached this country. Some of them are quite black ! others shaped like a Eanunculus ; and many of them are highly odoriferous." With regard to those quite hlaclc, as none of them have yet reached this country^ it may be presumed the writer made this statement on the authority of the Continental growers^ whose vivid imaginations often lead them to portray in too glowing colours any new production. In 1837 Mr. Eivers published " The Eose Amateurs' Guide/' which has passed through several editions. In 1838 appeared The Eose Fanciers' Manual/' by Mrs. Gore^ and in 1848 the first edition of this book, '^^The Eose Garden/' by William Paul. In 1853 our Eose literature was enriched by Mr. Curtis' ^''Beauties of the Eose/' and in 1857 by Mr. Cranston's " Cultural Directions for the Eose." Later on (1864), Mr. Hibberd brought out " The Eose Book /' and still more recently has appeared A Book about Eoses/' by the Eev. S. E. Hole. It may be thought reasonable that I should allude to the Nurseries here, which have been so long famous for Eoses. They gained con- siderable renown in the time of my father, the late Mr. A. Paul, from the continual flowering of a plant of the old double yellow Eose (E. Sdlphurea), which had become established on a west wall about the close of the last century ; flowers from which to draw were sought from various parts of the country. The plant produced them with such regularity, and in such gay profusion, that an amateur eventually pur- chased it to transplant to his seat in Yorkshire ; and he did this with considerable success, for although of great size, it flourished, and continued to flower well.* * Those who are fond of statistics may be interested to know that the sale of Eoses from this establishment exceeds 100,000 yearly, and that considerably over 1,000,000 plants have crossed the threshold of these nurseries during the last ten years. I may also here state that the original firm of A. Paul & Son no longer exists, I am the only surviving partner of that old firm. 28 THE ROSE GARDEN. In Sweet's ^'Hortus Britannicus/' publislied in 1827, tliere are 107 species given_, and 1,059 varieties, the greater portion of the latter being French or Gallica Eoses. In 1829, M. Desportes and M. Prevost each published in France a Catalogue of Koses. In the catalogue of the former cultivator above 2,000 varieties are described. These catalogues, with others w^hich appeared in England and France, both before and after this time, were calculated to infuse fresh ardour into the minds of the improvers of this charming race of plants, and at the same time to spread a taste for its cultivation. The Eose amateurs of England are so numerous in the present day that it were almost impossible to enumerate even those who possess collections of great merit. A few, however, occur to me, which have especial claims to notice as being the earliest of any extent. At Dane End, near Munden, in Hertfordshire, the seat of H. E. Sartees, Esq., was formed one of the earliest antl best collections ; and to which this county is no doubt indebted, in some degree, for the celebrity she enjoys for Eoses. Mr. Sabine formed a collection of the species, some years back, at North Mims, Herts. ; and a vast number of species were once growing in the Gardens of the Horticultural Society at Chiswick. About thirty-eight years ago, Mrs. Gaussen formed a Eosarium at Brookmans, in Hertfordshire, which contained many varieties. The form of the ground it occupied was an oblong, walled in, the walls covered with climbing Eoses and other plants. There was a variety of beds, formed and planted with much taste : in the centre stood a temple covered with climbing Eoses. The whole was blinded from distant view by a wide laurel bank ; and the surprise created on suddenly entering was most agreeable, and the effect magical. Here," says an eminent cultivator with whom I was in conversation the other day, " I first saw the Eose Euga, which was then recently introduced ; and I remarked to Mr. Murdoch, who was gardener there, that it was a hybrid of the Tea- scented. It was beautifully in bloom, and struck me at the time as a gem of the first water. I had not at this time met with any of the Sempervirens Eoses, the first of which, the Alba Plena, I saw in flower soon afterwards, on a wall at Dropmore, the seat of Lady GrenviUe." THE HISTORY OF THE ROSE. 29 The next collection Vv^liich demands our notice is that at Broxbourne- buiy^ the seat of H. Smith Bosanquet^ Esq., where there are at the present time a great number of very fine specimens.* In addition to the above, there are superior collections of Hoses at the following places : — Poles, near Ware, the seat of Eobert Hanbmy, Esq. ; Youngsburj, near Ware, the seat of Mrs. Puller ; Bayfordbury, near Hertford, the seat of W. R. Baker, Esq. ; and Danesbury, near Welwyn, the seat of W. J. Blake, Esq. It might have been foretold, that the rare beauties the gardens above mentioned contained — whether viewed on the plants, arrayed in the simple loveHness of nature, or when dressed for the tables of the Eloral fetes — would captivate all lovers of flowers, and spread a taste for their cultivation. And such was really the case. They became known and their worth appreciated. Florists and amateurs vied with each other in the cultivation of their favourite, each desirous of producing it in the most perfect state. Its characters and capabilities were thus fairly developed ; improvement followed on improvement ; and it soon became universally popular. And w^hy ? Shall Anacreon answer ? ^ Po^ov c5 (pc'^iJTov avQajv The Rose is the most beautiful of flowers.^^ * The greater part of tliis, once the finest collection in England, was destroyed by the severe winter of 1860-61, and has not yet been thoroughly restored. 30 THE EOSE GARDEN. CHAPTER III. ON LOCALITY AND SOILS, AND THE IMPROVEMENT OR ADAPTATION OF SOILS FOR ROSE CULTURE. If we were called upon to select a spot as best suited for the cultivation of Roses_, we should seek one at a distance from large towns_, that we might secure the advantages of a pure air. It should lie open to the south_, and be so far removed from trees of every description^ that their roots could not reach the soil of our Rose-beds_, or their tops overpower us with shade^ and prevent a free circulation of air. If, in addition to thisj we could choose our soil^ that preferred would be a strong loam ; if rich_, so much the better ; if poor^ we would enrich it by the addition of manures. It is generally known that the Dog- Rose delights in a stiff holding soil ; and it is on the Dog-Rose the choice garden varieties are usually budded. We do not intend by this to recommend soils commonly termed clayey, for in such there is often too gi-eat a deficiency of vege- table substances ; lighter soils, too_, are found better suited for such kinds as thrive best grown on their own roots ; but this may be managed by the addition of a little light turfy loam_, peat, or leaf-mould at the time of planting. An open, airy situation, and a stiff loamy soil, are, we say, what we should prefer, were our choice of locality and soil unlimited. With these at our command, we should expect to carry Rose-culture to perfection. But,^^ says the amateur, ^' all gardens must have Roses, and how few are there thus favourably circumstanced ! Many are close to large towns, where the air is rendered impure by the clouds of smoke constantly streaming into them. Others are of small size, and are often hemmed in by trees on all sides ; on this with a neighbour's favourite chestnuts ; on that with a group of sombre-looking firs ; and on another with a row of towering elms. And although we may think it not right that our less majestic denizens should suffer at ON LOCALITY, SOILS, ETC. 31 their hands, we have no help for it. They have their pets, as we have ours. The J find as much pleasure in the blossoms of their chestnuts, in the agreeable shade of their elms during the snltry months of summer, or by the privacy afforded them by the impenetrable darkness of their fir-trees, as we do in the perfect form and varied tints of our Roses. We cannot rid ourselves of their shade. We have no right, indeed, to wish to do so. But we might not hesitate to dock their roots, should they, in their peregrinations, enter our domain to gormandise on the provision made for our favourites. This, we think, would be justifiable. We are acting in self-defence. They are robbers, and deserve punishment, although it must not be such as to do them permanent injury. Then, again, as to soils: some are sandy; others are clayey, wet, cold, an J altogether uncongenial to vegetation. In a word, we cannot always suit our gardens to your Roses : your Roses must therefore be brought to suit our gardens.'^ Those who are free from all these annoyances may think themselves fortunate. The number of complaints of this kind received from amateurs possessing small gardens, which they make their chief source of relaxation and amusement, satisfy us they are great. It must be admitted that localities are often unfavourable, and hardly capable of improvement. With this, then, we must endure, and seek the remedy in the choice of varieties, selecting such as our own experience, or that of our friends, points out as succeeding best under such circumstances. It is well known that some kinds will grow and flourish where others will scarcely exist. Were this fact taken advantage of by those who plant in unfavourable situations, or unkindly soils, doubtless less failures in Rose-culture would ensue. But it may be said, — Some of the most delicate in habit are the most beautiful of Roses, and how can we dispense with such ? That the varieties possessed of the most bewitching forms and tints are most difficult of culture is, to a certain extent, true ; but we opine that a Rose, which will flourish and blossom in a doubtful situation, or in an unfriendly soil, is greatly to be preferred for such, to one which would only exist there as an unhealthy plant, though the latter were naturally its superior in point of beauty. I have known instances in which varieties of the most delicate growth have been selected, time after time, to occupy the most unfavourable situations, and this against all remonstrance, and the knowledge of the cultivator, howjht hy experience, that they will not succeed. Varieties are often 32 THE ROSE GARDEN. chosen and planted^ without paying sufficient attention to tlieir aptitude for tlie purpose or position they are wanted for. They are chosen because admired most — because they are the most beautiful. Now, what are the consequences ? That which should yield pleasure, produces, by constant failure, indifference or disgust, and their culture is abandoned. This is to be lamented, for if circumstances are unfavourable for the cultivation of particular varieties, others, that are likely to succeed, should be chosen. And the amateur need not be altogether without his favourite kinds. If unsuited for out-of-door culture in some places, they may be grown to perfection almost anywhere in pots, under glass. In this manner, with due care, they always succeed well ; and, by the increased beauty of their foliage and flowers, fully compensate for the additional attention paid to them. I here allude only to such as are very susceptible of frost, or of weak and delicate growth, confining the suggestion to no one group in particular, nor excluding varieties of such character from any group. If an illustration be needed, we may instance Marquise de Montemarte and Black Prince (Hybrid Perpetuals), Madame Margottin, Marechal Niel, and several others of the Tea-scented. These, and the like, will not thrive in unfavourable situations or unkindly soils. And whatever the situation may be, they assume a decidedly improved appearance when grown in a frame or greenhouse. An unfavourable locahty or soil should never deter the lover of Roses from entering on their cultivation ; for such is the diversity of character of the varieties belonging to the genus, that some may be found suited to, or capable of flourishing in, the least desirable localities ; and soils may be improved, or dug out, and the beds refilled with prepared soil. For the encourage- ment of those whose situation may be decidedly unfavourable, it may be stated that thousands of Roses grown at this establishment are sent annually into the neighbourhood of London and the large manufacturing towns in England and Scotland. And it is pleasing to see, in their perfect production there, how far the art of culture can be brought to triumph over circumstances. In such situations the practice which seems to have been attended with the most marked success,, is that of syringing the plants frequently, alternately with soap-suds and clean water, which frees the leaves of the impurities which settle upon them. Thus, it will be seen, none need despair of securing a moderate share of success in, and of realising the pleasures afforded by, the cultivation of this richly varied flower. ON LOCALITY^ SOILS; ETC. 33 We have said tliat soils are capable of improvement^ and we take it for granted that every one has his garden under his own control, so far as improvement goes. To this point let us now direct attention. In the first place, if our soil be wet, it should be di-ained. Roses will never flourish well or long in a soil naturally wet. As few plants will, if a garden be of this nature, it would seem desirable, before attending to other improvements, to drain it wholly and thoroughly. Let us suppose we have a piece of clayey undrained land, on which we are about to form a Rosarium. We defer planting the Roses till spring, availing ourselves of the autumn and winter for the amelioration of the soil ; unless, indeed, there has been an opportunity of working it during the previous winter and summer, when autumn planting is preferable. There is not, however, often a chance of doing this ; and we will suppose it taken in hand in October, just after a crop has been removed from it. Our first object is to secure a perfect drainage. This may be done by digging drains three feet deep, at about ten yards apart, and laying draining-tiles in at the bottom. In digging the trenches, they may be cut sloping from eighteen inches at top to two inches at the bottom. We must find out the lowest ground, and secure a gentle fall from the higher ground, that the water may run away freely. If we do not choose to lay drain-tiles in the trenches, bushes may be put there, or stones, brick-bats, clinkers from furnaces, broken into moderate-sized pieces, or any description of rubble. These will accom- plish the same end, if laid sufficiently deep, though not so perfectly, as the soil will find its way amongst them in course of time, and choke up the passages through which the water should find egress. Having laid the soil dry, dig it two spits deep, exposing it, as much as possible, to the fertilising influences of the sun and air. Instead of laying it level at the surface, let it be thrown up in ridges in the roughest manner possible. In this state it may lie till near the end of winter, fu]ly exposed to the action of sun, air, rain, and frost. The surface of the ridges will gradually crumble down, and the soil become pulverized. Now for the next step. What description of soils or manures can be brought to bear upon it with the greatest prospect of improvement ? Chalk, lime, peat, sand, and burnt earth will improve it; and stable manure, with any decayed vegetable substances, the refuse of the garden, may be added to advantage. And now is the time to apply these. D 34 THE ROSE GARDEN. First level the ground, and lay on the top a good dressing of any of the above soils that may be accessible^ or thought most suitable. Having done this^ in the next place trench the ground two spits deep, well mixing these foreign matters with the staple in the operation. The ground is laid level this time, and wheu finished, the places where the Eoses are to be planted, should be marked out. From the end of February till the end of March is a good time for spring planting, choosing an opportunity when the ground works well. But some gardens are so situated that it is not easy to drain them. A make-shift system may be adopted in such cases. The soil may be thrown out of the walks in the immediate vicinity of the plants, to a good depth; and loose stones, or rubble of any description, be placed at the bottom, covering with bushes, over which the soil may be restored. Among the substances mentioned above as calculated to improve wet or clayey soils is burnt earth. Of its value in the improvement of such for Eose culture I have been an eye-witness ; and in a letter to the Gardeners' Chronicle of 1844 (p. G7), I gave an account of the results of its application to some dwarf Eoses.* Subsequent experiments have increased my faith in it : and as the burning of earth is considered by many to be a difficult process, I shall give a succinct account of the plan pursued here. Earth may be burnt at any season of the year. It has been the custom here, for some years past, when the operations of pruning, grafting, &c., are ended, instead of suffering the rough branches to lie about, presenting an untidy appearance, to collect them in a heap. A wall of turf, about three feet high, of a semi-circular form, is then built round them. The branches are set on fire, and when about half burnt down, seed-weeds, and such rubbish as collects in every garden and will not readily decompose, are thrown on the top, and earth is gradually cast up as the fire breaks through. During the first two or three days great care is requisite to keep the pile on fire. Here is the point where many fail. They allow the flame to break through and expend itself before the heap is thoroughly kindled. Constant watching is necessary at this juncture. As the fire breaks through, the heap should be opened and a layer of bushes and weeds should be added, and then a layer of earth. Follow up this plan, * Published also in " Lindley's Theory of Horticulture," second edition, p. 566. SOILS, MANURES, ETC. 35 and tlie fire will spread tlirougli the whole heap ; and any amount of earth may be burnt, by continually adding to those places where the fire appears the strongest. The soil burnt here is the stiffest loam that can be found within our limits, and which is of rather a claj^ey nature ; also turf from the sides of ditches and roads, in itself naturally sour and full of rank weeds. Burnt earth has been found beneficial in every instance where applied, and two or three annual dressings of it have worked wonders on moist heavy soils. In the summer of 1842, six beds of Tea-scented Eoses were manured with the following substances : — 1, bone-dust; 2, burnt earth; 3, nitrate of soda; 4, guano; 5, pigeon-dung; and, 6, stable manure, thoroughly decomposed. The soil in which they grew was an alluvial loam. The adjacent fields, which are of the same nature, grow large crops of wheat and potatoes. The particles of the soil run together after rain, presenting a smooth cemented surface; the soil, in dry weather, becoming hard and harsh. But for the results. The guano produced the earliest visible effects, causing a vigorous growth, which continued till late in the season ; the foliage was large, and of the darkest green, but the flowers on this bed were not very abundant ; the shoots did not ripen well, and were consequently much injured by frost during the succeeding winter. The bed manured with burnt earth next forced itself into notice ; the plants kept up a steadier rate of growth, producing an abundance of clean, well-formed blossoms; the wood ripened well, and sustained little or no injury from the winter^s frost. The results attendant on the use of the other manures were not remarkable : they had acted as gentle stimulants ; the nitrate of soda and bone-dust least visibly so, although they were applied in the quantities usually recommended by the vendors. The beds of Roses were all planted at the same date, and in the same soil; and there was no undue advantage given to any one kind of manure. The fej-tilizing influences of the burnt earth were no doubt due partly to its drying and opening the soil, thus rendering it more permeable to the air ; and partly to the power it is said to possess of fixing the ammonia conveyed to the soil by rain. But further, earth is reduced, by burning, to its inorganic constituents, and thus becomes a concentrated inorganic manure, from which many soils benefit largely ; and the ashes of the wood, and other substances used in burning. 36 THE ROSE GARDEN. altliougli of small amount^ would add to its value under this point of view. A portion of tlie earth comes from the heap red and hard, and a portion black or dark brown. The latter, which may be more correctly called charred earth, is highly beneficial to most soils, and the best manure that can be applied to Roses in wet or adhesive soils, and I would advise all who cultivate such to use it. Peat soils, although not of the best kind for Roses, are found to grow them tolerably well. For the improvement of such, if wet, the first effort should be to drain them. After this, stiif loam, or pulverized clay and burnt earth, may be brought upon the surface, digging two spits deep, and well mixing the foreign substances with the natural soil, as advised in the improvement of clay soils. The worst soils for Roses are those of a sandy or gravelly nature. In such they often suffer fearfully from red spider and the drought of summer, scorching up and dying. Soils of this kind are sometimes bad beyond remedy. The best plan to pursue under such circumstances is, to remove the soil to the depth of about twenty inches^ as the beds are marked out, and fill up again with prepared soil. Two-thirds loam — the turf from a pasture, if attainable — and one-third decomposed stable manure, will make a good mixture. If a strong loam is within reach, choose such in preference to others ; and if thought too adhesive^ a little burnt earth or sand may be mixed with it. A good kind of manure for mixing with the loam is the remains of a hot-bed, which have lain by for a year and become decomposed. Syringing the leaves and watering the roots should be often repeated on such soils, especially during the growing season. Opoix, a French apothecary, whom we have previously quoted, attributes the superiority of the Roses grown for medicinal purposes, in the neighbourhood of Provins^ to peculiar properties of the soil, which contains iron in considerable quantity. We are told that the selection of inorganic manures for plants may be fixed upon by an examination of the composition of their ashes.* We know^ by the research of chemists, that the petals of the Rosa Gallica contain oxide of iron ; and I have long thought that the iron which abounds in the soil of one of the nurseries here is an ingredient of importance in the culture of Roses. I would not say that it is indispensable, but beneficial; and am almost Liebig. SOILS^ MANURES^ ETC. 37 confident tliat it heightens the colour of the flowers. On turning up the soil^ its ferruginous nature is in places distinctly seen. In an undrained field adjoining the Nursery the water frequently collects on the surface in the form of a thick brown liquid^ like so much rust^ which is covered here and there with a film_, on which the sky is distinctly mirrored. When the soil in this nursery is hoed or forked_, the rapid increase of growth of vegetation is striking beyond measure. This practice is known to promote growth in all soils ; but the extent to which it does so here is^ I think^ due to the oxygen of the air changing the iron contained in the soil from a substance pernicious to vegetable life into one favourable to its development. We have hitherto been speaking of the improvement of soils preparatory to the formation of the Eosarium_, or beds of Roses. But it is often desirable to improve the soil in beds abeady formed^ and which probably have existed for a number of years. This is usually done by the addition of animal or vegetable manures^ which are very good so far as they go^ but are not in every case all that is required. Roses increase in bulk every year^ and draw inorganic as well as organic matter from the soil. Although a portion of this may be returned by the fall of the leaf in autumn_, and by the manures employed_, yet a great deal is deposited in the branches and stem ; and when we consider what a quantity of branches we cut from some Roses^ and carry away every pruning- season, it will appear reasonable that we may, in the course of years, impoverish the soil as regards its inorganic constituents, and yet leave it rich in vegetable matter. Thus, we think, every two or three years a dressing of chalk, lime, soot, bones, or like substances, would prove highly beneficial to the beds of the Rosarium. But let it be remembered, that if the soil is wet manures are -of little value. In all such cases, then, the first effort must be to lay the soil dry. After this, add such manures as the character of the soil may point out as likely to prove most beneficial. Animal and vegetable manures of all kinds may be used, but not in a fresh state ; they should be well decayed ; for Roses, though delighting in a rich soil, dislike green manures more than most plants. In heavy soils a good dressing of chalk, peat, burnt earth, or sand may be used ; not to the preclusion of, but in addition to, the animal or vegetable manures. In light soils, especially such as are of a gravelly or sandy nature, stiff" loam may be applied to advantage. These substances may be thrown on the 38 THE ROSE GARDEN. surface of tlie beds with the usual manures^ and forked in at the same time We would remark here that stable manure_, which is excellent in most cases_, and the kind in general use for Roses^ is not of the best description for ligJd soils. Its tendency is to render them still lighter ; and if it can be dispensed with on light soils_, we think it desirable to do so. Manures should be applied here in a more concentrated form. Cow- dung is excellent^ especially for the Tea-scented Eoses; and pigeon- dung_, rabbit-dung, and night-soil are all great improvers of light soils. The unpleasantness attending the preparation and use of night-soil may in a great measure be done away with by pursuing the following plan. A basin_, or reservoir_, should be formed on the ground, to hold a given quantity. In the bottom of this, loam may be thrown, heavy or light, turfy or not, as may be at our command, or whichever is thought best suited to the character of the soil we wish to improve. Upon this the night-soil is lowered from the cart, and a sufficient quantity of loam thrown in to absorb the whole. The heap should then be covered over closely with a layer of earth, about a foot thick, and remain closed for about six months. It may then be broken up, more or less, according to its state, mixing dry soil, or ashes, or hurnt earth with it in the operation, and casting it up in ridges. About a month afterwards it may be turned over again, that the night-soil may be well mixed with the loam. In autumn it may be carried to the places where required, and forked in as other manures ; or it may be scattered over the beds immediately after they are forked in spring, when it will be washed down by the rains. We cannot conceive of any description of manure to surpass this, applied to Roses on light soils. By its use, we administer at the same time a cool and rich fertilizer, and a substance calculated to be of permanent benefit to the soil. It may be thought that guano should be a good manure for Roses on cold and poor soils. It probably might prove so if used sparingly, and in conjunction with vegetable manures. I do not, however, think guano the best manure for Roses in the generality of soils. It certainly increases the vigour of a plant, but seems to act more favourably on the foliage than on the flowers. It may be said this is due to the use of it in excess. But this I am not disposed to grant. In the spring of 1846 I scattered guano, in variable quantities^ over some newly-forked beds of Roses, just as the buds were pushing forth. The soil where this SOILS,, MANUEES, ETC. 39 experiment was made is a dry loam^ rather stiff, of excellent staple, but poor. The subsoil, to the depth of twelve feet, is a yellow loam or brick earth. Below this is gi'avel. In every instance where the guano was applied the growth was more vigorous, and the foliage developed of extraordinary richness and beauty; but it ivas at the expense of the flon-ers. Such were the consequences attending its use to plants in full health on one soil ; on soils otherwise constituted the results might be different. Eoses should have manure applied to them at least once a year. It should be in a decayed state, and may be dug in, when the borders are dug, in spring ; or laid on the surface afterwards, to be washed in by the rains. When manure is applied in such state as to be capable of yielding immediate nourishment to a plant, spring would seem the better season to apply it. The roots are then in full action, and every shower of rain places an abundant supply of food within their reach. If manure is applied in autumn, a great part of its nutritive properties may be carried beyond the reach of the roots by the frequent and heavy rains of winter. 40 THE ROSE GARDEN. CHAPTER IV. — ♦ — REMARKS ON THE FORMATION OF THE ROSARIUM, AND ON THE INTRODUCTION OF ROSES TO THE FLOWER GARDEN. In the formation of a Eosarium it appears to me that tlie simpler tlie forms of tlie beds tlie better. The plants of which it is composed are for the most part budded on stems,, and decidedly artificial objects ; and parallelograms^ squares^ circles^ ovals^ and other regular figures are in perfect harmony with the character of the plants ; admit of the most complete arrangement ; and display the Koses to greatest advantage. When the Eosarium is intended to be of large or even moderate size, there may be two compartments ; the one for the summer kinds exclu- sively, the other to contain the autumnals. The boundary of each may be defined by planting a single row of Pillar- Eoses at intervals of a yard apart. When they reach the height of five feet, each alternate plant may be removed, and small chains be fixed from pillar to pillar, hanging in graceful curves the entire length of the line. Over these some of the branches may be trained to form elegant festoons, two or three shoots being allowed to ascend the pillar until they reach such height as circum- stances or taste may point out as desirable. If Pillar- Eoses are not approved of to form the fine of demarcation, the same end may be accomplished by a rustic fence, which should be covered with some particular kind of Eose suited for the pm-pose. It should be a good, free-fiowering, hardy variety, whether a summer or autumn bloomer : if the latter is preferred, the Bourbon or Noisette off*er the best kinds. Or again, this would seem a fitting opportunity of in- troducing the Sweet-briar, which should abound in every Eosarium, for the delicious fragrance of its young leaves in the earliest of spring, the FORMATION OF THE ROSARIUM. 41 delicacy of its blossoms in summer^ and tlie gay appearance of the scarlet hips it produces in the autumn^ must recommend it to every observer. The walks of the Eosarium should be invariably of grass,, which sets off the plants, when in flower, to much greater advantage than gravel. Grass walks are objected to by some because unpleasant to walk upon early in the morning, or after a shower of rain ; but they give such a finish to the Eosarium, and lend such a freshness and brilliancy to the flowers, that it were a pity to forego these advantages solely on this account. And if the grass is kept closely mown, the force of this objection is greatly abated. When the walks are of grass, it is perhaps not desirable to plant edgings to the beds. When they are of gravel it is decidedly necessary to do so, and Box, or fancy tiles, may be used. In many instances, too, the Pompon and Fairy Eoses may be introduced as edgings, with a very happy effect, to form a complete edge, of less than a foot in height, covered with their miniature blossoms; the one variety blooming in summer only, the other throughout the autumn. It is desirable that the Eosarium should have a raised spot in its vicinity, from which a bird's-eye view of the whole may be obtained during the season of flowering. A mound of earth thrown up is the simplest plan ; and some burrs and stones may be placed upon the surface. The sides of the mound may be planted with Ayrshire, Sem- pervirens, and other running Eoses, or chmbing plants of various kinds : on the top may be formed a Eose Temple, or a cluster of Pillar-Eoses. From this spot we obtain, in the flowering season, a view of the Eoses en masse, as they lie beneath us, the effect of which is agreeable and striking ; and, indeed, every one can appreciate the beauty of the picture thus submitted to him. It needs neither the knowledge of the Florist nor the refined taste of the connoisseur ; the beauty and effect of the coup d'cell thus obtained is acknowledged alike by the skilled and un- skilled in these matters. This we regard as one important point gained in the formation of the Eosarium ; but there are others deserving of attention. When the amateur forms a Eosarium, he does not usually plant for effect : he views his plants individually, rather than collectively. And we should suppose that, to meet his approbation, the Eosarium should be so formed that he may attend to, and examine, each plant, without risking an injury to the rest. He may be delighted with viewing his 42 THE ROSE GAEDEN. collection as a whole ; and_, in addition to tliis_, the knowledge that his friends^ who may be less skilled in floriculture than himself, would derive the highest gratification from such a sight_, would induce him not to neglect this point. But he finds greater pleasure in looking at his favourites separately. What would be tedious and uninteresting to them is to him highly amusing. Each of his plants has a name by which he distinguishes it. He regards them as so many friends or acquaint- ances_, every one of which has a claim upon his attention. He therefore wishes them so disposed that he may attend to each in turn_, without injuring the rest. How often have I seen_, in large beds of Roses, the soil round a favourite tree trodden as hard as a gravel walk ! I have also seen the adjoining trees_, whose beauty was only dimmed by the presence of a brighter gem, seriously rubbed and broken_, being altogether un- heeded in the eager haste to inspect some more inviting specimen.* It would seem desirable, then, that the beds be so formed that each plant may be seen from the walks. No one who really loves Roses will be content with viewing a plant placed in the back of a bed some six or seven yards from a walk. To fully appreciate its beauties — to be satisfied — one must have it directly under the eye, or how can he mark the exact colour, form, and various characters, and last, but not least, inhale its perfume ? If the plant is so placed that we cannot do this from the walks, the beds must be trampled on ; the temptation is too great ; we cannot resist it. When forming a Rosarium it is at the option of the cultivator to set apart a spot for growing plants from which to save seed. If he desire to raise seedhngs this should be done, for the plants become impove- rished by the ripening of the seeds, and therefore those from which he wishes to obtain large and perfect flowers should never be suffered to seed. He should select the sunniest spot in the garden in which to plant the seed-bearers, in order to secure every possible advantage for accelerating the period of maturity. Autumn pruning should also be adopted, as a means to this end, by inducing an early development of * I have a vivid recollection of committing this error. I once stepped on a seedling in the garden of a Rose-grower in France, which was planted in a very injudicious position. A glimpse of La Reine, for the first time, was the cause of my misfortune. I was made acquainted with the real state of things by a very un- Frenchmanlike roar. Fortunately the plant was not seriously injured, but the flower-bud was destroyed ; and the amount of mischief done was the keeping of the owner in a state of suspense for a month or two longer. I afterwards learned that I was very near annihilating a very fine variety. JAREIN EU LUXEMBOUEG. 43 flowers. Our climate is not the most favourable for this branch of Rose- culture ; we therefore must not waive even the slightest advantage which may be obtained either naturally or incidentally. In preference to giving new plans only, we shall present our readers with some which already exist, and which have obtained the approval of those who have witnessed the effect they produce. For the reasons above stated, we believe the simpler the form of the Rosarium the better. It is therefore thought not necessary to give many plans ; but, besides those given, we shall offer a description of several places noted for Roses, or where the plants appear arranged with taste. The most renowned Rosarium in Em*ope is that of the Jardin du Luxembourg at Paris. The interest attached to these gardens arises principally from some of our finest varieties having originated and been nurtured there, and to its possessing some unusually large specimens. I remember seeing there, in the month of June, on miy first visit to Paris, a Standard of the Tea Princesse Helene du Luxembourg, of an immense size, with hundreds of its fine flowers in beautiful condition. The tree called to mind the large-headed Hybrid Roses occasionally met with in this country. We shall proceed at once to describe these Grardeus. The woodcut No. 1, on the following page, is a ground-plan of the Rosarium, in which the entire collection of the Luxembourg is planted. It is situated on the right of the public walk, leading from the Palais du Luxembourg. It is below the level of the public promenades, as shown at e. In summer, when the Roses are all in flower, they produce a splendid effect viewed from the public walks above, and over the parapet-wall c, e. If we descend to the walks //we lose this effect, as the Roses are then brought on a level with the eye. The little round marks in our engraving show a line of fruit trees originally planted in the borders surrounding the Rose-beds, forming a sort of back-ground, but these are now removed. There are two other Rosariums, similar in design, situated on the same side, between rows or groves of trees, hut they are on a level with the public promenades. In consequence of this, and being surrounded by trees, the effect they produce is very inferior to that of the one just mentioned. No. 2 is an isometrical view of one of these ; the other is so similar in design to No. 1 that we think it unnecessary to introduce it. The double lines here are intended to show the edgings of the beds. No. 2. 46 THE ROSE GARDEN. wliicli are of Box. The vases in tlie centre are planted with. Geraniums Verbenas^ &c., during tlie summer months. It is wholly surrounded with trees_, but they are shown here on two sides only_, in order that the plan of the Eosarium might not be interfered with. The presence of these trees could be dispensed with to advantage. By excluding sunlight^ and a free circulation of air^ they produce most pernicious consequences^ which the drawn and weakly state of some of the plants sufficiently proves. The gardens of the Luxembourg are enclosed by a kind of fence, made of light sticks_, which are much used in France for similar purposes. The manner of planting adopted is this : — The beds are about seven feet wide, and contain two rows. Two plants of each variety, a standard and a dwarf, are planted side by side, at distances of about three feet. They are so disposed that every standard has a dwarf behind it, and in consequence every dwarf is backed by a standard. The number of plants contained in the Rosarium of which 'No. 1 is a ground-plan is about 1,800. The Roses in No. 1 are apparently planted without any design of keeping the respective groups together. In the other gardens, however, one is planted solely with Autumnals, and the other with the various groups of Summer Roses. The extreme simplicity in their formation renders them not very brilliant objects on paper; but although the design be simple, the effect is good. Now, without holding these gardens up to view as perfection, I do think two principal points in the formation of the Rosarium have been perfectly wrought out. Here is a tarrace, from which we can look down upon the plants ; view them as a whole (which is indeed a grand sight) ; and they are so arranged, that we can look closely at each by descending to the walks. The greatest objection appears to me to exist in the non-arrangement of the varieties in separate groups, according to their external characters ; and which might have been done without lessening the effect produced as a whole. We shall now present our readers with two original plans, designed expressly for this work by Messrs. Major and Son, the eminent landscape gardeners of Knosthorpe, near Leeds, and on which they make the following remarks : — In grounds sufficiently extensive for the introduction of various scenes, the Rosarium is one calculated to produce considerable interest ; and being formal, and a separate scene, it is necessary that it should be NATUEAL OR ENGLISH STYLE. 47 masked out from the general pleasure-ground by shrubs and low ornamental trees^ blending with the adjoining ground in the natural or EngHsh style. In situations where the ground is too limited for the introduction of a Rosarium, we prefer assembling the Dwarf Roses in groups or small masses in front of the shrubberies ; and arranging the Standards irregularly here and there just behind some of the lower shrubs_, so that the stems for the most part may be covered. The heads appearing above the shrubs has a highly interesting effect. . In the designs for the Rosariums, we have arranged the whole of tJie beds and Standard Roses as near each other as they should be rtlaced, even in the most hmited grounds ; but in situations where a l|ittle more space of lawn can be allowed, it will be better to keep them ore apart, the same character being kept. " If an extensive Rosarium is required, it is only necessary to increase he number of beds and standards, and to preserve the same proportions n the beds and lawn as shown in the plans No. 3 and No. 4 : it would nly be required to throw the shrubbery farther back, and form another ange of round beds between it and the Standards ; and, if necessary, the shrubberies enclosing the Rosariums may be fronted both with Standards and Dwarf Roses. We adopted this plan a few years ago, in arranging a Rosarium, the area of which was nearly half an acre in extent ; but the collection being very extensive, we found it necessary to front the whole of the shrubbery enclosing the compartment both with Standards and Dwarfs ; and during the blooming season it pre- sented a scene truly splendid, surpassing the assemblage of any other family of plants we ever saw, even a splendid collection of Rhodo- dendrons which composed another scene in the same grounds. The arcades in both designs are for exhibiting Chmbing Roses, which we need not say will produce a very imposing effect. They should be formed of latticed pilasters, twelve inches wide, and about six feet high to the spring of the arches, each pilaster having four uprights one and a quarter inch square, placed two and two, an inch apart, with balls between them at proper distances, and filled up in the middle with lattice-work, showing five-eighths of an inch in front. The openings between the pilasters may be from four to five feet, according to the height. The arch over the walk must be of lattice-work. Some of the round beds may be of basket-work, twelve or fifteen inches deep, especially those shown with a varied outline. 48 THE ROSE GARDEN. Scale of Feet. feo 48 36 2+ 12 0 6 12 I ! ; I. > 1 1 1 il ;i ; I ! { 11 a to b. Arcade of trellis work. No. 3. c. c. Covered Seats. GROUPS OP BEDS. 49 " In order to make tlie Eosarium as interesting as possible^ the beds miglit be planted witli patches of early-flowering bulbs to precede tbe Scale of Feet. a ci. Circular arcade of trellis-work. h. Aviary, c c. Covered seats, d d d d. Weeping Roses. general bloom of Eoses ; wbich bulbs^ after flowering, miglit be lifted,, and their places supplied by different kinds of Annuals, to succeed tke general Eose-bloom. So tbat tbere would first be a show of early E 50 THE ROSE GARDEN. bulbous flowers ; then the grand display of Roses ; and lastly, tbe sbow of Annuals/^ But it may not suit every one^s inclination or convenience to form a Eosarium_, however desirous he may be of cultivating a few choice specimens of Roses. In small gardens it often happens that there is httle room, or the proprietor's favourite may be another flower. He may wish not to exclude Roses altogether, although he has not space to cultivate many. It is therefore necessary that we should consider how they may be introduced, to form an agreeable feature in the Flower Garden. Various methods have been suggested, and many carried out with good effect. With regard to Standards, they have been grouped in beds on lawns ; planted in continuous lines, running parallel with walks ; in square beds, or parallelograms ; and they are also not unfrequently planted singly on lawns. Dwarfs are planted in single beds, or groups of beds ; sometimes a single variety to each bed, to obtain masses of well- contrasted colours ; sometimes the varieties are mixed, and the colours blended. Each of these plans is good under particular circum- stances; for we have not always the exact plot of ground at our disposal necessary to carry out certain forms, and besides which our tastes vary. Perhaps the best mode of introducing Roses to the Flower Garden is, by a group of beds thrown together on a lawn. In these, if the pro- prietor be a Rose amateur, he would most likely be desirous of obtaining as great a variety as possible ; and a bed should be set apart for each group, or for a certain number of his favourite groups, if he be confined for space. There is a very elegant arrangement of clumps on the lawn at Southgate House, near London. The ground they occupy is a strip taken in from the park, about one hundred and thirty yards long, and eight yards wide : it hes open to the east. There are fifteen clumps formed in a single row, some two, and some four yards apart, excepting the sixth and seventh clumps, between which there is a clear space of sixteen yards. Their forms are circles, seg- ments of circles, ovals, parallelograms, octagons, and the hke. In fi'ont of the lawn is a broad gravel walk, and at the back a wire fence, separating the lawn from the park. The clumps were originally planted with the following groups, in the order in which we place them, com- mencing with that nearest the dwelling house : — 1, Bourbon ; 2, French ; GROUPS OF BEES. 51 3^ Provence ; 4_, Damask Perpetual ; 5, French ; 6_, Moss ; 1 , Noisette ; 8, Bourbon Perpetual; 9^ Hybrid Provence; 10^ Hybrid Perpetual; 11, Hybrid Chinese; VI, Damask and Alba, mixed; 13, Bourbon; 14, Sweet Brier, and its hybrids ; 15, Hybrid Perpetual. This series of clumps still exist, but the varieties being mostly destroyed by the winter of 1860-61, the beds have been recently refilled with miscel- laneous Eoses. It is situate on the right-hand side of the gravel-walk when proceeding from the house. To the left are walks leading to the Flower Garden, some fine Horse-chestnut trees, and a few clumps to contain Geraniums, Verbenas, and various other plants. Behind these is a wall, on which fruit-trees are planted. At the further end of the Rose-clumps is a gToup of ornamental trees, opposite to which is a summer-house. With regard to the arrangement, the plants intended for the centre, or centre rows, were selected on stems about three feet and a half high; the others gradually decrease in height as they approach the edges of the beds. The greatest distance from plant to plant is three feet ; and the smaller growers, which have place towards the circumference of the beds, are planted nearer to each other. The natural soil here is clay upon gravel. In preparing the ground to receive the Roses, the soil was removed from the beds to the depth of two feet, and replaced with good loam — the washings of the park and fields, which had been collected from the gutters there. The earth from the walk was removed to a greater depth than that of the beds ; and various substances were placed in the bottom to form a drain, in order that the latter might be laid quite dry. This was taking a great deal of pains with a soil not irremediably bad — with a soil which might have been rendered suitable for Ilose-culture with less labour than that bestowed on it. But the additional painstaking was more than repaid by the complete success attendant on the transplantation of the trees. Of 319 specimens transferred from the Nurseries here, not one died ! The greater part, too, flowered beautifully the first season after transplantation, which is not always the case. They were planted with great care, and no doubt received the strictest attention during the spring and summer. But although the success here must be chiefly ascribed to the above-mentioned circumstances, this case must not be considered as one of common occurrence. We record it here because remarkable ; for, with the most skilful management and utmost care, individual instances of failure will almost invariably ensue. 52 THE ROSE GARDEN. When Eoses are planted in the manner of wMdi we are now speakings if the proprietor of the garden be a lover of flowers in general^ without caring to enter into the detail of the matter^ planting in masses of colour will probably suit his taste better than making up each clump with mixed varieties. In this case the beds should be of smaller dimensions than when filled with various kinds^ or there is an appear- ance of too much sameness. We here plant for effect ; and if the plants are Dwarfs_, full scope may be allowed for the exercise of taste and ingenuity in, the construction of the beds: the simple forms recom- mended to the amateur for Eoses on stems may be cast aside. The efiect of planting masses of colour is truly splendid_, and such as cannot be accomplished simply by a mixture of varieties. Let us suppose a group of beds formed on a lawn within sight of the drawing-room^ and filled with the freest flowering Eoses. Let Chinese Fabvier (scarlet) fill one bed ; Bourbon Queen (salmon) another ; General Jacqueminot (crimson) a third; Madame Falcot (yellow) a fourth; and^ in continuation^, selecting kinds to introduce as agreeable a con- trast of colour as possible,, and of as nearly equal growth^ as the form of the series of beds may require. If we prefer Summer Eoses^ there are kinds among them quite as suitable for the purpose. Can we doubt the effect of this mode of planting ? Could we introduce a more agreeable feature to the Flower Garden ? If formed of the Autumnals^ we have flowers springing forth in the earliest of summer^ and continuing to blossom till November ; bidding defiance to the slight frosts of autumn, which check or destroy the less hardy races of plants, that contribute so much to the adornment of the garden. In small gardens, where variety is desirable, a bed of moderate, or large size, produces probably a more agreeable effect than numerous small beds : the latter are, however, better, if well- contrasted masses of colour are desired. Standard Eoses, planted in lines running parallel with garden-walks, are shown to great advantage, and this method is, in many cases, to be recommended; the borders beneath being planted with bulbs, herba- ceous plants, annuals, or others of humble growth. There is one practice which has been too frequently adopted in planting Eoses singly on lawns : that of placing the turf close up to and , around the stems immediately after planting ; this cannot be too highly deprecated. The starved and unhealthy appearance the plants usually WEEPING ROSES. 53 present shows unmistakably their dislike of such treatment. Why, then^ should they be subjected to it ? Were they allowed to become thoroughly estabhshed_, the turf might then be laid on without producing such injurious consequences. But it is desirable to avoid even this : for of what avail can the soft genial showers of springs or even the heavier rains of summer_, be to the roots of a tree^ when they have first to pass through the thirsty turf_, and give sustenance to the blades composing it ? And again^ the turfing of the ground prevents in some measure the air from permeating the soil_, which practice proves so beneficial to the growth of plants. It may be said that an open space round a plant on a lawn is objectionable; but this may be overcome by placing a few white flints or burs on the soil ; or sowing it with annuals of small growth_, which will diversify and add to the beauty of the garden. Some varieties of Roses_, which form large heads when grown as Standards_, look well planted in avenues. In small gardens_, Standards of various kinds may be planted com- pletely round the outside of the lawn_, at equal or various distances. Weeping Roses form beautiful objects when planted singly on lawns ; and it is surprising that they are not more generally cultivated. Are they so rare that few have yet witnessed them in complete beauty ? It may be so. There is a letter now before me_, from an amateur in Devonshire^ who purchased from here_, some years since^ a plant of the Ayrshire Ruga, with a stem eight feet high. It has been trained as a Weeper ; and the tips of its branches now rest upon the grass below : an arbour is formed by it, and there is a seat within. The branches are, in the flowering season, covered with blossoms from the head to the ground, and the sight is described as magnificent. There are but few kinds naturally suited for this mode of growth ; although many may, by a course of pruning and training, be brought to form handsome specimens. Of natural Weepers, the Ayrshire and Evergreen are the best. Of others, such of the Austrian, the Boursault, the Hybrid Chinese, the Hybrid Noisette, the Noisette, and Bourbon, as are of pendulous growth, should be chosen. The latter groups intro- duce a pleasing variety of character and colour, points well worth gaining, especially if many Weepers are desired.* * "Where any particular mode of growing Eoses is recommended, a list of a select few suited for the purpose will be given at the end of Div. 1. 54 THE ROSE GARDEN. We should fancy that Roses of pendulous growth^ worked on short sterns^ and planted in vases,, would have a pretty effect. Again^ if the same kinds were planted as Dwarfs^ in raised baskets^ on lawns or else- where^ and their shoots allowed to hang down on all sides^ the effect of the masses of flower they produce^ if equalled^ could not be surpassed. We occasionally see varieties of vigorous and straggling growth formed as plain Standard or Bush Eoses. We must confess we do not admire them as such^ and think them better fitted to form Climbers, Pillars, or Weepers. And if the Rose is more beautiful under one form than another, it is perhaps when fashioned as a Pillar Rose. Every Rosarium, and, indeed, every Flower Garden, should possess some of them. We have previously stated that they may be introduced to the Rosarium to form the boundary-line of the summer and autumn gardens. In the Flower Grarden they may be planted to form temples, avenues, single specimens on lawns, or in groups of three, five, or more. If planted in a ring round a circular clump on a lawn, at some distance from its circumference, we should conceive the effect to be good. The best kinds are, the Ayrshire, Sempervirens, Boursault, Hybrid Chinese, Noisette, Hybrid Perpetual, and Bourbon, some of which show them- selves better suited for the purpose than others, and which we shall point out when we come to speak of Pillar Roses. Climbing Roses may be introduced to the Flower Garden to advan- tage, as a cover for fences, or to hide any object disagreeable to the eye. When it is wished to cover a high fence or building quickly, some of the strongest growers should be chosen, budded on tall stems : the space left beneath may then be covered with kinds of less rampant growth. Climbing Roses may be planted to cover arbours, rustic seats, or to form arcades or arches over walks. I have seen them trained on arches hy the sides of walks, a line of arches on either side running their entire length, not stretching over them. Such may be admitted, in certain positions in the Flower Garden, with charming efiect, although they are not always in harmony with surrounding objects, or in good taste. When this arrangement may seem suitable, the arches should not be placed at too great a distance from each other ; and the effect may some- times be heightened by running chains, in curved lines, from arch to arch, covering them with the spare branches of the Roses. For this purpose the Evergreen Roses are perhaps the best, as they are very hardy, and hold their leaves longer in winter than any other CHmbers. EVEEGREEN AND AYRSHIRE ROSES. 65 The Evergreen and Ayrshire may also be planted in rough places in parks^ to trail over waste ground^ hillocks^ or the like : they may also be made to chmb old trees ; in which way they present a very rustic appearance^ and produce a pleasing effect. It appears to us better taste to plant them, in such situations than budded plants^ as the latter are only in character in dressed grounds. A bank of Roses produces a very agreeable effect^ especially when seen from the windows of the house. The Evergreen and Hybrid Chinese^ owing to their vigour and density of growth^ and the immense trusses of flowers they produce^ are of the best kind for this purpose. They may be planted two or three yards apart_, according to the quality of the soil. They will need only just so much training as to induce them to cover regularly and thickly the whole surface of the ground.* As to pruning, the less the better ; but we must of course keep the form of the bank elegant_, and the plants in health and vigour. If these same kinds were planted at the base of trees in the most open spots,, near the confines, or within sight of the walks in shrubberies, we think they would introduce a pleasing feature there. In such places, how often does the gloomy and desolate triumph over the cheerful and beautiful ! The trees are often bare, or dead branches only seen, for some distance from the ground ; and the beauty of their tops is not appreciable as we walk beneath. Who has not sometimes rambled in such walks, where the wild Honeysuckles have presented the most pleas- ing feature, if not the only one, to tempt him to pursue his walk ? And beautiful indeed they are, creeping over the rugged branches of the trees, their tortuous stems showing here and there, and their beautiful flowers and leaves glistening among the boughs above. And why should not Roses be brought to fill like positions. Let the Ayrshire be planted in spots where they obtain a little light, and they will do. But it will be well to give them every encouragement at the outset. Remove the soil at the root of the tree to the depth of eighteen inches, and for two or three feet square, filling up the opening with two-thirds good turfy loam, well intermixed with one-third manure, rich, but not too fresh. In this they may be planted. Train them for the first year or two, until they get good hold of the trees ; then manure them annually. Prune very little ; and there is no doubt they will flower well, and lend * Their branches may sometimes be encouraged to dip and root into the soil. 56 THE ROSE GAEDEN. additional interest and beauty to tlie strubbery walks by tbe relief and variety tbey give. In some places^ wbere the shrubbery walks are extensive^ we bave seen groups of Roses introduced with good effect. It is probably the best plan here to have the arrangement as simple as possible,, that it may be comprehended at a glance. It should be en- tirely concealed from distant view, to the end that some little surprise may be created, by finding ourselves unexpectedly greeted in our course with a mass of these lovely flowers. Planting simply in straight rows about four deep appears an excellent method ; and the plants may be arranged to slope gradually from the back to the front. The entrance at each end might be arched over with wire-v/ork ; or even two or three rustic poles fixed upright on either side of the walk, and arched over^ would be in perfect harmony with the design. Round and over these poles and arches Climbing Roses may be induced to grow, mingling the colours, or not, as taste may suggest, but taking care that the varieties be abundant bloomers, and of similar growth. If the arches are too long, the Hght is excluded from the interior, and the flowers all draw to the top, in which position they are not seen. If it is wished to have an arched Rose-walk, the arches should not exceed two feet in length, and they should be placed about a yard apart. The effect produced in view- ing the walk from either end is the same as if the arches covered the whole space of ground ; and, when passing under them, the flowers hang drooping from the sides and top, and are then seen to advantage. But to return. In this situation (the Shrubbery), the rare and perfect kinds of Roses will not be looked for : the beholder will very probably not stay long enough to examine them critically, and the aim should be to produce an impression at first sight. This may be done by choosing the showy free-flowering kinds, such as are famed for the quantity of flowers they produce, for beauty en masses and brilliancy of colour, in preference to those possessed of great symmetry of form, or exactitude of habit. Many of the Tea-scented, Hybrid Chinese, Hybrid Perpetual, and Noisette Roses are of this kind. Such a plantation as that just described exists at Ponsbourne Park, Herts, the seat of Wynn Ellis, Esq. The entrance on either side is arched over with rustic, poles, for a distance of a few yards ; the arch is so curved that the plant^e believe they prove beneficial, by the partial shade they afford ; but they should be planted very thinly, and those kinds chosen which are of the most slender growth. When Dwarf Roses only are planted, from one to two and a half feet, according to the vigour of the kinds, is the distance usually chosen. A few words on arranging plants in single beds may not be misplaced here. We first take the centre of the bed, where we place the tallest plant, and which should be a robust grower, an abundant bloomer, and an attractive Rose. In reference to this plant, whatever may be the shape or size of the bed, the others are disposed. They should incline gently from it in any or every direction, till the plants at the edge be on very short stems or perfect dwarfs. An inclination of one foot and a half, from one row to another, admits of a very pretty arrangement. Supposing the centre plant to be five feet, the next row may be three feet and a half, the next two feet, and so on. Let it be borne in mind, that the strongest growers should be planted nearest to the centre ; and F G6 THE EOSE GAEDEN. in consequence of tlieir more vigorous growtli, greater space should be allowed from plant to plant there than at the circumference of the bed_, where the smaller growers are planted. When the holes are opened for planting, throw a little manure at the bottom, and mix it with the soil there ; then place the plant in the hole^ filling in with the manure and soil laid ready above_, treading them firmly about the roots. After planting tie each Standard to a stake^ to secure it from the action of the wind^ and the operation is finished. Be it remarked_, that planting deep causes Roses to throw suckers : if the roots are from three to six inches under the soil it is quite enough ; they should be set deeper in light dry than in strong moist soils. The Tea-scentedj Chinese^ tender varieties of ISToisette^ and Law- renceana Eoses, should never be planted in the autumn. Let the beds or places which they are intended to fill remain open till Spring. The plants of these groups are sometimes small and delicate,, and if put into the ground in Autumn they often suffer greatly from the Winter's frost. But plant them in Spring : if they are a year old^ in April ; if younger, in May or June ; and they have the growing season before them : they get a firm hold of the ground by Winter, and are more gradually hardened to, and better capable of supporting, the changes and severities of that season. It is important that the ground be in good working order at the time of planting, for on this depends greatly the measure of success. If it be wet, it hangs to the spade and to the heels of the operator, and prevents him from doing his work well. But worse than this : the moving of ground when wet causes the particles to combine too closely ; the soil becomes close and dead, and, if thrown about the roots of a tree in this state is unfavourable to early and vigorous rooting. Choose, then, a dry time, when the earth bounds clean and free from the spade; and if subsequent dry weather points out the necessity of using the watering- pot, by all means do so : far better this, than to plant when the ground is in bad order. PEUNING. 67 CHAPTER VI. PRUNING. I BELIEVE pruning to be tlie most important operation in Rose-culture, and, at the same time, the most difficult to obtain the mastery over, and to apply with success. The difficulty arises chiefly from the extensiveness of the genus, which is made up of varieties difiering so much from each other in habit and character. What a striking contrast does the tiny Lawrenceana, seldom exceeding eighteen inches in height, present to the other extreme of the genus, the Ayrshire and Sempervirens, which will form shoots fifteen feet long in a single year ! And there are kinds of every intermediate degree of vigour and character, and hence the difficulty — the great variation of practice required in the application of pruning. But, beyond this, the manner of pruning is partly determined by the object the operator has in view, or by the condition and health of the plant, A rose intended to form a Standard would require different pruning to one wanted to form a Pillar Hose, although the variety were the same. When flowers are desired of the largest size, as for exhibi- tion, the plan should differ from that pursued to obtain masses of flowers. Again, a Rose in vigorous condition, when healthy and full of sap, requires less pruning than when, owing to soil, situation, or other causes, it is of moderate or weakly growth. The same degree of pruning applied to each condition would produce opposite results. Close pruning would be the means of improving the health and flowering of a weak tree : it would induce a vigorous one to form wood-shoots only, no flowers. From the above remarks it will be seen, that after the fullest and most careful examination of the subject, pruning depending so much on cir- cumstances, a great deal must be left to the judgment of the operator ; G8 THE ROSE GARDEN. a certain degree of practice is necessary before any great attainment in this art can he arrived at, and I would not advise the uninitiated to trust himself too far_, before he has well marked the manoeuvres of some skilful friend or practitioner. I know many instances in which amateurs^ who take delight in attend- ing to their own Eoses_, mar the beauty of their trees for want of con- sidering the principles of Eose-pruning. Many trees^ from too much pruning,, grow most luxuriantly_, but show little disposition to flower; others_, from too little pruning, produce abundance of flowers, but they are poor in quality. These are known facts of every day occurrence ; and what are the consequences ? Probably the varieties are condemned as worthless, though of first-rate merit, and which, other conditions being favourable, only require a skilful application of the knife to ensure perfect flowers in gorgeous abundance. But it is not a question of flowers only. On pruning depends the formation of the trees ; whether they be handsome, or irregular and misshapen. Regarding this branch of cultivation, then, as one of primary importance, I shall give myself full scope in discussing and illustrating it. There are two seasons of the year at which pruning is usually per- formed; November, which is termed Autumn pruning, and March, or Spring-pruning. Winter-pruning cannot be recommended, as there is a risk of the trees being injured by the action of wet and frost upon the fresh wounds. Thinning in Summer is advocated by some ; and of this we shall have occasion to speak by and bye. Which is the better season for pruning. Spring or Autumn, is a point concerning which Eose-cultivators are not altogether agreed. To enable our readers to judge for themselves, it may be well to state the condition of the trees at each season. In November, Roses may be said to be at rest ; for, although there is always a circulation of the sap, at this particular time it is less active than in Spring or Summer. As a proof of this, if we remove a Rose in Autumn, the roots are then, to all appearance, inactive ; but if we remove the same in March, or often, indeed, earlier, we shall find numerous white rootlets, which have been newly formed, and which, sponge-like, are continually sucking moisture from the earth, thereby favouring the circulation of the sap, and promoting growth. Hence the different state of a tree in Autumn and Spring is, that at the former period it is sinking into or at rest, and PRUNING. 69 iu the latter rising into life and action. Now, it is evident, that the greater quantity of nutritive matter that can be collected in the imme- diate vicinity of the buds intended to remain for bloom, the more vigorous will the growth be, and the finer the flowers. Autumn- pruning favours this storing of the juices of the plants ; for by cutting away the superfluous shoots in Autumn, the buds on those left behind are placed in contact with a greater supply of food, by the lessening of the number of the channels through which the sap has to pass : the buds increase in size, become plump, and, when Spring arrives, vegetate with great vigour. By this practice an earlier bloom is also produced than when pruning is deferred till spring ; and the shoots and flowers are formed with more regularity, and in greater abundance. It may be said that many of the Summer kinds, being more disposed to produce growing than flowering shoots. Autumn pruning is calculated to favour this tendency. True, and to counteract this, the operation should be performed with less rigour at that season than when deferred till Spring. But Autumn -pruning has its disadvantages, the greatest of which is this : — A few mild days in Winter often excite the buds of Autumn- pruned Eoses, and they push forth ; severe weather follows ; the young shoots are frosted, and the bloom injured. This is more particularly the case with the Chinese, Noisette, Bourbon, Tea- scented, and the Hybrids of these kinds, which we shall term excitable, because they are quickly excited to growth. The Provence, Moss, French, Alba, and others, rarely suffer from this cause, as they are not so readily affected by the state of the weather. Be it remarked, however, that the quickness with which buds are roused into action depends much upon how far the shoots were matured the previous Autumn ; the less matured the more exci- table. It will be perceived, then, that there is a difficulty in the way of Autumn-pruning, when applied to the excitable kinds, which can only be remedied by affording them protection from frost, should a mild December or January be succeeded by severe weather. But this would entail great additional trouble, and cannot always be done. Let us now turn to the other season. The chief advantage gained by deferring pruning till Spring is, that the flower-shoots are placed beyond the reach of injury by frost. If, during winter, any buds push forth in un pruned Roses, it is those at the ends of the branches, and they will be removed by pruning. But there 70 THE ROSE GARDEN. is an evil attendant on iMs apparent advantage. When pruning is put off till Spring, tlie buds placed at the extremities of the shoots are often found in leaf, and in the operation we cut off some inches from a shoot in this state. The tree is denuded of its leaves_, and thereby receives a check. The sap^ being in active motion^ exudes from the fresh wounds. The lower buds find themselves suddenly in contact with a great supply of foodj by the cutting away of the buds beyond them. There is a pause. Soon one or two buds at the extremity of the pruned shoots take up the work : they swell, are developed apace, but all below remain dormant ! Thus Spring-pruning is unfavourable to an abundant and regular development of branches and flowers, and, consequently, to the well forming of a tree. The flowers are also usually produced later in the season, and of less size. Thus it may be said that each season has its advantages and dis- advantages. But is it impossible to draw from both ? We think not ; and would strongly recommend that all but the excitable lands be jpruned in Autumn : thin out these at the same time^ but leave the shortening of their shoots till Spring. For pruning Roses two instruments are necessary, a knife and a saw. The knife I use is one with a straight blade : the saw is a double-toothed one, small, with a handle about a foot long and a blade of rather less length: the point is narrow, to admit of its being easily worked among the close branches. Armed with these, we are ready for action ; and it is necessary to bear in mind that they should be kept very sharp, in order that the work may be well done. In France it was formerly the practice to clip the heads of the Standard Roses with shears; but I believe this practice is now abandoned there, and scissors are used in their stead. I have tried the latter, but find, in my hands, the knife executes the work better, and more expeditiously; although, as to the latter point, something may depend on use. The scissors are, however, very convenient for gathering flowers, and for cutting off the flower-stalks when they grow shabby^ or begin to decay. There are three principal ends sought in Rose-pruning, each of which should be kept distinctly in view ; and let it be borne in mind, that on the judicious use of the pruning-knife their perfect accomplishment more or less depends : they are — 1. To maintain a plant or tree in full health and vigour. PRUNING. 71 2. To induce it to assume a form at once agreeable to the eye^ and advantageous for tlie development and display of its blossoms. 3. To secure an abundance of good flowers. 1. To maintain a plant or tree hi full health and vigour. We are told that the extraordinary vigour and beauty of some plants on which goats had been browsing first gave the ancients the idea of pruning. Certainly no one in the present day would dispute the advantages of it. Cultivators can only be at variance as to the mode of action_, and the season at which the operation should be performed. If we leave a Rose-tree unpruned for one year^ a great number of buds will burst forthj producing a vast quantity of blossoms^ but both shoots and flowers will be comparatively thin and puny. If such tree be left unpruned for two or three successive years_, it will become greatly enfeebled; the ends of the yearling shoots will die back for want of nourishment, and thus are reduced the number of buds capable of development during the subsequent year. Here we see one end of pruning naturally accomplished. But it is not sufficiently so. The flowers continue to degenerate^ till at length they can be scarcely recognized; the tree dwindles_, presents an unhealthy appearance^ and pruning must be the first means applied for its restoration. 2. To induce a plant or tree to assume a form at once agreeable to the eye, and advantageous for the development and display of its floivcrs. The formation of a tree is a point deserving of the closest attention ; for if the form is inelegant_, it cannot but displease_, however healthy and vigorous the tree may be^ or whatever the degree of beauty of the flowers it produces. Should the latter be forming small_, their size may be increased by lessening their number^ or by a timely application of manure-water; but for the improvement of the form of the tree there is no such ready remedy. The flowers^ too^ are but transitory : the shape of the tree is lasting ; it remains to view after they are gone. To form a handsome tree_, it is necessary to take it in hand when young : it is then easy to fashion_, as taste^ or a view to its permanent welfare^ may require. But if it has become stragglings from unskilful management or other causes, it is often difficult to remodel_, sometimes requiring the patience and skill of two_, or even three seasons. Before we commence the pruning of a Rose, whether it be a bush or a tree, it is therefore well to determine the shape it shall assume, and then frame all our operations 72 THE EOSE GARDEN. with a view to its accomplishment. Perhaps a form at the same time pleasing and advantageous is that of a pyramid or half-oval; for in such all the shoots and branches get a due portion of air and sunlight^ and the under ones are not excluded from view, which they often are in round-headed trees. The varieties of spreading growth are most easily brought into this form_, but the principle is applicable to all. The next aim in Eose-pruning is — 3. To secure an ahundance of good flowers. If the health and vigour of a tree are affected by pruning, the flowers, depending so much on these conditions, must also be affected by the same operation. When about to prune a Eose, I first look to the name, that I may know the habit and character of the variety I have to deal with. I must know whether it is a summer or perpetual bloomer ; a strong or weakly grower ; and whether fine flowers are produced from low, middle, and top eyes indiscriminately, or not. It is only by knowing and considering these points that we can prune with accuracy, and ensure full success. It is an axiom in Eose-pruning, that the more vigorous in habit a plant is, the greater number of shoots should be cut out at the base, and the less should those which are left be shortened. This has in view, in particular, the production of flowers in the most perfect condition. The eyes near the base of those kinds which form short shoots (especially the Autumnals), usually produce the best flowers; and in the vigorous growers we prefer, for the same reason, the eyes about the middle of the shoot, or nearer its summit if the wood be well ripened. But there is a question arising here which it may be well to glance at before proceed- ing further. All Eoses make two growths in the year : first in Spring, and again in Summer shortly after they have flowered. Some of the Autumnals start afresh at short intervals throughout Summer and Autumn ; but we wish at the present time to speak of the Spring and Summer^s growth only, and to ask which we should look to as calculated to produce the best flowers. When tJie shoots formed in Summer are well-ripened, we should prefer them, and for these reasons. The growth at that season is generally more rapid, and the shoots, although usually of less strength, are freer in the bark : the eyes are more plump and prominent, and well stored LONG TRUNING. 73 with the juices required to supply nourishment and promote growth.* Nevertheless^ it is only a question of neat perfect flowers that would induce us to prefer the Summer wood ; for when we desire large flowers, or to keep the form of the tree elegant, we shall find it necessary, in most cases, to prune back to the growth of Spring. Still it is well to bear in mind that the wood grown during Summer usually produces the most refined flowers, that we may make the best of the materials beneath our hand ; for it does sometimes happen that we may prune to the Summer's growth with advantage to the tree, and it is often a matter of indifference whether we do so or not. With these remarks on Pruning in general, we proceed to consider it in its special application, under the following heads, as applied to Standards and Dwarfs indiscriminately : — 1. Long Pruning, suited to varieties of vigorous growth. 2. Close Pruning, suited to kinds of small growth. 3. Pillar Eoses. 4. Weeping Eoses. 1. Long Peuning. — This must be applied to the strongest growers : such are, the greater part of the Hybrid Chinese, the vigorous in the groups Moss, Damask, Noisette, Bourbon, and Tea-scented, which form large heads, of rather loose, but not always inelegant growth. If we remove many shoots from a strong-growing Eose, and shorten the remaining shoots in very closely, the result, as previously stated, will be a vigorous growth, but few or no flowers ; and the shoots may he developed so grossly, as to destroy the balance of the tree, and render the flowering for the subsequent year partial or void. This is more to be feared when dealing with Summer Eoses and established plants, than with the Autumnals or newly planted ones. To what endless disap- pointment have those fine old Eoses, Brennus, Fulgens, and the like, given rise, from not blooming freely. I have heard them branded as shy, bad bloomers, not worthy of place in any garden, Grow they do,'' says the cultivator, and that most vigorously, but refuse to shadow forth a single blossom." Now, we would ask, — Should the blame, if blame there be, be attached to the varieties ? Is it natural for them not to flower ? Or does this state of things arise from the system of cultivation? We sometimes see them produce abundance of flowers, and pronounce them perfect ; then surely the former is not the case. They, and numerous others of like habit — vigorous growers — require * Iluiice tlie (lowers, if nut so large, are less coarse and more perfect. 74 THE ROSE GARDEN. long pruning ; tliat is^ a sufficient portion of tlie shoots should be cut away at their base^ which is called thinning-out_, to allow a free admission of air and light into the heart of the tree ; then the shoots which remain after thinning should be left long. If they are cut close_, the eyes are developed as wood-shoots_, and not as flower-shoots ; and this is the cause of their not blooming. The treatment of plants from the bud will be alluded to elsewhere (see Budding) ; and as few comparatively have to deal with them in this early stage,, I shall commence here with one-year budded plants, such as are usually purchased at the grounds of the Rose-growers. Of such No. 7 is a representation. Let us look closely at it, and while doing so, bear in mind that it is a young plant. Now what is the object of para- mount importance this year ? Let us assume the first effort to be to establish the plant, and to put it in a right course of formation. With this end in view, we prune more closely the first year after transplanting than at any subsequent period. Let us suppose the specimen before us required to take the shape of a half-oval. What is the first step ? It has been budded in two places, and has seven shoots. This is too many : we must therefore remove some. In this stage of a tree, pruning is not complicated : the number of shoots is few, and we see our way pretty clearly. Three shoots are thought sufficient to remain here, and let us select any three which may seem most advantageously situated, and imagine the others absent. We may try this experiment on different shoots, if we are not satisfied with our first choice. To us the shoots shown by the thick dark lines seem best placed, and our first step is to cut out the others shown by the thin lines. This renders the object clear, and, if it be one of the excitable kinds, finishes Autumn pruning. In Spring we shorten the shoots that remain, at the termina- tion of the dark shadowing {a). The plant is pruned, and it may be said with truth, its appearance is not improved. But the question is not. Sow does it looh when newly pruned ? for when properly pruned it often presents a very sorry appearance. The question is. How will it look when each of the shoots left triples or quadruples itself? Many cultivators spoil their trees by pruning in fear. It is well to be cautious, but it is seldom that the novice errs by pruning too much. But what considerations have guided us in our operations here ? Seven shoots is the greatest number that should be suffered to remain on a young plant, and, in general, a less number (in this case three) is preferable. One or LONG PRUNING. 75 two should rise perpendicularly about the centre of the tree^ and round this or these all others should be regularly disposed ; and the more equal and greater distances that can be contrived from shoot to shoot the better. The shoots,, wherever they arise^ should have a tendency to grow from the centre ; for if they grow towards it they will eventually cross each other^ forming a confused and crowded head. In the follow- ing illustration it will be seen that every shoot has this tendency. The aim in thinning should be to leave those shoots which are firmest and healthiest^ provided they are placed at nearly equal distances. Care should be taken to cut the shoots close to their base : the wounds then No. 7. — Long Phuning, Stage 1. heal over in Summer^ and the trees are grown clean and perfect. If the cut is not made quite close^ an eye at the base may burst forth and grow with extraordinary vigour at a point where not wanted^ and rob the other branches of their food^ and produce an uneven plant. Or should it not be so, the wood will die back, leaving ugly stumps, and some- times introducing decay into the heart of the tree. Sear snags and stumps, which are sometimes met with in old specimens, are due to the slovenly practice of leaving an inch or so on the bottom of shoots which should have been cut clean out. When shortening in, the lowest shoots should, where practicable, be 76 THE ROSE GARDEN. left the longest ; and the others may be shortened in closer and closer as we rise towards the summit of the tree. The centre branch will^ from its position^ command a free supply of sap, and it is likely that it will maintain the ascendancy, even if of weaker growth than its congeners, which, as a rule we should wish it to be. Now the shoots shortened closest will, cceteris parihiLSj produce the strongest growth, with the greatest tendency to rise perpendicularly, and thus the head is formed as desired. In shortening the branches, we should insert the knife at h (N'o. 7), on the opposite side of the shoot to that on which the bud next below is placed ; and we should cut in a direction slanting upward, about the eighth of an inch above the bud. No. 8. — Long Piiunixg, Stage 2. But let US turn to the next stage of the above plant, No. 8. We left it pruned for growth, and the additional shoots now seen are the product of the past Summer. Pruning is now more complicated : there are more shoots to dispose of. The operator should examine the tree thoroughly before he commences. He should look not only at it, hut through it, and this from two or three points of view. He should picture to himself this and that shoot removed, and what will be the comparative advan- tages to the tree. He thus studies the position and relative bearing of the shoots, and will soon discover which should be thinned out. LONG rRUNING. 77 In 'No. 8 it is thought best to remove those shown b}'- the single lines, and the others are shortened in at the termination of the dark shadow- ing. It will be observed,, the shoots are left of greater length than in the previous year's pruning, for which we give two reasons : first, the plant being established, will have a greater command of food from the soil ; its growth is therefore likely to be more vigorous ; secondly, having been put in the right course of formation last year, in this pruning we are looking closer after the production of flowers. It may appear to the looker-on that it would have been better to have removed the shoot between c c, and shortened in that shown by the No. 9.— Long Pr.uNiNG, Complete. double line at d. This would have made the art appear more simple, and simplicity in gardening operations (and indeed where not ? ) is a desideratum. But there was a cause for not doing this which the tree before us serves well to explain. The shoot marked d had been pro- duced late in the year, and, to use the technical phrase, was not well ripened — was little more than pith and bark. Such was not fitted to produce either shoots or flowers in good condition, and therefore it was removed. We also think it advisable to shorten in close at e the centre shoot left last year, to keep the head compact. The best shoots having in this instance arisen from the base of the head, we do this to decided 78 THE EOSE GAEDEN. advantage. We follow on this system through subsequent seasons, continuing to thin and shorten the shoots; the tree_, if properly managed, increasing in size for several years. No. 9 is a fair illustration of a full-grown tree to which long pruning has been applied. 2. Close Peuning. — ^We have been speaking of pruning hitherto in its application to the most vigorous growing Eoses : let us now turn to another class^ and consider pruning as applied to the small kinds. Such are the small and moderate-growing Hybrid Perpetual_, Chinese,, Tea- scented^ French, Bourbon, &c., which make compact and neat, but rather formal heads. No. 10.— Close Peuning, Stage 1. No. 11.— Close Phuning, Stage 2. No. 10 represents a young plant of this description. Here we have a crowded head the first year : the shoots are of less length than in our former specimen, but more numerous. We proceed to thin as before, but often less severely. The shoots may stand closer to each other here, because those they give birth to will be less robust, and pro- duce smaller foliage. The shoots shown by the single lines are not in this instance all removed because disadvantageously situated! many are thin and weakly, wholly unfitted to remain. If such exist in a favour- able position, it must be an extreme case to justify us in leaving them. Rather would we go a little out of the way to secure a good sound hard shoot, as such offers a better chance of perfecting our plan. Be it CLOSE PRUNING. 79 observed, tlie shoots left after tliinning are shortened in closer here than in No. 7. This tree looks a complete stump^ and_, as a Summer Rose,, will probably not bloom the first year. But supposing it to be an Autumnal, it luill then assuredly hloom the first Autumn, and most pro- bably during Summer. No. 11 represents this tree taJcen from another point of view, as it appears the next year. Here, as in long pruning, we see the addition of branches has been great, and we thin out in Autumn the shoots shown by the single lines, and shorten the others where shaded, in Spring, as before. This we do on the supposition that it is an excitable kind : if not so, we complete the operation at once, by shortening in Autumn. No. 12. — Close Pruning, Complete. No. 12 shows a full-grown plant to which close pruning has been applied. Most persons prefer plants budded in two places : we have therefore given examples of such. For my own part I like a plant with a single bud best. It is enough for every purpose, and the head is more easily fashioned. It is thought not necessary to give an example of such ; for to know how to prune a plant properly with two buds renders the dealing with a single bud extremely simple. It would seem well to mention here, that a modification of long and close pruning, which we call moderate pruning, is necessary for certain 80 THE ROSE GARDE tf. varieties. Practice alone can inform us correctly whicli tliey are ; and we give the result of our practice with some varieties in the Second Division of this work * But it should be remembered that the plan of pruning must be regulated in some measure by the object sought. We have been treating of it with the view of forming handsome plants,, and producing flowers in the greatest degree of beauty. But where the object is merely to enrich and ornament the garden by a great display; where the aim is to have a mass of bloom^ and the individual size and form of the flowers are of secondary consideration^ a less rigorous system should be adopted. Prune^ ilien, only just so much as seems necessary to keep the trees in health and shape. But there are particular forms which Roses are capable of taking, and these are in a great measure brought about by pruning and training. Such are Pillar Eoses and Weeping Roses. 3. Pillar or Pole Roses. — Most kinds may be formed into pillars, short or tall ; but the kinds usually understood by this term are such as will grow at least to the height of six feet. There are many beautiful Roses which will do this ; and some kinds, when established, grow as if there would be no end to them. It is in this instance thought unnecessary to show the plant in its first year's growth. No. 13 is a representation of a young plant possessed of five shoots. It had three only last year, and these were cut off nearly level with the ground soon after it was planted, to induce a vigorous growth. We now cut out the three shoots shown by single lines, and shorten the others to about one-half their natural length. After pruning, the branches should lie at full length on the ground, and be fastened down with some little pegs to keep the wind from blowing them about. Owing to their recumbent position, the buds will break regularly their whole length, and by the end of April they may be tied up to the pole, either in an erect position, or made to entwine around it, as shown in our drawing. We have introduced the poles here from the first stage, but this is a matter of indifference : a good stake will answer every purpose for the first two years. * The terms "robust," "vigorous," "moderate," and "dwarf," attached to the varieties in the descriptive part of this work, will he found almost invariably a correct guide in pruning. PRUNING — THE PILLAR RCSE. 81 In No. 14 we see tlie same plant as it appears tlie following year, before it is pruned. It has grown well, and there is a prospect of a complete Eose pillar being speedily formed. We commence pruning at the bottom of the pillar by thinning out the over vigorous unripened shoots formed there. Two are cut off within a foot of the ground, and left to fill the base. This must be our first aim ; for it is easy at any time to extend the growth, and thus increase its No. 13.— Pillar or Pule Rose, Stage 1. No. 14.— Pillar or Pole PiOse, Stage 2. height. We ascend the pillar, thinning as we proceed, till we reach the top. Here we select one or two of the strongest and best-placecl shoots, g h, to continue the ascent, and tie them up. From their position an abundant flow of the sap furnishes them with means of free growth, and favours the rise of the plant. Tlie small lateral or side shoots are now cut back to three or four eyes. If in any spot, as at the pillar is thin, we cut a shoot back to one or two eyes, and thus get a strong shoot or two, by which we fill the vacuity the next season. We do not reckon G 82 THE ROSE GARDEN. mucli on flowers the second year^ if desirous of perfecting the pillars quickly ; but the third Spring after planting we find them of considerable height_, and in every condition to produce an abundant bloom. Another year^ and they blaze forth in full magnificence. We continue to follow this method of procedure from time to time, tying up the leading shoots till the pillar is covered the desired height, which perhaps should not exceed twelve feet. The lateral shoots of short growth with well-ripened wood are those which produce flowers with the greatest certainty : they may be shortened in, to four or six eyes. Pillar Roses send up almost invariably strong shoots from the base of the plant during Summer and Autumn. These, if not wanted, may be cut out as soon as discovered ; but it is well to leave one or two, as they may often be made use of to keep the pillar in a vigorous state when perfected, or to renovate it when decaying : hy keeping up a constant supply of young slioots, the old hide-hound stems may he removed as they exhihit symptoms of dehility, without marring the heauty or deteriorating from the effect of the pillar. The branches of Pillar Koses in general do not maintain their vigour for many years, which is probably owing to the little pruning they undergo ; and these strong shoots, arising from their base, offer alone the means of their perfect restoration. It is more difficult to prune a Pillar Rose than any other form : it requires closer attention, and thoroughly tests the skill and judgment of the operator. A pillar when properly managed, and of full size, should be well and regularly clothed with branches, and in the flowering season with flowers, from the summit to the base. When the tree is once formed, masses of flower being the object sought, and not individual size, it is necessary to guard the unpractised hand against over-pruning : it is on this side that he is most likely to err here. Every year, immediately after pruning, it is well to look to the poles, to see that they are in sound condition 3 and at the same time tie the Roses afresh with small willows, tar-twine, or twisted bast. The plants should also be manured annually. The annexed (No. 15) represents a Pillar Rose of full size just pruned. Its main branches have not been twined round the pole as in the previous illustrations, but that practice is a good one, for it favours a moderate and regular growth. I would just say a few words hero in reference to Climbing Roses, which are considered by many as identical with Pillar Roses. I wish we PRUNING — THE CLIMBING ROSE. 83 could make a distinction that would be generally acknowledged. By Pillar Eoses we would understand tlie erect- growing vigorous kinds ; by Climbing Eoses^ those of twining and pendulous growth_, which usually produce longer shoots than the former. These do not make the best Pillar Eoses_, nor do the former make the best Climbers^ though each is often planted to fill the place of the other. No. 15. — Pillar or Pole Rose, Complete. Chmbing Eoses are usually required for covering walls, fences, arbours, rustic arches, and the like. The first object sought is to cover well and quickly a given space. To effect this, pruning and training are directed. The system of pruning is but a slight modification of that just described. Chmbing Eoses require, perhaps, rather less of it. The first season that they are placed in the situation they are intended to occupy, each shoot should be shortened into two or three eyes. The result will be a few vigorous shoots, sometimes extending to an extra- ordinary length, which will depend much on the season, the situation. 84 THE ROSE GARDEN. soil_, and attention paid to them ; also on tlie habit of tlie variety. Thu3 the plant becomes established. With regard to covering the space, remember_, close pruning will produce a few vigorous shoots : long pruning a greater number of less vigour. Which are wanted ? How- ever the case may be, prune accordingly. Be it remarked, that when a Climbing Eose is full grown close pruning is not advisable, for the object here, as in Pillar Roses, is masses of bloom. 4. Weeping Roses* — Weeping Roses are the kinds of vigorous and pendulous growth worked on stems of five feet or upwards. No. 16.— Weeping Rose, Stage 1. No. 16 gives a fair specimen of one of these the first year after bud- ding. This plant has two buds, which are certainly prejudicial, not only from the obstacles they present to the perfecting of our design, but because they have been placed too far apart. As with Pillar and Climb- ing, so with Weeping Roses, the shoots should be cut in closely the first time of pruning, to induce a vigorous growth. In this case, the lower bud has given birth to the strongest and best shoots ; we therefore remove the upper one, cutting the stem away just above the lower junc- tion a. Having removed the upper bud, we cut out at the base the two shoots shown by the single lines, and shorten the others to the dark shadowing. Hence, new shoots push vigorously ; and the habit of the varieties l)eing pendulous, they soon reach the ground. PRUNING THE WEEPING ROSE. 85 No. 17 shows the growth of the tree the first year after it has been pruned with the view of forming a Weeper. We continue the operation. We here find it advisable to shorten closer a a, the shoots left by the last year's pruning. In the next place_, we cut out the shoots sho\\Ti by the single hneSj and shorten the others a few inches only. From their drooping position the flow of the sap is equahsed^ and the eyes will break regularly nearly their whole length. Flowers will occasionally be produced from them^ and the following year these short bloom-bearing branches may be spurred ; that is_, pruned to about two eyes. Hence- forth there is but little difficulty in bringing the tree to perfection. The No. 17. — Weeping Rose, Stage 2. main shoots should not be shortened till they reach the ground : prune the lateral shoots only ; when flowers will be produced all along the branches from the head of the tree to the ground_, forming a beautiful half- globe one mass of flower. About the second or third year it is well to attach a hoop to the heads of the Weeping Kose^ as shown in No. 18, to keep the branches free from injury by the action of the wind_, and to assist in arranging them properly. I have sometimes seen wire-work_, in the form of an umbrella, placed under the head of a tree intended to be trained as a Weeper. The shoots are drawn through this and tied down, and thus a drooping form is given to the tree. Sometimes, also, the shoots are tied in to the 86 THE ROSE GAEDEN. stem witli bast or tar-twine^ or fastened down to pegs driven into tlie ground. No. 18 shows a Weeping Rose of full size_, pruned and trained. After a Rose tree_, of whatever form or kind_, is put into the desired shape, supposing it to be healthy and vigorous, we prune so as to in- crease its size every successive year. This must he done with the vigorous growing kinds, or they are over-pruned. It should be done with the moderate growers ; for, as the roots extend their growth, and the stem increases in size, the plant is capable of supporting a larger head, and perfecting a greater quantity of flowers. This increase of size must be No. 18. — Weeping Eose, Complete. accomplished by thinning. Thin out well then ; leaving shoots at the farthest limit of the plant that you can, to allow of its being well furnished from base to summit. In pruning Roses that have attained to some age, it may be necessary to remove an old branch or two occasionally, to keep the head from becoming straggling or mis-shapen. As soon as any branch shows symptons of decline, it should also be cut out. The saw will be found useful here, as well as in removing small shoots, which, from their position, it may be difficult to reach with the pruning-knife ; also for cutting away dead branches, which should never be done with the knife, because it takes away the edge. In all cases where the saw is used, the cut PRUNING — NEGLECTED liOSES. 87 should be made nearly close^ and afterwards pared down with tlie pruning-knife. A few remarks on old plants wMcIl have been neglected in the early stages of growth may not be misplaced here. Such are often met with. Usually the fault has been the fear of pruning too much ; the branches have consequently become stragglings and the tree unsightly. To deal with these, the best plan is to cut back some of the branches almost close to the base of the head, either main branches or yearling shoots, one here and there in different places. These will produce shoots near home, and by pruning such close the following year, and removing some of the older shoots, the head is brought into a more compact form. Ko. 19, — Attempt to Recover an Old Plant that has Suffered from Neglect, OR TOO little Pruning. We have here a plant (No. 19), the form of which, we think, none will be bold enough to advocate. The flowers are produced just at the top of the branches, and numerous naked, weak, unsightly branches appear near the base of the head. We must remodel this tree, and in attempting this, we first cut the main branches off at a a. But, says the tyro, there are no buds left visible on the stumps. True ; but the practised hand knows well that they exist there, although not visible. It is our business to develop them. If we shorten in the surrounding branches tolerably close, leaving only that part of the tree which is 83 THE ROSE GARDEN. shown by tlie dark shading, wo shall succeed in doing this; the eyes, too, will most likely shoot forth with uncommon vigour. We view this as we should a young tree ; our first aim is to form it aright. This we may often do in one year, by the help of disbudding; without it two years will be required. Trees that have become weakly are generally much improved by close pruning; so are those small-growing kinds which flower so constantly, that it is rare to see a shoot not terminated with flowers, at whatever season it may be developed. Of these we may give Boule de Neige and Duke of Wellington as examples ; and be it remarked that a rich soil is found as indispensable a condition for their well-doing as close pruning. Close pruning, when applied to trees in a weakly condition, has great renovating power. I recollect well, when pruning some Boses in pots, noticing a plant of Archduke Charles (Chinese) in a very bad state. It had produced such puny flowers, that, during the flowering season, I more than once failed to identify it. The stock was hide-bound — i.e., had ceased to swell — and the shoots were stunted and scrubby. The latter were all thinned out but three, two of which were shortened into three eyes. The remaining one, which was the strongest, was shortened in to one eye. The plant was afterwards treated as the others. The single eye on the strong shoot was developed with surprising vigour, and in the ensuing autumn I found the hide-bound bark was burst asunder by the swelling of the stock, and beneath a new bark was forming. The plant gradually improved, and became as healthy as any in the collection. To do justice to the Autumnal Roses, the Summer flowers should be cut ofl" just after flowering, removing as few leaves as possible in the operation; or, if these flowers are for any reason not much valued, remove them just before flowering, by which the vigour and beauty of the later flowers will be increased. The tender kinds, such as the Chinese and Tea-scented, are not un- frequently severely injured by frost. When this is the case, all the dead wood should be cut away : I have, under such circumstances, pruned level with the ground, and obtained an abundant flowering. Necessity, however, urged this, rather than prudence. A too vigorous growth not unfrequently arises from it, followed by its evil conse- quences, of late flowering only, unripened wood, and great suscepti- bility of frost. DISBUDDING. 89 There are some roses wliicli_, altliougli at times very beautiful^ do not in general expand their flowers. From some cause, which has been said to be too great a degree of fulness_, the buds remain sealed at the top till they drop from decay. Examples of such are La Keine, Pierre Netting, and Monplaisir. In France many of this nature take rank among the finest of Koses they are also excellent with us when grown in the forcing house. Too much moisture combined with cold, favours this tendency, and thus the seasons have a great influence over these kinds. But another favouring circumstance is, too great a degree of vigour in the plant. The first causes are evident. Let us illus- trate the last. In the spring of 1844 a few plants of the Duchesse de Nemours (Hybrid Perpetual) were neglected : the soil in which they grew was neither manured nor forked ; the plants were not pruned, the variety being counted worthless. They grew, but their vigour was greatly diminished ; and what were the consequences ? The flowers were produced in surprising beauty, the novelty and richness of the colour attracting every one^s attention, and all who beheld admired them. But mark ; a plant that had been treated well, in common with, other Roses, dropped every bud before expanding. Pruning, in the light in which, we have hitherto considered it, may be said to consist of thinning and shortening ; but it has long appeared to me that thinning might be in part done away with, by practising dis- budding; {. e., rubbing or cutting out some of the buds when swelling in Spring. The Rose, when in robust health, throws forth a great number of shoots during the season of growth, and the merciless havoc that is made with them in the pruning season must, by the waste it creates, and by the wounding of the plant, prove highly injurious. True, it is necessary some should be removed when such numbers are present ; but why are so many suffered to grow? It is questionable whether the theory of branches and leaves elaborating the crude sap, and thereby fitting for assimilation a greater quantity of food, is in favour of their development. A few vigorous branches, with healthy, well-developed leaves must, I think, better accomplish this end, than a great number crowded together, the leaves becoming puny and sickly through the exclusion of air and light. Now, by rubbing out a portion of the buds when swelling, and others at any season when they may sprout forth in a position whore shoots are not wanted, the remaining buds form stronger shoots; and thus, perhaps, a larger — certainly, a healthier — 90 THE ROSE GARDEN. surface of foliage is the result. Further, if the nutritive matter, which has been supplied in the development and sustenance of numerous branches is confined to a lesser number, these will be more powerfully developed, and the loss by removal, and the injury the tree suffers by thinning, will be avoided. I believe disbudding to be the system best calcidated to ]prodiice flowers in the finest possible condition, to heejo a plant in full health and vigour, and to bring it to the highest pitch of beauty. It has been successfully applied in the cultivation of other trees, and why should it not answer when applied to Eoses ? But it does answer, and, as one fact is said to be of more weight than a load of argument, I will relate an experiment commenced in the spring of 1844. I marked, at that season, from 60 to 100 Dwarf plants, which were budded in the previous Summer ; consequently, they were what is termed in bud. My object was, to test the efficiency of disbudding. They were intended to be grown in pots for exhibition, and each plant possessed two sound healthy buds, formed closely together. Two buds were, in this instance, preferred, because the aim was to get large plants in a short space of time. So soon as these buds had shot forth about six inches, they were stopped, and, in due course of time, two, three, or four laterals were produced from each. These were drawn out to sticks stuck in the ground a good distance apart, that the shoots might receive the full advantage of the sun and air. The surface of the soil was once or twice loosened with a Vernon hoe. The Summer Koses, as was expected, did not flower; but the Autumnals showed their first flower-buds about June. Eyes continued to push forth, both from the laterals and the base of the first shoots, during the whole of summer. Now was the time to form the plants. Wherever an eye was seen to break in a position where thought superfluous or ill-placed, it was at once rubbed out, and the eyes bursting late in Summer were invariably served the same. By October I had the satisfaction of seeing plants with from six to ten well-balanced shoots, vigorous, yet well matured. The leaves were larger, and retained on the plants longer than on others of the same kinds : tbe flowers were pronounced by competent judges to be superior to any of the same kinds they had previously seen. In October the plants were taken up and potted. When pruning, I found very little work for the knife. The shoots were so adjusted that I had, with few exceptions, only to shorten them : thinning out, in which consists so much of the mutilation above complained of, was unnecessary. In the DISBUDDING. 91 following Summer they made nice round plants, some producing from six to twelve excellent flowers, and such were actually shown at the Metropolitan exhibitions the first year. It is no exaggeration to say, that they were superior to others a year older which had been treated in the ordinary way. In disbudding especially, it is advisable to commence upon a plant when quite young. It may be made to assume the same form as recommended in general pruning, or any other the cultivator may desire. When a plant is first purchased, it may be necessary to practice thinning ; but after this time the same end may be accomplished by the better means. When dishuddingj it is evident that the more vigorous in habit a plant is, other things being equal, the greater space must be left clear from bud to bud, to allow the vigorous shoots room for development* This, we say, is evident_, and the converse is no less so ; but, be it remarked, with regard to the small- growers, that they often produce buds so thickly on the shoots, that it is necessary to remove a greater number in a given length than from the strong-growers. We will exemplify this by the aid of the following engravings. No. 20 was sketched from a plant of Coupe d'llebe (Hybrid Bourbon) ; No. 21 from a plant of Persian Yellow (Austrian). These are both young plants, and we commence by thinning and shortening, as previously explained_, which is shown by the thin and thick Hues, as before. The habit of the Coupe d^Hebe (No. 20) is erect, its growth vigorous, and the buds are formed at long intervals. The habit of the Persian Yellow (No. 21) is branching, its growth vigorous, and it is remarkable for the proximity of the buds to each other. I have now before me a shoot of the Persian Yellow, about a foot long, on which there are twenty buds ; whereas one of Coupe d^Hebe, of the same length, has only six buds. But the Persian Yellow does not develop its branches so strong as the latter, and the foliage is not so large ; therefore the buds * In the Nurseries, where Koses are cultivated, not by hundreds, but by hundreds of thousands, it would not pay at present prices to apply disbudding, on account of the great additional labour it would impose. In the general system of pruning, we have to look through our plants once only during the year ; in disbudding, they will require looking through several times. This is the only objection I can see to the general adoption of the j)ractice. Surely, to the amateur, it is none. It should be remembered, that although scarcely any plant will flourish under so little care and attention as the Rose, yet, assuredly, none will repay more bountifully whatever njay be bestowed on it. 92 THE ROSE GAEDEN. may be allowed to remain closer together. On tlie Persian Yellow I rub out two_, or sometimes three buds togetlier_, as shown by the open buds in 'No. 21 J and leave one_, as shown by the shaded buds. On the Coupe d^Hebe (No. 20) every other bud is removed. By the accompanying illustrations it will be seen that we remove seven or eight buds from a branch of the Persian Yellow of equal length with one of the Coupe No. 20.— Disbudding. — Coupe d'Hebe. No. 21. — Dlsbuddikg.— Persian Yellow. d^Hebe^ from which we remove two or three buds only. But disbudding is not the work of Spring alone ; it must be attended to all through the growing season. The plants should be looked through at least twice before the time of flowering, and again soon after the flowering is over. The remains of the flowers should be cut off, unless seed is sought, and only so many eyes be allowed to develop in the second or Summer's growth as the state of the tree and the considerations before mentioned may render advisable. In rubbing out the buds, it is sometimes difiicult to decide which to remove. The tendency of a bud should be almost invariably o.utwards ; and in buds, as in shoots, the greater distance, in moderation, they are from each other the better. Should two buds threaten, when developed, to cross or crowd each other, the one taking the least favourable course of growth should be removed. DISBUDDING. 93 I have often heard amateurs_, when admiring some of the large specimens in the Nurseries here^ express astonishment at their pro- digious size, which thej attribute to great age and good soil. But it must be told that the system of pruning has as much to do in this matter as the age of the trees, or the soil in which they grow. The oldest of the large trees here cannot number more than fifteen years, though there are others much older not half the size. Often have I seen old Eose trees full of shoots, nearly all proceeding from the base of the head, owing principally to injudicious pruning. When the knife is applied, whether in autumn or in spring, the greater part must be removed, for there is not room enough for the whole to be developed. There are, perhaps, not more shoots than the tree can advantageously carry, but they are badly placed. Why should they not be obtained in such positions that they may be of permanent benefit to the plant — be made to extend its size, and render less thinning necessary ? This may be done. A few years ago, after having pruned a number of large specimens, in which I had observed this error, I watched for the bursting of the buds, with the view of practising disbudding. When they had shot forth about half an inch, I took a knife, with a sharp point, and commenced my search at the heart of the tree. From here I cut off, close to the bark, a great number of buds, leaving only such as, from their position, promised to increase the size or improve the contour of the head. If a bud was pushing where there was a gap, such was left ; the others were thinned, leaving those which took a lateral and outward course of growth. Proceeding upwards, I cleared the centre of the tree pretty freely, leaving only just so many buds as seemed necessary to preserve it from becoming straggling. Towards the top and circumference, also, the buds, where crowded, or likely to cross each other, were removed. A month after the first looking over, fresh buds had broken, and thus was opened a prospect of more gaps being filled, the outlines of the heads being still improved, and their size extended. They were looked over again and again, and the same plan followed out. The growth was, in consequence, more vigorous than that of the previous year, and the flowers fine. On the fall of the leaf in Autumn the succeeding course of action was apparent. The trees were pruned as usual, and there was little mind exercised in the operation — little thinning required — no necessity to look at the tree for some minutes before one could 94 THE ROSE GARDEN. determine where to begin^ wliicli_, in my early attempts_, I must confess I have often done^ owing to tlie interminable interlacings of the shoots. The second and third year the same plan was followed ; and the trees are now of handsome form^ large and healthy, producing an abundance of good flowers. It should be stated that the first year they were taken in hand they were watered once a week for two months with liquid manure. The sole reason for this was that the soil in which they grew had become impoverished. We apply the plan of disbudding to Pillar and Weeping Eoses, as to others, by rubbing out any buds that may appear disadvantageously situated. In the youngest stage of the tree, the buds left to produce flowers and flowering shoots for the subsequent year should stand from four to six inches apart on the main branches ; intermediate buds should be rubbed out. The laterals produced in after stages may also be disbudded; but masses of flower being the object sought here, the practice should not be too freely resorted to. A few words on Summer Pruning, or Thinning, seem called for before closing this chapter. If disbudding can be carried out, there is no need of Summer thinning; but if it cannot, then the latter practice may be followed to advantage. So soon as the plants have done flowering, look them carefully over, thinning out the weak, unhealthy shoots, and even some of the stout and healthy ones, where they approach each other too nearly : each shoot left should stand free and exposed on every side. It is surprising to see how stout and firm the shoots become, and how the leaves increase in size after Summer thinning. The Summer kinds submitted to this treatment usually continue their growth by the elongation of the main shoots, the buds in the axils of the leaves remaining dormant ; but with the Autumnals, the buds push forth the entire length of the shoots, and the second flowering is complete. The trees are improved in both cases, for the shoots of Autumnals grown at this period of the year will produce the most perfect flowers in the subsequent season. CHAPTER VIL ON HYBRIDIZING. Gardenixg^ especially that branch of it termed Floriculture^ is acknow- ledged to be replete with interesting details ; and if one department is more fascinating than another_, it is perhaps that of Hybridizing and Cross-breeding, with the view of raising Seedlings. By Hybridizing is understood the bringing together of individuals of different species ; by Cross-breedings individuals of the same species ; with the view of raising up new beings_, differing from^ and superior to^ those abeady existing. How different_, how far less interesting to us, would be the forms which compose the Vegetable Kingdom, had the Creator made them incapable of variation ! Not that we despise the wild flowers scattered over the earth's surface, decking mountain and meadow, met with in every hedge-row and valley : their beauty is cheerfully acknowledged. But Nature's plants are prone to improvement : by cultivation they increase in size ; the flowers assume new forms, new tints ; the fruits acquire new flavours. "The earth was made so various, that the mind Of desultory man, studious of change, And pleased with novelty, might be indulged." And what a kind dispensation of Providence is this ! how it strengthens the inducements to labour ! What a charm it throws around the toil- some duties of a rural hfe, cheering on the labourer with higher prospects than those of mere pecuniary reward ! Compare the present breeds of corn with the wild forms of the cereal plants from which they are descended ; or the Pinks, Pansies, Dahlias, and Roses of our gardens, with their types growing naturally in various countries; and, while struck with the contrast, we wonder at the inexhaustible treasures of 96 THE ROSE GARDEN. Nature, and admire the improved races, we need not witliliold from man his humble due, remembering that these alterations are not the work of Nature unaided and alone, but are in greater part owing to the untiring perseverance and assiduous care of the plant-cultivator. The raising of seedling plants is indeed a delightful occupation. The work is varied; there is such a wide field for speculation and experi- ment; and the pleasing state of expectancy in which the operator is kept as to the results of the turn he gives to the workings of Nature, surrounds it with more than ordinary interest. The improver of plants is, so to speak, moving continually amid ideal scenes ; he works in an enchanted sphere ; ho is striving to raise up new forms, knowing what he wishes, what he works for, but not what he will obtain. The seeds ripen beneath his care, and he sows them ; but as to the issue of events, he remains in profound ignorance, until, by the flowering of his pets, the magic wand of Nature dissolves the spell, and realises or dissipates his hopes. And, is it unworthy of the chief actor in these terrestrial scenes to employ his hours of relaxa- tion in striving to diversify and increase the beauty of the natural objects scattered around him, thereby holding up to view the wonders of the Infinite, and administering to the necessities and enjoyments of his fellow-man? As a recreation, who can object to it? Its tendency is useful. It is harmless, healthful, and exhilarating, and calculated to soften down the asperities and ills of life. There is philosophy in striv- ing to improve the simple Pansy, counted as a weed in our corn fields, as well as in turning the attention towards the amelioration of those more valuable plants which constitute the food and raiment of man. But it is with the Rose we have to deal at present, and let us turn immediately to the subject. The improvement of this flower by cultivation has been wrought out chiefly by foreign growers. But why seedling Roses should not be raised in England is a question I could never yet determine. I know it has been said by some, " We do not understand the businessj by others, Our soil is not suitable ;" and, again, " The climate of England will not admit of the seed ripening perfectly .^^ But these are seeming objections — mere obstacles of the imagination, the semblance of which is greater than the reality. For, if our soil is not naturally suitable, we can render it artificially so : if we do not understand the business, surely we can learn. We are not isolated from our fellow-labourers ; we can- HYBRIDIZING. 97 not be so satisfied with our own doings as to refuse to learn a lesson from them : or_, even were it so the great book of Nature is open to us all_, in which we may read^ and read, *' And read again, and still find something new : Sometliing to please, and something to instruct." To me the difference between the cHmates of England and France seems the only point worthy of consideration ; and that difference, although great, is not of such magnitude as to raise an insuperable barrier against the successful prosecution of the art. If we compare the climate of London with that of Paris, where many of our best modern Roses have been originated, it will be found that rain is less frequent in Paris during Summer and Autumn ; there is also a greater intensity and duration of sunlight there, which increases the temperature of the atmosphere and soil, and thus accelerates the period of maturity. The above is also true as regards the climate of Angers and the South of France, only in a still greater degree; and who would doubt those dis- tricts being eminently more favourable than Paris for the pursuit ? No one. But suppose the Parisian growers had rested contented with these reflections, what position would the Rose now hold in the floral world ? And if English cultivators had joined ardently in the pursuit, who can say to what pitch of beauty the Queen of Flowers might have attained ? What country ranks equal with England in the art of Gardening ? yet how many are there more favourably cij cumstanced. This, it may be said, is partly due to the great liberahty of its patrons, and to the admirable contrivance of its plant structures. But still the English cultivator has great disadvantages to contend with, especially in raising plants under glass. His skill and perseverance, however, overcome them all, and obstacles surmounted encourage him to go on ; he con- tinues to battle with the elements, and his intellectual powers seem to brighten in the contest. He produces grapes superior to those brought from the Land of the Vine, and Pine Apples infinitely so to those of West-Indian production. These are facts known to every one ; and will it yet be maintained that he cannot raise seedling Roses !* * So was it said, not many years ago, that Standard Roses could not be grown in England — that the climate of France was essential for their develo^iment. Thus prejudice, for a time, triumphed over reason, and they were imported from that country for years. And the reason why so few seedling Koses have been originated in England is doubtless this — ■ nurserymen have found sufficient occupation in multiplying the kinds put into their hands ; amateurs in admiring and attending to the varied wants of their favourites. H 98 THE ROSE GARDEN. But^ it may be said, Hybridizing and Cross-breeding are not tlie work of the gardener. It requires an uninterrupted course of study to enable any one to carry them out with success : and his multifarious duties render it next to impossible that he should pursue these. There is much truth in this assertion, and the nurseryman may certainly put forward a similar plea. The weight of the burden, then, would seem to rest with the amateur. And it has always appeared to me that his is the proper sphere for the raising of seedlings, and that greater objects are accom- plished in this line when pursued as a recreation rather than as a pro- fession. If the amateur has had less experience in gardening matters, this seems compensated for by a less divided attention and greater assiduity. If the Tea-scented and Chinese be the kinds the operator prefers seed- ing from, it will be necessary to grow them under glass, as they are longer in bringing their seeds to maturity than most other kinds. The majority of seed-bearers, however, need no such protection : they thrive and complete their work perfectly out of doors.* It is now many years since I first took up this branch of culture ; I have reaped some reward, and am still sanguine of greater success. I started a tyro, with little knowledge in store, and had to pay for learning by the way. The first and second years of my practice I gathered the seeds promiscuously during winter, seizing every pod that appeared large and plump, whether ripe or gTeen. The production of these sow- ings was a motley group ; among them some good double Eoses, and many very brilliant-coloured semi-double ones ; but nothing worth bringing before the public — no star of the first magnitude. The subsequent year I took one step farther, and kept the seeds of each group separate, to ascertain to what extent the offspring departed from the parent in external characters. This was done for two years, and enough of the plants raised from these flowered to afibrd a little insight into the probable results. According to the statements of M. Boitard, there is scarcely any Hmit to the variation of Roses produced from seed. He aflSrms that M. * Since penning these remarks, I have raised from one sowing Moss Princess Alice, and Hybrid Bourbon Vivid, both superior varieties in their day. From another sowing 1 also raised Beauty of Waltham, in every respect a first-class Rose : Princess of Wales, Duke of Edinburgh, Red Rover, Lord Clyde, and many other sorts useful for garden decoration. My most recent efforts have produced many promising varieties, among which Diana, Peach Blossom, and Queen of Waltham are looked forward to by many with great interest. RAISING SEEDLINGS. 09 Noisette,, a Frencli cultivator, has never sown seeds of tlie Chinese Roses (R. Indica) without raising some Scotch Roses (R. Spinosissima) from them. He states, " This fact is not supported by a soHtary occurrence, but has been frequently observed by that cultivator, and is further attested by the evidence of M. Laifay, who has raised seedlings on an extensive scale, often as many as 200,000 in a single year/^ It were easy to conceive a mistake occurring in the gathering, storing, or sowing of the seeds ; but when the facts have been noticed repeatedly, and by different individuals of known probity and great horticultural attainments, the evidence, we think, must be deemed conclusive. Thousands of seedlings have been raised here, and I have been searching them through to see if anything corroborative of the above statement can be brought forward. I find the variation of character greater than I had expected ; and many of the seedling plants approach nearer to the wild forms than to those from which the seeds were gathered. The offspring of all kinds does not vary in the same degree. The plants raised from seeds of the Chinese and Tea-scented are generally Chinese or Tea-scented ; but twice from separate sowings have I found among them a single plant resembling, in every particular of leaf and growth, the Dog-rose, but which, unfortunately, has in both cases been destroyed by my workmen before flowering. Seedlings from the Bourbons seem to be Bourbons, Hybrid Bourbons, and Hybrid Chinese ; and while the French Roses (R. Gallica) appear true to their kind, the Hybrid Perpetuals have given birth to Hybrid Chinese and Hybrids of other Summer Roses, very few having proved Autumnal bloomers. Since observing and penning the above, I have met with a remark of M. Desprez, the celebrated Rose amateur at Yebles,* that he has sown thousands of seeds of Du Roi (Crimson Perpetual), and never obtained a Perpetual Rose. In all, the characters of Rosa Gallica were visible. But we must remember this variety partakes largely of the nature of the Gallica or French Rose. In examining my seedhngs, I found a seed of the Moss du Luxem- bourg had produced a French Rose ; a seed of William Jesse (Hybrid Perpetual), a blush Hybrid Chinese; a seed of Mrs. Bosanquet (Chinese), * M. Desprez was one of the earliest and most successful Rose amateurs in France. He raised many beautiful Bourbon and Perpetual Roses some thirty or forty years ago. Noisette Desprez, Madame Desprez, and Baronne Prevost were raised by him. He died in 1848, and in his last moments asked for one of his established seedlings, that he might look upon it once again. 100 THE EOSE GARDEN. I a pink Chinese_, resembling its parent in every respect save colour; Chenedole (Hybrid Chinese) bad produced a brilliant-coloured Hybrid Perpetual_, and a numerous progeny of Great Western retained exactly the foliage and babit of tbat variety. Tea Goubault crossed witb Bourbon Soucbet produced two Summer Eoses_, tbe one having tbe characters of the Hybrid Chinese^ the other those of the Hybrid Bourbon. My friend M. Laffay once told me that he raised many of his splendid Hybrid Perpetual Roses from Athehn and CeHne (Hybrid Bourbons), crossing them with the free-flowering varieties of Damask Perpetual and Bourbon. A few years since he took up a new idea — that of obtaining Hybrid Moss and Perpetual Moss Roses by crossing the Moss with the Hybrid Boarbon and Damask Perpetual. He has since raised several seedHngs, some Perpetual Moss and some Hybrid Moss, the latter possessing the foHage and vigour of the Hybrid Bourbon Roses. The Princess Adelaide (Moss) was obtained in this manner. On the success of these and the like unions some of the French raisers are very sanguine, and say, much as they have done with Roses, they anticipate doing far more, and raising up such hybridizations and novelties as shall astonish the floral world. As they have already done so much, their intentions and prophecies deserve our respect. But why should France labour alone in this field? why should she have all the fame, reap all the profit? Cannot we assist her? Time is short. Some of the French growers are already past the meridian of life, and the raising of seedling Roses is a tedious operation. li the Hybrid Bourbon crossed with the Moss produce perfect seeds, we may presume that the intermixing of the pollen grains of other species will be productive of like results. This, it will be seen, demolishes the idea of the necessity of restricting ourselves to the crossing of individuals of the same group. Not only may we choose the parents from different groups, but from different species. Where, indeed, is the line of demarcation ? There appears no limit to the field of labour. We have to prove by actual experiment what can and what cannot be done. It should be known, in choosing varieties for this purpose, that the least double kinds do not always perfect their seeds best. Such, upon less mature consideration, might appear to be the case, and has been asserted to be so, which error must have arisen from the want of close HYBEIDIZING. 101 observation. It does not depend so much on the degree of fulness in a RosOj as upon some other cause to me altogether inexplicable_, and not to be interpreted even by the acknowledged laws of the effects of hybri- dization; for some Hybrids seed freely^ whereas others are sterile, although of the same origin and apparently similarly constituted. That the power of producing perfect seeds does not depend on the degree of fulness^ may be established by the fact that Pourpre Fafait^ a mongrel- bred Bourbon Rose_, and others,, too full to open their flowers at all times, ripen their seeds, although very many semi- double varieties rarely form a seed-pod. That it does not depend on their being Hybrids, may be inferred from the fact that many of the Hybrid Chinese Roses, which are decided Hybrids, seed freely. I have, by the aid of the microscope, examined numerous flowers, with the view of solving this difl&culty. I have arrived at certain con- clusions, which maybe considered sufficient for practical purposes; or what will prove still better, may induce others interested in the matter to push on the inquiry. The flowers were divided into three classes. The first class examined was that which showed no disposition to seed, where the seed-vessels did not increase in size after the falling of the petals. In this case I found the pistils huddled together, if I may so express myself, and apparently sterile ; or, if not so, petals usurped the place of the pistils and stamens, extending into the ovaria or seed-vessels. It was evident, then, that such could not seed. In examining the next class, where there was a disposition to seed, where the seed-vessels increased in size after the falling of the flowers, but withered before arriving at maturity, I found the pistils placed separately, and they appeared perfect and healthy; but the stamens were either so few or so encased within the petals, that the pollen could not escape, and thus the flowers remained unfertilised. In some cases the flowers were pendant ; owing to which position, and the relative length of the pistils and stamens, the latter rising above the former, the pollen fell away from, rather than upon, the pistils. In other cases, where the flowers stood erect, the pistils often rose above the stamens, when the same consequences were likely to ensue. Flowers of this kind will occasionally produce a pod of perfect seeds, which may be attributed to accidental fertilisation, the conveying of the pollen by the insect tribe, or other causes. 102 THE ROSE GARDEN. The next class taken in hand was that which ripened its seeds freely. The flowers here were found to have both stamens and pistils perfectly developed_, the former abounding in pollen_, which, in a more advanced stage of the flower, was seen plentifully scattered over the stigmas, whose cup-shaped summits were distinctly visible. From these facts I draw the following conclusions : — 1st. That certain varieties are sterile ; incapable of forming perfect seeds under any cir- cumstances. Of these I find such kinds predominate as roll the petals inward, the centre of the flower being quartered in the manner of a crown. In others the pistils are weak or imperfect. 2nd. That many kinds, where the pistils are perfect, which in their natural state form seed-pods that wither before arriving at maturity, may be induced to perfect their seeds by artificial impregnation. This class of Roses is the best for him who intends raising seedlings to choose his female parents from, because there is little here to interfere with, mar, or counteract his plans. Be it remarked, however, that there are certain kinds which must not be confounded with the above — kinds which, owing to the length of time the seed-vessels are in arriving at maturity, never perfect their seeds in this country. 3rd. That those kinds which we find seeding abundantly in their natural state are self-fertilised, and that their abundant production of seeds is due to this point mainly, the more perfect development of the sexual organs, especially the polleniferous parts of fructification. Waiving for a moment the distinctions above shown, I shall collect here a list of a few kinds which ripen their seeds perfectly in this country in ordinary seasons : — Chenedole, Paul Perras (Hybrid Gliinese) ; Coupe d'Hebe, Yivid, Charles Duval (Hybrid Bowbons) ; Du Luxem- bourg, Celina, Baronne de Wassenaer (Moss) ; Anna Alexieff", Due de Cazes, Alphonse Damaizin, Fran9ois Louvat, Louise Odier, Louis XIY., Madame Charles Crapelet, Madame Domage, Maurice Bernardin, Prince Camille de Rohan, Lord Clyde, Madame de Stella, Triomphe de Fran^ais, Fisher Holmes, Prince de Portia, Jean Cherpin, William Jesse, General Jacqueminot, Jules Margottin (Hybrid Perjpetuals) ; Harrisonii (Austrian Brier) ; Bouquet de Flore, Sir J. Paxton (Bourbons) ; G loire des Rosomanes (Rose de Bosomane) ; Russelliana (Multiflora) ; Splendens ( Ayrshire ) . These varieties are chosen because easy to deal with, and with them, HyBEIDIZING. 103 or any portion of them, the operator may commence. He will see quickly the effects of his labour: there will be no disappointment, and he is thus encouraged to go on. He may then add the less certain and more desirable seed-bearers at subsequent periods, when he has acquired, by practice, more knowledge of the art. Having chosen the varieties, they should be planted in the sunniest spot in the garden, in a soil not too rich ; for however favourable this condition may be to the production of fine flowers, it promotes a too vigorous vegetation for the perfect development of seeds In pruning, the branches should not be shortened in very closely. Long pruning is most suitable here. But the planting season has passed away, and a glance at our seed- bearers satisfies us they will soon be in flower. It will be but fair to suppose that they have had more, rather than less, attention paid to them than plants in common, for they are more than usually interesting. The soil ought to have been hoed occasionally during Spring, and watered during dry weather. The caterpillar should have been closely sought for by hand, and the aphis got rid of by syringing repeatedly with soot-water or tobacco-water. It is seldom that all the flower-buds can be developed to advantage, and as they increase in size it will be seen which had better be removed. Secure a good portion of the earliest and boldest buds, but not all of such : leave some in different stages of forwardness, that the work may be spread over a greater extent of time. Wherever buds are seen forming imperfectly, or in an unfavourable position — where they do not obtain the full sun — remove them at once. Before we commence hybridizing, it is necessary that we should have fixed ideas of what we are going to do : we should have certain objects distinctly before us, and for the realisation of these objects we must work. Without this^, we cannot expect to obtain a full measure of success* As a first step towards the attainment of these ends, let us consider what constitutes a good Kose, and fix the results of this inquiry firmly on the memory. Those properties of the Rose to which we attach the greatest im- * I crossed one year more than a thousand flowers. The adjustment of parentage and manipulation kept me very fully occupied for a period of six weeks. 104 THE ROSE GARDEN. portance are — 1, Habit and constitution; 2j Form of tlie flower; 3_, Colour ; 4y Freedom^ constancy, and duration of flowering ; 5, Scent. No. 22. — Globular. — Globosa. 1. Habit_, &c. — Tlie growth of a tree should be free, not dwindling or delicate. It may be considered immaterial whether it be pendulous, branching, or erect, as each growth is desirable for certain purposes. Handsome foliage is important, and should be kept in view under this No. 23.— Cupped.— Comtesse Duchatel. head. The offspring of the tender Roses may also be rendered less susceptible of frost by intermixing the latter with the hardiest varieties of the same or kindred groups. HYBEIDIZING — FOEM^ ETC. 105 2. Form. — A Eose may be good, whether globular, cupped, compact, or expanded. But of whichever form it may be, the petals should be thick and smooth, and the outline circular. No. 24. — Compact. Annexed are representations of four Roses which may be considered models of their respective forms, which are explained in Division II. Nearly all Roses may be brought under one or other of these forms : No. 25. — Expanded. there are some few whose petals reflex in the full-blown and decaying stage of the flower, but we think the reflexed form untenable for a young bloom. 106 THE ROSE GARDEN, 3. Colour. — This, of whatever shade or tint^ should be clear and solid. The thick-petalled Roses usually present us with the richest tints, owing", I presume, to the greater body of colour : such are, therefore, desirable for this reason, as well as on account of holding their flowers perfect a longer time than others. Need we add the desirableness of varying the colours of the groups ? 4. Freedom, constancy, and duration of flowering. — Some Roses are most profuse bloomers, presenting a splendid effect on the tree, but when viewed separately they are poor and flimsy. Others produce a less quantity of flowers at one time, but a regnilar succession, from which a good Rose may be gathered at almost any time in the season of flowering. Then the flowers of some are very transient, lasting but a day, although others will retain their form and colour for a week. These properties are inherent, for all kinds are not influenced alike by the state of the weather. When hybridizing we should seek to combine those kinds which possess the above-named properties in the most eminent degree. 5. Scent. — All Roses should be sweet ; we cannot dissociate fragrance and the Rose. " The Rose of brilliant hue, and perfumed breath, Buds, blossoms, dies, and still is sweet in death." There are, indeed, few kinds altogether scentless, although the degree of fragrance varies remarkably. The above, then, are a few broad principles, which, duly considered and acted upon, seem likely to lead to the further improvement of our flower. The question next arising is, — Do certain properties proceed more from the one parent than from the other ? and if so, which and what are they ? If we could ascertain this, we might then work by rule. It is the opinion of some Vegetable Physiologists that the offspring assumes the foliage and habit of the male, while the flowers are influenced more by the female parent. These may be the rules, but there are exceptions to them ; and it would appear that there is nothing yet made known that can be taken as a correct guide in the matter. But if, in hybridizing, the operator follow the dictates of his own reason, and closely watch the results of his labour, he will, in all probability, not absolutely fail, and be at length enabled to build up a theory of his own. Until he has done this, he must be content to work by the hght of others, or grope his way in darkness. HYBRIDIZING— FORM, ETC. 107 That certain cultivators have acquired by practice sufficient knowledge to enable them to attain almost to a given object, is my firm belief; and this is founded on the frequent appearance of the kind of plant, or an approach to it, that has been pronounced a desideratum, A case occurs to me which will serve to illustrate this remark. Within my memory we had no dark or very light Bourbon Roses ; nearly all were of a rose or Hlac hue ; but there was a cry raised for dark ones. Proserpine first arose, and by her beauty captivated every beholder. Next came Paul Joseph, darker still, and still more beautiful. Then one raiser was fortunate enough to obtain several very dark varieties, and some pale- colom-ed ones also appeared about the same time. Now, what inference can we draw from these facts, when we consider that similar varieties proceeded from different quarters, unless it be that the skill of the cultivator was dii*ected, and that successfully, towards originating them. The dark Bourbon Roses, of which we have just spoken, are those introduced to England in 1843, under the names of Souchet, Charles Souchet, Dumont du Courset, Gloire de Paris, Princess Clementine, Souvenir du Dumont D^Urville, and Comte de Rambuteau. These were all raised from seed by one individual. I remember visiting the establishment of M. Souchet, at Paris, where, alone, these Roses were to be seen, in the Summer of 1842 ; and although a violent thunderstorm had just passed over the city, producing the usual consequences to the denizens of the garden, I could see from the wreck that they were a splendid lot of Roses. There were at that time twelve varieties, the one a hght-coloured one (Madame Souchet), but nine only were introduced to England. What became of the other three I could never learn. But other dark and light Bom-bon Roses were also obtained by other raisers about the same time. Now, with such an example as this before us, need we pause over the improbabihties of improving or extending the range of colour in any other class of Roses? Surely not. Will not the same skill which produced dark and light Bourbon Roses prove adequate to any futm^e reasonable demand ? But the plants are in flower, and we are now called upon to act. Keeping in mind the points recently advanced, let us next inquire, — What is there desirable among Roses that we do not already possess ? The answer to this question, will be the things we should endeavour to obtain. But shall we be satisfied with merely crossing the varieties, 108 THE ROSE GARDEN. and gathering and sowing the seeds indiscriminately ; or do we wish to know the results of the turn we are seeking to give to the workings of Nature ? I think this knowledge is desirable^ and it certainly heightens the interest of the work. To carry it out with little trouble_, it is a good plan to obtain some thin sheet-lead^ and cut it into strips an inch long and a quarter of an inch wide. On these may be stamped figures, from one to an indefinite number^ and_, as each flower is crossed, one of these numbered leads is wound round the flower-stalk. The number is then set down in a book, and the names of each parent, mth the object in view, are entered opposite the number. Here is an extract from my note-book : — Number. Female Parent, or Seed-bearer. Male Parent, or Fertilizer. Object in view. 17 Harrisonii. (Austrian.) -Copper Austrian. A double Copper Austrian Rose. 21 General Allard. {Hybrid Chinese.) Madame LafFay. {Hybrid FerjJetual.) To invigorate tlie habit, and perfect the tendency of General Allard to flower in Autumn. 42 La Eeine. {^Hybrid Perpetual.) Du Luxembourg. (Moss.) To obtain a large and glo- bular-shaped Moss Rose. In No. 17 y fulness and colour are the points to engage our attention. The colour of the Copper Austrian Rose is distinct and beautiful, but the flower is single. I want a double one. The Harris sonii is double, and nearly allied to the other. I choose it for the female parent, because it is the best seed-bearer. This seems to me the most reason- able means to pursue in order to accomplish this end. In No. 21 the female parent_, General Allard, is a model in form. I am satisfied with the colour,, but it is a delicate grower, except when young, and not a free autumnal bloomer. I am seeking to remedy these defects, and cross with Madame Laffay, which is nearly of the same tint, and has the desired properties^ deficient in the other, abundantly developed. The subject of No. 42, La Reine, is an extraordinary Rose. I hybri- dize it with Du Luxembourg, with the view of obtaining a large, red, globular-shaped Moss Rose. As one parent here is an autumnal bloomer, there is also a chance of some of the offspring becoming such. SEEDLINGS. 109 But we may proceed from individuals to classes. Two very desirable classes of Roses in prospect are Hybrid Moss and Perpetual Moss ; and I look more to tlie hybridizing of the species for future improvements of tlie Rose than to mere cross-breeding. The latter has already been pushed so far that fresh sources must be opened before anything great can be accomphshed. Thus it is_, that while we view as doubtful certain things talked of, we hail with dehght the prototypes of the Hybrid Moss and Perpetual Moss^ which already appear in the horizon. We have some ; and what appears the most reasonable means to pursue to increase their number ? The Hybrid Moss^ it would seem_, may be obtained by hybridizing the Hybrid Chinese and Hybrid Bourbon with the Moss kinds_, or vice versa ; the more double and mossy the parent Moss is the better, that the offspring may produce full flowers, and not lose the mossy characteristics. The Perpetual Moss would appear easiest obtainable by hybridizing the Hybrid Perpetual with the varieties of Moss, or vice versa, using the Perpetual Moss kinds already obtained, on either side, according to whether they produce seeds or pollen. Of other Roses wanted may be instanced striped Hybrid Perpetuals, which may probably be obtained by bringing the most constant flower- ing varieties of that group in union with the Rosa Mundi, or any of the striped French Roses.* Then there are no striped Hybrid Chinese or Hybrid Bourbon Roses, which we should expect to obtain from the union of the striped French with the varieties of Bourbon or Chinese. There is no striped Moss Rose worthy of the name. Might not such be obtained by working various of the Moss kinds with the Rosa Mundi ? There are few autumnals of growth sufficiently rapid to form high pillars. Here is a field for experiment ! Is there not a fair chance of obtain- ing these from between the most vigorous growers of summer and autumn Roses ? We hear talked of Yellow Moss and Yellow Bourbon. As ail attempt to obtain the former, cross the palest Moss Roses with Emerance (Provence) ; for the latter unite the yellowest tints of the Tea- * Since the first edition of this work was published, we have obtained several striped ** Hybrid Perpetual " Roses, and some valuable " Perpetual Moss." The greatest Improve- ment, however, has taken place among the "Hybrid Perpetuals," although even here there are many wants still unsupplied which the lover of Roses may reasonably look for. Unless, however, new ground is broken, he must not expect, in the present state of the family, to meet with the broadly-marked improvements of former years, but rest satisfied with the more gradual development usual among plants which have been long cultivated. no THE ROSE GARDEN. scented witL. the Buff and most colourless Bourbons. But we have not space to pursue these remarks further. We need not confine ourselves to the instances above quoted : they are merely given as examples. The work may be varied ad infinitum : anything that the mind may sugges^j the head and hands may work for. It is desii'able_, before crossing or hybridizing, to see if the flowers about to be crossed have any stamens. If so_, they should be cut away with a pair of round pointed scissors, just as the flowers expand. It is not known for certain whether superfoetation can occur in plants, but it is well to provide against it, especially where this can be done with little trouble. The plan I adopt when crossing is, to bring a flower of the male parent to the seed-bearing tree. If the weather be calm, I cut away the petals of the former, holding a finger over a flower of the latter, upon which I strike the flower deprived of its petals. The sudden shock drives the pollen into the other flower, and the work is done. But if the wind be high, this plan will not do. It is better then to collect the pollen on the end of a camel-hair pencil, and convey it thus to the styles of the other flower. When the flowers have passed away we shall soon have the satisfaction of seeing the seed-pods swell ; and as they ripen it will be well to devise some means to protect them from birds. I have no direct proof to adduce that birds eat the seed-pods of cultivated Roses ; but I have often seen the greenfinch feasting on the Sweet-Brier hips, and should these^ by any chance, become scarce, or fail, he probably might not object to this slight change of diet. So soon as gathered, let them be sown : they will then break through the ground in the following March, and probably some of the Autumnals will flower the first year. These precocious youngsters are^ however, seldom durable, being of defective constitution. It is to those which flower during the second year that we look for improved varieties. It is well to remove any decayed petals that may adhere to the seed- vessels, and the latter should be left on the trees as long as possible. CHAPTER VIII. ♦ ON CLEANING AND SOWING THE SEED, AND THE SUBSEQUENT TEEATMENT OF THE SEEDLINGS. In the last chapter we left tlie seeds sown prior to Winter_, that drear season at whicli the Flower Garden presents but few attractions. Its denizens^ stripped of their gay attire,, are sunk in repose ; often bound fast in icy chains ; all vegetation sharing in one general imprisonment, waiting for the balmy breath of spring to release them from their slumbers, to bm'st forth endued with fresh Hfe and vigour. Let us momentarily retrace our steps to speak of the cleaning and sowing of the seed. When removing the seed-pods from the plants on which they have grown, the seeds should be rubbed out between the hands previous to sowing. Some pods that are hard, or were not fully ripened when gathered, will require stronger measures to separate them. These may be rubbed through a coarse wire sieve, the hard coating of the seeds being strong enough to protect them from injury in the process ; and if any are found proof against this, they may be crushed beneath a rolling- pin, or slight taps of the hammer. So soon as the seeds are broken up they should be laid out in the sun and air to dry ; and when sufficiently dried, it is easy to rid them of their pulp and external covering by sifting and winnowing them in pans. The seeds then are sufficiently clean for sowing; and in what manner shall this be performed ? The French growers sow principally in the open ground, either in beds or in drills by the sides of walks ; but M. Hardy, late of the Jardin du Luxembourg, preferred frames. I remember seeing there, some years since, a vast number growing in a wooden frame, the most of them apparently varieties of Rosa Indica, and their healthful appearance and vigorous growth sufficiently attested the aptitude of the treatment. 112 THE ROSE GARDEN. If a frame cannot be spared for the purpose, the fend&r hinds j at least, should be sown in pans, thoroughly drained, and filled with equal parts of leaf-mould and loam well mixed together. After the seeds are sown they may be watered, and covered over with about half an inch of the same soil, sifted, and mixed with a little sand. The pans must now be set in the best spot we can find for them; in a cold frame or greenhouse, if accessible, where they should be kept in a state of equable moisture. Here they will vegetate as out of doors, and in Autumn or Spring may be transplanted as the others. If it be the intention to sow in the open borders, a sunny but sheltered situation should be chosen : the aspect should be east, that the young plants may not be fatigued with the afternoon^s sun. When preparing the ground for sowing, the soil should be well loosened with a fork or spade to the depth of eighteen inches or two feet, and made light and rich, the top being broken up fine, and laid level with a rake. If drills are preferred, draw them about six inches apart : if broadcast sowing, the ground is already prepared. It is advisable to sow rather thick, for, in general, not one-fourth of Rose-seeds vegetate, and of these only a portion the first year. After the seed is sown, the earth should be trodden down or beaten with a spade, and watered, if dry, and covered afterwards with from half an inch to an inch of light free soil. Care must be taken to keep the earth moderately moist. About March some of the seeds will germinate, and others will continue to do so throughout the Summer and Autumn. So soon as they are seen rising through the soil, means must be taken to protect them from slugs, birds, and worms. Slugs have a great liking for seedling Roses, and will, unless pre- vented, eat them off close to the ground when rising, which usually involves their destruction. To guard against these pests, scatter soot or lime over the bed, which acts as a protection, and at the same time promotes the growth of the plants. Birds will occasionally pull them up when just sprouting forth; and whether this is done to satisfy the palate, or merely from the love of mischief, I cannot determine ; but however it may be, we are equally the sufferers.* The best scare-crow I can find is * The old stuffed figure, which served well enough as a scare-crow in my boyish days is of ro avail against the superior intelligence of modern birds. I recently set up a well-contrived figure, but in less than half-an-hour that in^'-arnation of impudence, the London sparrow, was hopping on the head and shoulders, and pulling out the interior to build its nest with. TREATMENT OF SEEDLINGS. 113 glass. Let a stick be stuck in the ground in a bending position, from tlie end of which two pieces of glass should be suspended with bast or twine, so that they dangle in the air; striking together with every breeze, they keep up a musical chaunt around the seedhngs which the feathered plunderers seem unable to account for, and the most daring depredators are content to sit and chirrup at a distance. Worms are often a great nuisance among seedlings, throwing up heaps of soil, which smother the young plants; sometimes, too, they drag them into the earth, which destroys them. The best remedy here is lime-water, appHed two or three evenings consecutively in dry weather. If the seeds vegetate very early, the young plants must be protected from the Spring frosts; and hooping the beds over with osiers and covering with a mat offers perhaps the simplest and most efficient means of doing this. So soon as the seeds vegetate, the young plants require constant attention as to shading, watering, and weeding, as well as protection from their enemies. This will be cheerfully given, when the cultivator reflects that, by this care, many of the Autumnals will be induced to flower the first year. This, however, holds good only with the Autumnals, for the Summer kinds will not flower for two, three, or even four years. Seedling Koses should be watered only when the soil is reaUy dry, and then in the evening or morning, before sunset or sunrise. The same framework used to protect the plants from frost in Spring will answer for Summer shading ; but shade only when the sun is powerful, and then only for a few hours in the middle of the day ; for shading as well as watering may be carried too far, and if so, favours the development of mildew. Watch your seedlings closely, to see what amount of sun they will bear without injury, and determine your movements accordingly. At the time of weeding it is well to have a sharp-pointed stick in the hand, with which to stir the soil round the seedlings. This must be done with great care, or the plants just protruding will be injured; indeed, if they are germinating thickly, it is a dangerous operation, and perhaps better left alone. So soon as the seedlings have formed their second leaves, if they should have sprung up so thick as to impede each other^s growth, a part may be safely drawn out after a good shower of rain (raising the soil in the first instance with a hand-fork), and transplanted to a shady border in the evening of the day, watering and covering with a hand-glass until I 114 THE ROSE GARDEN. tliey take hold of tlie soil. Let.it be understood^ however^ that trans- planting at this season is not recommended : it is here chosen because less injurious than suffering the plants to remain crowded together. It may not involve any positive loss, but it ordinarily retards the period of flowering. When the plants have formed a few leaves, the pleasure attendant on the raising of seedlings increases ten-fold. In looking over the bed, how anxious we are to discover to what groups certain curious-looking individuals belong. We look, and look again, and often depart without coming to any satisfactory conclusion. The plants, however, increase in size, the scrutiny goes on, fresh features are noticed at each new examination, until at length we have something tangible to work on. We pronounce this to be a Provence, and that a Bourbon : here is evidently a Hybrid, and there a Chinese or Tea- scented. Or if we feel inclined for a closer analysis by descending from groups to individuals, we may in some instances trace the seedling from a particular variety. Here is one evidently born of General Jacqueminot, there another from. Victor Verdier. Thus far we may amuse ourselves, and settle the matter in our own minds, although the flowering of these individuals may not always substantiate our preconceived notions. I have seen seedlings of the Bourbon and Chinese Roses flower when little more than a month old. This, however, should be prevented rather than encouraged. It weakens the plants, and does not impart any real knowledge to their proprietor. The flowers may be white, they may be red, and this is the absolute amount of knowledge to be gleaned from them. As to size, form, fulness, and the other valued properties of Eoses, no true idea can be formed. It is well, then, to pinch off" the flower-buds immediately that they are seen, whereby the plants gain strength, and produce better flowers later in the season. Do not destroy any of the seedlings the first year. Let the whole remain till late in October, then take them up, pruning both roots and tops, and re-plant them in a soil moderately rich. It is of importance that they be trans- planted from the seed-bed in Autumn ; for if the operation bo deferred beyond Winter, there is danger of destroying the seeds which have hitherto lain dormant, and which often vegetate very early in the second Sp]*ing. When transplanting, sort out the strongest plants, and place them about a foot apart : the weaker ones may then be set together at less TREATMENT OF SEEDLINGS. 115 distances. After planting, it will be well to water and shade for a few days, should there be much sun, and even to cover against frost, if such occur before the plants are firmly settled in the ground. This may be done by sticking single boughs, or Fern branches among them; or, better still, by the use of mats. In the following Summer and Autumn the flowers of many will appear. All that are single, or not clear in colour, may be destroyed ; also any where the outline is irregular. But if the outline be good, the colour clear, and the flower possessed only of an ordinary degree of ful- ness, the seedling should be preserved, even though apparently inferior to varieties already known ; for it has not yet passed through the high routine of culture the named varieties have, and its properties are not fully developed. It is often capable of great improvement. As the seedlings flower, whenever one strikes the fancy, it should be tied up to a stick, a number attached to it, and its properties entered against the number in a note-book ; then watch for the buds being in a good state, and bud one or two stocks to prove the variety. As it would occupy too much time to bud all the seedlings, the seedling plant of any that is of doubtful merit may be grown for two or three years, when its real worth will become apparent. But it should be told, that budding on the Dog-rose, or any free stock, enables us to form a correct opinion of a variety a year or two sooner than we can do by trusting to the seedling plant. Therefore, if stocks are not scarce, and the culti- vator has leisure, it may be interesting to bud a plant or two of any variety, the flowers or foHage of which may appear to him likely to make it interesting. Mildew is the most discouraging visitant among seedling Roses. It is bad enough anywhere, but it seems to attack them here with redoubled virulence, and it is astonishing how suddenly it appears, spreading death and desolation in its track. It must be watched for, and, when first discovered, dust the plants with sulphur, on a calm evening if possible, having first sprinkled or syringed them, that the sulphur may stick on. This sometimes requires repeating at short intervals, for it is not always a preventive, but a temporary cure. As Y^dnter approaches, it is necessary to provide some protection against frost. The plants of the tender kinds, being young, are extremely delicate, and liable to suffer from frost. If such have been sown in the borders, an advantageous point is gained by sorting them 116 THE ROSE GARDEN. out at tlie time of transplanting^ and placing tliem in a sheltered spot where thej may be shielded from the cutting winds^ and then hoo them over_, coverings in severe weather^ with a mat_, or some frost excluding material. I have_, in this edition of the '^'^Eose Garden/ advocated sowing in Autumn^ because calculated to induce an earlie growth_, whereby are obtained plants stronger and better fitted to endure the cold of their first winter. If Autumn sowing be chosen^ it will be necessary to guard the seed effectually against mice^ as the length of time they lie in the groun increases their chance of being eaten by these intruders. It is a gooc plan to cover the bed with fine wire-work, or_, if we choose to act on th offensive rather than the defensive,, the mice may be trapped an destroyed. It will be well to have an eye to this point, whether so^4{i in Spring or Autumn. It is no uncommon occurrence, with seedlings growing out of doors during Winter, for the roots to be thrown to the surface, the plants sometimes lying almost out of the ground. If left in this condition, they wither and die. They should be replanted ; and if the beds are hoed on a fine day in Winter it will prove advantageous. Cast a little fine mould upon the surface immediately after hoeing. With regard to the pruning of seedlings, we have only one point to consider in the first instance — to obtain fine flowers. We sacrifice the shape of the tree to this point ; if necessary, cutting back to any eye. that are plump and prominent, and situated on wood likely to produc fine flowers. We remove the gross shoots, if there be any, and thin ou well, especially if the variety be an Autumnal, and, therefore, a certai bloomer. CHAPTER IX. ox THE CULTIVATION OF ROSES IN POTS. It is no longer said tliat the Rose is intractable as a Pot-plant ; indeed, it is now sufficiently established that it is perfectly suited for such_, and it is consequently gaining a still wider circle of cultivators and admirers. This furnishes no matter for wonderment,, if we consider that, in its present improved state, it possesses, in a greater or less degree, every quahty that could be wished for in a plant designed for particular cultivation. The length of time the varieties continue in bloom; the dehcious fragrance of the flowers ; their richness and beauty ; their elegant mode of growth and handsome foliage : — such a combination of desirable properties must necessarily secure for it a large share of favour. The question has been, and still is occasionally, put to us, — ^What advantage is gained by growing Roses in pots? The same question might be asked with equal propriety respecting any class of hardy or half-hardy plants. But we reply to it, by appealing to the unprejudiced judgment of horticulturists, by asking them whether the withdrawal of Pot-Roses from our greenhouses, parterres, forcing-houses, and horti- cultural fetes, would not cause a very obvious blank. We think it would ; and if so, it cannot be altogether folly to grow them in this manner. But there are more cogent reasons for the practice. Some of the delicate and more beautiful kinds have their flowers bruised and spoiled, even in Summer, by the winds and rains of our unsettled chmate, and many are incapable of during the cold of Winter. Then, again, in some soils, as in low wet places, and in some localities, as in the neighbourhood of large towns, these same sorts will scarcely grow when planted out in the open air, whereas they flourish and flower well when grown in pots under glass. It is such kinds we recommend I 118 THE ROSE GARDEN. j princirpaUy for Pot -culture, introducing others merely to increase thel^ variety. I regard the Autumnals especially as of rare worth for green-\ house culture ; for, by keeping three distinct sets of plants, we may j ensure Eoses all the year round. Five months may be allowed as their ) natural period of blooming out of doors, from June to October inclusive ; then the shelter of a frame and greenhouse will prolong the blooming season till February; and during this and the three following months^ forced Eoses may be obtained in beauty and abundance. These are the principal advantages gained by growing Eoses in pot^. \ But we would not press our favourite immodestly on the attention of our j readers. Suffice it to record our opinion : if the Eose is a suitable plant / for Pot-culture, it will undoubtedly continue to gain friends ; if not, no advocacy of ours can essentially serve it. In entering on this branch of culture, the first point that should engage our attention is to provide a good heap of soil for the plants to grow in. The groups and varieties differing greatly in their nature and , habits, it will appear reasonable that more than one sort of soil will be i required, if all kinds are to receive that most suitable. All like a rich j soil, which should be made light for the delicate-rooting varieties, and more tenacious for the robust hardy kinds. To form a light soil, procure one barrow of seasoned turfy loam, half j a barrow of well-decomposed stable manure, half a barrow of leaf mould, ; and silver-sand in proportion to the texture of the loam, which will in no case require more than one-fourth of its own bulk. The heavy soil may be composed of one barrow of stiff turfy loam, one barrow of night-soil that has been mixed with loam, as previously advised, and laid by for a year, half a barrow of leaf- mould, or well pulverized manure, and sand as before recommended. Night soil may be thought too powerful a manure, but it may be used with safety, provided it has been mixed with loam, and well seasoned previously by frequent turnings. The addition of about one-sixth of a barrow of charred earth will be found to improve both composts. The materials should be thi'own together at least three months before re- quired for use, and turned frequently, that the integrant parts may become well incorporated, and mellowed by exposure to the sun and air. The sieve is in neither case necessary, for, as large pots will be principally used, the coarser, in moderation, the soil is the better will the plants thrive. ROSES IN POTS. 119 It is our iiitentiou_, at the end of this Division^ to give a list of the kinds thought most suitable for Pot-culture ; but as .many may prefer searching our descriptive lists for themselves^ let us here consider what features are most worthy of notice when selecting for this purpose. In my Pamphlet on the Cultivation of Roses in Pots,* published some years since, the following points were given, and I do not know that I can offer any fm^ther suggestions : — 1. Elegance of habit; regarding both growth and manner of flowering. 2. Contrast of colour. 3. Abundance of bloom. 4. Form or individual outline of the flowers. 5. Duration and constant succession of bloom. 6. Sweetness. What, says the tyro, can we find so many good properties combined in one variety ? Can we obtain a Pose of an elegant habit, an abundant bloomer, the outline of whose flowers is at the same time perfect, re- maining a long time in full beauty, and that is very sweet ? Truly such cases are rare. Few have a claim on all these points, but some combine them more intimately than others ; and it is these we should choose. Poses intended for growing in pots may be either on their own roots or on short stems : the Tea-scented and Chinese kinds are undoubtedly better in the former way. Let us suppose any number of young plants are obtained on their own roots in 60-sized pots in the Spring of the year. In the first place, ihey should be shifted into 48 or 32 -sized pots, according to the rate of growth of the plant, and the quantity of roots it has made ; then plunge them, seeing that they are watered as often as the soil becomes dry. I believe that Poses cultivated to bloom at their natural period cannot be placed in too airy a situation ; therefore I would keep them constantly plunged in an open spot in the garden, removing them on the approach of winter for shelter against frost. Some object to plunging, and prefer placing the pots on the level ground, packing moss, cinder ashes, or sawdust between them. Prac- tically speaking, it seems to matter little ; and whichever plan is adopted, there are two things to guard against — the ingress of worms from the ground, and the egress of the roots from the hole in the bottom of the * " Observations on the Cultivation of Roses in Pots, &c.," by W. Paul ; Fourth Edition ; Kent and Co., London. 120 THE ROSE GARDEN. pot. If the roots find their way into the ground, there will be but fe formed in the pot ; and the result will be a more vigorous, but less per-f • feet, growth : and if the plants are required to be removed at the time o| flowering, they will receive a severe check. Both of these occurrences * must therefore be prevented, by placing the pots on inverted sepd-pans;^ or adopting some other plan which the ingenuity of the cultivator may devise. \ It must not be expected that the plants will all maintain the same A rate of growth : some will grow vigorously, others not so. Now, I although we would not wish to deprive the cultivator altogether of the I reward of his care and labour — the flowers, yet we would say, a few only | should be suffered to develope themselves the first year, and the seed vessels should be cut off" when the flowers drop. The aim throughout j the growing season should he to get a few stout, well-ripened shoots hy Autumn — shoots that will bear strong pressure between the finger and thumb without giving any indication of softness, for it is these which will produce strong and perfect blooms. • The way to accomplish this is to place the plants a good distance from / each other, and, as the young shoots form, they should be set wide / apart, that they may enjoy the full sunlight. From the earliest periodj of growth, it is necessary to look them over occasionally, with thej ■ design of encouraging such shoots as maintain the best position, andji checking those whose tendency is to exclude others from a fair rate of 9 growth, and destroy the symmetry of the plants. "Weak shoots should 1 be cut out, and disbudding practised freely. If two or three eyes bm-st • . ' from the same point, threatening to crowd or cross each other, the least \ promising should be at once removed. Most of the plants shifted into 48 or 32-sized pots in Spring will, if they flourish well, require a second shift in July, when 24 and 16-sized pots may be made use of, and the same soil as before. When re-potting the crock may be removed from the bottom of the ball, and the surface soil, which is apt to become sour, rubbed carefully away, so far as can be done without disturbing the roots. A nice judgment is required in shifting the Chinese and Tea-scented Eoses, as they are very liable to suffer from over-potting. As a guide on this point, turn them carefully out of the pots once or twice a year, to examine the roots : if found protruding from the ball of earth in great abundance, place the plants in larger pots ; if it be otherwise. EOSES IN POTS. 121 put them back in the same. The hardy and robust growers may, how- ever, be cultivated on the one-shift system, that is, changed at once from small to large pots ; but this treatment will not suit the small and dehcate growers. Annexed (Ko. 26) is shown a plant two years' old, having been grown the first year in a smaller pot. It is now Autumn, and it is losing its leaves. It needs no thinning, as it has been disbudded during Spring and Summer, on the principles advanced in our Chapter on Pruning. No. 26.— Two Yeaes' Old. We now shorten the branches at the points where the lines intersect; and, by continuing to practice disbudding, we obtain a handsome and well-flowered plant the following summer. After it is pruned, the shoots should be staked out at as great distances as possible : those that are left long ought to be made to He almost horizontal, by bending them down, that the buds may be induced to break regularly from their summit to the base. Great care is required in this operation, as the wood of some kinds is extremely brittle. If, however, the long shoots be allowed to maintain an upright position, the probability is, that two or three buds only at their top will break, which. 122 THE ROSE GARDEN. by tbeir exuberant growth, keep the lower eyes dormant, and henco results a loose and ill-regulated plant. But it is not necessary to keep them long bent ; for so soon as the eyes have burst, the shoots may be tied up again. With regard to training, each cultivator will likely acquire a plan of his own. But of this hereafter. Watering should be carefully attended to throughout the growing season. The quantity to be given must depend mainly on the state of the plants, the weather, and the porosity of the soil. As a general rule, Roses require but little water during Autumn and Winter. In spring, when the buds first break, occasional syringings are of infinite service. As the plants advance in growth, thereby acquiring a greater surface of foliage, and as the sun gains greater power, the quantity of water", may be increased ; and when in full leaf, and throughout the blooming and growing season, an abundance should be given. In making these remarks, we are supposing the water to have free egress througl;i the rubble at the bottom of the pots, a condition essential for the health and perfect growth of the plants. ; Manure-water is beneficial. The use of it imparts a freshness and dark green hue to the foliage, and increases the vigour of the plant?;. It should not, however, be given too frequently, nor in too concentrated a form. If guano is used, an ounce to a gallon of water is sufficient.. It is well to watch the effects of the dose given, to guard against an Over- growth, and regulate the supply accordingly. Perhaps the plants cannot grow too vigorously, provided the wood can be well ripiened before winter. There is the point. But, as we cannot ensure a siimny Autumn, which is necessary for the perfecting of strong shootis, a moderate growth is safer. Camphor-water an eminent Eose Amat'eur once advised me, from his own experience, to try ; but I am unable^ to report any satisfactory results. It is said to add new brilliancy to the flowers. Certainly, it is a safe apphcation, and no injurious influents **'re likely to arise from its use. t In addition to our painstaking to promote the growth of our plantJ^ we have to guard against enemies and diseases. The Rose-grub, which |s most prevalent early in the season, requires close watching, and shoul be destroyed by hand-picking. I have picked a score off" a single pJt- plant. Wherever a curled leaf, or shoot without a growing point, mef ts the eye, this destructive insect will be found. Some mischief has pjer- haps been done, for it is seldom that he can be discovered, except rOT ROSES — INSF.CT PESTS. 123 the eflfects lie produces ; but let us catch him as soon as we can, and much mischief is prevented. He eats and destroys when young, but when he an*ives at maturity he is a perfect gourmand, travelling from shoot to shoot, spreading devastation in his track ; and if he reach the moth state, we may calculate on a numerous progeny the next year. I had a lot of plants remarkably free from these pests one season, which I could only account for by the fact that they were closely sought for and destroyed the year before. The Aphis, or Green-fly, may be destroyed by removing the plants to a pit or house, and smoking them : it may be kept away by dipping the ends of the shoots in, or syringing with, tobacco-water, or by laying the shoot in the palm of the hand, and brushing the fly off*. There is a very small canary- coloured fly, which did great mischief among Roses one season. They are generally found on the back of the leaf, close to the mid-rib, eating the leaf, working from the under-side, and not only disfiguring, but injuring the plants. They are remarkably active. By giving the plant a tap, they will rise instantly in the air, fly round, and settle again on the leaves. As they were too nimble to be dealt with as their more sluggish compeers in mischief, I apphed sulphui and snuff in equal portions, dusting the mixture on the back of the leaves when wet, and found it prove an excellent remedy. A long thin caterpillar, the larva of a saw-fly, sometimes commits great havoc among Roses. They came in such myriads upon a Rose Garden in this county a few years ago, that the plants were almost stripped of their leaves before their course could be arrested. Hand- picking was resorted to, by which means they were ultimately got rid of. The red fungus, which often attacks Roses out of doors late in Autumn, may visit the Pot-plants ; and should it do so, the leaves where it appears should be carefully rubbed between the finger and thumb, using a little sulphur in the operation. Mildew is sometimes a source of great annoyance. Dusting the leaves with sulphur is the best remedy. Watering with a solution of nitre is also said both to destroy and prevent it. If the situation is airy and sunny, there is little to fear on this account. Forced Roses are more subject to it, and, when speaking of these, it will require a fuller notice. We have, then, followed our plants through the first training season. 124 THE ROSE GARDEN. They have been shifted twice^ once in Spring, and again in July. In Autumn they will be well established, when a portion may be selected for forcing, and part left for blooming at other periods. If to produce large and handsome specimens quickly is the point aimed at, we would advise sacrificing the bloom in part, even the second training season, by pinching out some of the flower-buds as soon as they are formed. The same routine of culture will require to be gone through now as in the first season, availing ourselves of whatever knowledge we may have gained by experience and observation. But a new source of amusement now opens upon us, and one which will discover and exercise our taste. The first year little training is necessary; but it has now become an important part of the work. If skilfully and tastefully done, it greatly enhances the beauty of our favourites ; if otherwise, it has a contrary tendency. Often we see well-grown plants, which reflect great credit on the cultivator, spoiled in the training. To manage this properly, the shoots should be tied out to sticks immediately that the plants are pruned; and when the newly-formed shoots are three or four inches long, they should be tied out also, training according to some pre- conceived plan. We agree that the fewer sticks used the better; but we fear Koses cannot be managed nicely without the help of some. We do not Kke to see a plant with as many sticks as it has flowers, and almost a hedge- stake used to support a branch which a privet-twig would hold in place. This is bunghng and unsightly, equalled only by the want of design often apparent in the training. The sticks should be chosen as slight as will support the flowers, and the shape of the plant should be determined before we commence to fashion it. Not that we are obliged to follow such form, if, by any occurrence, we discover one more suitable in an after-stage of growth. The sticks used in tying out and training, if painted, should be painted green, as near the colour of the foliage as possible, duller, not brighter, or they will create a glare, and detract from the beauty of the plant. To us the system of a tall shoot in the centre of the plant, with all the others disposed around it, gradually decreasing in height as they recede from the centre — in a word, a pyramid presents the most pleasing object. No. 27 is a newly-pruned plant grown and trained on this system. When the centre shoots of a pyramid are more vigorous than the lower POT ROSES— TRAINING. 125 and surrounding ones,, tlie latter should be pruned a fortnight before the former, which, will preserve the balance of strength throughout the plant. If, under those conditions, all are pruned at the same time, the centre shoots will, from their position, appropriate to themselves an undue share of food, and the others will be impoverished. Immediately after pruning, we draw the lower shoots downwards over the rim of the pot, just beneath which a wire should pass, to which the bast may be fastened. When the plants are of three or four years' growth, and have been previously trained upon this plan, tier above tier of branches may be arranged, each decreasing in circumference in the No. 27. — Newly-Pruned. ascent, till we terminate in a point. Trained on this plan, the plants require constant care and attention during the season of growth to keep them well balanced. Strong shoots must be stopped as occasion may require, and weak ones encouraged. A round bush is quite in character in some instances, especially for such kinds as are of lowly growth. The plants may be trained to a face, the tallest shoots ranged at the back, the others gradually decreasing in height as they approach the front. This method has been successfully carried out at the various horticultural exhibitions, where only one side of the plant, or at most three-quarters of it, is presented to view. 126 THE HOSE GARDEN. Pruning may be applied here as elsewhere,, excepting that^ the growth of Pot-Eoses being usually less vigorous than that of kinds under common treatment out of doors^ they require rather closer pruning. Disbudding should be practised in Pot-culture especially ; it is of great assistance in obtaining well-formed plants, and such we expect to see when grown in pots. No. 28. — Three Years Old. But the second season has passed away, and we have entered upon the third. Our plants are not equal to what they are capable of becoming ; but the accompanying engraving (No. 28) may be considered a fair illustration of a three-years' old plant that has been carefully and skilfully cultivated for two seasons. Its growth is too vigorous to be called perfect, for the flowers are, in consequence, nearly all on the top of long shoots. This, however, is desirable at this stage of growth, and easily remedied the next year, by long pruning, and afterwards bending the branches down. Roses are often lifted from the ground to be grown in pots, and it is necessary to say a few words about them. Early in Autumn (September or October) is a good time to take them up ; and if done immediately POT ROSES —POTTING. 127 after rain^ the roots are less liable to be injured in the removal. When potting, whether the plants are on their own roots or on sterns^ the straggling roots should be cut in so far as to admit of their being placed comfortably in the pots. If any of the roots have been bruised in taking up, the bruised part should be cut away : let the cut be made clean with a knife, and fibrous roots will soon be emitted from its surface. When potting worked plants, we should have an eye to suckers from the wild stock, which should be cut off close to the stem, to prevent their springing into life at any future period. The sized pots most suitable for dwarf plants from the ground, vary from Nos. 82 to 12 ; if a plant is of robust growth, strong, and well rooted, it may be placed in the latter size : if the reverse, use the former. In reference to this, the judgment at the time of potting is the best guide. Placing the plants too low in the soil is a great evil : always keep the roots near to the sm-face, as they are sure to strike downwards. It is essential here that the pots be thoroughly drained, and the soil should be well pressed or shaken down among the roots. The heads may be thinned out at the time of potting, leaving as many shoots as can be found properly situated to form the plant handsomely. The shortening of the shoots may be deferred till the plants are supposed to have made fresh roots ; remembering, however, that the time of pruning regulates the time of blooming : the earlier they are pruned the earlier they will flower. After potting, the plants should be placed in a cold pit, where they may remain closed from the air for a few days. They should be syringed twice daily, or three times, and shaded also, if sunny weather. If taken up in September or October, when the leaf is green, and kept in a close pit, well syringed and shaded, they will retain their leaves almost as fresh as if left in the ground, and soon renew their hold of the soil. I have removed the Autumnals from the ground in June and July, just when they had completed their first flowering, and, by treating them in the manner above described, have obtained complete success. It is not necessary that they should remain in a pit for any great length of time. After the first ten days or fortnight air may be admitted gradually to harden them, when the hardy kinds may be plunged out of doors, in an airy situation, and the tender ones kept in the pit, or placed by themselves where they may be sheltered from 128 THE ROSE GARDEN. severe frosts. The north side of a wall or fence will serve for this purpose, erecting a temporary building, open on three sides, the top covered with felt or fern, or anything else that will exclude the rain and frost : the sides may then be closed in with mats in severe weather. A few remarks on Roses grown in pots as chmbers may not be altogether useless. If it be the wish of the cultivator to train a few upon this system, they should be invariably chosen on their own roots. But perhaps it may seem strange that we should suggest such a thing. No. 29. —Climbing Rose in Pot. What ! cultivate Climbing Roses in pots ; the idea is absurd ! So it would be, did we recommend the groups which are ordinarily spoken of as climbers; namely, the Ayrshire, Boursault, Musk, Sempervirens, &c. But such is not our intention. Magnificent as these are when growing in the open ground, to the height of twelve feet, covered with their immense trusses of bloom, we are aware that their semi- double and transient flowers render them unsuitable for Pot-culture. But where else are varieties found that will climb ? This question will be rephed to in the list given at the end of this Division. We have now to point out the end in view, and the means by which POT EOSES — CLIMBINQ. 129 it is to be accomplislied. Some kinds, wliicli are indispensable even in a small collection, cannot be grown to advantage except as climbers ; sucli as Lamar que, Solfaterre, Jaune Desprez, and others. As to tlie shape they are brought to assume, the taste of the cultivator will perhaps be the best guide. Circular trellises may be formed, varying in height and diameter, that they may be fitted to any particular variety, according to its rate of growth. None should exceed four feet in height. Eound these the shoots may be trained, according to the accompanying illustration (No. 29), so as eventually to hide the trellis, and to produce a dense, but not shapeless, mass of foliage and flowers. It is necessary, in the first instance, to practise close pruning, to induce the shoots to grow vigorously : they should then be trained in their proper course during the season of growth. Now, the great point to be kept in view here is, so to prune and train that the plant may produce flowers from its summit to the ground; for it is evident that if on\j a few flowers are to be produced at the top, then the dwarfer it is grown the better. Here, as in all gardening operations. Nature requires time to perfect her work. The plants will not be complete the first year : they may not the second. Much, of course, will depend on the treat- ment they undergo, their strength when put to the trellis, and the size of the latter. But httle pruning is necessary ; each year the weak and unripened wood only should be removed, tying the rest to the trellis, till it is covered. With respect to the shortening of the shoots, they should be cut back to eyes that are well ripened, and no farther. Cover the trelHs as thoroughly and quickly as possible, and then prune as directed for Climbing Roses. No. 30 is a sketch of the beautiful yellow Hose Solfaterre, taken from a plant in bloom which had been treated as above described. We said, at the opening of this Chapter, that Roses may be had in flower all the year round. Let us revert to that point. We must divide our plants into three lots, varying the colours in each as much as pos- sible; securing the fullest kinds for forcing, and the least double for Winter flowering. From June to October, inclusive, may be con- sidered the natural season of flowering. By forcing, of which we shall speak in the next Chapter, we may obtain flowers from February to May. It is now our intention to relate how we secure flowers from November to February. This is the most difficult point to attain. Nevertheless, it is done, hy inducing the AidamnaJs to grow and form 130 THE EOSE GAEDEN. Jlower-huds late in the Autumn, and hy preserving these flower -ljuds from wet and frost, I do not say this plan is new^ or has not been adopted by others ; but I certainly am one who read the lesson from the book of Nature,, and afterwards practised it with complete success. Walking- one October evening among some Chinese and Tea-scented E-oses which had been transplanted in Spring, and had grown and flowered but little No. 30. — Hose Solfaterre in Bloom. during a dry summer, I could not but remark how thickly the trees were then covered with small flower-buds. The first inquiry was, as to the cause of this, which was soon discovered. A dry Spring had been succeeded by rain late in Summer, and the plants were now growing vigorously. Pleased at first by the prospect of so late a bloom, it did not strike me that it would be the middle of November before the flowers could be perfected. However, frost and rain set in, and the consequences were soon apparent — the flower-buds were blighted and POT ROSES — WINTER FLOWERING. 131 decayed. One kind alone^ Chinese Fabvier^ a semi- double scarlet one, braved tlie storm, and liis rich warm tints were unusually beautiful, or perhaps apparently so, in contrast with the desolation that reigned around. The petals of the most double kinds had become glued together at their tops, which prevented their expansion, and the buds rotted. From these observations I inferred two things : 1st, That had these flower-buds been protected from frost and rain, they would have been gradually unfolded; for they continued advancing in size so long as the weather remained favourable. 2ndly, That the least double varieties are more likely to expand their flowers perfectly late in the year than others, because less afiected by damp : and, that the damp was as des- tructive as the cold, was evident, from the most double varieties, which retain moisture the longest, being in the worst state, and from the semi- double ones flowering, in spite of the adverse weather. Building upon these inferences, late in the following Summer (I think in August) I cut down the main shoots of several Autumnals that were then flowering in pots, leaving two or three eyes on each shoot to break from. They broke; and in October, the flower-buds being formed, the plants were removed to a cold pit, giving all possible air in fine weather. It was a mild Winter, but a damp one. The flower-buds advanced steadily, although some became mouldy and damp, and, as it is termed, fogged off.'^ Nevertheless, during November and December, many kinds flowered beautifully ; and at Christmas I cut as fine a bunch of Roses as could be desired. In wet or damp weather the lights were kept on : in frosty weather there was the further addition of a straw mat. Lovers of Roses ! what think you of this ? Is a cold pit unworthily occupied with Pot-Roses, which shall furnish you with flowers in full beauty in the depth of Winter ? It has been seen that the above succeeded well there ; though it is questionable whether they would do so every season. Severe frost, should it occur, must injure, if not destroy, the flowers. Let them, then, have a place in a greenhouse, giving fire-heat only to dry up dampness and exclude the frost. So soon as they have done flowering they may be removed to a cold pit, giving air plentifully. In March they may be re-potted and pruned, and plunged out of doors, where they will flower again in July. Once every year, late in September, or early in October, all, except the plants intended for Winter flowering, should be turned out of their pots, shaking away a good portion of the soil, and re-potting them in 132 THE EOSE GARDEN. new or clean pots_, larger if thouglit necessary. Immediately after this operation they should be transferred to some situation where they have the morning sun only — a north border is a good place — and watering must be carefully attended to. When they have remained here for two or three weeks,, they should be removed under glass^ as many of the modern varieties are not sufficiently hardy to endure uninjured the frost of a severe Winter. At the time of re-potting, it is advisable, if dis- budding has not been followed, to thin out such shoots as will not be required for the succeeding year. Whenever plants are grown in cold pits, abundance of air should be given at all seasons. Indeed, the lights need only be used as a shelter against frost or wind, or heavy rain ; dews and slight rains are beneficial in Spring and Summer. In the flowering season it will be necessary to shade during the middle of the day, when canvas lights should be used instead of glass ones. CHAPTER X. ON FORCING. Or all flowers induced to blossom_, amid tlie cliills of Winter, there is perhaps none which excites so much interest as the Rose. And as this branch of culture is now so generally practised, it seems to demand more than a passing notice. The art of forcing consists in accelerating the period of growth and flowering of plants, by means of artificial heat. In practising it, we change their seasons, inducing them to perform certain functions at other seasons than those at which they naturally perform them. With Roses, Spring and Summer is the natural period of growth. Autumn the period of maturation, and Winter that of repose. But supposing we commence forcing at Christmas, our Winter becomes their Spring, our Spring their Summer, our Summer their Autumn, and our Autumn their season of rest. Thus, in forcing, although we change all the seasons^ we take care not to annul any one of them, or we sacrifice the health of the plants. And these changes should be brought about gradually. The first year the plants are forced they should be advanced steadily, and should, in no case, be brought to flower earlier than the middle of March. In the construction of the forcing-house, every chance of increasing the quantity of light should be accepted, remembering that, in their artificial Spring, the plants will not have the advantage of so long or so powerful a sunlight as in the natural one. A house has been built here recently for the express purpose of growing Roses in pots to bloom in the Spring of the year. Measured from the inside, it is fifty feet long and eighteen feet wide. It has a span-roof, facing east and west, with glass ends, and upright sashes at 134 THE ROSE GARDEN. both fronts. The top lights are moveable^ that air may be given as required ; and it is intended to substitute canvas for glass in the Summer season. This house was built /or Pot-Roses only ; but if flowers are not wanted before March or April, we think a desirable point would be gained by omitting the stages on which the pots are placed, and forming, in their place, a bed of good soil, in which standards and half-standards might be planted ; say three or five rows — a row of tall plants along the centre, and shorter ones on either side. In forcing Eoses on a small scale, a pit with a span-roof may be constructed at a very trifling cost; and an Arnott's stove, proportioned to the size of the pit, proves an effectual and wholesome heating apparatus. A pit 20 feet long and 15 feet wide, of sufficient height to enable one to walk conveniently down the middle, will hold 100 large plants; and to heat this structure a moderate-sized Arnott's stove is sufficient. A pan of water should be placed on the top of the stove to preserve a proper degree of moisture in the atmosphere. Plants removed from the ground will, if on their own roots, be better if grown one year in pots before forcing. Their early treatment is the same as that of other Eoses in pots, which is fully described in the last Chapter. To this, then, we need not revert, but will suppose the amateur in possession of strong plants of at least two years^ growth, whether of his own raising or purchased at the Nurseries. When about to force Eoses on their own roots, we should ascertain whether the pots are full of sound healthy roots ; for if they are not, only partial success can be obtained. If fine flowers are wanted, the last week in December, or the first week in January, is early enough to commence forcing, and but little fire-heat should be given in the first instance. This is their artificial Spring, and a low night temperature must necessarily be secured. The Eose is not a lover of a powerful heat : it must be forced steadily, increasing the temperatm^e by degrees, if flowers are required very early. Where bottom-heat can be readily obtained, we think it advantageous, although by no means necessary. A good point to start from in forcing is 50 to 55 degrees by day, and 40 degrees by night. The temperature of the house requires close attention; and the state of the atmosphere, as regards its humidity, although often overlooked, is equally important. Too dry an atmosphere causes a drain upon the nutritive organs, and will cause the young leaves to wither and fall off*; it also encourages red spider. A too damp atmosphere is favourable to the production of FOECING — TEMPERATURE — SYRINGING. 135 mildew^ especially if the temperature should fall suddenly^ from tlie effect of atmospheric changes from without, or other causes. A dry air may be remedied by syringing the plants copiously, and, if found necessary, by pouring water on the floor of the house. A damp atmosphere is best remedied by giving air. Unless the weather be frosty, air should be admitted for the first fortnight, to strengthen the growing buds ; but so soon as leaves are formed, it will be necessary to keep the house constantly closed, except the air be very mild, which it seldom is at this season of the year. By the admission of cold air, the young leaves may, from their extreme tenderness, be blighted in an hour. The plants being once fairly aroused, and their roots in action, the tempera- ture may be gi-adually raised till we reach 50 degrees by night, and 75 degrees by day. A higher temperature than this should not, I think, be produced artificially. Towards the Spring, sudden bursts of sunshine will occasionally raise the house 10 degrees, without producing any injurious effects : still, if the weather be mild, we would counteract this by giving air; if keen and windy, by shading. A temperature of 90 degrees, or even 100 degrees, caused by sunshine, is, however, productive of less injury than a keen frosty air. In case of severe weather, as was experienced in February, 1845, on the 12th of which month the thermometer sunk as low as 6 degrees, there will probably be some difficulty experienced in maintaining the temperature previously recommended. Under such circumstances the plants will receive no injury from a slight decrease of heat, which is indeed much to be preferred to a high forced temperature, produced by great effort. If the house or pit is so constructed that it can be conveniently covered up with mats or cloths, radiation is prevented, and the advantages are very great : and this is desirable on the score of economy, for a great expenditure of fuel is saved ; but it is still more desirable for the health of the plants, because the less artificial heat employed the better. In the early stage of growth, little water need be given : the plants may be syringed occasionally with manure-water of moderate strength. I have sometimes used soot-water in lieu of the above, and the vigour of growth, the dark green hue of the foliage, and the prominence of the buds, sufficiently attest the value of it. It may, however, be dispensed with so soon as the branches begin to harden and the flower-buds are formed. It is advisable to syringe the plants twice daily in the early 136 THE EOSE GARDEN. stage of growth ; in tlie morning, just as tlie sun falls upon them, and again in the afternoon. But should several cloudy or rainy days follow consecutively, once syringing, and that in the morning, is sufficient. Disbudding should be practised here, as before recommended. We would not, in forced Roses, destroy dormant buds, for they are of no injury to the growing shoots, and in them we have embryo shoots, ready to be awakened, and capable of producing flowers at our will. The Rose, when forced, has as much to contend with from the insect tribe as when growing naturally in the garden. Here, as elsewhere, the Rose-grub will require close seeking, for the treatment which causes the production of Roses before their natural time produces him also. The red spider is sometimes productive of sad results, for which mois- ture is the best remedy. Syringe the plants abundantly and daily with tepid soot-water, perfectly clear, driving the water with some force against the young leaves ihrough a fine rose-sijringe, so as not to bruise or injure them. The pipes may also be washed with sulphur and soot formed into a liquid, laying it on when they are in a warm but not hot state. For the destruction of the aphides, the usual plan of fumigating with tobacco must be had recourse to, and this upon their first appearance. The atmosphere of the forcing house seems particularly congenial to them. To-day you will see a few stalking up and down the shoots : dis- regard them for a week and you will see thousands. To avoid the un- pleasant situation of being enveloped in a dense cloud of tobacco-smoke, the following plan is now adopted in many places : a portion of tobacco, judged sufficient for the size of the house, is mixed with an equal por- tion of damp moss, and placed in a fine wire sieve over charcoal embers. This gradually smoulders away, and the house is filled to perfection. In a large house, a sieve at either end is advisable. Fumigation will require to be repeated frequently : for if only one or two aphides escape, the house is soon swarming again, and no plant can thrive while covered with these numerous sap-suckers. The mildew will sometimes appear, and is a pest of no ordinary kind. I have seen the beauty of a house destroyed by it for the season. Sul- phur, dusted on the leaves when wet, is the remedy usually applied. Experience and observation tell us that the best preventive, as well as cure, is to keep the atmosphere in a wholesome state. Sudden and violent changes should bo avoided. Every effort should be used to keep TEMPERATURE — SHADING. 137 the plants vigorous and healthy. If they suffer from being crowded, or for want of light and a free circulation of air, they become drawn and weakly, and are very liable to its attacks. On the first appearance of Mildew, such as are suffering from it should be removed, to prevent infection. Daring their growth, the plants should be looked through frequently, and the surface of the soil stirred, using due care not to injure the fibrous roots, which often lie near the top in great abundance. At the same time suckers should be removed ; those from the stem cut off close, and the under-ground ones drawn out. So soon as the leaves are of fair size, and the flower-buds are forming, a free supply of water is required. Manure water should be given occa- sionally, not cold, but of the temperature of the house. If worms are troublesome, lime-water may be administered. But the reward of our care is at hand. The buds are strongly formed, and show colour, and syringing must cease. Now, which do we prefer; a great display at one time, or a regular succession of flowers ? If the former, lower the temperature of the house gradually, and run a thin canvas* over the glass to create a slight shade. This will give the buds longer time to expand, and the flowers will be increased in size, im- proved in colour, and last longer. A continual succession of flowers may be obtained by removing the plants, at different stages of forward- ness, to a house with a lower temperature, where they get the sun and air. It is plain that the time of flowering will be regulated by the tem- perature of the house ; and plain, also, that the finest flowers will be pro- duced if a moderate degree of heat be maintained. Has our treatment, then, guided, as in some measure it must be, by the state of the weather without-doors, caused them to flower by the end of February, or is it March ? Whichever it may be, here they are, delighting us with their gay and varied colours, and shedding around a delicious perfume. The Rose in bloom in winter too ! Truly, this is a charmed flower. Here is a pause in the process of cultivation : the Amateur has breath- ing time. He has only to see that his favourites do not suffer from drought, and all will go on well. But an active mind, which the culti- vation of flowers usually engenders, will find plenty of amusement in attending to his plants out of doors. Besides, is it likely that a house of * Tiffany and Scrim are admirable materials for tliis purpose. 138 THE ROSE GARDE N\ forced Roses should be known to exist without drawing the proprietor's friends^ or some anxious connoisseurs_, around him ! And here is one charm hanging over the pursuit : not only does the votary of floriculture derive, from the purest sources, a calm and intellectual enjoyment^ but he is at the same time enabled to exhibit the art_, in its most pleasing dress^ to those around him. When the flowering is over_, it is advisable to remove the Summer bloomers. Do not take them at once from the forcing-house and place them out of doors_, for the sudden change would prove injurious. Gradually harden them, by help of a cold house_, if standards, or a pit, if dwarfs. When the Summer kinds are removed, fresh plants, kept in reserve for the pur^^ose, may, if the Amateur wish, be brought to fill their places. The Autumnal bloomers may, however, be treated some- what differently : their shoots should be cut back to three or four eyes with good leaves, and they will give forth a second crop of flowers in grand perfection during April and May. At the time they are cut back_, it is well to remove a little of the surface soil, replacing it with well- pulverized manure. After April, very little fire-heat is required for the forcing-house : indeed, if the weather be warm and sunny, none is needed. After the second flowering, the admission of air should be gradually increased for a few days, when the plants may be re-potted and removed from the house. In the operation of potting it will be found necessary to shake away a portion of the soil, sometimes using larger pots, and sometimes others of the same size : the old pots should not be used again till they have been washed or well rubbed out. After potting, plunge the plants in an airy and sunny situation, where they may remain till required for forcing the following year. Having been early excited, they will be disposed to rest early; and thus are obtained specimens in the best condition for forcing. I have observed plants, which have been forced for several years in succession, cease growing about Midsummer, and shed a portion of their leaves shortly afterwards. If, from much rain, the bark and soil become thoroughly moistened, they are aroused, a second growth occurs, and the best wood is lost. To prevent this, the pots should be laid on their sides under a north wall or fence so soon as the wood is matured. The Autumnals removed from the forcing- house in May will, if suffered, produce flowers again in September and October. But this is working them rather hard; and if we are anxious POECING. 139 to secure good plants for the next forcing season, the flower-buds should be nipped out so soon as formed_, and all gross shoots should be stopped back or destroyed. It is the shoots formed after the first flowering that we are looking forward to for fine flowers the next year, and the eyes on them should be kept dormant. Roses thus treated will flower well forced several years in succession. It is not intended to be expressed that Roses newly removed from the ground will not bear forciug. If worked on the Dog-rose, or any free stock, they do not absolutely require to go through the preparatory course recommended for plants on their own roots. If taken up in September or October, they may be forced the first year with success, as far as regards the flowers, although they do not form regular and handsome plants. For several years past it has been customary here to pot and place the new varieties in the forcing-house in December, in order to test their merit before offering them to the public, and some tolerable flowers are thus produced; certainly not in full and perfect beauty, though sufficiently good to enable one to form an opinion of their value. But this is treading on the very confines of the laws of Nature, and is one of those things which may be donOj and not what should be recommended. Small plants, estahUshedj are preferable to large ones newly-potted. In fact, the former, if in a good state, will produce flowers equal to those of larger plants : the difference will chiefly consist, not in quality, but in quantity. Plants of this descrip- tion, after having been in the house for a short time, should be shifted into 32 or 24-sized pots, using a rich light soil, and taking care not to bruise the tender roots, or loosen the ball of earth in the operation. With regard to the description of Roses best suited for forcing, some varieties, which do not expand their flowers freely out of doors, are beautiful when forced ; and some kinds, of rare beauty in the garden, are of little worth for forcing. A list of the best will be furnished hereafter. Many who might not have convenience or inclination for forcing Roses, would yet willingly appropriate a pit to secure a good bloom in April and May; and this may be attained without much trouble. Let the plants be pruned and placed in the pit early in November. Keep them as close to the glass as possible. Give air abundantly in mild weather, covering the glass with mats or fern on cold nights, or even during the day in the event of severe frost. 140 THE ROSE GARDEN. CHAPTER XI. — ♦ — REMARKS ON SUNDRY OPERATIONS IN THE ROSE GARDEN. Certain branches of cultivation have been made the subject of separate Chapters; but there are others^ important in themselves,, yet not of sufficient magnitude to require this : such it is our intention to include in the present Chapter. Let us run hastily through the year^ commencing with the Spring. The last operation performed in the Rose Garden has been pruning ; and now^ forking the beds over requires to be done. When Roses are newly planted, they need a little extra attention. They should be mulched, and watered occasionally, if the Spring or Summer prove dry. As care in childhood and early life determines the constitution of the man, so attention at this epoch of a plant^s existence establishes a vigorous and healthy subject. Unless it is the intention to supply the plants with manure-water during that part of the growing season which precedes their flowering, now is the time to enrich the soil. If the gTound has been prepared the previous Autumn, this will be unnecessary, but under all other circumstances it should be done. The manure should be well decayed, and a thick coating laid on the beds previous to forking, that it may be turned in in this operation. An Annual forking is indisjoensahle ; and if the beds are also hoed with a Vernon hoe three or four times in the course of the Summer, as the nature of the soil or the season may require, the plants will be largely benefited. The latter practice is especially recommended for stiff and adhesive soils. Rose-trees require a careful looking over during April and May, to remove the Rose-grub, which, if allowed to pursue its ravages, proves most destructive to the early bloom. Tobacco-smoke, and tobacco- SUCKERS. 141 water^ seem alike inefficient; soot-water is evidently disagreeable to tliem_, but they survive it; and the only effectual remedy I know of, is to search diligently, in tbe early stages of tlie young sboots' growth, and draw the vagrants from their flimsy hiding-places. I believe certain birds frequently make a meal off them, but " their operations are too irregular to be relied on. The green-fly abounds everywhere ; syringing with tobacco -water, or dusting with snufi" and soot when the leaves are damp, that the mixture may adhere thereto, destroys or disperses it. It is also a good practice to smoke the trees with tobacco, using the fumigating-bellows, first enclosing the head with some material that will prevent the escape of the smoke. In budded and grafted Eoses, suckers from the stock often shoot forth, and wiU. impoverish the tree if allowed to remain. They should be watched for, and invariably removed so soon as seen : if proceeding from beneath the ground, it is necessary to remove the soil, for which purpose a spade is best, and they should be cut off close to the stock whence they spring. If this is strictly attended to for two or three years, the Dog-rose will cease to throw suckers. On the specimen plants here, which are of some age, it is rare that a sucker is seen. At the same time that we are on the look-out for suckers, it may be well to have an eye on the heads of the trees, to establish a regular growth. Besides the shoots produced at stated periods, — in Spring, and in Summer immediately after flowering, — it is not unusual, when a plant is in full vigour, for buds that have lain dormant even for a year or two, to burst into life, producing very gross shoots. If such proceed from the Summer kinds, they rarely flower, and, not ripening well, are of little use ; if they arise from the Autumnals, a large truss of flowers is often produced, but their quality is quite mediocre. In both cases these gourmands, by drawing to themselves the nutritive juices of the plant, weaken the more moderate and valuable shoots. But what shall be done with them? They are fine shoots, and it seems a pity to destroy them. But if the plant is already well furnished, it is certainly best to destroy them, by cutting them off close to their base, 'so soon as dis- covered. If, however, there are but few shoots, or a tree is ill-shapen, they may be turned to advantage. Under the latter state of things, pinch out their tops when they have reached an advantageous height, which the looker-on must determine, and thus they may be brought to fill up a scanty tree, or balance a mis-sliapen one. But supposing, when 142 THE ROSE GAEDEN. Such shoots arise^ a Summer Eose has an abundance of vigorous shoots^ or an Autumnal is scant of bloom^ though at the same time in such a state of health and vigour as to warrant us in concluding there is suffi- cient command of food to support and develop existing branches and anticipated flowers; this may render it advisable to allow such shoots their natural course of growth. But remember, the most vigorous shoots in Summer Roses are least likely to floiver ; in Autumnals they do not produce the best flowers. We would treat these gross shoots in the same way when they arise on Dwarf or Pillar Roses. As a general rulo^ so soon as the flower-buds are formed_, if we are seeking large flowers in preference to numbers, it will be well to nip out first those that seem imperfect, and afterwards such as are smallest and most backward. It has even been recommended to cut off the early flowers of the Autumnals, on ihe ground that there is an alnindance of other Boses in June, and the practice causes a finer and more certain production in Autumn. Yet we see no need for destroying the first flowers of the former. Let them bloom : and when the flowers drop, remove the soil an inch or two deep for a good space around each plant, placing a spadeful of manure there. Cover this over again with the soil, and water the plants twice or thrice, if the weather continue dry. This treatment will induce a fresh and vigorous growth, ensuring, as a conse- quence fine flowers. The secret of securing a good bloom of Roses in Autumn exists in lieejnng the Aidumnals growing during Summer and Autumn. Do this, and there is no fear of failure. The Autumnals perhaps give a better succession of flowers when grown on their own roots, than when budded : the growth of the former is less periodic ; shoots spring into life at shorter intervals. These are some of the operations necessary to be attended to previous to the flowering season, in order to secure the well-being of our favourites. Some of them may appear tedious, but to those who love flowers there is an interest felt in the simplest operations of culture; for he who plants a tree adopts it, appoints himself its protector, and delights in adminis- tering to its wants. Every act of labour bestowed increases his attach- ment to it, and every stage of progress off*ers beauties to his sight. As he wanders in the Rosarium, and sees the plants covered with flower- buds, what agreeable anticipations does he indulge in, heightened, perha-ps, by the occasional recognition of a flower blossoming before its MOEAL REFLECTIOKS. 143 time. Every succeeding walk shows him an increase in the number ; till at last he beholds them flushed with blossoms,, yielding a rich harvest for the labour he has bestowed. Well they reward the toil. The sight is pleased, The scent regaled. ..... Each opening blossom freely breathes abroad Its gratitude, and thanks him with its sweets. What a delightful month is June for the lover of Roses ; and what time is equal to the morning for inspecting the flowers ? What floricul- tural enjoyment can surpass that afforded by a walk in the Rosarium at grey dawn^ when The lamps of heaven grow dim, and jocund day Stands tij)toe on the misty mountain's top ? Then the White Roses first show, and how inexpressibly pure they seem in the twilight ! The deeper tints^ — the blush^ the pink, the rose, — follow in rapid succession; and as darkness flies away the crimson and the blacker hues rise in rich effulgence to complete the picture. How beautiful the foliage appears glistening with dew ! The flowers, too, are rife with freshness and beauty. Is there not life in every fold ? And what a delicious odour is borne on the surrounding air ! As we gaze and admire, there is little to disturb our meditations ; the warblings of the feathered choristers alone break in upon the slumbering scene. Here is the consummation of our hopes in Rose-culture. And what a recompense for the toil we have sustained ! Do we not feel as we admire, that * * Nature never did betray The heart that lov'd her : 'tis her privilege. Through all the years of this our life, to lead From joy to joy." Next to the morning's walk in the Rosarium a ramble at eventide is, perhaps, the most delightful. The colours of many kinds have the same fervid glow ; the same perfumes scent the air, but (alas, that the life of our favourites should be so fleeting !) instead of the young and promising beauties of the morning, we gaze on Roses of mature age. But these are not all the sweets attendant on the cultivation of flowers. As the amateur scans the beauties which surround him, when satiated — if indeed satiety can be experienced here — with the sight, the reflections awakened by association in floricultural nomenclature afford him new sources of enjoyment. What an amount of virtue, learning, wit, valour, often congregate on a small plot in the flower-garden ! How proud is 144 THE EOSE GARDEN. the florist of his Catos_, his Socrates^ his Butlers^ his peaceful Alexanders and Caesars ! There_, kings and emperors are placed beside the subverters of dynasties and empires ; there^ warriors who have indulged in deadly- strife exist together in the strictest amity — a Charles beside a Cromwell, a Scipio in company with an Hannibal. In rigid Cincinnatus, nobly poor/^ he reads a lesson on self -negation and magnanimity ; in Napoleon^, however much he may be dazzled by the splendid genius of the man_, he cannot but recoil from one who drenched the earth with blood, as he ponders over the futility of human ambition. Then let him contrast the No. 31. — Standard Rose. consequences of the tyranny and licentiousness of an Anthony with those arising from the virtues and philanthropy of a Howard : the one, through his vices, lost a kingdom; the other, though an humble individual, conferred lasting benefits on thousands of his race, and earned in the work an honoured and imperishable name. And in admiring the objects bearing names like these, and indulging in the reflections awakened by association, does he not feel the mind expand, refine, aspire to imitate the good and shun the evil ? But we have digressed very far, and must return to the practical part of our subject. A'V^ith regard to the manner in which Roses should be FORM OF GROWTH. 145 grown^ the habit of the variety may be taken as a guide. The vigorous growers would seem best adapted for Standard or Pillar Roses_, unless of slovenly growth_, when they are suited only for covering banks or for climbers. Annexed are engravings of two Standard Roses in flower : they are both vigorous growers_, and have been submitted to long prun- ing, (see Chapter VI.) The habit of No. 31 is branching, and that of No. 32 is erect: the latter has^ by a little variation in pruning, been made to form a pyramidal No. 32. — Pykamidal-headed Standard. head. The kinds of moderate growth look well on Half- Standards, of which the annexed engraving (No. 33) is a representation. The kinds of delicate or dwarf growth are best on dwarf stocks or on their own roots ; they rarely succeed well as Standards : besides which, a small head on a long stem is unsightly. No. 34 was taken from a dwarf variety of the French Rose. But let us note a few thoughts respecting climbing Roses. The groups best suited for this purpose are named in Chapter XV. For L 146 THE ROSE GARDEN. covering walls and fences with norths north-east^ or north-west aspects^, the Boursault_, Ayrshire and Sempervirens are the best^ because they are free bloomers and very hardy. When Climbing Eoses are planted to cover unsightly trees, standing in positions where it is thought desirable they should remain, a slight annual pruning and manuring is all the culture they require. No. 33. — Half-Standard Rose. Pillar Eoses are comparatively of recent introduction. They present a new feature in the Rose Garden_, and deserve to be more extensively cultivated. 'No. 35 was sketched from a plant of the Ayrshire Splendens_, the best of that group for a Pillar Eose. The groups thought most suit- No. 34.— DwAiiF Rose. able for this style of growth are named in Chapter XV. ; but it must not be inferred that all the varieties of these groups are suitable : they re- quire selecting, and those denominated vigorous, or rohust, in the descriptive part of this work, are best for the purpose. But what are PILLAR ROSES. 147 the proper supports for Pillar Roses4^ Iron is doubtless tlio most durable, but also the most expensive : nevertheless^, where expense is not a primary consideration, it is thought preferable. The supports more generally used are larch poles, which have a very rustic appearance when cut from the woods with the snags left projecting a few inches : these hold the shoots in place, and prevent them from being torn about by the wind. But the want of durability is a great drawback on the No. 35. — Pillar on Pole Rose. value of these poles. In the course of three or four years, just as the Itose has covered the pole, the latter often decays at the surface of the ground, a gale of wind lays it prostrate, and the result is sometimes disastrous to the plant. To counteract this as far as possible, it is well to char about two feet of the lower end of the pole, inserting eighteen inches only in the ground. The advantage of larch poles for Pillar Roses is, the rustic appearance they present, relieving the often-tiring niceties of the Rose Garden : the advantage of iron supports is their durability. 148 THE ROSE GARDEN. Two or more plants of different colours are sometimes placed together^ and their branches so interwoven that a pied pillar is formed. This, to my taste_, is as objectionable as two sorts on one stem, and the effect is not equal to that produced by plants of opposing colours placed side by side. Pillar Koses require more manure than others. In addition to the supply grauted in Spring when the soil is forked over, it is necessary to give a second supply in June, just after the plants have flowered, as recommended for the Autumnal s. Pillar Eoses are often found bare of No. 36. — Weeping Rose. branches and flowers at their base, due, usually, to their having been carried up too quickly, or to poverty of soil. To remedy this defect, reduce their height when pruning, and enrich the soil, when eyes will be developed at the base, and the upward growth may be again encouraged. The Weeping Kose (No. 36) is the last form of which we have to speak. Can anything be more beautiful ? In windy situations an iron trellis is indispensable : in sheltered places a hoop, as shown in No. 19, is sufficient. It accelerates the perfecting of the Weeping Rose to thin out the supernumerary shoots in July, after the tree has flowered. EENOVATIXG — LABELS. 149 We advise cutting off the flower-stalks in all cases so soon as tlie flowers have decayed ; for in addition to the neat appearance it gives to the Rose Garden, it prevents the formation of seeds, which, when suffered to ripen, draw to themselves that matter which should be stored in the branches. After worked Roses have been planted some years — say from six to ten — the health of the plants often becomes impaired; the wood annually produced grows weaker and weaker, and does not attain that maturity and size necessary for the production of fine flowers. The stems, unless washed occasionally, become covered with moss and lichens, and, if the soil be at all inferior, they probably cease to swell. Too httle pruning will produce this state of things ; but there are other causes. If we carefully remove a tree in this condition, we shall find it abounds in large sucker-like roots, about the thickness of one^s little finger, almost destitute of fibre, and which have been burying them- selves deeper and deeper in the earth every succeeding year. Thus they become placed farther and farther from the reach of nourishment, while the tree, increasing in size, requires a greater supply. The consequence is, the tree dwindles and becomes debilitated. This is especially the case when deep planting has been practised. When this state of things is visible, the plants should either be root-pruned, or, which is better, taken up altogether and replanted. Let this be done early in the autumn; and when the plants are out of the ground cut off all the suchers, and shorten the roots moderately close, which will induce an abundant emission of fibres. Prune the heads closely in Spring : never mind sacrificing the flowers : the removal of trees of this age, and the shortening of the roots, would alone prevent a perfect flowering the first season : look only to the formation of the tree. It is, perhaps, not " advisable to remove the whole at once : let a few be thus treated every year ; for the second year after replanting, having regained their vigour, they may be expected to flower as beautifully as ever. Every Rose-tree should be named. Wooden labels answer very well. They should be three-quarters of an inch wide, three inches long, and about the eighth of an inch in thickness. In one end of these a hole may be pierced with an awl, and copper wire passed through, by which they are fastened on the branches. Wooden labels are preferred for naming plants in the ground. If well painted, and the names written with a darh pencil when the paint is wetj the writing will remain plain for four or five years, and 150 THE ROSE GARDEN. often mucli longer. When stuck in the ground^ the lower end of the stick should be covered with pitch for an inch or so above the line of the level of the ground.* To have Roses in bloom during the chilly months of Autumn is the greatest triumph of modern cultivators ; and perhaps this property of the Eose has recommended it to popular notice more than any other. Now, although we do not_, in a general way, recommend Summer prun- ing, yet it is desirable to practise it to obtain late Roses. Here, as with Roses in pots, I once cut back the main shoots of about thirty sorts of Autumnals in August, when the flower buds were about as large as a French bean; and on the 17th of November I gathered flowers as fine as I had ever seen in Summer. Some buds, which were gathered at the same time and placed in a vase in a warm room, continued to unfold for several days. It is especially necessary to remove decaying flowers during Autum.n, as, from the moisture they retain at that time, they cause the rapid decay of those which surround them : a pair of scissors is very useful for this purpose. It is an excellent plan to wash the stems of Rose-trees in the Winter, w^hich is a time of leisure in the garden. A mixture of cow- dung, soot, and lime, two parts of the latter to one of each of the former, serves for this purpose. This will destroy insects which may have sought shelter in the crevices of the bark, and also the moss and lichens which often grow there. It will further soften the bark, and favour the sv/elling of the stem. It is not an unfrequent occurrence that the pith of a shoot decays from an old wound in pruning, leaving the living wood hollow like a flute. It is well to place on the end of such shoots a little of the com- position used in grafting (see Grafting which will exclude the wet, shut up one hiding-place of insects, and preserve the branch from decay. As Winter approaches it is necessary to devise some means of protec- tion against frost for those kinds which are susceptible of its influences : such are the Tea-scented and some of the Chinese and Noisette. Branches of the common fern, which grows plentifully on most wilds, answer for the purpose, as do laurel or fir-boughs : the latter, having a more lively appearance, are preferable. They should be stuck loosely among the plants, if Dwarfs, that the air may circulate freely ; if Standards, a * There are now many contrivances for naming Roses. I find Yeats' Metallic Garden Laliels, written on with Prepared Indelible Ink, cheap, neat, and durable. PROTECTION PEOM FROST. 151 brancL. or two may be placed in and round tlie lieads^ securing them in the most favourable position by a tie with bast. All the Tea Eoses form beautiful objects as Standards : the only objection to the culture of many^ as such^ is their tenderness. It is true that slight shelter suffices to save them. I have seen Standard Tea-scented Eoses laid under a leafless tree pass safely through a winter which killed similar plants and kinds when fully exposed. I have often thought that bee-hives might be used here with advantage. Drive three stakes into the ground tri- angularly ; on these nail a board with a hole cut in one side extending to the centre^ that the stem of the tree may be drawn in so that the head rests immediately upon the board ; fasten it there, and then place a hive over the head. This will undoubtedly form sufficient protection for the tenderest : it is not very troublesome or expensive ; and if the hives are painted they are not unsightly, and their dm-ability is increased. The framework may remain during Winter ; the hives are required in frosty weather only. In March the tender Roses may be pruned, and in May the protection may be withdrawn. Intense cold doubtless kills many tender kinds luheii left ivholly unprotected ; and the alternations of frost and thaw are often severely destructive to plants on their own roots, raising them out of the ground, and exposing their roots to the drying winds of Spring. In the Winter of 1846-47 I witnessed many die from the latter cause, which had been uninjured by the severe frost. To pre- vent these consequences, a little fresh soil should be thrown over tho roots immediately after a thaw, and, when the ground is tolerably dry, press it firmly around the stems. 152 THE ROSE GARDEN. CHAPTER XIL ON PROPAGATION. The Rose is capable of being propagated : — 1, by Seed; 2, by Cuttings; 3 by Budding ; 4, by Grafting ; 5^ by Layers ; and 6^ by Suckers. 1. By Seed. — This metbod^ which is adopted only as a means of obtaining new varieties^ has been already fully entered into (see Chapter VIII.), and needs no further notice here. 2. By Cuttings. — Cuttings may be made^ with varied success, at any time. The seasons which offer the greatest advantages are Summer and Autumn ; but where there is a house of forced Roses, cuttings may also be taken from March to May. Let us first offer a few remarks on Summer propagation. Immediately after the plants have flowered, select well-ripened shoots, of moderate strength, taking care not to remove any whose loss would destroy the symmetry of the plants. In taking oS the cuttings they should be cut close to the old wood, with a heel, as it is technically termed, which increases their chance of rooting. The cutting, of which No. 37 is a representation, should be made from two to three inches long, consisting of from three to five joints. An inch at le,ast of the lower end should be inserted in the soil, and the part "f^ft above should have two good leaves. From four to six of these cut&g^ may be placed round the inside of a large 60-pot, in a compost consistiBg of equal parts of leaf -mould, turfy loam chopped fine, and silver-san^ After insertion they should be well watered through a fine rose-pot, to settle the mould closely around them. When the soil is drained and tha leaves dry, the pots may be removed to a cold frame, or placed under hand-glasses, keeping them closed from the air and shaded from the sun, spriilkling them twice daily for the first fortnight. The sprinkling usually ke^ps the soil sufficiently moist, though it is sometimes \ \ \ PROPAGATION — CUTTINGS. 153 necessary to give water in addition. We need scarcely say that tlio leaves should be retained on the cuttings as long as possible ; but if they decay they should be removed immediately^ or the contagion spreads_, and numbers may be sacrificed. Where damping or fogging-off occurs, the admission of air or more sunhght proves the best remedy. In about a fortnight after the cuttings are made they will have formed callus, when they should be removed to a pit with bottom-heat. Here they root quickly, and may be potted off singly into small or large 60-pots, according to -their strength. Place them in bottom-heat again for a few days, and they become established, when they may be removed to a cold frame, admitting air gradually to harden them. But,^^ says the amateur, is bottom-heat indispensable ? I have no bottom-heat ; No. 37. — A Cutting. or, at least, I have but little, and to that a variety of plants lays claim. There are my Azaleas, my Geraniums, my Fuchsias, my Cinerarias; they require all the room of this kind that I have. Surely Roses, hardy plants, as they are, will strike without bottom-heat." We answer, " They will." We do not say that bottom-heat is indispensable, but advanta- geous : they may be kept in the cold till rooted, or, indeed, throughout the year. But there is another season at which propagation may be carried on with success, namely. Autumn, just before the fall of the leaf. In June the Autumnals only need be cared for; now, both the Summer and Autumn kinds demand attention. Among the latter, the Bourbon, Noisette, Chinese, and Tea-scented should be placed in rows under a hand-glass, or round pots in a closed frame, for few of these will do well 154 THE ROSE GARDEN. planted as cuttings in tlie open ground. The liand-glass should be lifted off occasionally on a bright day during Winter_, to dry the dampness of the soil_, when any decayed leaves or cuttings may be removed. Water_, under these circumstances^ is rarely required till Springs though if worms be troublesome in raising the earth_, a little lime-water may be given_, supposing the soil to be well drained^ which is a point of primary importance. These cuttings will not be rooted till May_, when they may be taken up and potted_, and placed in a frame for a few days, kept close, shaded, and syringed. Now, for what purpose are the plants required ? Are they wanted for pot-culture ? or is planting out the end in view ? If the former, treat them as recommended in the Chapter ^' On the Cultivation of Eoses in Pots (Chapter IX.) ; if the latter, plant them out early in Autumn. Cuttings of the hardy kinds, such as the Hybrids of the Chinese and Bourbon, the Boursault, the Ayrshire, the Evergreen, the Multiflora, and the Hybrid Perpetual, may be planted in beds in the open ground. By October there will be plenty of well-matured wood on the old plants, and judicious thinning will benefit rather than injure them. The cuttings in this instance should all be made with heels, by which rule only one cutting can be made from a shoot. The tops may be used, but they are not so hkely to take root. The cuttings here must be longer than those placed in pots, to allow of their being firmly fixed in the ground. Nine inches is a fair length, and two or three eyes should remain above ground. When prepared, the best method of planting them is to dig the soil, cutting down a trench every nine inches, in which a row is inserted at about an inch apart from cutting to cutting. A few boughs should afterwards be stuck rather thickly between every two rows, to accomphsh the double purpose of shielding them from the sun, and to prevent the ground from becoming frozen very hard. Branches of some evergreens should be used, and as the leaves fall they should be cleared away, or a dampness will be engendered, resulting in loss. The branches may remain till Summer, and after their removal it will be well to hoe the soil to loosen the surface. After this, it will be seen which are on a fair way to make plants : the others should be removed, to give the prosperous ones a full chance of success, and plenty of room to grow. Here they must remain till Autumn, when they may be conveyed to any position they are destined to fill. But we have alluded to another season at which propagating by rROPAGATION — BUDDING. 155 cuttings may take place; this is from March to May^ when the cuttings are taken from plants that have been forced. They are treated in the same manner as related of June cuttings_, excepting that the latter are fii'st placed in a cold frame^ and the former are placed in bottom-heat at once. Cuttings so made strike very readily ; yet we apprehend this plan is least of all suited for the Amateur. Firsts it involves the necessity of keeping the cuttings and plants in bottom-heat for six w^eeks or two months in the Spring; a time when^ to the generality of cultivators^ heat can ill be spared. And then it is questionable whether^ by such culture_, we obtain the robust_, hardy- constitutioned plants that we do by raising in the open au^j or with merely bottom-heat at rooting time. It should be told^ however, that cuttings taken from plants that have been forced root more rapidly and with greater certainty than cuttings taken from the open air. A single eye of an indoor cutting will make a plant. Even leaves and leaflets will emit roots. I have rooted ninety per cent, of bothj but abandoned the practice years ago, having found by experience that a cutting with two or more eyes made a sounder and better plant, and that the leaves and leaflets never lived to generate wood-buds. 3. By Budding. — Before we enter upon the detail of this practice, let us note a few thoughts respecting Stocks. The kinds most commonly used are, the Dog-Rose, the Boursault, and the Manetti. The former abounds in the hedges throughout Europe, where it delights us with its delicately-tinted blossoms in June and July. It is, however, a bad subject there, and all who value a good fence will rejoice over its removal. There cannot be a good hedge where the Dog-Rose abounds. The Autumn is the best time to remove them, and a mattock is the fittest instrument for the purpose. Before replanting in the garden the roots should be trimmed close with a bill, bruising them as little as possible in the operation, and the tops shortened, of various lengths, according to their bulk or straightness. The Boursault and Manetti stocks may be either struck from cuttings made in Autumn, or purchased at the Nurseries. The crimson Boursault is allowable as a stock for Tea-scented and Chinese Roses intended for pot-culture. The Manetti is desirable for Roses in pots, and admissible for hardy kinds when an extremely vigorous growth is desired. The latter has been recommended for kinds of delicate growth, which do not thrive well on the Dog-Rose, but my experience does not uphold the recommendation. 156 THE ROSE GARDEN. If a change of stock is necessary for such^ it would seem that one of a finer, not coarser nature than the Dog-Rose should be employed. That the plants grow more vigorously on the Manetti the first year we do not deny^ hut their subseqiient decline is also more rapid. As the stocks shoot forth in Spring they will sometimes produce buds from the base to the top : all should be removed but two or three nearest the summit. Three placed triangularly are best_, when fihip two lower ones — which should range on opposite sides — may be budded, and the upper one cut away so soon as the stranger buds are developed. The operation of budding consists in transferring from one tree a small piece of bark containing an embryo bud, and inserting it beneath ISTo. 38. — Budding. the bark of another tree. This piece of bark is called the bud, d : the tree in which it is inserted is called the stock. The only implement necessary in the operation is the budding-knife, of which there are various forms, but that called Curtis^s is perhaps the best. Let us suppose we have a stock, which we are wishing to convert into some favourite variety. In the first place, obtain a shoot from the tree whose identity we wish it to bear; from this the leaves are cut off, leaving, however, about half an inch of the leaf-stalk to every bud. Before proceeding further, the prickles should be rubbed off both stock and scion, that they may not interfere with the operation, or hurt the fingers of the operator. Now take the budding-knife in the right hand, and PROPAGATION — BUDDING. 157 make a longitudinal cut, a a, about an incli in lengtli, terminated at tLe top end_, hj with a cross-cut. In using the knife take care not to cut too deep: through the harh is all that is necessary; deeper is, indeed, injurious. Now tm^n the handle of the knife to the incision, running it up and down the cut a a, twisting it slightly on either side, to raise the bark. All is now ready for the reception of the stranger bud. Take the shoot which is to furnish it in the left hand, with the thicker part towards the finger-ends. With the knife in the right hand, commence cutting about half an inch behind the bud, passing the knife upwards under the bud, and to about the same distance beyond it. The knife should have a keen edge, that the bark may not be ruffled in the operation. In cutting out the bud, the knife should pass through almost level : it may, however, in some cases, dip a trifle when passing directly under the bud, as the wood before and behind it are not always on the same level. If the bud be cut ever so skilfully, there will be a little of the wood adhere thereto. This some advise the removal of; others say, let it remain. Much depends on circumstances. If the shoot is not fully ripe, or if, from the nature of the variety, the wood is soft when taken, cut the bud as shallow as possible, and place it, with the wood, in the stock. But tbe shoot is usually firm and ripe, and then the wood should be withdrawn. To do this easily, place the bud between the forefinger and thumb of the left hand, with the cut upper- most, and with the upper end pointing from the hand. Insert the point of the knife just beneath the wood, c — that is, between the wood and the bark — and by a skilful twist of the knife, which can only be acquired by practice, the wood may be jerked out. Now, with the same hand place the bud on the bark of the stock parallel with the longitudinal incision, and with the upper end towards the top of the shoot ; then with the handle of the knife raise the bark on the side opposite to that on which the bud is placed, pushing two-thirds of the bud beneath the bark with the thumb. Now raise the bark on the opposite side, and the bud may be gently pushed under with the handle of the knife, or will probably drop in. When properly placed, the eye of the bud should be directly under the opening caused by the raising of the edges of the bark of the longitudinal incision/: if it be not so, the handle of the budding-knife should be inserted beneath the bark, to push it to a right position. But if the bud be not deprived of the leaf- stalk, if that is allowed to protrude from the opening, the eye will be 158 THE ROSE GARDEN. secured in tlie best site. After being inserted^ the bud should be drawn upwards to the cross-cut^ and the upper end cut at the same angle, that its bark may abut against the bark of the stock laid open by the cross- cut h. The bud is then inserted, and it now remains to bind it in. For this purpose take cotton or bast; the former is generally preferred. Commence tying at the bottom of the cut, passing upwards till the whole lengtii of the incision is bound over. Where the buds are feeble, or where success is deemed important, it is customary to tie a little damp moss or a leaf over the bud after the operation is completed, which is in no case objectionable, except on account of the additional time it occupies. About three weeks after the operation has been performed the cotton may be removed. If the bud is not well united, let it be tied up loosely again : if it is, leave it untied, and there is an end of care till the following Spring. In February the wild shoot may be cut away two inches beyond the bud, when the latter will break, and soon form a tree. It is often said that it is unnecessary for the bud to remain so long dormant, and that it may be made to break ; and, if an Autumnal Rose, even to flower the same year. We admit the truth of this state- ment, but condemn the practice. It is accomplished by cutting off the wild shoot a few inches above the bud, or by tying a ligature tightly round it at the same distance. The object sought is, to cut off certain channels through which the sap naturally flows, that it may become concentrated in the vicinity of the bud. The results are, usually, premature development, and an unsound plant. Let a certain number of plants be treated thus, and allow the buds inserted in others to lie dormant till Spring : defer judgment for one year, and see, at the expiration of that term, which form the healthier and sounder plants. Unquestionably the latter. If the buds break soon after inserted, the shoots are puny and weakly, evidently suffering from want of nourish- ment ; if allowed to lie dormant till Spring, they have a rich store of food at their command, and grow with surprising vigour. When a bud has shot a few inches, and formed three or four good leaves, the heart of the shoot may be pinched out, when, from the axil of each leaf, an eye will in time push forth. In May the stock may be headed down close to where the bud has been inserted, and if the growth be vigorous the wound made in so doing will quickly cicatrize, and a perfect plant is the result. BUDDING — GRAFTING. 159 If tlie best time for budding be demanded^ we should give July. It does notj however^ require great penetration to see tliat this point depends in some measure on the season. The practised hand will cut and raise the bark to ascertain when it parts freely from the wood ; the tyro will find a criterion in the prickles. If slight pressure cause them to separate from the bark^ the stocks are in good order_, and the fitness of the shoots or scions may be ascertained by the same test. If the weather be hot and sunny^ morning and evening are the best hours for budding. A July sun pouring down his rays upon the operator is not altogether pleasant^ and^ in regard to the operation^ does not increase the chances of success. The shoot from which the buds are to be taken should not be cut from the tree till we are ready for action; and the less time that elapses between the different branches of the work the better : the bud should be cut out, inserted, and tied imme- diately. The Wild Roses are sometimes budded in the hedges where they grow, which is called Hedge-budding." If it be intended to remove them afterwards to the Flower-garden, the practice is not worthy of attention : it is far better to tramfer them as stoclcs, and bud those which grow after removal. But if done with the view of ornamenting parks, &c., by leaving the plants in the hedges, the idea is a good one. Bud them as heretofore described, taking care to eradicate suckers, which usually arise in great abundance, and soon starve the plants if left unchecked. 4. Geafting. — It is sometimes asked whether grafted Roses are equal to budded ones ? When the junction becomes perfect they are, in my opinion, quite as good ; but the scion and stock do not always thoroughly coalesce ; owing to which, more imperfect plants are raised by this mode than by any other. In selecting stocks for grafting, whether they be Manetti, Boursault, or Dog-Roses, they should be secured of various sizes ; the majority, however, should be rather thicker than an ordinary cedar-pencil. It is well to pot them in 60- sized pots one year before required for use. The best time for grafting Roses in pots is January, and the stocks should be placed in bottom-heat a week or ten days beforehand. All Mnds will succeed grafted, but the hard-wooded ones do the best. The forms most generally practised are (1) Cleft -Grafting, (2) Wedge-Grafting, and (3) Whip-Grafting. 160 THE ROSE GARDEN. 1. Cleft-Geafting. — We shall first describe and illustrate this mode^ and afterwards refer briefly to tlie others. Here the stocks should be larger than the scions. The latter^ which may be taken from the plants as required for use_, should be well-ripened shoots, cut into lengths of about an inch and a half. The tops of shoots are seldom fitted for scions ; two-thirds of their length is, generally speaking, as much as can be used with advantage. Each scion should have two, three, or four buds : two are sufficient to produce a fine plant. In performing the operation, first cut the stock quite level at the top ; then insert the point of the knife at a, drawing it down towards the root in an oblique direction. Now make No. 39. — Cleft-Grafting. a corresponding cut, commencing at c, so that the two cuts terminate in a point h. Thus a piece of the stock is cut out, and the opening made is in the form of the letter Y. With regard to the width and length of the cut, this must be regulated by the size of the grafts in hand: as to depth, the wound should not extend quite so far as the centre or pith of the stock. The piece being removed, the scion d must be cut to fill up the vacuity; and the more completely it does this the greater is the chance of success. The most essential point is, to bring the inner harh of the scion in exact contact with the inner hark of the stock. When the scion is fitted in, it should be bound securely there with soft bast. It is then necessary to cover the place of junction with some composition that will effectually exclude air and water. For this purpose, take the WED GE - GE AETING — WH IP- GE AFTING • 161 following ingredients : five-eightlis black pitchy one-eiglitli each of bees^-wax, tallow^ and resin. Put them together in a glue-pot and melt them down over a slow fire. The best way of laying on the composition is by the use of a flat stick. It is not necessary to cover the whole of the bandage. Take care_, however^ that the lines where the barks join — indeed, whatever part the wound extends to — be rendered impervious to air and moisture. The wound at the top of the stock should be covered, and also the summit of the scion. Care must be taken not to apply the composition too hot, or the bark will be scalded, and success rendered doubtful. A good way to test its fitness for use is to place a little on the finger of the operator, when, if it does not cause any unpleasant sensation, it may be used without fear. This composition, though soft and pliable in a warm state, becomes hard and impenetrable when cold. 2. Wedge-Gkafting. — This is more simple than the foregoing. In many points the modes of procedure are the same : we have only to notice the difierences. Instead of inserting the scion in one side of the stock, we here split the stock down the centre to the extent of an inch or so, and insert the graft in the slit. In preparing the graft, pare off equal parts from two opposite sides, that the lower end may be in the form of a wedge. Push the wedge in the slit of the stock, binding it firmly in, and covering with the composition as before. 3. Whip-Grafting. — It is not important here that the stock and scion be of the same size. The former should be cut level at the top, as before, close to the base : both should be cut in an oblique direction, taking care to make the cuts smooth and even, and of the same length and slope, that the bark of the scion may lie exactly upon the bark of the stock. In laying the scion on, it is a good plan to hold the pot containing the stock in the left hand, and the knife should occupy the right. Insert the knife an inch or an inch and a half below, drawing it up obliquely to the summit. Care must be taken to prevent the knife twisting, or the consequence will be an unlevel cut. The stock being prepared, take the scion in the left hand, giving an eye to the size of the piece of wood removed from the stock : while in this position, pass the knife downwards, repeating the movement till a clean level cut is made, and the size of the lower end such that it may, when united to the stock, exactly replace the part removed. The unpractised eye and hand will not always be able to fit the stock by the first cut ; and as it is important that the two barks should join, he may have to take a second or a third slice from one or 162 THE ROSE GARDEN. tho other. Well, lie liad better do so than leave the stock and scion badly placed. But the less of this hacking work the better. It is far easier to make a clean and level cut hy a single draw of the Tznife, than by the most delicate after-touches. When the scion is placed in a right position, it should be securely held there by the thumb and fingers of the left hand until it is bound firmly on the stock with the right. With regard to the treatment of Roses newly grafted, if the stocks have been in bottom-heat before grafting, they must remain there ; if taken from the open air, bottom-heat is not ' absolutely necessary, although it will increase the amount of success. Suckers are sure to spring from the stocks, and they often do so in an annoying abundance. They must be kept in check by pinching out their tops till the stock and scion are firmly united, and the latter pushed into growth, when they may be entirely eradicated. When the scions first shoot the young leaves are very tender, especially when developed in heat. In most cases, too, they are but ill-supplied with food in this early stage of growth, and shading is especially ne- cessary. A strong current of air, or a hot sun, will injure them greatly. When the shoots are three or four inches long, the plants that have been grown in heat may be removed to a cooler house or frame, where air should be admitted gradually, to harden them. Some will bloom the same year ; but they should not be left to flower in heat, or they become drawn and weakly, producing thin and badly-coloured flowers. It is advisable to remove the ligature in grafted Roses, and this should be done so soon as we suppose, by the growth of the scion, that the union is complete. If, when untied, the junction is not perfected, a single tie at top and bottom is sufficient to render all secure. In plants grafted out of doors the composition should not be removed for two or three months ; and that which covers the summits of the stock and scion may remain till it naturally falls away. In reference to grafting Standard Roses, as they are invariably done in the open air, March is the best season. As fine and mild a day as March is likely to afford should be chosen. Grafting requires at all times an ordinary share of patience and perseverance ; and if the prac- titioner be not possessed of more than an ordinary share, he had better not attempt it out of doors on a true March day ; for to be kept in one position five minutes at a time, with a cold wind whisthng round one's ears, is a trial of no common order. What a contrast between this and LAYEES. 163 budding in a July day ! In grafting Standard Eoses_, tlie stock is of course considerably larger than tbe scion^ and Cleft-Grafting is the mode I have pursued witli the greatest success. In grafted plants_, as in budded ones, if the buds or eyes be allowed their natural course they break and form long single shoots. If these are stopped so soon as they have three or four good healthy leaves,, a bud from the axil of each leaf will be developed, and a round bushy plant is formed. 5. Layees. — This mode of propagating is not so commonly resorted to as the others. Dwarf or bush Roses only are commonly layered. It is first necessary to dig with a fork for some space around the bush, break- ing the soil quite fine, mixing in a little pulverized manure in the opera- No, 40. — Layeking. tion. The instruments wanted are, a knife, a flat trowel, and some pegs. All things being ready, select some of the best shoots, stripping off" a few of the leaves at a distance varying from six inches to two feet from the point of the shoot a, a. Now take the shoot in the left hand, and the knife in the right : insert the latter just beyond an eye h, on the upper side of the shoot, and pass it upwards steadily and evenly, cutting about half through the shoot, and for an inch and a half or two inches in length. This done, drop the knife and take the trowel. With the left hand bend the shoot close to the ground, that you may see the best spot in which to bury it ; drive the trowel into the ground, working it backwards and forwards till a good opening is made ; throw a little sand in the bottom of the opening, and press the shoot into it, pegging 164 THE ROSE GARDEN. it down two or three inclies under tlie soil. It is well to twist the slioot a little after the cut is made,, so that the end of the tongue — as it is technically termed {b) — from which the roots will be emitted_, may take a downward direction. Having made all secure, close in the soil, pressing it firmly round about the layer. It is a good plan to give each layer a small stick (c) to keep it from being agitated by the motion of the wind. As to the length of the shoot that should remain above ground, much will depend on the state of the wood. "We should make the cut or tongue in wood that is young, yet firm. The larger the layer, of course the larger will be the plant, though not always the better rooted : the contrary is often the case. June, July, and August, are the months for layering ; and should the weather continue dry, the layers should be occasionally watered. If layered in June and July, the free rooters will be ready to take off in November.. It is well, however, to examine one or two of each kind, to ascertain this point, as some root in an amazingly short space of time, whereas others advance very slowly. It is perhaps usually safer to delay their removal till the Spring.- When rooted, they may be cut ofi" within an inch or two of the tongue, taken up, and transplanted into beds, or to various spots in the garden. In the Spring they may be cut down to within three or four eyes, and some of them will bloom in the first Summer or Autumn. Their after- treatment is the same as that of other Eoses. 6. Suckers. — This is the least artificial of the artificial modes, though the Rose is not so much inclined to multiply itself by suckers as are many plants. The Scotch Rose (R. spincsissima) is, perhaps, next to the Dog-rose, most given to this peculiarity. It pushes its shoots along under the ground, and they break through the surface at various distances. It is not very often they can be separated from the parent with roots ; yet the underground stems will put forth roots, if carefully severed and transplanted. The Autumn is the best time for doing this, and a spade with a sharp edge is the fittest instrument for the purpose. CHAPTER XIII. ♦ ON TEA-SCENTED ROSES. Some one lias called these flowers the elite of tlie Rose-world. And if elegance of form_, with tints and odours rare as they are delicate^ entitle them to this distinction^ it was a happy thought^ for they possess these in a remarkable degree. There is a sprightliness of bearings a careless grace in plant and flower that is without parallel among the most dis- tinguished of other groups_, Look at that long primrose-coloured bud of The Jaune just unfolding^ — how exquisitely the petals are arranged ! Can anything sm'pass in fragrance those half-expanded flowers of Madame de St. Joseph? What a treasmy of beauty is presented to the eye and mind by the myriads of apricot-coloured . blossoms clustering upon that pyramid of Madame Falcot. The large snowy blossoms of Niphetos_, too, are nowliere equalled, and Adam, Comte de Paris, Devoniensis, Gloire de Dijon, Marechal JSTiel, President, Souvenir d^un Ami, and many others, can hardly be too highly commended. But beautiful as these Roses sometimes are in favourable soils and situations out of doors, they must be grown under glass to ensure a constant development of flowers in that state of perfection to which they are capable of attaining. Some years ago, in Paxton^s " Magazine of Botany,^^ I called atten- tion to the culture of Tea-scented Roses under glass. Convinced, by experiments already tried, that a house of Tea-roses would prove an interesting feature in these Nurseries, and tempted by the reasonable rate at which such a structure might be built, I erected here, fourteen years since, a house expressly for the purpose. It has a span roof, sloping to the east and west. It is 50 feet long, 20 feet wide, 10 feet from the ridge to the ground, with hghts opening at the top and 166 THE EOSE GARDEN* sides. There is a bed all round the inside next the walls_, and a bed in the centre,, and a walk between the centre and side beds. The beds are raised a few inches above the level of the walk^ the edgings of which are of four-inch brickwork : the house is now heated^ and the entire cost was under £70. Conceiving that it may be interesting to the uninitiated to follow the details of this system of culture^ I shall here endeavour to describe my practice as clearly and briefly as possible. The house was finished the first week in June. Before planting, the natural soil was loosened one spit deep, and the beds afterwards filled to the top of the brickwork with a prepared compost of turfy loam, decayed manure, and washed road-sand. Early in July, when the newly-placed earth had become solid, I planted all the really valuable varieties of Tea-scented Roses, and among them a few high- coloured Hybrid Perpetuals and Bourbons to increase the variety. The kinds of climbing habit were placed against the walls, with the view of training them up the rafters in the way of vines : in the centre bed, uader the ridge, were planted the robust growers, that they might rise to the top and spread along the ridge; the dwarf and moderate-growing kinds were, lastly, planted next the walks, with the view of fashioning them into pyramids. When all were planted, the earth, which had become rather dry, was thoroughly soaked with water. It was with me a leading idea to preserve the temperature of the house similar to that out of doors. But as the sun had more power and the wind less, and as dew was altogether excluded here, I endeavoured to neutralise the excess of sun-power, and to realise the advantages of the other natural aids to growth, by admitting abundance of air, by frequent syringings and occasional waterings on the floor of the house. As the plants were in a growing state when planted out, the growth continued unchecked, the flowers were sufficiently plentiful till the end of November, when the plants were brought to a state of rest by with- holding moisture from the air and soil. Early in February the plants were cut in rather close, and the surface of the soil was stirred with a hand-fork, the fights being left open night and day, except in frosty weather, till the beginning of March. By this time the buds had begun to break, when less air was admitted, and frequent syringings resorted to. The green-fly was kept in check by the combustion of tobacco- paper. On the first appearance of mildew the plants were dusted all ON TEA- SCENTED ROSES. 167 over with sulphur immediately after syringing, and this dusting was repeated at brief intervals throughout the year. With May the blooming season arrived. So vigorous had been the growth, that some shoots reached the top of the house the first year^ and now completely over- arched the walks. To look up at them from beneath was a delight as new as it was pleasurable.' Large handsome flowers^ supported by a profusion of beautiful green leaves,, hung drooping as if to meet the eye, which might range at pleasure from their circumference to their very centre, while the au^ was laden with their delicious perfume. Never before had I really seen Tea-roses. I had often looked at them as they hung drooping from the bushes out of doors, and raised the flowers individually to trace their outline and varied colours, but this conveys no idea of the effect produced by masses of these lovely flowers so disposed that all their beauty is seen and comprehended at a glance. Year by year they continued to extend and improve. Every rafter and the ridge of the house are now covered with the choicest kinds, which are pruned annually on what grape-growers call the long-rod" system. The house, originally without heat, has now two 4-inch pipes running round it, and I have thousands of roses in March and April which, before the house was heated, did not expand till May and June. One year Marechal Niel produced nearly a thousand flowers, equal in size and colour to any that I have ever seen, and Solfaterre, Climbing Devoniensis, Cloth of Gold, Celine Forestier, President, Madame Falcot, and many others, were marvels of grace and beauty. I do not remember that anything in the whole range of my horticultural experience ever afforded me more gratification and delight than this house of Tea- scented Roses. It should be remarked, that the plants and house are kept scrupulously clean throughout the year. Falling blossoms, decaying leaves, weeds, and every other source of impurity are cleared away at least once a week. The soil, too, is often stirred, and whenever it becomes dry, thoroughly watered with rain-water. Tea-scented Roses may also be grown to advantage in pots. The light soil recommended in our Chapter on "Roses in Pots" is most favourable to their growth, and in this state care must be taken that they are neither over-potted nor over-watered. They also require less pruning when in a young state than the Hybrid Perpetual and other hard-wooded Rose 168 THE ROSE GAEDEN. Those who have light dry soils, and sheltered situations, may grow the Tea-scented Roses out of doors : but under such treatment they should be invariably protected from the Winter's frost. One of the hardiest of this race is also one of the freest and most beautiful, — Gloire de Dijon, — and there are different degrees of hardiness amongst the various kinds. Some recommend taki?ig these plants up every Autumn, and placing them in a sheltered spot to be replanted in Spring. Others have said, protect them where they stand by encircling them with fir or furze -branches. We regard these as mere make-shift appliances, uncertain in their results, and not likely to prove entirely satisfactory to the skilled cultivator. If Tea-Roses must be grown out of doors, bud them plentifully every year, and a goodly number will, in this dormant state, pass securely through nineteen out of twenty of our Winters. It is here the lover of Tea-Roses should look for the chief supply of flowers out of doors. CHAPTER XIV. ON EXHIBITING. Every one wlio cultivates Eoses may not do so mth the design of becoming a candidate for floricultural honours ; many are satisfied with the calm enjoyment which this_, in common with other branches of Gardenings affords : the quiet mind_, the healthful glow_, yields them a sufiicient recompense_, and ample satisfaction. From such we must ask a little forbearance while we offer a few remarks on preparing for exhibition^ for we should be doing an injustice to some of our readers were we to neglect this point altogether. Let us first consider the arrangement and exhibition of cut Roses. The old plan of showing large crowded bunches is superseded by the more natural one of showing single flowers or three loose trusses of each variety. By the old method, a gorgeous display was created, but the principles of good taste were violated, and the connoisseur could find little to dehght and interest him : each bunch was a confused mass of colour, with a ragged outline. By the method now in vogue, the flowers stand out separately, and so far, great improvement has been made; but there are still too many full- blown Roses at our exhibitions ; we ought, at our Rose shows, to see the flowers in every stage, from the tiny bud onwards, and we submit whether a classification of the varieties exhibited would not be another step in the right direction. A more heterogeneous mass could not be produced by any other genus than by bringing together Roses of different groups, and arranging them indiscriminately. It is cheerfully admitted that certain groups may be mixed together without any grave offence against taste; but I have seen the beautiful but tiny Moss de Meaux completely smothered between two large Hybrid Roses, and the richness and beauty of the full deep colours of the latter marred by the soft and bewitching tints of an adjoining Tea-Rose. And are similar 170 THE ROSE GARDEN. cases unfrequent ? By no means. Why not, then, arrange the kinds according to the classification of some popular grower? The beauty and extent of each group would thus become apparent, and the abrupt transitions complained of be avoided. We think it a pity that Horticultural Societies should limit the number of varieties to be shown. Would it not work better to reduce the number of trusses from three to two, or even one, and append a notice to the schedule that a bad truss or vai^iety luill be counted against the exhibitor ? This would guarantee the exclusion of all inferior kinds, and secure a great number of varieties in a small space, and in a state approaching more nearly to that of nature. But to limit the exhibition to a small number of varieties, when hundreds are grown, does not admit of classification, and renders it impossible to give a full and true account of the genus. Further, I say it with regret, that our Rose shows as at present conducted bring out only one phase of the Rose, namely, the full blown flower, which, to my taste, is not by any means the most beautiful. With this statement of our views on exhibiting cut Roses, we respect- fully submit two arrangements for the consideration of those who prepare the prize-schedules for our flower-shows. 1st, Roses in a collection, the number of varieties unlimited, classed in groups according to the arrangement of (name who), one, two, or three trusses only of one variety. Or, 2ndly, A. Summer Roses in a collection, the number of varieties unlimited ; classed in groups according to (name who) one, two, or three trusses only of one variety. B. Autumnal Roses in a collection, number of varieties unlimited, to be classed and shown as in letter A. By the arrangements above proposed we afford the tyro efficient aid in selecting varieties. The classification enables him to see at a glance the extent, variety, and beauty of each group, and he can select from each and every one a gradation of colour from the lightest to the darkest hues it may embrace. Or if he prefer one colour more than another, such can be noted down, and its free interspersion secured. Further still, while he admires the variety and richness of colour existing in one group, the regular outline of another, and is charmed by the delicious EXHIBITING — CHOICE OF FLOWERS. 171 odour of a third, he is enabled to form a correct jadgment of the com- parative value of each, from the whole^ or the most worthy, being brought at once under the eye. But these remarks are sufficiently extended, and we have to speak of dressing the boxes, and gathering and arranging the flowers. The boxes may be made of inch deal of the simplest construction, and painted green. By the laws of some Societies, fi^amed for general convenience, the lids must shift off at pleasure : no boxes are allowed to be placed on the exhibition tables whose dimensions exceed three feet in length, six inches in height when the lid is removed, and eighteen inches in width from front to back. A handle at either end is desirable, which should drop into the wood, that the ends may approach closely. The box may be filled with moss, into which zinc tubes may be sunk, filled with water, to contain the flowers. The tubes may be about three and a half inches deep, an inch wide, with a rim half an inch broad. Nothing, perhaps, forms so agreeable a ground on which to place the flowers as green moss, which may be gathered in most hollows of woods, and from shady banks. It is nofc, indeed, a bad plan to place the moss on the boxes a few days before they are wanted, keeping them in a light but shady place, sprinkling the moss with water once or twice daily. With regard to the choice of flowers, we may presume that he only who has formed a tolerable collection, and must consequently have acquired some taste in Roses, will enter the lists as a competitor. We would therefore say, cut such flowers as appear best at the time wanted : a good variety may be in bad condition at a fixed period, and a second- rate one unusually fine. But the exhibitor must, in a certain degree, conform to the tastes of others ; and there are points of beauty almost universally agreed on. The outline of Show Roses should be circular, free from all raggedness; the flowers should be full, and the petals arranged as regularly as possible; the larger the flowers the better, provided they are not coarse; the colours should be varied with due care. In gathering the flowers, we would say, choose the morning for the purpose, ere the sun has risen upon them, or before he has had time to dim their beauty. When the place of exhibition is at a distance, it is usually necessary to cut them the morning before the show. There is full occupation for two persons, besides the advantage of having a second opinion in cases where the merit of two or more flowers is doubtful. It is not always easy to determine this point satisfactorily, 172 THE EOSE GARDEN. for we have not only to consider ivJiat a flower is, but what it is likely to become. The business of one should be to cull the flowers ; that of the other to name and arrange them in the boxes. It is desirable that every stage of the flower should be presented to view; but if cut the morning before the day of show, the forwardest should not be more than three-quarters blown. Some of the stiff'-petalled Roses_, which remain a long time in perfection_, may be made exceptions to this rule ; but their number is few. When the flowers are gathered on the morning of the show some may be full blown, when less judgment and foresight are necessary in selecting. Some little success perhaps depends on the taste with which the flowers are arranged. This requires a Httle study, and we would take nature for our model. Let the exhibitor walk among his plants occa- sionally with an eye to this point, and he will not fail to single out certain flowers remarkable for elegance of position : this is the true source from which to copy. A few leaves should be gathered with each kind, for the grace and beauty of the flowers are materially heightened by the judicious arrangen^ent of foliage ; and this is a point by which one may judge of the habits of a variety. As to the arrangement of colours, httle need be said on that point. Much will depend on the materials in hand. Contrast should, I think, be aimed at; but with regard to the exact tints fitted for each position, the eye of him who arranges is usually best qualified to determine. A neat and commodious method of naming is, to procure some deal sticks, about four inches long and half an inch wide, gradually tapering to a point. Let them be painted white, the names written in a round legible hand, with a good dark pencil. Or small strips of card-board, the names written in ink, placed in the front of each sort, are both neat and convenient. But the flowers are arranged, and what is to be done with them during the interval that must elapse ere they depart for the scene of competition ? Shall the lids be placed on the boxes, and the flowers be kept closed from the air? By no means. Seek as cool a place as possible, where there is no draught, and where the light is not too strong. There place them till the time of departure. So necessary do many exhibitors consider it that the flowers should not be wholly closed from the air, that they have several holes made in the ends of their box-lids with a small augur. This I have found by experience, a capital EXHIBITING— POT ROSES. 173 contrivance to admit tlie dust ; and if tliese holes are made use of, they should be stopped with corks when travelling on a dusty road. But besides the flowers of Eoses^ the plants are exhibited grown in pots ; and it remains for us to say something of them. The advantages gained by their introduction are_, that the character and habit of the variety are shown. Cut Roses create a great display, but Pot-Eoses afford us more extensive information. We may propose to ourselves, while viewing them, these questions : — What is the habit of the variety ? Is it a free bloomer, or otherwise? Is it a good trusser? a Summer or Autumn bloomer? These questions cannot always be answered by presenting a mere flower, or bunches of flowers; but the introduction of Pot-Eoses offers the means of a ready solution. In cultivating these for exhibition, it is necessary to grow at least double the number required to be shown. This is no overdrawn calculation, as all who have had any experience in the matter will testify. There is no difficulty in flowering every plant, but there is a difficidty in bringing all to perfection hif a given time. Eemember, the Eose is one of the most ephemeral of flowers, and the day of exhibition is a fixed one. These facts, however, should deter no one from growing for exhibition, for they affect all exhibitors alike : all fight on equal ground ; and the greater the difficul- ties to contend with, the greater is the triumph when achieved. For exhibition plants, we should recommend most kinds to be grown on their own roots. Although with such the cultivator will not be able to appear in the field at so early a date, yet he may ultimately attain to a more distinguished position. Certain kinds will not last long in health when budded : superior skill and great attention may bring them to a high pitch of beauty, but despite of every after-care, they canker and fall into a state of retrogression. The principal shows near the Metropolis are in May, June, and July; and to be enabled to show in each month the plants must be divided into three lots. Those intended for the May exhibition must be grown in a green-house or frame with bottom-heat. It is my practice to select a good portion of the Tea-scented and other tender Eoses for the first show, because they cannot remain out of doors during Winter, and they improve under this particular culture. They should be pruned caily in January, and taken into the house or frame immediately, giving plentif of air, but keeping the frost out. By the end of February a gentle heat may be started, and increased as is found necessary to bring them in flower in proper time. 174 THE ROSE GARDEN. The plants intended fur exhibition in June may be plunged out of doors in an airy yet sheltered situation, that the foliage may not be damaged by the wind. So soon as the buds show colour^ remove the plants to a frame or greenhouse, giving air abundantly night and day, and shading from the sun, so soon as the first flowers expand. The plants intended to bloom in J uly may also be grown out of doors ; they should be Autumnals exclusively; and by stopping the young shoots in April a perfect flowering is secured at that season. It is the practice with some to cut off* the flowers of the Autumnals shown in May, removing the plants to a warm frame, by which treatment they flower again in July : this, however, we hesitate to recommend. The details of cultivation have been given in the Chapter on Koses in Pots it is our province here merely to speak of the management for exhibition. As the plants approach the flowering season, some will be found forwarder than others, owing to their position, or the habit of the variety. It is necessary then to calculate which are likely to be in per- fection on the coming day, when means of accelerating or retarding must be had recourse to with regard to the others. If the farmer, a house or frame with heat is the best contrivance : if the latt», place them in a cold north house or frame, admitting air gradually. Care and forethought are especially necessary here. These changes of tempera- ture must be brought about gradually : and a calm and sunny hour should be chosen to remove the plants from place to place. As well might an inhabitant of India be sent to dwell in the frozen seas, as a plant be suddenly transmuted from a high to a low temperature. When the buds show colour, any that are in advance of the mass may be plucked out, when the side buds will rise and produce good flowers. Have we, then, reached this stage of growth ? A canvas awning must now be raised to shade the flowers. It should not be so thick as to ex- clude the light : its purpose is merely to break the sun^s rays. As our flowers advance, our pleasures and anxieties increase. It is difficult to judge correctly of the time a bud requires to expand : some remain as buds for weeks after they show colour; others expand very rapidly. The hard buds, of which we may instance Hybrid Perpetual La Heine, are slowest in expanding, and remain longest in a showable state. The less double flowers, as Hybrid Perpetual, General Jacqueminot, and Tea, Madame Falcot, advance more rapidly, and are in general proportionally ephemeral. Tliis is the best guide we can ofl*er to the unpractised eye, though by no means an unerring one. If, after all our care, our speci- EXHIBITING — CONVEYANCE. 175 mens are far too early or too late, it is better to allow tliem their natural course than to resort to violent measures : it is better to show fine specimens not arrived at, or beyond their glory, than to produce what might be construed as bad cultivation. Roses will not submit to the treatment in this respect which Azaleas and some other plants will endure. We have already stated our views on tying up and training ; but there is some doubt whether that system tells best on the exhibition tables. There, one side is to the wall, so that at best not more than three- quarters of a round plant can be seen. Now it is evident, that by leav- ing the back of a plant bare, a greater display can be made with the same material ; as of course the flowers which would have been needed there are brought into full sight. Yet a skilful judge will surely detect the false show ; and if the round plants are in other respects nearly equal, we opine he would give his decision in their favour. Be this as it may, a perfect plant must yield its possessor a greater pleasure and more solid satisfaction than an imperfect one. These remarks bring us to the period of exhibition. If the distance be great, the plants should be packed for travelling the day before. All is bustle and anxiety. A light spring van is the best vehicle for their conveyance, the space in which from four to eight large plants will fully occupy. The surface of the soil of the pots should be covered with nice green moss. Each flower-bud must have a stick to support it during the journey, — unless the variety produce its flowers in trusses, when a stick to a truss is sufiicient, — but should not be tied so tight as to pre- vent an easy motion. If the flowers are heavy, soft tissue-paper should be drawn closely round them without compression : if produced in trusses, wadding may be placed among them, to support and prevent them from bruising each other. In packing, each plant should stand clear of the other, and all fiee from contact with the sides of the van. Between the pots, moss or sawdust should be tightly pressed, at least half their depth, to keep them from shifting. A light tilt must go over the van, to exclude sun, rain, or dust, the last of which, by the bye, it is not always easy to do. But all is ready, and there is nothing hke being at the place of exhibition in time. A careful person ought to accompany them, as the pace at which they travel should be a steady walking one. Attention, John ! From home to the place of exhibition, all depends on you. You must neither trot, gallop, nor canter. If you do, the con- 176 THE ROSE GARDEN. sequences will be disastrous. Put your horse to his easiest walking pace, having reckoned up beforehand the time he will require for the journey. Having arrived early_, you will find the tents only partially occupied ; but the place for Roses, as for other objects, is already assigned. The north side of the tent is the best ; indeed for Roses as cool and shady a place as possible should be apportioned, as the flowers will lose colour in a few hours in a sunny or hot position. In proceeding to set up the plants, it is well to calculate the elevation at which they show best ; to which raise them by means of blocks of wood, of different thicknesses, about the diameter of the bottom of the pots. The sticks used merely as supports in travelling should be withdrawn. When the plants are all nicely adjusted, each should have the name placed to it in a position where easily seen, written in a bold legible hand, or done in the Egyp- tian style with Indian Ink. At the grand Metropolitan exhibitions visitors are often so numerous that many cannot approach the objects exhibited : for their information, then, this is particularly desu^able. All is now finished, and we await the decision of the judges, viewing the productions of our contemporaries, and anticipating the result. Per- haps, on returning to the tents after judgment has been pronounced, our plants are not so high in the scale as we expected to find them. A feeling of disappointment may arise. Shall we take umbrage at it ? Certainly not. This would be foolish and ungenerous. Let us ask our- selves this question : Which is the more likely, that the Censors — men selected on account of their professional knowledge and known probity — which, we say, is the more likely, that they should have shown an indifference to, or prejudice against our plants; or that we, the owners thereof, have been indulging in an overweening fondness ? The answer is apparent. And let us ask ourselves again, if there is any disgrace in being beaten. Certainly not. Every place here is honourable. If A produces good plants, it is no discredit to him that B produces better. Nor would it always be correct reasoning to say that the latter is the more skilful cultivator. The air, or the soil, or the means at the disposal of Bj may enable him to accomplish with ease that which is impracticable with A. If our plants are good, never mind those of our contemporary being better? -Are not both engaged in the same work, both interested in the advancement of a favourite flower ? Let us persevere, and we may probably reach the summit of our ambition at some future time. In packing for returning the same care is requisite as before, if the EXHIBITING — EEMOVAL. 177 plants are intended to be shown elsewhere, or indeed if any store is set by the flowers yet nnfolded. Under other circumstances, the flowers may be cut off", which saves much time in packing and travelling. But if the flowers are preserved, the plants may serve for other shows, although they must be considered in greater perfection when possessed of expanded flowers and others yet to come, than when showing expanded flowers only. When the flowering is over, the flower- stalks should be cut ofi*, and a second growth will shortly ensue. The Autumnals, which bloomed in May, will flower again in August ; those of June, in September ; and if those of July are placed in a warm greenhouse, they may be kept in flower till Christmas. Before concluding this chapter I think it right, in the interests of truth, to state my opinion that the most successful prize-winners are not always the cleverest cultivators. There is a deal of jockeying in prize- winning, with which cultivation has nothing to do. Further, the gross cultivation necessary to produce the large flowers required for prize- winning produces overgrown plants with unripened wood, which the purchaser should avoid when he can obtain plants of moderate and matured growth. 1 N 178 THE ROSE GARDEN. CHAPTER XV. SELECT LISTS OF KINDS SUITED FOrt VARIOUS PURPOSES. A. — JjAhq-Ej full J wcll-shajocd flowers J suited for Exhibition, Summer Eoses. — Group 4. Damaslc : Madame Hardy_, Madame Soetmans. Group 5. Provence : Cristata_, Cabbage,, Unique. Group 7. ; Moss : Common, Gloire des Mousseuses. Group 8. French : Boula de i Nanteuil, Kean. Group 12. Hybrid Bourbon : Charles Duval, Charles | Lawson, Coupe d^Hebe, Juno, Paul Perras, Paul Ricaut. Autumnal Roses. — Group 26. Hybrid Perpetual : Abel Grand, Alfred Colomb, Alphonse Damaizin, Andre Dunand, Antoine Ducher, Auguste / Rigotard, Baronne Louise Uxkull, Beauty of Waltham, Bessie Johnson, ^ Captain Christy, Caroline de San sal, Celestine Pourreaux, Charles \ Lefebvre, Claude Levet, Comte de Nanteuil, Comtesse de Chabrillant, Countess of Oxford, Devienne Lamy, Diana, Dr. Andry, Due de Rohan, Duchesse de Caylus, Duchesse d^Orleans, Duchess of Edinburgh, Duke of Edinburgh, Dupuy Jamain, Edouard Morren, Elie Morel, Elizabeth Vigneron, Emilie Hausburg, Etienne Dupuy, Etienne Levet, Exposition du Brie, Felix Genero, Fisher Holmes, Frangois Corn-tin, Frangois Fontaine, Frangois Lacharme, Frangois Lou vat, Frangois Michelon, Frangois Treyve, General Jacqueminot, General Yon Moltke, Gloire de Chatillon, Gloire de Ducher, Gloire de Vitry, Gloire de Santenay, Hippolyte Flandrin, Horace Vernet, Jean Goujon, Jean Lambert, Jean Rosenkrantz, John Hopper, John Keynes, Jules Margottin, Kleber, Lady Suffield, La France, La Reine, La Ville de St. Denis, Laelia, Leopold Hausburg, Lord Clyde, Lord Raglan, Louis Van Houtte, Louise Darzens, Louise Peyronny, Lyonnaise, Madame Alice Dureau, Madame Boll, Madame Boutin, Madame Caillat, Madame C. Crapelet, Madame Charles Wood, Madame Chirard, Madame FilHon, Madame Furtado, Madame George Schwartz, Madame Hector Jacquin, Madame LISTS OF ROSES. 179 Julie Daran^ Madame Knorr_, Madame la Baronne de Rothsdiild^ Madame Eivers^ Madame Victor Verdiei^ Madame Yidot^ Madame Yigiieron_, Mdlle. Annie Wood^ Mdlle. Bonnaire^ Mdlle. Eugenie Verdier^ Mdlle. Marie Finger_, Mdlle. Marie Rady^ Mdlle. Marguerite Dombrain_, Mdlle. Therese Levet_, Mareclial Yaillant^ Marguerite de St. Amande, Maria Theresa^ Marie Baumann^ Marquise de Castellane^ Marquise de Mortemarte^ Maurice Bernardin, Monsieur Noman_, Monsieur Woolfield, Monte Christo, Nardy freres^ Olivier Delhomme, Paul Desgrand^ Paul Neron^ Paul Yerdier_, Perfection de Lyon^ Pierre Netting, Prince Camille de Rolian, Princess Beatrice, Professor Kocli, Heine du Midi_, Ricliard Wallace, Senateur Yaisse, Souvenir de Monsieur Bo]l, St. George, Yictor Yerdier. Group 27. Bou7'hon Perpetual : Baron Gonella, Baronne Noirmont, Catherine Guillot. Group 29. Bourbon : Acidalie, Comtesse de Barbantanne, Souvenir de Malmaison. Group 33. Tea- scented : Adam, Anna Ollivier, Belle de Bordeaux, Belle Lyonnaise, Bougere, Catherine Mermet, Cecile Berthed, Comte de Paris, Comtesse Ouvaroff, Devoniensis, Due de Magenta, Eugene Desgaches, Gloire de Dijon, Helvetia, Henri Lecoq, Madame Camille, Madame de Yatry, Madame Emilie Dupuy, Madame Jules Margottin, Madame Levet, Madame Pauline Labonte, Madame Trifle, Madame Yillermoz, Marechal Niel, Marie Arnaud, Marie Yan Houtte, Moiret, Narcisse, Niphetos, Perfection de Monplaisir, Perle de Lyon, President, Souvenir d^Elise Yardon, Souvenir de Paul Neron, Souvenir d^un Ami, Triomphe de Guillot fils. Group 35. Noisette : Celine Forestier, Cloth of Gold, Lamarque, Madame Caroline Kuster, Beve d^Or, Solfaterre, Triomphe de Rennes. B. — Feee-bloomixg and Showy Yarieties, most valuable for the effect they jproduce in the Garden. Summer Roses. — Group 10. Hybrid Chinese: Brennus, Chenedole, General Jacqueminot, Yivid. Group 11. Hybrid Noisette: Madame Plantier, Madeline. Group 12. Hybrid Bourbon : Charles Duval, Charles Lawson, Coupe d^Hebe, Paul Perras, Paul Ricaut. Group 13. Alba: Felicite, Queen of Denmark. Group 15. Austrian Briar : Harrisonii. Autumnal Roses. — Group 26. Hybrid Perpetual: Abbe Brammerel, Anna Alexieff, Admiral Nelson, Baron Adolphe de Rothschild, Baronne de Bonstetten, Baron Chaurand, Berthe Baron, Centifolia Rosea, Beauty of Waltham, Comte Raimbaud, Coquette des Blanches, Due de Cazes^ 180 THE ROSE GARDEN. Duke of Edinburgh_, Duko of Wellmgtoii_, Fran9ois 1®% General Jacque- rQinot_, Glory of Waltliam_, Jolin Hopper, Jules Margottin_, La Brillante, La France_, Lion des Combats_, Lord Macaulay, Louise Darzens_, Madame Alfred de Eougemont, Madame Bellon_, Madame C. Crapelet, Madame Charles Wood, Madame Clemence Joigneaux, Madame Creyton, Madame Decour, Madame Hippolyte J amain, Madame Knorr, Madame de Eidder^ Madame Emile Boyau, Madame George Schwartz, Madame Hector Jacquin, Madame Marie Cirodde, Madame Victor Verdier, Mdlle. Eugenie Verdier, Mdlle. Therese Levet, Marguerite Jamain, Marquise de Castel- lane, Maurice Bernardin, Mrs. Yeitch, Olga Marix, Peach Blossom, Perfection des Blanches, Perle des Blanches, Prince Camille de Rohan, Princess Christian, Princess Mary of Cambridge, Ped Pover, Souvenir de General Douai, Souvenir de la Peine d^Angleterre, Souvenir de Remain Desprez, Triomphe des Beaux Arts, Triomphe des Frangais, Victor Verdier, Xavier Olibo. Group 28. Rose de Rosomane : Geant des Batailles, Gloire des Rosomanes. Group 29. Bourbon: Armosa, Bouquet de Flore, Queen, Mrs. Bosanquet, Peine Victoria, Sir J. Paxton, Souvenir de Malmaison. Group SO. Or ims on Chinese : Cramoisie Superieure, Fabvier, President d^Olbeoque. Group 83. Tea-scented: Abricote, Antonio Decarli, Bouquet d^Or, Caroline, Comte de Paris, Gloire de Dijon, Madame Damaizin, Madame de St. Joseph, Marquise de Foucault, Narcisse, Nina, Niphetos, Nisida, Safrano, Sombreuil, Vicomtesse de Cazes. Group 35. Noisette: Aimee Vibert, Celine Forestier, Fellenberg, La Biche, Jeanne d^Arc, Ophirie, Reve d^Or. G. — Pillar or Pole Roses. Summer Roses. — Group 4. Damash: La Ville de Bruxelles, Madame Hardy, Madame Soetmans. Group 7. Moss : Alice Leroy, Baronne de Wassenaer, Comtesse Mui^inais, Laneii, Luxembourg, Peine blanche. Group 10. Sijhrid Chinese:, Blairii No. 2, Brennus, Chenedole, Frederic IL, Fulgens, General Jacqueminot, Velours Episcopal, Vivid. Group 11. Hybrid Noisette: Madame Plantier, Madeline. Group 12. Hybrid Bourbon : Charles Lawson, Charles Duval, Coupe d^Hebe, Paul Perras. Autumnal 'Ros'EB.-^ Group 26. Hybrid Perpetual: Admiral Nelson, Alexandrine Bachmeteff, Charles Margottin, Climbing Victor Verdier, Duchess of Sutherland, Fehx Genero, Gabriel de Peyronny, General Jacqueminot, Glory of Waltham, Jacques Lafitte, Jules Margottin, La Peine, Madame Marie Cirodde, Madame Rivers, Mdlle. Annie Wood, LISTS OP ROSES. 181 Mdlle. Louise Carique, Marechal Yaillant_, Mrs. Elliot_, Oriflamme de St. Louisj Paul Verdier, Perfection de Lyon, Pius IX., Prince de Joinville, Princess Louise Victoria, Queen Victoria, Red Rover, Souvenir de Poiteau, Souvenir de la Reine d^Angleterre, Triomplie de FExposi- tion. Group 29. Bourbon : Acidalie, Empress Eugenie, Pierre de St. Cyr, Sir J. Paxton. Group 3S. Tea-scented : Belle de Bordeaux, Gloire de Dijon, Madame Levet, Madame Trifle, Sombreuil. Group 35. Noisette : Celine Forestier, Claudia Augustin, Desprez, Du Luxembourg, Jeanne d^Arc, La Bicbe, Mdlle. Aristide, Opbirie, Triomplie de la Duchere, Triomplie de Rennes. D, — ^Climbing Roses op Vigorous Growth, /or covering Arches^ Trellis- vjorhj Sfc, qitichly ; suitable also for a north wall. Summer Roses. — Group 1. Boursault : Amadis, Gracilis. Group 16. Ayrshire: Dundee Rambler, Queen of the Belgians, Ruga, Splendens, Tboresbyana. Group 17. Evergreen: Felicite Perpetue, Leopoldine d^Orleans, Myriantbes renoncule, Rampante. Group 18. Multiflora : Laure Davoust. Autumnal Roses. — Group 28. Rose de Rosomane : Gloire des Roso- manes. Group 33. Tea-scented: Gloire de Dijon, Homer. Group 34. Mush: Princesse de Nassau. Group 35. Noisette: Celine Forestier, Desprez, Opbirie. — Climbing Roses, /or a sunny wall or fence ^ aspect south or east; and also for the Conservatory. Group 20. The RanTcsice : WHte, Yellow. Autumnal Roses. — Group 23. Macartney: Single, Maria Leonida. Group 25. Microphylla : Rubra plena, Rugosa. Group 33. Tea-scented : Arcbimede, Auguste Oger, Belle Lyonnaise, Bougere, Bouquet d'Or, Comtesse de Brossard, Devoniensis, Eugene Desgacbes, Gloire de Dijon, Jean Pernet, Madame Emile Dupuy, Madame Falcot, Madame Mar- goitin, Madame Levet, Madame Trifle, Marecbal Niel, Madame de St. Josepb, Madame de Vatry, Madame Pauline Labonte, Madame Villermoz, Marecbal Bugeaud, Marie de Medici, Moii^et, Nipbetos, Safrano, Som- breuil, Souvenir d'un Ami, Triompbe de Guillot fils. Group 35. Noisette : Cloth of Gold, Isabella Gra}^, Lamarque, Opbirie, Solfaterre, Triompbe de Remies. 182 THE ROSE GARDEN. F. — Trailing RosES^/or covering Banks j BocJc-worhj and Rooteries, Any of Grouj)S 16 and 17, Ayrshire and Sem^ervirens, whicL. also form the best Weeping Roses. G. — Roses for Pot Culture : those marked thus * are preferable for Forcing or Greenhouse culture; those marked thus t for Training as Climbers, Summer Roses. — Groujp 7. Moss : Captain Ingram^ Clemence Beau- grand^ *Commonj *Crested^ *Frederic Soulie, Madame de la Roclielam- bert^ Marie de Blois^ Mdlle. Rosa Bonbeur^ New White Moss^ Nuits d' Youngs ^Purpurea rubra_, Reine blanche. Group 12. Hybrid Bourbon : *Charles Lawson_, Coupe d'Hebe,, *Juno_, "fPaul PerraSj *Paul Ricaut. Autumnal Roses. — Group 26. Hybrid Perpetual : Abbe Brammerel^ Anna Alexieff^ Alfred Colombo *Antoine Ducher_, Baron Bonstetten^ ^Beauty of Waltham_, Bessie Johnson^ *Black Prince,, ^Caroline de Sansal^ Centifolia rosea^ Charles Lefebvre^ *Comte de Nanteuil, Comte Raimbaud^ *Comtesse de Chabrillant^ *Duc de Rohan, Duchess of Norfolk, Duchess of Sutherland, Elie Morel, Empereur de Maroc, Etienne Levet, *rran9ois Lacharnie, Frangois Louvat, ^General Jacque- minot, *Gloire de Chatillon, Horace Vernet, John Hopper, Jules Mar- gottin, *La France, *La Reine, Lgelia, Lord Raglan, Louise Darzens, Louise Peyronny, Madame Alfred de Rougemont, Madame Boll, Madame Caillat, Madame Clemence Joigneaux, Madame C. Crapelet, *Madame Charles Wood, Madame Domage, Madame Hector Jacquin, Madame Julie Daran, Madame la Baronne de Rothschild, Madame Lacharme, Madame Victor Verdier, Mdlle. Eugenie Verdier, Mdlle. Marie Rady, Marechal Vaillant; Marie Baumann, ^Marquise de Castellane, *Marquise de Mortemart, Maurice Bernardin, Monsieur Claude Levet, Monsieur Neman, Mrs. Veitch, Olivier Delhomme, *Paul Yerdier, *Perfection de Lyon, Princess Beatrice, Princess Christian, Princess Mary of Cambridge, Professor Koch, Senateur Vaisse, Souvenir de Monsieur Boll, Victor Verdier. Group 27. Bourbon Perpetual: Baron Gonella, *Baronne Noirmont, * Catherine Guillot, Comtesse Barbantanne, Louise Odier, Madame de Stella. Group 29. Bourbon : Mrs. Bosanquet, * Souvenir de Malmaison. Group 33. Tea-seented : Abricote, Alba rosea, Amazone, *Belle Lyonnaise, Belle Maconnaise, ^Bougere, Catherine Mermet, Comtesse de Brossard, Devoniensis, *Gloire de Dijon, Madame Camille, Madame Damaizin, Madame Emile Dupuy, Madame de St. LISTS OF ROSES. 183 Joseph, Madame Jules Margottin, Madame Villermoz_, Marie Yan Houtte, Monsieur Furtado, Narcisse_, *Niplietos_, Perfection de Monplaisir, *President, Rubens, *Sombreuil_, *Souvenir d'un Ami, Yicomtesse de Cazes. H. — WiNTEE Roses, to bloom from November to February, Group 26. Hybrid Perpetual : 'Antonine Verdier, Beauty of Waltham, General Jacqueminot, Jules Margottin, La Brillante, Le Rhone, Louise Darzens, Madame Laffay, Oriflamme de St. Louis, Prince Eugene Beauharnais, Triomphe des Frangais. Group 27. Bourbon Perpetual: Catherine Guillot, Louise Odier. Group 28. Rose de Bosomane : Comte d^Eu, Gloire des Rosomanes. Gh^oup 29. Bourbon : Comte de Montijo, Empress Eugenie, Mrs. Bosanquet, Qaeen. Group 30. Crimson Chinese : Cramoisie superieure, Ducher, Fabvier, President d^Olbecque. Group) 33. Tea-scented : Abricote, Homer, Isabella Sprunt, Madame Falcot, Madame de St. Joseph, Marquise de Foucault, Nina, Nisida, Safrano I. — Best Yellow Roses. Group 15. Austrian Briar: Harrisonii, Persian Yellow. Group 20. Banlisice : Yellow. Group 33. Tea-scented : Amazone, Belle Lyonnaise, Cecile Berthed, Comtesse de Brossard, Devoniensis, Eliza Sauvage, Enfant de Lyon, Gloire de Dijon, Jean Pernet, La Boule d'Or (under glass only), Louise de Savoie, Madame Ducher, Madame Falcot, Madame Levet, Madame Trifle, Madame Margottin, Marechal Niel, Monsieur Furtado, Narcisse, Perfection de Monplaisir, Safrano, Yicomtesse de Cazes. Group 35. Noisette: Celine Forestier, Cloth of Gold, Isabella Gray (under glass only), Lamar que, Reve d^Or, Solfaterre, Triomphe de Rennes. K. — ^Yery Sweet Roses. Group 5. Provence : Cabbage, Crested. Group 7. Moss : Common. Group 26. Hybrid Perpetual : Abel Grand, Adolphe Brogniart, Baronne Pre vest. Beauty of Waltham, Camille Bernardin, Charles Margottin, Comtesse de Chabrillant, Duchess of Sutherland, Elizabeth Yigneron, Glory of Waltham, John Grier, Madame Alice Dureau, Madame Boll, Madame Charles Yerdier, Madame Pillion, Madame Furtado, Madame Knorr, Madame Marie Cirodde, Madame Moreau, Mdlle. Marguerite Dombrain, Monte Christo, Souvenir de Leveson-Gower, Souvenir de Monsieur Boll, Yirgil. Group 33. Tea-scented: Devoniensis, Eugene 184 THE ROSE GARDEN. DesgacheSj Goubault^ Gloire de Dijon^ Madame de St. Joseph^ Madame Villermoz, Mar^chal Niel^ Marquise de Foucault^ Narcisse^ President, Triomplie de Guillot fils. Group 35. Noisette : Desprez. L. — Miniature Eoses_, for Edgings or Rose-heds. The vai-ieties of Pompon and Fairy Eoses, Groups 6 and 32. M. — EosES FOR Hedges. Scotcli, various. Group 3. Common Chinese, Group 31. Madame LafFay, Group 26. Armosa, Group 29. Cramoisie superieure, Group 30. Mrs. Bosanquet, Group 29. N. — EoSES FOR THE ShRUBBERY. Scotch, Group 3. Hybrid, Chinese, &c.. Groups 10, 11, and 12. Damask, Group 4. Provence, Group 5. French, Group 8. Hybrid Perpetual, Group 26, and any other hardy kinds that may be bought at a low price. For Seed-bearers,^' see page 102. END OF DIVISION I. DIVISION II. AN ARRANGEMENT, IN NATURAL GROUPS, OF THE MOST ESTEEMED VARIETIES OF ROSES RECOGNISED AND CULTIVATED IN THE VARIOUS ROSE GARDENS, ENGLISH AND FOREIGN ; WITH FULL DESCRIPTIONS AND REMARKS ON THEIR ORIGIN, AND MODE OF CULTURE. Class I. SUMMEE EOSES; BLOOMING IN MAY, JUNE, AND JULY. Class II. AUTUMNAL EOSES; BLOOMING FEOM MAY TILL NOVEMBEE, OR LATER, IF NOT PREVENTED BY FROST. 186 THE ROSE GARDEN. INTRODUCTOKY REMARKS. DERIVATION OF THE WORD ROSE — ON SPECIES — ON THE ORIGIN OF THE FLORICULTURAL GROUPS— TERMS USED IN THE DESCRIPTION OF VARIETIES— POPULAR NAMES APPLIED TO THE DIFFERENT FORMS OF PLANTS. The word " Rose " is generally allowed to have been derived from the Celtic rhodd, or rhudd, signifying " red," in allusion to the colour of the flowers of most of the species. We may trace a great resemblance in the names by which various nations distinguish this plant. In the Greek it is csilledBhodon; in Latin, Bosa ; in French, Hosier ; in Italian, Bosajo ; in Spanish, Rotal ; in Portuguese, Boseira ; and in German, Bosenstock. In the natural system of botany, the Rose belongs to the order RosaceaD, in the Linneean system to the class and order Icosandria Polygynia. According to the authority of most Botanists, the genus Rosa stands divided into sections, which are subdivided into numerous species, the distinguishing characters of which consist in the colour, shape, size, &c., of various organs, such as the leaves, prickles, flowers and fruit. On the value of these characters, as constituting distinct species, botanical writers are, however, by no means agreed. While in the " Rosarum Monographia " seventy-eight species are described (besides others recorded as doubtful species) ; and the Messrs. Loddiges had in their Catalogue a far greater number ; M. Boitard, a modern French author, stoutly maintains there are but three.* It is not my intention here to enter into the botany of the Rosef ; but I would state it to be my impression, that the differences of opinion arise in some measure from the unsettled definition of the word " species." I have often been asked what constitutes a species. And this question seems so neces- sary to be answered, in order that the arrangement of the varieties may be rightly understood, that I shall here offer a reply. Mirbel says, " A species is composed of a succession of individuals, which * "Manuel Complet de I'Amateur des Roses," par M. Boitard ; Paris, 1836. His siiecic are : — 1, R. simplicifolia ; 2, R. lutea ; 3, R. mutabilis. He divides these into races anc varieties ; and, according to this arrangement, nearly all the varieties cultivated in Europeai gardens belong to the third species (R. mutabilis). t A popular article on this subject will be found in the Appendix." DEFINITION OP SPECIES, ETC 187 have descended one from the other, in a direct line, whether by seed, or a simple separation of parts. " We find commonly in the individual all the characters which distiaguish the species to which it belongs from all other species in the Vegetable kingdom." M. Boitard accepts the first sentence, but repudiates the other, and places in its stead, "Each individual of which is capable of reproducing, by seed, fertile individuals, possessing one or more characters, in common with the parent, and invariable in all." In the Introduction to Lindley's " Rosarum Monographia " we find the fol- lowing definition given : — "By species, I wish to be understood here to mean, an assemblage of individuals, differing in particular respects from the rest of the genus, but having more points of afiinity among themselves than with others ; their union being therefore natural." — Uos. Mon. Intro., p. 18. "We assemble under the name of species," says Decandolle, "all the indi- viduals which bear sufficient resemblance to each other to lead us to believe that they have originally descended from a single being, or a couple of beings." — PJiysiologie Vegetate, tome ii., p. 688. Althoug-h not ao-reeino* altoo-ether in the views of M. Boitard, I would state my conviction, that most Botanists have been too ready in admitting, as species, individuals of a genus so remarkable for its disposition to vary ; and if we adopt Decandolle's definition, I think that many of the so-called species are nothing more than hybrids, which, to use his words, " have originally descended from a single being, or a couple of beings." I have been led to this conclusion more particularly from observations in raising seedlings, among which it is not uncommon to find plants differing as widely from their parents as some of tlie Botanist's species differ from each other. I think we may accept the definition given in the " Rosarum Monographia ;" and that the division there made has met the views of many subsequent writers, may be gathered from the extent of their extracts from that work. But it is necessary to consider other questions, which the discussion of this invariably gives rise to. The tyro having made up his mind as to what he will accept as a definition of the word " species," we may suppose the next questions to be, — What was the origin of the Floricultural Groups ? what is the real diff'erence between these groups ? and how may one be enabled to ^efer any variety brought before him to its proper position ? We need scarcely say that the Botanist's sphere of labour is widely dif- ferent from the Florist's. The former collects and examines the productions )f Nature, arranging them in classes and orders ; which he again divides ito genera and species, pointing out their properties and uses. The Florist ere takes up the work. Once in possession of species, he applies the art of dture, with the view of fashioning them to his own taste. Let us confine Seduisante) {Madame Lacharme) ; flowers flesh-colour, of medium size, full ; form, globular. A fine forcing Rose, but seldom opens clean and good out of doors. 17. Yiridift.ora ; flowers green, curious. 258 THE ROSE GARDEN. ROSA INDICA. Group XXXII.— THE LAWRBNCEANA OR FAIRY ROSE. The first of these interesting Roses was introduced from China in 1810. The varieties form pretty objects cultivated in pots, rarely exceeding a foot in height. Thousands of them are sold in our markets every year, and beauti- ful they are, v^hen covered with their tiny blossoms. In dry soils the Fairy Roses may be planted in masses, also as edgings for beds in the Rosarium ; for the latter purpose the hardiest kinds should be chosen. They require the same treatment as the varieties of the succeeding group. 1. Alba or Blanc ; flowers white, delicate. Blush ; see Fairy. 2. Fairy (Blush) ; flowers pale pink. 3. Gloire des Lawrenceanas ; flowers dark crimson. 4. Jenny (Uuhrd) ; flowers bright crimson. 5. La Desir:6e ; flowers crimson. 6. Nemesis ; flowers crimson, changing blackish, larger and more robust in habit than the others. 7. Nigra ; flowers very dark crimson. 8. Retour du Printemps ; flowers bright rose. Rubra ; see Jenny. ROSA INDICA. Group XXXIII.— THE TEA-SCENTED ROSE. In 1810 the blush Tea-scented Rose was introduced from China, and fourteen years later the Yellow variety was received from the same country. They have given birth to a very numerous family, some remarkable for their large thick petals ; others for possessing a strong tea-like scent ; and others for the delicacy and bewitching tints of the flowers. It has been said, both by French and English writers on this subject, that the Yellow, although a fertile seed-bearer, never produces varieties worthy of notice. As if to re- deem its character from this aspersion, a few years ago it produced, in this country, the Devoniensis,* one of the handsomest of the group, raised by Mr. Foster, of Plymouth, with others from the same parent, one of which was a Noisette of a Yellow cast. It must be admitted that this beautiful group is somewhat diflBcultof culture (See p. 165). They require a rich well-drained soil, close pruning, and, if grown out of doors, a dry warm border, and protection from frost. The * Since the publication of the Second Edition of this Work, I have been told that tliis fine Rose was not raised at Plymouth, but brought there from the "West of France. The story is a long one, and the evidence in support of it reliable and weighty. Still the late Mr. Pince, of Exeter, in a letter now before me, clearly claims for it an English origin. THE TEA-SCENTED ROSE. 259 practice of removiQg them from the g-round for protection during winter, and again transferring them to their places in the Rosarium in Spring, is not altogether satisfactory. To remove a plant once endangers its growth and perfect flowering the first year, and to remove it twice more than doubles the risk of failure. Tea-Roses may be divided into two classes ; " Ligneous*," represented by the Comte de Paris ; and " Herbaceous," of which we may instance the Yellow, The former are far hardier than the others, and form good Standards. If the latter are grown as such, they must be thoroughly protected during the Winter. (See p. 150.) If trained to a wall with a south or east aspect, the Tea-Roses grow vigorously, and flower in great beauty, much earlier and finer than in the open ground, producing a constant succession of flowers for one-half of the year. They also flower well grown in pots and plunged in the open ground, if removed to a cold frame for protection during Winter. But for Pot- culture under glass, for Forcing, and for planting out in the Conservatory, they are unsurpassed. 1. Abricote (Fanmj Dwpuis) ; flowers apricot colour, their margins flesh colour, large and double ; form, cupped ; growth, moderate. A beautiful Rose. 2. Adam ; flowers rich rosy salmon, very large and full ; form, globular ; growth, moderate. A superb Rose, and very sweet. Raised by M. Adam at Rheims. Introduced about 1838. 3. Adrienxe Christophle ; flowers yellow, copper, and apricot, shaded with rosy peach and deep yellow, large and fall ; growth vigorous. Distinct and beautiful. Raised by M. Guillot fils at Lyons. Introduced in 1868. 4. Alba Rosea ; flowers white, centres rose, large, full, and very sweet ; growth, vigorous. Alixe Sisley ; see Appendix, "New Roses." 5. Amabilis ; flowers flesh-colour, bufi" centres, thick petals, large and full ; form, expanded ; habit, branching ; growth, vigorous. A good hardy free sort. 6. Amazone ; flowers deep yellow, large and full ; growth vigorous. A beautiful variety. 7. Anna Ollivier ; flowers flesh coloured rose, the reverse of petals rose, large, full, and of good form. A distinct and good variety ; growth vigorous. 8. Annette S:^ant ; flowers orange yellow, changing to white, large, and of fine form ; growth, vigorous. 9. Archimede ; flowers rosy fawn, darker centres, large and full ; form, expanded ; growth, vigorous. 10. AuGUSTE Oger ; flowers rose-colour, centres copper-colour, large and full ; form, cupped, fine ; growth, moderate. 11. AuGUSTE Vachee ; flowers golden fawn, shaded with copper colour, large and full ; form, cupped ; growth, moderate. * The words " Ligneous " and "Herbaceous," are not used here in their strict botanical sense, but to distinguish the two races. 260 THE ROSE GARDEN. 12. Aureus ; flowers copper colour, of medium size, full, and of good form. 13. Belle de Bordeaux ; flowers pink, centres crimson, large and full ; growth, vigorous. 14. Belle fleur d'Anjou ; flowers rose colour, outer petals shaded with white. 15. Belle Ltoxnaise ; flowers deep canary-yellow, changing to white, often tinted with salmon, large, full, and of fine form and habit. Quite first-rate. Growth, vigorous. Baised by M. Levet, at Lyons. Introduced in 1869. 16. Belle Maconnaise ; flowers pale rose, large, full, and of fine form growth, vigorous. 17. Belle Marie ; flowers white, shaded with rose, large and full; growth, moderate. Blush ; see Odorata. 18. BouGiiRE ; flowers deep salmon- colour, very large and full, the petals of unusual substance ; form, cupped ; growth, vigorous. A superb Pot or Forcing Rose. Raised by M. Bougere, at Angers. Introduced in 1832. 19. BouTON d'Or ; flowers bright deep yellow, the reverse of the petals white ; of fine form and habit, of medium size ; growth, moderate. 20. Bride of Abydos ; flowers white, beautifully tinted with rose, large and semi-double. 21. Buret ; flowers crimson, tinted with light purple, of medium size, full ; form, globular. A free bloomer. A distinct Rose, of vigorous growth. 22. Canary ; flowers bright canary-colour, beautiful in the bud, of average size, hardly double ; growth, moderate. 23. Caroline ; flowers blush, sufiused with deep pink, large and full ; form, cupped. Grows and flowers freely. 24. Catherine Mermet ; flowers flesh-coloured rose ; large, full, and quite first-rate. Raised by M. Guillot fils at Lyons. Introduced in 1869. 25. Chamois ; flowers bright chamois. Pretty in bud. 26. Cheshunt Hybrid ; flowers purplish maroon, shaded, large and full ; growth, vigorous. The Rev. S. R. Hole and other amateurs have spoken highly of this Rose. Clara Stlvain ; see Group XXXI., Chinese. 27. Climbing Devoniensis ; flowers identical in appearance with the old Devoniensis ; growth, very vigorous. Invaluable as a climbing Rose. 28. Clotilde ; flowers rose, sometimes violet-rose, with red centres, very large and full ; growth, robust. 29. Comte de Grivel ; straw-colour, changing to white. 30. Comte de Paris ; flowers flesh-colour, shaded with rose, very large and full ; form, cupped. A noble Rose. Raised at the Jardin du Luxem- bourg in 1839. Growth, robust. Comte de Sembui ; see Appendix, " New Roses." 31. Comte Taverna ; flowers yellow, deeper centres, large, full, and of good form ; growth, vigorous. 32. Comtesse de Brossard ; flowers bright yellow, large, full, and fine ; growth, vigorous. THE TEA- SCENTED ROSE. 261 33. CoMTESSE DE Labarthe ; flowers salmon pink. 34. CoMTESSE DE Nadaillac ; flowers coppery yellow, centres salmon colour. 35. CoMTESSE OuvAEOFF ; flowers rose-colour, shaded with pink and fawn ; large and full ; growth, vigorous. Beautiful in bud. 36. Coquette de Lyon ; flowers canary-yellow, of medium size, fine form, and full ; growth, vigorous. 37. David Peadel; flowers rose-colour, mottled, large and full; growth, vigorous. 38. Devoniensts ; flowers creamy white ; their centres sometimes buff, sometimes yellowish, very large and full ; form, cupped. A splendid Eose, of vigorous growth. 39. Due DE Magenta ; flowers bright rosy salmon, shaded with flesh-colour and fawn, very large and full ; growth, moderate. A fine Rose, with large thick petals. DucHKSS OF Edinburgh ; see Apendix, " ITew Roses." 40. Blise Sauvage ; flowers pale yellow, their centres sometimes inclining to buff, sometimes to orange, large and full ; form, globular. One of the most beautiful, but of delicate habit. 41. Enfant de Lyon ; flowers pale yellow, large and full; form, cupped; fine ; growth, moderate. A beautiful Rose, similar to, but paler than Narcisse. 42. Eugene Desgaches ; flowers rose, large and full ; form, cupped; growth, vigorous. One of the best. 43. Freres Soupert et Notting ; flowers yellow, edged with carmine, the back of the petals lilac, large, full, and of fine form ; growth, vigorous. 44. General Tartas ; flowers flesh-color, shaded with rose, large and fall ; growth, moderate. Gloire de Bordeaux ; see Belle de Bordeaux. 45. Gloire de Dijon ; flowers yellow, buff, orange, and salmon, shaded, large and full ; form, globular ; growth, vigorous. One of the best. A splendid Wall or Pillar Rose. Raised by M. Jacotot at Dijon. Introduced in 1853. 46. GouBAULT; flowers bright rose, very large and double ; form, expanded. The young buds of this Rose are of the most elegant form, showing a rich deep crimson as the sepals part. Very sweet ; growth, vigorous. 47. Helvetla. ; flowers salmon-colour, with rosy-peach centres, large, full, and of fine form ; growth, vigorous. 48. Henri Lecoq ; flowers shaded rose, of medium size, full ; very beau- tiful in bud ; growth, vigorous. 49. Henry Bennett ; flowers yellow, outer petals pink ; sniall. 50. Homer ; flowers blush rose and salmon, very variable ; form, cupped ; growth, vigorous. A good hardy free-blooming sort. 51. Hortensia ; flowers rose-colour, the back of the petals whitish, large, full, and of fine form ; growth, vigorous. 262 THE ROSE GARDEN. 52. Isabella Sprunt ; flowers sulphur-yellow, flowers abundantly, beautiful in bud ; growth, vigorous. Jaune ; see Yellow. 53. Jaune d'Or ; flowers pale rosy yellow, of medium size, full; form, globular ; growth, moderate. Jaune of Smith ; see Smith's Yellow. Jean Duchfir ; see Appendix, " New Roses." 54. Jean Pernet ; beautiful bright yellow, passing to clear yellow, large, full, and altogether first-rate ; growth, vigorous. Eaised by M. Pernet of Lyons. Introduced in 1867. 65, Josephine Malton ; flowers rich cream-colour, their centres oi'ten inclining to buff, the tops of the petals sometimes tinged with lake, large and very double ; form, cupped ; exquisite. A beautiful Rose. Very susceptible of frost. 56. Julie Mansias ; flowers straw-colour, their margins almost white, large and full ; form, cupped. Very sweet. The buds long and very beautiful ; growth, moderate. 57. La Boule d'Or ; flowers fine golden yellow, petals broad and smooth, large and full ; form, globular ; growth, robust. A fine Rose under glass only. Lady Warrender ; see Group XXX [., Chinese, Clara Sylvain. 58. LaJonquille; flowers Jonquil-yellow, of medium size, double ; growth, vigorous, 59. La Stlphide ; flowers blush, very large and double. 60. La Tulipe ; flowers white, tinted with rose and lilac, large ; growth, vigorous. 61. Lays ; flowers pale yellow, full and of fine form, and blooms freely ; growth, moderate. 62. Le Bignonia ; flowers reddish-salmon, of medium size, full ; growth, vigorous. 63. L'Enfant Trouve ; closely resembles, if not identical with ^^lise Sauvage. 64. Le Mont Blanc ; flowers white, slightly tinted with yellow, of fine form, very large and double ; growth, vigorous. 65. Le Nankin ; flowers coppery-yellow, of medium size, full ; growth, vigorous. Le Pactole ; see Group XXXY., Noisette. 66. Louis Gigot ; flowers white, veined with rose ; growth vigorous. 67. Louise de Savoie ; flowers fine pale yellow, large and full ; growth, vigorous. Very sweet. One of the best. Lutea Flora ; see Appendix, " New Roses." 68. Ma Capucine ; flowers bright copper colour ; distinct, not very double. 69. Madame Azelie Imbert ; flowers salmon and yellow, large, full, and of fine form ; seedling from Madame Falcot ; growth, vigorous. 70. Madame Barillet Deschamps ; flowers white, creamy centres, large and full ; growth, moderate. A good free sort. THE TEA- SCENTED EOSE. 263 71. Madame Berard ; flowers clear rose and yellow, large, full, and of fine form, and good habit ; growth, vigorous. One of the best. 72. Madame Blachette ; flowers rose and fawn, very variable, and very sweet, large and full ; growth, dwarf. JkLADAME Bonnet Etmard ; see Appendix, " New Roses." 73. Madame Bravy flowers cream, large and full ; form, cupped, good ; growth, moderate. 74. Madame Bremond ; flowers rosy pink, shaded. 75. Madame Camille ; flowers salmon-pink, large and full ; form, cupped. Quite first-rate ; growth vigorous. 76. Madame Celina Noiret ; flowers delicate shaded rose, the backs of the petals purplish red, large, full, and of fine habit ; growth, vigorous. 77. ]\Iadame Charles ; flowers apricot-colour, pleasing in bud ; growth, vigorous. 78. Madame Chaveret ; flowers apricot in bud, changing paler ; growth, vigorous. 79. Madame Damaizin ; flowers bufi*, cream, and salmon, variously shaded, large and full ; form, cupped ; growth, vigorous. A good, distinct, and hardy sort. 80. Madame Delavh^le ; flowers sulphur, of medium size. 81. Madame Denis ; flowers white, tinged with sulphur, large and full. Madame Devoucout ; see Appendix, " New Roses." 82. Madame de St. Joseph ; flowers pink, with deeper centres, sometimes dying off* apricot-colour, very large and double ; form, expanded ; growth, moderate. A splendid Pot-Rose. 83. Madame de Tartas ; flowers bright rose, large, full, and produced abundantly ; growth, moderate. 84. Madame de Yatey ; flowers deep rosy salmon, paler edges, large and full ; growth, vigorous. 85. Madame Docteue Jutte ; flowers coppery yellow, shaded with rose, full, of good form, and very sweet ; growth, vigorous. 86. Madame Ducher ; flowers clear lemon, large, full, and of fine form, flowers abundantly ; growth, vigorous. 87. Madame £mile Dupuy ; flowers yellow, tinted with salmon, large, full, and of globular form ; growth, vigorous. 88. Madame Falcot ; flowers rich safiron-yellow, large and very double ; petals, large and thick ; growth moderate. In the way of Safrano, but of a higher colour. A good Pot-Rose. Raised by M. Guillot fils, at Lyons. In- troduced in 1858. 89. Madame FEANgois Janin ; flowers orange yellow, centres coppery, of medium size, blooms freely, very sweet ; growth, vigorous. 90. Madame G aillard ; flowers salmon-yellow, large, full, and of fine form ; growth, vigorous. 91. Madame Halphin ; flowers French-white tinted with salmon, pink, and fawn, large and very double ; form, cupped ; growth, moderate. A most beautiful Rose. 264 THE ROSE GARDEN'. 92. Madame Hippoltte Jamain ; flowers pure white, their centres coppery yellow, tipped with delicate rose, outer petals large, centre petals smaller ; large and full ; growth, vigorous. A good Pot-Rose. 93. Madame Jules Maegottin ; flowers pink tinged with yellow, centres often deep red, large, full, of good form, and sweet ; growth, vigorous. 94. Madame Levet ; flowers yellow, outer petals tinged with violet, large, full, and of fine form. One of the best ; growth, vigorous. Raised by M. Levet at Lyons. Introduced in 1869. 95. Madame Maegottin ; flowers beautiful dark citron-yellow, the centres of a deeper shade, large and of globular form ; growth, vigorous. 96. Madame Mauein ; flowers creamy white, shaded with salmon, large and full ; growth, vigorous. Good and distinct. 97. Madame Pauline Labont:^ ; flowers salmon, circumferences creamy buff, very large, and full ; form, expanded ; growth, vigorous. A good hardy sort. 98. Madame Retoenaz ; flowers pale yellow, centres coppery, large and full. Madame de Seetot ; see Madame Bravy. 99. Madame Teifle ; flowers salmon-yellow, outer petals sometimes deep coppery yellow, large, full, and of fine form and habit. One of the best ; growth, vigorous. 100. Madame Villeemoz ; flowers white, centres fawn and salmon, large and full ; form, cupped; growth, vigorous. A splendid Rose, and very hardy. Raised by M. Lacharme at Lyons. Introduced in 1845. 101. Madame William ; flowers rich yellow, orange centres, large and fall ; form, globular, fine ; growth, moderate. Closely resembles .Elise Sauvage. 102. Mdlle. Adele Jougant ; flowers clear yellow ; growth, moderate. 103. Mdlle. Antonia Decaeli ; deep canary yellow, of medium size, full, and of good form ; growth, moderate. 104. Mdlle. Cecile Beethod ; flowers yellow, large, full, and striking. Blooms freely. Growth, vigorous. 105. Mdlle. Gabeielle Maetel ; flowers copper colour, shaded with violet, rose, and yellow, large, full, and very sweet ; growth vigorous. 106. Mdlle. Maeie Aenaud ; flowers fine canary yellow, changing to white, large, full, and of fine form ; free flowering, sweet and good ; growth, vigorous. 107. Maecelin Roda ; flowers white, with yellow centres, large and full ; growth, vigorous. 108. Mae:echal Bugeaud; flowers bright rose, large and very double ; form, cupped ; growth, vigorous. 109. Maeechal Niel ; flowers beautiful deep yellow, large, full, and of globular form, very sweet. The finest of all Yellow Roses. A grand con- servatory climber. Raised by M. Pradel, at Montauban. Introduced in 1864. 110. Maeie Ducher ; flowers transparent salmon-rose, large, fall, of fine form, and good habit ; growth, vigorous. Marie Guillot ; see Appendix, " New Roses." Maeie Oroix ; see Appendix, "New Roses." THE TEA-SCENTED ROSE. 2G5 111. Marie Sisley ; flowers yellowish white, broadly margined with bright rose, large, full, of globular form and good habit ; growth, vigorous. 112. Maeie van Houtte ; flowers white, slightly tinted with yellow, often edged with rose, large, full, and good ; growth, vigorous. Raised by M. Ducher, at Lyons. Introduced in 1871. 113. Marquise de Eoucault ; flowers white, fawn, and yellow, variable, large, but not very double ; form, globular ; growth, vigorous. Good and distinct. 114. Moieet ; flowers fawn, sometimes yellowish, exquisitely tinted with rose, variable, very large and full ; form, cupped, fine ; growth, vigorous. A superb Rose, and very sweet. 115. MoxrLAisiR ; flowers very dark salmon-yellow, very large and full, expanding with difficulty ; growth, vigorous. 116. Monsieur Furtado ; flowers clear sulphur yellow, of fine form and habit. One of the most beautiful of yellow Roses, and well adapted for Pot- culture. Growth, moderate. 117. Monte Rosa; flowers salmon-rose, shaded, of medium size, full. 118. Narcisse ; flowers pale yellow, large and full ; form, cupped, fine ; growth, moderate. One of the best. 119. Nina ; flowers white, delicately tinted with pink, large and very double ; form, globular. A free grower, and blooms freely. 120. NiPHETOS ; flowers white, their centres pale lemon, Magnolia-like, very large and full ; form, globular. A distinct and beautiful Rose, of vigorous growth. Raised by M. Bougere at Angers. 121. NisiDA ; flowers rose and fawn, variously shaded, of medium size, very double ; form, capped. Habit and foliage fine ; flowers deliciously sweet ; growth, moderate. 122. Odorata {Blush) ; flowers blush, large, globular, and very sweet. 123. Ophelia ; flowers clear yellow, of medium size, full, well-formed, and freely produced ; growth, vigorous. Pauline Labonte ; see Madame Pauline Labonte. Perle DE3 Jardins ; see Appendix, " New Roses." 124. Perfection de Monplaisir; flowers beautiful canary yellow, large, full, and freely produced ; form, fine ; growth, vigorous. One of the best. 125. Perle de LYO^^ ; flowers deep yellow, sometimes apricot, large, full, and of fine form ; growth, moderate. Prince Wasiltchikoff {Narhonnand) ; see Duchess of Edinburgh. 126. President ; flowers rose, shaded with salmon, very large and full ; form, globular ; growth, moderate. One of the sweetest and best under glass. 127. Princesse Adelaide ; flowers straw-colour, their margin of a paler hue, large and full ; form cupped. Very sweet. 128. Princesse Marie ; flowers rosy pink, large and full ; form, globular. Uncertain out of doors, but forces well. 129. Regulus; flowers bright rose, shaded with copper, irregular in shape. 266 THE ROSE GAEDEN. 130. Reine des Pays Bas ; flowers pale sulphur, deeper centres, larg-e and full ; form, cUpped ; growth, moderate. A free-blooming variety, of delicate beauty. 131. Reine du Portugal; flowers very deep bright yellow, sometimes shaded with rose and copper, full ; growth, vigorous. 132. Rubens ; flowers white, shaded with rose, centres bronzy yellow, large and full ; form, cupped, fine ; growth, vigorous. A good and distinct sort. Raised by M. Robert, at Angers. Introduced in 1859. Rubra ; see Appendix, " New Roses." 133. Safrano ; flowers saffron to apricot in the bud, changing to pale buff, large and very double ; form, cupped. A pretty and hardy variety, worthy of place in every collection. Growth, vigorous. Raised by M. Beauregard, at Angers. Introduced in 1839. 134. Safrano 1 fleurs rouges; flowers coppery red, pretty in bud. Shirley Hibberd ; see Appendix, " New Roses." 135. SiLENE ; flowers rosy salmon, large and full. 136. Smith's Yellow (Yellow Noisette) ; flowers pale straw-colour, large and full ; form, globular. A fine forcing Rose, but seldom opens well out of doors. 137. Socrates; flowers deep rose, centres apricot, large and full ; growth, vigorous. 138. SOMBREUIL ; flowers white, tinged with rose, very large and full ; form, cupped; growth, vigorous. A good hardy free-flowering sort. Raised by M. Robert, at Angers. Introduced in 1850. 139. Souvenir de David ; flowers cherry-colour, very large and double ; growth, moderate. Very distinct. 140. Souvenir d'Elise Yardon ; flowers creamy white, centres yellowish, very large and full ; form, globular, fine ; growth, robust. A splendid Rose. 141. Souvenir de Mdlle. Jenny- Pernet ; flowers flesh-colour, shaded with rose and salmon. 142. Souvenir de Paul N:^ron ; flowers salmon yellow, edged with rose, large, full, of fine form, freely produced ; growth, vigorous. 143. Souvenir d'un Ami ; flowers salmon and rose ; shaded, large and full ; form, cupped. Very fine ; growth, vigorous. Introduced by M, Belot- Defougere in 1846. 144. SuLPHUREUX ; flowers sulphur-yellow ; growth, vigorous. THERiiSE Genevay ; see Appendix, " New Roses." Tn^RiiSE Loth ; see Appendix, " New Roses." 145. Tour Bertrand ; flowers yellow, shaded with bufi*, large. 146. Triomphe de Guillot flls ; flowers white, shaded with rose and salmon ; growth, vigorous. 147. Triomphe du Luxembourg ; flowers flesh-colour, tinged with fawn and rose, very large and full ; form, globular ; growth, vigorous. A beautiful Rose, and very sweet. Raised at the Jardin du Luxembourg. 148. Unique ; flowers white, edged with rosy purple ; growth, vigorous. THE MUSK ROSE. 267 149. Vall^e de Chamounix ; flowers copper yellow and rose, variable. 150. ViCOMTESSE DE Cazes ; flowers bright orange-yellow, often tinged with copper-colour, large and very double ; form, cupped. One of the most beau- tiful ; growth, moderate. Eaised by M. Pradel, at Montauban. Introduced in 1844. 151. Victor Pulliat; flowers white, tinged with yellow, large, full, and of fine form ; growth, vigorous. A seedling from Madame Yillermoz. 152. Yellow [Flavescens) (Jaune) ; flowers sulphur-coloured, large and double ; form, globular. The petals of this Rose are very large, the buds long and beautiful in a half-expanded state. 153. Zelia ; flowers white, large and fine ; growth vigorous. ROSA MOSCHATA. Group XXXIV.— THE MUSK ROSE. The Musk Rose is supposed to have been introduced to England about the year 1596, and by reason of its long residence among us has become widely spread throughout the country. The original Mask Rose is a rambling shrub, abounding in Madeira and the North of Africa, also in Persia ; indeed, it is generally supposed that the Attar of Roses is made from the species now under consideration. The flowers, which form in large clusters, seldom appear till late in summer ; their peculiar musk-like scent is a point of dis- tinction, although not so powerful as some authors would lead us to believe ; it is one of the fine things of nature, which requires the existence of special circumstances — a still moist atmosphere — to be readily appreciable. These Roses are of rapid growth, best adapted for Climbers ; they are not suffi- ciently hardy to bear exposure in bleak, unsheltered situations. They require long-pruning. 1. Blush, or Eraser's ; flowers pale red, small and semi-double ; form, cupped. 2. Double White ; flowers yellowish white, of medium size, double ; form, cupped. 3. Elisa Werrt ; flowers nankeen, changing to white. 4. Eponene ; flowers white ; form, cupped. 5. Fringed ; flowers white ; the petals serrated ; form, cupped. 6. NiVEA ; flowers white, shaded with rose, large and single ; form, cupped ; growth, robust. 7. Princesse de Nassau ; flowers yellowish straw ; form, cupped ; very sweet. 8. Rivers ; flowers pink, shaded with buS". 268 THE ROSE GARDEN. ROSA MOSCHATA. Group XXXV.— THE NOISETTE ROSE. The original Noisette, due probably to the accidental fertilization of the Chinese with the Musk Rose, was obtained by M. Philippe Noisette, in North America, and sent to Paris in 1817. The peculiar features recommended to notice were its hardy nature, free growth, and large clusters of flowers, pro- duced very late in the year, which were, indeed, recommendations of no common order. Its appearance was hailed with delight, and it soon spread throughout Europe. But we are losing the old style of Noisette, and mul- tiplying kinds hybridized with the Tea-scented. This is a matter of regret, for however much we may extend the range, or improve the delicacy of the colours, by this process, we are rendering a hardy group of Roses tender, and blotting out the prettiest feature of the group — flowers produced in large and elegant trusses. The kinds partaking of the nature of the Tea-scented require a wall, and the treatment advanced for Tea Roses : they are marked thus §, that they may be distinguished from the others. Among the true Noisettes the kinds of vigorous growth form handsome, late- flowering Weeping or Pillar Roses; the others thrive equally well either as Dwarfs or Standards. Rather less pruning is required here than is recommended for the Chinese and Tea- scented : a common soil suffices. I have often seen these Roses blooming unchecked amid the early storms of Winter. 1. § Adelaide Pavie ; flowers pale lemon, large and double, flowering in clusters ; growth, vigorous. 2. AiM^E YiBERT ; flowers pure white, produced in large clusters, of medium size, full ; form, compact. Growth, vigorous. Forms a noble Standard : the foliage of a dark green, and shining ; good also for bedding. Raised by M. Vibert, at Angers. Introduced in 1828. 3. AiMEE YiBERT ScANDENS ; rescmblcs Aimee Vibert, but is of more vigorous growth. 4. §America ; flowers creamy white, centres fawn, very large and full ; form, cupped ; growth, vigorous. A fine Climbing Rose under glass, but good out of doors in fine weather only. Augusta ; see Solfaterre. 5. Beauty OF Greenmount ; flowers bright rose, changing to pale rose, small and double, produced in clusters ; in the way of, but scarcely equal to, Fellenberg. 6. Bouquet d'Or ; flowers pale yellow, centres coppery, large and full, and of good form ; growth, vigorous. 7. Caroline Marniesse ; flowers creamy white, produced in large clusters, small and full ; form, compact ; growth, vigorous. 8. §Celine Forestier (LiesU) ; flowers pale yellow, deeper centres, large and full ; form, cupped ; growth, vigorous. An excellent and hardy Rose, good for wall or pillar. THE NOISETTE ROSE. 269 9. Claire Carnot ; flowers apricot-yellow, sometimes edged witli white and pink. 10. § Claudia Augusts ; flowers white, yellow centres ; growth, vigorous. 11. §Cloth of Gold (Gliromatella) ; flowers creamy white, their centres yellow ; varies as to colour and fulness, usually very large and very double ; form, globular ; growth, vigorous. A beautiful Rose, and sweet, but a shy bloomer. The best mode of treatment is to plant it against a south or an east wall, pruning it very little ; when thoroughly established it will flower. Raised from Noisette Lamarque by M. Coquereau of Angers. Introduced in 1843. 12. §Cornelia Koch ; flowers straw-colour, large and full ; form, globular, fine ; growth, robust. 13. §Desprez a fleur Jaune (Jaune Desprez) (New French Yellow) ; flow^ers red, buff", flesh, and sulphur, very large and full ; form, cupped ; growth, vigorous, making shoots three or four feet long, the flowers forming in clusters at their points, the foliage large and fine, Very sweet. A most desirable kind for a wall. Raised by M. Desprez at Yebles. Introduced in 1838. 14. Du Luxembourg ; flowers lilac rose, their centres deep red, large, and very double ; form, cupped ; growth, vigorous. 15. § Earl OF Eldox ; flowers orange-bafi', large and fall, free and very sweet. A good wall Rose. jficLAiR DE Jupiter ; see Group XXVIII., Rose de Rosomane. 16. Fellenberg ; flowers bright crimson, of medium size, double ; form, cupped ; growth, vigorous. An abundant bloomer, with dark foliage, showy, but rather loose. Desirable for bedding : fine late in the year. 17. § Isabella Gray, or Miss Gray; flowers deep yellow, large and full; form, globular ; growth, vigorous. A splendid Climbing Rose under glass, but worthless out of doors. 18. §Jane Hardy ; flowers golden yellow, large and full ; growth, vigorous. 19. Jeanne d'Arc ; flowers pure white ; form, cupped ; growth, vigorous. 20. La Biche ; flowers white, their centres flesh, very large and very double ; form, cupped ; growth, vigorous. A fine Pillar Rose. 21. §Lamarque ; flowers white, their centres deep straw-colour, very large and full ; form, cupped ; growth, vigorous. A splendid kind for a wall with a sunny aspect, producing its elegant flowers in large clusters. Raised by M. Marechal, a shoemaker, from his window-garden at Angers. Introduced in 1830. 22. §Lamarque Jaune ; flowers golden yellow, of medium size, fall ; growth, moderate. 23. L'Ariosto ; flowers rosy carmine. 24. §Le Pactole {Factolus) ; flowers cream, their centres yellow, large and full ; form, cupped ; growth, moderate. A beautiful Rose. LiESis ; see Celine Forestier. 270 THE ROSE GARDEN. 25. §Madame Caroline Kuster ; flowers pale yellow, with deeper centres, large, full, and globular ; free flowering, distinct, and beautiful ; growth, vigorous, 26. Madame Herman ; flowers rosy salmon. 27. Madame Massot ; flowers pure white, flesh-coloured centres, small, full, and produced in clusters : form, cupped, fine ; growth, vigorous. 28 §Madame Schultz ; flowers pale yellow, deeper centres, of medium size, full, and very sweet ; growth, vigorous. 29. §Mdlle. Aristide ; flowers pale yellow, centres salmon-colour ; growth, vigorous. Mar^chal Niel, see Group XXXIII., Tea-scented. 30. §Margarita ; flowers yellow, edged with white and shaded with rose ; growth, vigorous. 31. Marie Accary; flowers white, tinted with rose and yellow; growth moderate. 32. Miss Glegg ; flowers white, their centres sometimes flesh-colour, produced in large clusters, small and full ; form, cupped ; growth, dwarf. Much in the style of Aimee Vibert, but the flowers are smaller and more regularly formed. A pretty Rose. Raised by M. Vibert. 33. §Ophirie ; flowers reddish copper, the outer petals rosy and fawn, of medium size, very double ; form, cupped ; growth, vigorous. Distinct and sweet. Foliage handsome. An excellent Wall or Weeping Rose. Raised by M. Goubault at Angers. Introduced in 1841. 34. PuMiLA Alba ; flowers white, small and double ; form, cupped. A free bloomer, of small growth, good for bedding. Smith's Yellow ; see Group XXXIII., Tea-scented. Reine de Massifs ; see Appendix, " New Roses." 35. §Reve d'Or ; flowers deep yellow, sometimes coppery yellow, large and full ; growth, vigorous. 36. §Solfaterre ; flowers creamy white, their centres bright sulphur, very large and full ; form, cupped ; growth, vigorous. A fine Rose, with handsome foliage, and very sweet. Excellent for a Wall. Raised from Noisette Lamarque, by M. Boyau of Angers. Introduced in 1843. 37. §Trtomphe DE BoLWYLLER ; flowers cream-colour, shaded ; form, cupped. 38. Triomphe de la DuchI]RE ; flowers pale rose, produced in large clusters, of medium size, full ; form, cupped. Raised by M. Beluze, of Lyons. Intro- duced in 1846. 39. §Triomphe de Rennes ; flowers canary, cream edges, large and full ; form, cupped, fine ; growth, vigorous. A good hardy Rose, and very sweet. 40. Unique Jaune ; flowers coppery-yellow, shaded with vermilion, of medium size, full ; growth, vigorous. end of division II. APPENDIX. THE BOTANY OF THE ROSE * BoTANiCALLT Considered, the Roses constitute one of the most diflBcult families the student has to encounter. Notwithstanding" this, they have many- attractions, and the Wild Roses of our woods and hedge-rows, though of a simple type, are the very impersonations of elegance and beauty. Doubtless, at the present day, when beauty of form is less generally prized than masses of colour, the number of cultivators who would care to collect, in their prim gardens, the aboriginal species of Roses, whether native or exotic, may be limited ; but, amongst those who are interested in Rose- culture, there may be some who may desire to know the extent of materials which the genus affords, especially in reference to the working-out, by hybridisation, of characters differing from those which predominate in the races at present cultivated ; and those who wish to do this, may find some useful hints in the particulars which follow. The Botanist can by no means assent to the broad and sweeping con- clusion, at which perhaps the genuine florist would arrive, that the original forms or species of Roses are unfit to find a place in our gardens. He might justly maintain that many of them are very worthy objects. There is among them a much greater diversity of elegance than the cultivated varieties, with all their richness and splendour, are found to possess ; and hence it may be assumed that there are many Wild Roses which are quite admissible into select Rose-gardens, and many more which the hybridist might turn to his advantage. Moreover, a plea might be urged on behalf of the Single Roses, on account of their exquisite modelling ; they are often, indeed generally, set aside as inferior to those having double blossoms, and no doubt they are less enduring ; but for all that, to quote but one example, who could affect to despise, or look with indifference upon, the Austrian Briar ? Before proceeding to sketch the various groups of Wild Roses, it may be useful to the uninitiated to explain the application of some of the terms which are employed in referring to the different parts of the Rose-tree, Boot-shoots, or Surculi, are the strong one-year old shoots produced from the base of the plant ; these do not usually bear any blossoms, except on * For this paper on Wild Roses I am indebted to my friend, Mr. Thomas Moore. 272 THE EOSE GARDEN. their lateral branches, which are most commonly produced during the second season. The habit of these root-shoots is different, and this helps to dis- tinguish some of the species. Branches are the ramifications of either the root-shoots or the principal stems. Branchleis are the small lateral shoots produced in some instances from the stronger shoots of the same season's growth. Prickles of various kinds. Arms indicate the armature of the stems and branches, that is to say, the rigid processes borne on their surface. The term armed is used when prickles and set® are borne indiscriminately ; while unarmed is used to denote smoothness, or the absence of prickles and setse. SETiE. PricMes, or Aculei, are the sharp rigid processes which occur on most of the species ; in some they are straight, and in others more or less hooked ; they vary much in size as well as in form and colour. SetcB are small straight prickles or aculei, tipped with a gland, and are known from true glands by their rigidity. They are believed to exist upon APPENDIX. — BOTANY OP THE ROSE. 273 tlie root-shoots, at some period, ia all the species, becoming" soon changed into bristle-like aculei hy the loss of the gland. In general they are deciduous. Glands are secretory bodies, for the most part attached to leaves on their under-surface, and better distinguished from setae by their scent than by anything else. The well-known appearance of the Moss Rose is caused by glands in a peculiar condition. Glaxds. Pubescence is applied to a kind of downiness caused by the presence of short fine hairs. When found on the branches, peduncles, or the tube of the calyx, pubescence offers a useful discriminative characteristic. Stipules are little leaf-like appendages growing one on each side of the leaf-stalk at its base, to which they always in some degree adhere ; some- times they are much developed, sometimes they are deciduous. T 274 THE EOSE GARDEN. Bracts are small leafy bodies produced in some species, and always situated between the true leaves and tbe flowers. Disc is a term applied to a projecting part of the flower which occurs between the base of the stamens and the ovaries. BuACTS (indicated at a). Fruit is a common term for the hip, which is the fleshy tube of the calyx, grown on to maturity, and enclosing the pericarps or true fruits. The Rose constitutes the genus Kosa of Linn^us. This name Uosa, by which the plants are known to Botanists, is derived from the Celtic rliodd or/ rhudd, red, whence come the Greek 'Po^ov, and the Latin Bosa. The plants! form a very extensive and well-marked family, readily recognised as a whole/ Diagrammatic Section of a Rose Flower : a, sepals ; h, petals ; c, stamens ; d, pistils ; e, pericarps. but in many cases by no means easily distinguished from each other. The peculiar characteristics of Roses, from a botanical point of view, are— (1), the presence of an urn-shaped calyx, which has a limb of five segments, and a fleshy tube, the apex of which is constricted into a ring or glandular disk ; APPENDIX. — BOTANY OF THE ROSE. 275 (2), numerous stamens, inserted with the petals on the rim of the tube of the calyx ; and (3), numerous dry bony pericarps, which are enclosed in the fleshy calyx-tube. The accompanying section of a Rose-flower will make these peculiarities more intelligible. The segments of the calyx are usually divided in a pinnate manner, but not in all cases, and they are sometimes deciduous. The petals are normally five in number, the five-petaled flowers being well represented by the Wild Roses of our hedge-rows. The ovaries, which are numerous, and enclosed in the calyx-tube, are distinct, bristly, and tipped by the style, which passes up to the orifice of the tube : these styles are usually separate, but in some few species they are joined together into an elongated column. The leaves of Roses are what are called imparipinnate, that is, pinnated with a terminal leaflet, and stipules grow to the sides of their stalks. EosA FEROX, see page 276. Roses are either erect or scandent shrubs. The species enumerated or described, computed at the time of Lindley's Monograph at one hundred, have been increased to two hundred and fifty or upwards, exclusive of garden forms ; but the most recent authorities (Bentham and Hooker), adopting the view that these have been inordinately multiplied by the elevation of varieties to specific rank — a view which is probably correct in the main — reduce the total number of known species to about thirty, which are distributed throughout the temperate and sub-alpine regions of the I^'orthern Hemis- phere, arc rare in America, and have their southern limit in Abyssinia, the. East Indian Peninsula, and Mexico. The Rose family is broken up by Botanists into several distinct groups, of which those most generally adopted are: — 1, Feroces ; 2, Bracteatce ; 3, 276 THE EOSE GARDEN. Cinnamomece ; 4, PimpinelUfoUce ; 5, Centifolice ; 6, Villosce ; 7, Buhiginosce ; 8, Oanince ; 9, Systijloe ; and 10, Banhsianoe. The Feroces consist of deciduous bushes, whose branches are clothed with permanent down. The leaves fall early in Autumn, after which the branches are remarkable for their hoary bristly appearance ; the sepals are usually toothed ; and the fruits are perfectly smooth. This group is represented by B, ferox, a shrub from 3 to 4 feet hig-h, introduced to our gardens from the Caucasus, before the close of the last century. Its branches are densely covered with prickles, which are all of the same shape ; the leaves consist of from five to nine elliptic retuse leaflets ; the flowers are large and red ; and the globose fruits are scarlet. One of its forms, called nitens, has smooth leaves, and paler crimson flowers. Another species is B. Jcamtschatica, which bears solitary flowers of a very deep red. The Feroces do not appear to have as yet influenced our Garden Boses. Rosa bracteata. To this group belongs the B. rugosa of Japan (figured by MM. Linden and Andre as B. Begeliana), introduced in 1868 to the Belgian Gardens. It is a dwarfish hardy shrub, with erect branches bearing numerous prickles, bright green leaves hoary beneath, and terminal corymbs of very showy crimson flowers, resembling large single peonies. The Bracteat^ form evergreen and sub-evergreen bushes, the branches and fruit of which are clothed with permanent tomentum. The leaves are dense and usually shining ; and tbe prickles of the stem are placed under the stipules in pairs. The sepals are nearly or quite simple. The type of this group is B. hracteata, the parent of the Macartney Roses. It is a shrub from 3 to 4 feet in height, with erect branches, strong hooked prickles, and leaves consisting of from five to nine obovate shining leaflets^. APPENDIX. BOTANY OF THE ROSE. 277 The flowers are pure white, solitary, and nearly sessile within the appressed pectinated downy bracts. The fruits are woolly and spherical, of an orange- red colour. This plant was introduced from China in 1795. Maria Leonida, which is one of the varieties, and which bears double white flowers, tinged in the centre with pink, is one of the finest and most distinct of Autumnal Roses. R. involucrafa, from Nepal and China, which has white, nearly solitary, flowers, surrounded by three or four approximate leaves, whence they are called involucrated, belongs here also. Another species referred to this group by some, bat by others to the Caninas, is II. niicroplujlla, a small compact shrub, with slender branches, furnished beneath the stipules with straight prickles, and having small shining roundish-ovate leaflets, and solitary double full red flowers, whose calyx is covered with close-set straight prickles. It resembles the Macartney Rose in its general appearance, and has given rise to the garden group of Microphylla Roses. The C1XNAMOME.E are deciduous Roses, the stems being unarmed or setigerous towards the base, and bearing bracts upwards. The leaflets are lanceolate, without glands ; the disk of the calyx-tube is never thickened ; and the sepals are long and narrow, and fall immediately after the ripening of the small round fruits. This group is chiefly one of botanical interest, not having yielded, at least directly, any of the choice races which are prized in gardens. It contains a good many North American species, and some of our common English ones. Hence, being very hardy, the species might be employed to impart the desirable quality of hardiness to some of the fine tender breeds so much prized. Among them are : — R. nitida, a bush 2 feet high, with crowded slender straight red prickles, dark green leaves, consisting of from three to seven narrow lanceolate shining leaflets, and deep red flowers, succeeded by bright scarlet depressed spherical fruits. B. lucida, the Single Burnet Rose, a compact shrub from 4 to 6 feet high, with erect branches, nearly solitary prickles under the stipules, and a few scattered setse ; the leaves consisting of nine oblong imbricated flat shining leaflets ; and the flowers red, overtopped by the leaves and young branches. B. Lifidleyi, a diffuse shrub, from 3 to 4 feet high, with twiggy, almost unarmed branchlets ; leaves consisting of from seven to nine opaque glaucescent oblong leaflets ; and rose coloured flowers, usually growing in pairs. B. parviflora, a dwarf shrub, a couple of feet in height, with slender branches, linear stipules, needle-shaped prickles, leaves of about five lance-shaped finely- toothed shining leaflets, and pale blush flowers usually growing in pairs. B. Carolina, a shrub from 3 to 6 feet high, with erect branches, twin or solitary straight prickles under the stipules, which are convolute ; opaque leaves of seven lance- shaped leaflets ; and crimson flowers with spreading sepals. B. gemella, a low shrub, armed with short hooked prickles growing in pairs beneath the axils of the leaves, which have oblong acute leaflets, the flowers being large and red. B. Lyoni, a shrub from 3 to 4 feet high, with glabrous stems, armed with straight 278 THE ROSE GARDEN. scattered prickles ; leaves formed of from three to five small ovate-oblong leaflets, vrhich are smooth above and tomentose beneath ; the flowers usually ternate, and of a pale red. All these are North American. B. cinnamomea^ the Cinnamon Rose, which is the type of the group, is an erect grayish shrub, from 5 to 6 feet high, the branches armed with a pair of straightish prickles under the stipules ; the leaves dense, made up of five, rarely seven, lanceolate leaflets, gray and smooth above, downy beneath ; the flowers small, pale or bright red ; and the fruits round, naked, crimson. It is a native of England, and is found also in the Middle and South of Europe. H. Dichsoniana, a shrub from 5 to 6 feet high, with flexuous setigerous branches, oval leaflets, white flowers, and ovate urceolate naked fruits, is said to be a native of Ireland. B, majalis, the Dwarf Cinnamon or May Rose, is a small gray Rosa cinnamomea. shrub 3 or 4 feet high ; it has straight branches, scattered nearly equal prickles, and leaves composed of about seven oblong glaucous leaflets ; the flowers are solitary, pale red, the fruits orange red, spherical, and naked. This last is indigenous in Sweden and Denmark, and is also found in England, being the cinnamomea of some English Botanists. The PiMPiNELLiFOLiiE consist of deciduous bushes, whose stems and branches either bear crowded nearly equal prickles, or are unarmed, being also sometimes bractless, more rarely bracteate. The leaflets are ovate or oblong, varying in number from seven to fifteen. The sepals are connivent and permanent, and the disk is almost wanting. This section is represented in two or three groups of our Garden Roses. Thus JB. alpinaj the Alpine Rose, a free-habited unarmed shrub from 5 to 8 feet high, with erect branches, is the original of the group of Boursault APPENDIX. BOTANY OP THE ROSE. 279 Roses. The leaves of the typal form of this Rose consist of from five to nine leaflets ; it has solitary erect blush flowers, and orange red pendulous elongated fruits. It was introduced in 1683 from the mountains of Europe. B. rubella, a small erect shrub, 2 or 3 feet high, having the branches covered with nearly equal weak setae and prickles, and bearing deep red flowers, is a native of England. B. sulpJiurea, the Double Yellow, or Sulphur coloured Rose, has become familiar in gardens for its beauty and its — intractability. It forms a shrub growing 4 or 5 feet high, having its branches beset with unequal scattered falcate or nearly straight prickles and set^ ; while the leaves are glaucous, and consist of seven obovate leaflets ; the flowers, which are large, transparent yellow, are only known in the double form. This species is recorded to have been introduced from the Levant, in 1629. B. lutescensj a North American and Siberian yellow Rose, forms a stout erect R. WiLSONi, see page 280. shrub from 4 to 6 feet high ; the leaves dense, perfectly free from pubescence ; the flowers solitary pale yellow, followed by large ovate black fruits. The Scotch Rose, B. spinosissima, is another example of the section under notice. It has given us the group which bears the name of Scotch Roses — very distinct and very pretty little plants. The species itself, which is one of our native plants, forms a dwarf compact bush, with creeping roots, and short stiff* branches, the latter beset with very dense unequal, sometimes falcate, prickles and setae. The leaves are close, free from pubescence, and consist of about seven flat, nearly orbicular, leaflets. The flowers are small, solitary, white or blush ; the fruits ovate or roundish, purple or blackisli, crowned by the connivent sepals. The varieties are numerous : some have the peduncles glandular or bristly, while some have them naked ; certain of them are dwarf with slender prickles, the lower ones deflexed ; others are 280 THE EOSE GARDEN. taller, witli unequal crowded prickles ; and others, again, have the leaflets clothed with white down on the under-side. It is an earlj-flowering species, which must be regarded as a recommendation. The group of Perpetual Scotch E/Oses may also be referred to this type. JR. myriaGanlha is like a stunted Scotch Rose, its almost simple erect shoots being defended by dense slender unequal straight prickles and setae, the largest of the prickles being dagger-formed. H. hibernica, invohita^ 8ahiivii, Doniana, gracilis^ and Wihoni are further examples of Wild British Roses belonging to this group. The latter, which is shown in the accompanying figure, is a slender shrub from 2 to 4 feet high, the branches furnished with very unequal straight prickles and glandular setae ; the leaves consisting of from five to nine ovate hairy leaflets ; the flowers of a beautiful dark pink colour, usually three together ; and the fruits nearly globular, scarlet. The Centifoli2E are all setigerous deciduous shrubs, the stems bearing bristles and prickles, and being furnished with bracts. The leaflets are oblong or ovate, and wrinkled ; the disc of the calyx-tube is thickened, so as to close in the throat ; and the sepals are compound, that is, divided. This is, for Rosarians, one of the most important of the groups, yielding them, under the hands of cultivators, the following distinct races, namely, the Damask, the Four Seasons, the Rose de Trianon, the Damask Perpetual, the Hybrid Perpetual, the Bourbon Perpetual, all referrible to B. damascena ; the Provence, the Pompon or Miniature Provence, the Moss, and the Per- petual Moss, all coming from B. cenlifolia ; and the French, the Hybrid French, the Hj-brid Chinese, the Hybrid Bourbon, and the Hybrid Noisette, EosA CENTIFOLIA ; a, Fruit of E. damascena sub-alba. APPENDIX. — BOTANY OF THE EOSE. 281 all traceable to B. galUca, though, of course, in each case this parentage has been modified, sometimes to a considerable degree, by the influence of sur- rounding races. The Centifolice undoubtedly comj^rise a large proportion of the finest and choicest of Garden Roses. It. damascena, the Damask Rose, of which mention has just been made, is a compact shrub from 2 to 4 feet high, bearing on its branches unequal prickles, the larger of which are falcate. The flowers are large, and either white or red, single or double, the sepals being reflexed ; and the fruits elongate. It is of Syrian origin. The French or Officinal Rose, B. galUca, forms a compact shrub from 2 to 3 feet high. Its branches are armed with weak nearly equal uniform prickles ; its leaflets are elliptic, coriaceous, and rigid ; its flowers are erect, red, crimson, or white, single or double ; and its fruit coriaceous, and nearly globose. This comes from Central Europe. B. centifolia, the Hundred-leaved, Provence, or Cabbage Rose, is the type of the group. It forms a shrub from 3 to 5 feet high, the branches of which are armed with unequal prickles, the larger ones being falcate. The leaflets are ciliated with glands. The flowers are cernuous or nodding, white or red, single or (most commonly) double, the sepals not being reflexed ; and the fruits being oblong or roundish, not elongated. This species comes from the Eastern Caucasus, and yields us also the Moss Rose, the variety muscosa of Botanists, which differs in having the glands of the surface of the calyx and peduncles developed into a moss-like covering. The Pompon Rose (variety pomponia) is smaller in every part. The Celery-leaved Rose, which has the leaves bipinnate, is the variety hipinnata. The Villos^; comprise a set of deciduous shrubs, producing straight erectish surculi (root-shoots), and furnished with straightish prickles. The leaflets are ovate or oblong, with diverging serratures ; and the sepals are connivent and persistent, while the disc is thickened so as to close the throat of the calyx-tube. M. villosa, the type of this section, is a native Rose. It forms a large shrub, sometimes a small tree, the branches being very glaucous, and armed with strong straight or somewhat falcate equal prickles, the branchlets sometimes bearing a few setas. The leaves are large, greyish, composed of five unequal elliptic rugose leaflets, downy all over, and coarsely serrated. The flowers often grow in pairs, and are red or pink, succeeded by elliptical or globose, purplish red or crimson bristly fruits, having a gray bloom. There are several varieties. Here also belong : — E, turbinata, the Frankfort Rose, which has the habit of B. damasoena, and is remarkable for its large, red, very double flowers, the tube of the calyx being turbinate. B. iomentosa, a common British Rose, forming a spreading gray-looking shrub, 7 or 8 feet in height, the branches armed with straight rarely falcate equal scattered prickles, and without setae ; its leaves are hoary, consisting of about five oblong or ovate obtuse leaflets ; the flowers reddish, white at the base ; and the fruits purplish, elliptical, and usually hispid. B. alba^ the type of the garden group of Alba 282 THE ROSE GARDEN. Eoses, a spreading greyish shrub 6 or 7 feet high, the branches of which are armed with straightish slender scattered prickles, and have no setje. The leaves consist of five or seven oblong glaucous leaflets. The flowers are large, numerous, white or delicate blush, and gratefully fragrant ; and the fruits are oblong, deep scarlet. It is of European origin, and has been cultivated since 1597. The RuBiGmos^ are deciduous erectish shrubs, with arching surculi, distinguished by the lower surface of the leaves being glandular. The stems are armed with unequal prickles, which are sometimes bristle-formed, rarely wanting ; the leaflets are ovate or oblong, glandular, with diverging serra- tures ; the sepals are permanent, and the disc thickened. Rosa villosa, see page 281. The Sweet Briar or Eglantine, B. ruhiginosa, is a very favourite form of Rose, from the pleasant scent of its glandular foliage. It grows into a much-branched shrub, from 4 to 6 feet high, the flexuose branches of which are armed with numerous strong hooked unequal prickles ; the dull green, sweet-scented leaves consisting of from five to seven roundish-ovate leaflets, which are covered with numerous glands beneath; the flowers are pale blush or pink, two or three altogether, their peduncles and calyxes hispid, with weak setae ; and the fruits are orange-red, roundish or obovate, hispid or smooth, crowned by the ascending sepals. The varieties are numerous : — micrayitha has the prickles nearly equal ; the calyx deciduous, and the fruits small, elliptic or obovate ; umbellata has the branches very prickly, the flowers several in a fascicle, and the fruits globose, nearly smooth ; grandiflora has large flowers and purple fruits ; flexuosa has very flexuose branches, and nearly orbicular leaflets ; rotundifolia has flail-like branches, APPENDIX. — BOTANY OF THE EOSE. 283 and roundish leaflets ; septum has slender flexuose branches, shining leaflets, sub- solitary flowers, and polished fruits ; inodora has much-hooked, nearly equal prickles, nearly scentless oblong leaflets, deciduous sepals, and smooth oblong fruits ; and aculeatissima has very prickly branches, usually solitary flowers, and ovate fruits. These forms are scattered throughout Europe, some of them being found in Britain. B. suaveolens, the American Sweet Briar, is a shrub from 5 to 6 feet high, the branches furnished with straight scattered prickles ; the leaflets scented, ovate, and sparingly glandular beneath ; the flowers usually solitary, pink, with entire sepals ; and the fruits ovate. B. lutea is the Yellow Eglantine Rose, a naked-looking bush about 4 feet high, with erect dark brown shining branches, armed with pale straight nearly equal prickles, and no setae. The leaves are shining, and consist of from liOSA RUBIGINOSA. five to seven elliptic leaflets, more or less hoary beneath ; and the flowers are solitary, deep yellow, large and cup- shaped. There are some varieties known : — punicea, the Austrian Briar, has the petals scarlet above and yellow beneath ; flore plenOf Williams's Double Yellow, is a handsom.e double- flowered yellow Rose ; as also is Hoggii, an American variety. The species is indigenous to Germany and the South of France ; it gives us the group known as Austrian Briars. There are many other Roses of this section, but they are little known, or lost to our gardens. The Can IN J} consist of deciduous or sub-evergreen shrubs, which are in some instances sarmentose, the larger surculi being arched, and the branches furnished with equal hooked prickles. The leaflets are ovate, glandless or glandular, with connivent serratures. The sepals are deciduous ; and the disc is thickened so as to close the throat. 284 THE ROSE GARDEN'. This group of the Dog-Roses shares, with the CentifolijB, the highest position in respect to the value of its varieties as ornamental Garden Roses ; for here we find the Chinese, the Tea-scented, the Bourbon, and the Rose de Rosomane, all owing parentage to R. indica ; the Crimson Chinese, descend- ants of R. semperjlorens ; and the Fairj, which come from R. Lawrenceana. These comprise some of the sweetest of all Roses, and deservedly hold a prominent place in popular estimation. R. caucasica, the Caucasican Dog-Rose, is a very robust shrub 10 or 12 feet high, nearly allied to R. canina; it has remarkably soft ovat^ leaflets, and the large pale red or white flowers grow in bunches. R. canina, our Wild Doo-.Rose, a strag-g-lino: bush from 6 to 8 feet hiofh, is one of the com- monest of Wild Roses, growing in almost every hedge-row of our own Rosa canina. country, and extending throughout Europe and Northern Asia. The branches are armed with strong scattered hooked nearly equal prickles, and are without setae. The leaves are quite smooth, composed of five to seven ovate or oblong leaflets ; the flowers large, pale red ; the fruits ovate or oblong, shining, scarlet. The pulp of these fruits, divested of the seeds, forms a very grateful conserve with sugar, and, besides saccharine matter, contains citric acid. The varieties of this common Rose are exceedingly numerous. Some of the most striking are : — aciphylla, dwarf, with smooth leaves, and smaller flowers ; ohiusifolia, with the petioles glandular, the leaflets ovate-roundish and rather pilose beneath ; pilosiuscula, with the petioles tomentose and hispid, and the leaflets ovate acute puberulous beneath, and smoothish above ; microcarpa, with smaller fruits, and oblong-lanceolate leaflets, velvety beneath ; amhigua, with straight prickles, solitary or ternate flowers, and APPENDIX. — BOTANY OF THE ROSE. 285 ovate-globose fruifs ; ruhiflora, with the prickles strong and rather puberulous, the leaflets large and smooth, and the flowers usually solitary, about the size of those of Euh us Idceus ; dumetorum, with the leaflets flat and more or less hairy on both surfaces ; Fosterii, with the leaflets more or less hairy, and not flat ; ccesioj with very glaucous leaflets, hairy beneath. Several of them are to be found in Britain. Though scarcely ornamental as a garden plant, the Dog-Rose is very useful, as it furnishes one of the most extensively-used and most desirable of stocks for working other E-oses upon. Doubtless, on the other hand, it is answerable for a large proportion of the mop-headed standard plants, which in many cases, at least, can scarcely be called orna- ments of our gardens. E. indica, the Monthly or Common China Rose, a stout shrub, with glaucous branches, armed with scattered compressed equal hocked brown spines, is the original source of the Chinese, Bourbon, Tea-scented, and Rosomane groups. In this the leaves are shining, without pubescence, and consist of from three to five elliptic leaflets. The flowers are pink, usually semi-double, and grow in panicles. The fruits are obovate, scarlet. There are numerous varieties, of which the most distinct are : — odomiissima, with most deliciously-scented flowers ; ochroleuca, with large double cream-coloured scentless flowers ; and favescens, the true Tea-scented Yellow China Rose. The race of Noisette Roses is also sometimes attributed to a hybrid descendant from this species, though usually referred to the group Systylos. J?, indica comes from China, and was introduced in 1789. E. semperjiorens, the Ever-flowering China Rose, is a smaller and more elegant shrub, with slender branches armed with scattered compressed hooked prickles, and few glands ; the leaves are shining, deeply stained with purple, and formed of from three to five ovate- lanceolate leaflets ; the flowers are solitary, deep crimson, and the fruits are spherical. This, also introduced from China in 1789, gives us the Crimson Chinese Roses. E. Lawrenceana, a compact-habited shrub of about a foot high, whose branches are armed with large nearly straight prickles, whose leaflets are ovate, and whose flowers are small, semi-double, pale blush, is also of Chinese origin, and is the parent of the Fairy Roses. This little gem blossoms nearly all the year round. E. sericea, one of the Dog-Rose group, was introduced a few years since to Kew in a living state. It forms a moderate-sized hardy bush, suitable for a wall, and has villose- glandular branches, furnished also with large distant purple prickles ; leaves with from seven to nine small leaflets, silky beneath ; and solitary white flowers, having usually four broadly-obcordate petals. The SysTYLiE are deciduous or sub-evergreen shrubs, resembling the Caninse in habit, but diflering in the styles cohering into an elongated column. Though not equalling either the Centifoliae or the Caninas in the number and value of the garden varieties it has originated, the present group afibrds some interesting subjects, as the Ayrshires, which come from E.arvensis ; the Evergreens, which come from E. sempervirens ; the Multifloras, which come from a species bearing that name ; the Musks, the Hybrid Musks, and the 286 THE ROSE GARDEN. Noisettes, which are commonly referred to the B. moschata; and the Prairie Roses, which spring from R. rubifolia. Some of the most valuable of Climbing- Roses are comprised in this series. B. sysiyla, a European species, also found in Britain, is a rambling slender shrub from 8 to 10 feet high, with much the character of B. canina ; the surculi are ascendant ; the prickles strong and hooked ; the leaflets ovate ; the flowers fragrant, pinkish ; and the fruits ovate-oblong. B. arvensis is a rambling or trailing, sometimes sub-evergreen, shrub, with stems from 20 to 40 feet long, the slender branches armed with scattered equal prickles, which are either falcate or straightish. The leaves are dark green, distant, formed of five or seven ovate somewhat waved leaflets. The flowers are white with Rosa systyla. a yellow base, slightly scented, solitary on the branchlets, numerous on the root-shoots, and they are followed by round or oblong scarlet fruits. A variety called liyhrida has semi-double delicate flesh-coloured flowers ; it is called in Nurseries the Double-hip Rose. The sub-evergreen Ayrshire Roses appear to have originated from a variety called ayresliirea or capreoJata 1 he species, which is European, is found in hedge-rows and thickets. B. semperviren^, the Evergreen Rose, from the North of Europe, is a climbing shrub, with long slender shoots, armed with slender somewhat hooked prickles ; its leaves are shining, evergreen, formed of five or seven oval or ovate-lanceolate leaflets ; its flowers are numerous, white, fragrant ; and its fruits small, round, and orange coloured. There are some cultivated varieties, among which are Busselliana and Clarei, the former with blush, the latter with deep red flowers. B, multifloraj from China and Japan, is a sub-climbing shrub, with long APPENDIX. — BOTANY OF THE KOSE. 287 naked flexuose branches, furnished beneath the pectinate stipules with a pair of hooked prickles. The leaves consist of five or seven approximate soft dull green lanceolate leaflets, hairy on both sides ; and the flowers are small, numerous, single or double, white or pink, succeeded by red turbinate fruits. There seems little reason to doubt that the B. intermedia figured in the Eevae Eorticole (1868, 269, figs. 29, 30), which had been raised from Chinese seed by M. Leroy, is the typical form of this species, hitherto unknown in gardens ; it is remarkable for its large panicles of small white flowers, about the size of those of a common blackberry, and hence giving the plant an appearance intermediate between that of Ruhus and Eosa. There are some interesting old garden varieties of this plant, of which the form with double pink flowers was Only known when Lindley wrote his Monograjjli : — Thunhergiana, with small double white clustered flowers ; carnea, with small double pink clustered flowers ; Grevilleif the Seven Sisters' Rose, a beautiful plant, with large, double clustered flowers, purple, changing colour as they fade ; and Boursaidtii, an early free-flowering Hose, with small double pink flowers, the petals of which have a reticulated appearance. E. Brunonii, a rambling shrub, with branches from 10 to 12 feet long, and white or pale red flowers in terminal bunches, is a distinct species from Nepal. Ji. anemoni- flora, is a moderate sized shrub, with smooth branching stems, the leaves usually ternate, and the flowers in globular clusters, small, pale blush, the outer petals broad, forming a kind of cup, filled up with narrow petals, resulting from the transformation of the stamens ; this is a Chinese plant, found in the gardens of Shanghae. B. moschata, the Musk Rose, is said to be the species which yields the precious Persian Attar of Roses. It is a rambling shrub, from 10 to 12 feet high, the branches glandular, armed with nearly equal strong hooked scat- tered prickles. The leaves are naked above, glaucous beneath, made up of five or seven unpolished ovate-lanceolate leaflets. The flowers grow in very numerous many-flowered cymes ; they are pure white, with a scent of musk, and are followed by small red fruits. One variety of this, called nivea^ has large white or pale rose-coloured very handsome flowers ; while imdtijplex has double white flowers. The species comes from the North of Africa and Madeira. Some prefer the Noisette Roses to this species, others to a cross- bred form of E. indka. The Prairie Rose, E. ruhifoUa, found in North America, is a shrub from 3 to 4 feet high, with straight ascending root-shoots, glabrous branches armed sparingly with scattered falcate prickles, and distant leaves of about five ovate leaflets, shining above and downy beneath. The flowers are small, pale red, and grow about three together. The fruits are small, round, naked. It blooms in August and September. The BanksianvE comprise rambling deciduous or sub-evergreen shrubs, somewhat tender in their constitution, having trailing stems, and usually ternate shining leaves, the stipules of which are nearly free, subulate, or very narrow, and usually deciduous. The most important Rose in this group is that known as the Banksian, of 288 THE ROSE GARDEN. which yellow and white-flowered varieties exist. This plant, II. Banhsicet Lady Banks' Rose, forms a climbing* and rambling shrub, the branches of which are unarmed, weak, and of a dull green colour. The leaves are entirely free from pubescence, except at the base of the centre nerve, where they are very hairy, and they consist of three or five flat oblong lanceolate obtuse leaflets. The flowers are numerous, arranged in corymbs, nodding, small, white, and very double, with a weak but pleasant scent. The fruits are small, globose, black, unarmed. The variety called lutea differs in having the blossoms of a nankeen yellow. This Rose, which flowers in June and July, and was introduced in 1807, comes to us from China. It is a remark, ably fine conservatory plant. B. sinica, the Three-leaved China Rose, is also a rambling sub-evergreen shrul), the branches of which are covered with Rosa sinica. equal scattered red falcate prickles. The leaves are very shining, composed of three ovate-lanceolate leaflets, pale beneath, with a prickly mid-rib. The flowers are large, white, solitary, succeeded by elliptic orange red muricate fruits, crowned with spreading rigid undivided sepals. With this group of Banksians our Garland of Wild Roses is complete. They are especially commended to the notice of those who are busy at the fountain-head of that flood of sweets which each revolving year pours in upon our gardens in the shape of New Roses, A word to the wise is suflRcient ; and to point to the gains which would be realized by the acquisition of improved Macartney Roses with their evergreen foliage, of enlarged Banksian Roses with their graceful habit, of hardier Tea Roses with their delicious perfume — and with these the half is not told — should be enough to stir the imagination, and to fire the enthusiasm of the Hybridizer. THE ENTOMOLOGY OF THE EOSE.* The completeness aimed at in the present edition of this work with regard to all that concerns the Rose, fully justifies, if indeed it does not demand, more than a passing allusion to the Insects connected with the plant of which it treats. For we think there are few practical cultivators who will not admit that much of the success of Rose growing depends upon the keeping of the plants free, either entirely or to a great extent, from certain insect pests which are found at all times, and under all conditions, to a greater or less degree attached to this flower. For no sooner do the plants begin to pat forth their leaves, than the same warmth present in the atmosphere (whether artificially produced or prevalent in the natural order of things) which prompts the ascent of the sap, serves also to revivify the germs of insect life present in the eggs of certain moths, saw flies, and aphides, and to re-awaken to fall life and activity such as may have passed the winter in the caterpillar or chrysalis state, and as summer advances fresh broods arise to carry on the work of destruction, and beetle and bee lend their aid in marring and destroying the beauty of the flowers and foliage. Small as they are, aud low in the scale of creation, we have here no insignificant foes, and the very minuteness of the objects, combined with the variety of means they exercise to attain their ends, render the study of their habits necessary in order to combat them, and delightful from the great diversity manifested in their economy. Some work in the dark, eating their way in the pith of the young shoots, and the harm done is not discovered till the part attacked withers and dies, and the caterpillar probably by that time has fulfilled its term of existence as such, and is safely sleeping as a chrysalis ; others work openly, seeming to defy all our efibrts to subdue them, trusting to their wings, possibly to their diminutiveness, their numbers, or other means of escape to elude just punishment, but so long as there is a leaf to prey upon some insect will be found at work ; irrepressible is their energy, untiring their efforts, irremeJiable their effects. But while laying the insect race generally under this ban, it must in justice be admitted that we have some shfjep in the flock which do not deserve to be painted in quite such black colours. Every rule is said to have its exceptions, and in this case the rule would seem to be proved by the Ichneumons and a few other tribes which keep in check and thin the ranks of our foes. Therefore, after submitting to the reader a list of the species which may justly be regarded as proscribed, we shall say a few words in favour of our insect friends. * For this paper on the Entomology of the Rose I am indebted to the observations and researches of my son, Mr. Arthur Wm. Paul. U 290 THE EOSE GAEDEN. With reference to the former it has been remarked that the species of insects found to prey upon the Rose outnumber those attached to any other tree or plant, the oak excepted. In dealing- with them M e should, indeed, hail with delight some destructive compound equally simple in its application and direful in its effects to all pests. But from their various habits and habitats such hopes are vain, and it becomes necessary to study the economy of each species, and the most effective means of subduing- it will be soon apparent. There is no doubt but that a state of bad health predisposes all plants to the attacks of noxious insects, and this we think is clearly proved by the unusual abundance of caterpillars and green fly in cold and unfavourable spring weather. The plants, tried and weakened by the ungenial state of the atmosphere, lack the vigour which ensures the active circulation of the sap, and unable to resist the attacks of their enemies speedily fall a prey to them. One general rule, therefore, to be observed, is to keep the plants generally in good health, and then, even if insects abound, their attacks will be found to be far less disastrous in their effects. In birds, also, nature has furnished us with some valuable allies in harassing our enemies ; but undoubtedly the most certain modes of destruction are to be practised by the hand of the cultivator. With nearly all species of caterpillars, hand picking, although tedious, is the safest and only reliable operation. In the case of small caterpillars in buds, by gently squeezing the latter its inmates may generally be destroyed expeditiously and without injury to the plant, but when the caterpillars are large it is preferable to remove them from the plant before killing them. With the moths and saw flies in their perfect state, any means must be resorted to which offer chance of success. They should be watched for on all opportu- nities and destroyed. Perhaps early evening is the best time to seek moths, and day time for saw flies. With regard to the green fly (Aphis), many preparations have been found very effective against its ravages. For Rose^ under glass thorough fumigation with tobacco smoke would seem the most simple and effective remedy, and out of doors a solution of tobacco in water, or the composition formed by boiling together 1 lb. of soft soap and 1 lb. of Quassia chips in four gallons of water will be found sure in their results, but it is always advisable to syringe the plant thoroughly with pure water after it has undergone any operation of this kind, in order to cleanse the leaves and shoots from all impurities. Where a special mode of procedure is referrible to any species it will be noted when the insect is described. Much of the success in keeping down " vermin " consists in using great watchfulness to accomplish the destruction of the creature in its young state, and thus preventing the spread of the evil. Premising that everyone is acquainted with the fact that the period of an insect's existence is divided between the egg, the caterpillar or larva, the chrysalis or pupa, and the imago or perfect states, we shall close these few prefatory remarks with a short notice of the classification of insects, which APPENDIX. — ENTOMOLOGY OF THE EOSE. 291 will, we think, be of assistance for the better handling" of our subject. Many- authorities, from Linnaeus downwards, have occupied themselves on this subject, and in consequence many systems have been put forward. The one, however, which recommends itself to us as being the simplest and easiest to comprehend is that adopted by Mr. Newman, one of our greatest living entomologists. Taking the pupa or chrysalis state as the basis of his arrangement, this gentleman divides insects into eight orders, viz.: — Lepidoptera — Consisting of moths and butterflies. DiPTEKA — Represented by gnats and the common house fly. Hymenoptera — Examples : bees, saw flies. CoLEOPTERA — Consisting of beetles. Stegopteea — Examples : caddis flies. Neuroptera — Examples : dragon flies. Orthoptera — Such as grasshoppers and crickets. Hemiptera — Of which a better example than the Aphis can hardly be cited to the Rosarian. Having thus given an outline of the various orders into which insects are divided, we will lay before the reader a synopsis of such insects as may be deemed really injurious to the Rose. It is somewhat difficult to estimate what proportion of the whole of the depredators of the Rose this list includes ; the observations from which it has been compiled have not extended over a very lengthened period ; neither has the area of observations been such as to render the non-appearance of many injurious species, by reason of climate, locality, and soil, impossible. No doubt much remains yet to be done. Ob- servations from various parts of the country, duly chronicled, would afford much useful information ; and all that this list can pretend to is the enumera- tion of such species as are universally noxious, or, if local, especially destructive. Lepidoptera — f Liparis am'iflua Bombyx neustria Orgyia antiqua Cheimatobia brumata Anticlea badiata „ derivata Pyg£era bucephala Noeuia typica Tortrix pyrastrana „ ribeana Poronea variegana Dictyopteryx Bergmanniana Antithesia ochroleucana Spilonota aquana Microsetia centifoliella. Hymenoptera- r Tenthredo agilis „ cincta „ rosarum Cladius difformis Athalia Rosie. Cynips Rosae Rhodites eglanteriee „ rosarum „ spinosissima3. Megachile centuncularis. 292 THE ROSE GARDEN. COLEOPTERA Cetonia aurata Melolontha vulgaris Balaninus brassicje Meligethes geneus. Oethoptera — Gryllotalpa vulgaris. Hemiptera — Aphis Ros89 Kermes Rosoa Cicada spumaria „ E/Osae Tbrips haemorrlioidalis. Arachnid — Acarus tellarius. The first species to be described is the common gold- tailed moth (Liparia auriflua), the caterpillar of which, known in many parts of the country as the "palmer worm," is a frequent visitor to the Rose. It appears to be a general feeder, the Rose forming only one of many plants which it lays under contribution ; and even with this flower it is by no means of a fastidious appetite, sometimes devouring the leaves, at others the petals of the flowers themselves. The caterpillar, when fall fed, is about an inch in length ; it is very hairy, in colour black, with two bright red stripes down the back. The hairs are some white and some black, and two of the segments of the body are ornamented with humps. It is a beautiful and conspicuous object, and may often be observed basking in the sun, and, under such circumstances, is easily seen and captured. We would, however, caution persons with tender skins from handling it too freely, for it has the power of causing a very un- pleasant itching and inflammation. When full fed it spins a web somewhere amongst its food plant, and changes therein to a brown chrysalis. The moth is satiny white, with three indistinct dusky spots on each of the upper wings ; the extremity of the body is ornamented with a tuft of yellow hairs, whence the species derives its name. It appears in July, and may often be taken at rest in the day time on blades of grass under hedges and in ditches, and from its size and colour it is easily recognisable. The caterpillar is found during May and June, and again in the autumn, but specimens caught in the latter season are always very small, this being one of the species which hybernates or passes the winter season in the caterpillar state. The next moth we have to describe is " The Lackey " (Bomhyx neuslria)^ and, although like the preceding, it is not entirely confined to the Rose, it is nevertheless far more destructive, and ranks amongst the most voracious devourers of our flower, for not only do the caterpillars attain to a greater size than those of the species above described, and are therefore compelled to assimilate a proportionately larger quantity of green food, but also until they are within a day or two of changing to pupo3 they are gregarious, living together in large numbers, and spinning for themselves a capacious web, in which they dwell secure. It may easily be imagined that an army of these leave but few leaves behind them on even a large Rose tree, and during the past summer we had under observation several colonies of these caterpillars upon various kinds of Rose bushes, the branches of which they stripped bare. Later in the season, also, we found the eggs of this species, which form a APPENDIX.— ENTOMOLOGY OP THE ROSE. 293 hard mass, being embedded in a gummy substance, and are laid in a beauti- fully-formed and even ring encircling tbe twigs of the Rose. The caterpillar is slightly hairy, grayish black in colour, striped longitudinally with orange and blue alternately. When full fed it is about two inches in length ; it is somewhat slender and soft to the touch. It spins a whitish cocoon either amongst its food plant, or in some convenient spot near, in which it changes to a brown chrysalis. The moth is very variable in colour ; the average of specimens are yellowish brown, with two darker lines running across the front wings. The hind wings are pale, with an indistinct bar across the middle. There are also specimens in which the prevailing tint is red brown, and in such the lines across the front wings are distinctly shaded off to pale brown. The caterpillar appears in spring and early summer ; the moth in July. The latter measures from an inch and a quarter to an inch and a half in the expanse of the upper wings. The " Winter Moth " (Chimatuhia hrumata), an insect which has proved itself so destructive both in this country and on the continent of Europe to fruit trees, is also a frequent and troublesome visitor to the Kose. During the past summer they were especially numerous, and the damage they caused very considerable. The following description of the caterpillar will, I think, serve for its identification if met with : — Colour apple green, with three or four very fine white lines running longitudinally the whole length of the body, which is further adorned with a number of small white spots, and a quantity of fine white hairs. At each segment joint there is a pale transverse line. The head is pale green. In the early stages of its existence the cater- pillar establishes itself in the unexpanded leaf-buds of its food plant ; as the leaves expand, its habit is to spin two or three together very slightly, leaving just a feeble net- work of web in the crevices, and in this dwelling, when not feeding, it may usually be observed curled up, but after the fashion of all the larvae of the particular class to which this moth belongs, it may often be noticed at rest on a leaf or twig, stretched out to the full, retaining its hold by its two last pairs of legs, and imitating to perfection a twig of the plant itself, and thus, without doubt, eluding often observation by insectivorous birds. This caterpillar appears in April and May. When full fed it descends into the earth for the purpose of changing to a chrysalis. The moth emerges during mild weather in October, November, and December. The wings of the male are greyish brown, barred transversely with lines of a darker colour ; the under wings are paler, and very slightly marked. The expanse of the upper wings is about an inch. The female is incapable of flight, having the wings in a very rudimentary state, and her power of motion is confined to crawling ; from this fact, and from the shape of the body and length of the legs, she might be taken for a spider by a casual observer. The colour varies somewhat. I have now before me specimens ranging from pale gray to black ; but the most common form seems to have the body gray, with five rows of darker spots running the whole length of it, those on the sides being larger than the others. 294 THE EOSE GAEDEN. The annexed woodcut illustrates the moth and caterpillar known as the " Buff Tip " (Pi/gcera Bucephala), doubtlessly owing* its fanciful name to the large patch of buff or straw colour present at the upper corner of each of the fore-wings. This is a large and handsome insect, having the upper wings of a purplish gray colour, the lower half shaded with silvery scales. Across each of these two wings run transversely two zigzag lines of a darker colour dividing each wing into three parts. In the centre of the middle part is a dark spot surrounded by a ring of pale yellow or straw colour, and the upper corner of the outside division is taken up with the patch mentioned above of the same colour, and the lower corner of this division is also slightly clouded with straw colour. The hind wings are yellowish white, head and thorax brown and buff, and the body buff. The full expanse of the upper wings when stretched out is from two to two and a half inches. The 1 A. caterpillar is also handsomely and conspicuously marked, and where it appears (and it is by no means uncommon) is one of the most destructive attackers of the Rose. Like the caterpillars of the " Lackey " moth, those of the present species live and feed gregariously and fully rival, if indeed they do not excel, the former in their ravages. A full grown caterpillar will mea- sure from two to three inches in length, and is stout in proportion. It is slightly hairy ; the ground colour of the body is bright yellow, marked plentifully, both longitudinally and transversely, with black. For the purpose of passing into the pupa state it sometimes enters the earth, but more frequently undergoes its metamorphosis on the ground in some secure situation without any covering or case whatever, changing to a dark brown chrysalis. The moth appears in July, the caterpillar in the spring and early summer. APPENDIX. ENTOMOLOGY OP THE EOSE. 295 The next insect that claims attention (the Gothic Moth — Ncenia typica) is not a rose-feeder only, bat turns its attention to many plants, fruit trees being- especially obnoxious to its attacks. But as a case has come under our notice where it was certainly an aggressor, we have no hesitation in including it amongst the enemies of the Rose. The case in question was that of a large specimen Rose in a pot which was grown in a g-reenhouse for early flowering. The leaves of this plant were observed daily to show fresh signs of depreda- tion upon them, and such was the amount of green food abstracted that it was evident that some insect of size was at work. The leaves and plant carefully searched furnished no culprit, and it was not until some six or eight days after the mischief was first noticed that the caterpillar was discovered at dawn one April morning on a piece of bast in the neighbourhood of the plant. This was accounted for by the habit of this species in the larval state. It feeds during the night, and eludes all searching rays of daylight by hiding under dead leaves, stones, or any rubbish in the neighbourhood of its food plant. When full grown it measures about two and a quarter inches in length. The prevailing colour is pale brown, with a broad whitish gray band along each side. This band is edged with two thin distinct wavy lines, one white and the other black. The body is mottled, with two short oblique pale lines on each side of every segment excepting the second, third, fourth, and fifth, these four having a small black spot on each side, which is also present on the other segments, but not so distinct. The head is shining, of the same colour as the body, as are also the legs. The full fed caterpillar descends into the ground to change to a chrysalis. The moth, although dull in colour, is handsome. It is smoky gray, with the upper wings distinctly marked with white. The hind wings are without these markings. The full expanse of the upper wings is from one and a quarter to one and three quarter inches. The moth appears in June. The young caterpillars are hatched in the autumn, passing the winter in a dormant state, and re- awakening to activity in the spring. It is in the latter season only that they are likely to do any harm to Roses. Before leaving the larger species of moths there are three which we think should be mentioned, although their occurrence is not of such frequency as to lead us to anticipate any serious damage. The first is the " Yapourer Moth " (Oryyia antiqua), a very common species, but not generally met with on the Rose. The other two are the nearly allied geometers, Aniiclea hadiata and derivata. The larva of the first of these we have found feeding on the Dog Rose (Rosa canina), and the second is said to feed on the same plant. The caterpillars of the moths we are now about to consider are much smaller than those of the preceding species. Many of them, indeed, are so small as often to escape detection, and, therefore, destruction. These are generally intended when we hear the comprehensive soubriquet of " grub " or " maggot." The first species is Tortrix pyrastrana. The female moth measures nearly an inch in the full expanse of its upper wings, the male scarcely three quarters of an inch. Their colour is pale brown, delicately 296 THE ROSE GARDEN. reticulated with lines of a darker colour. At the juncture of the wing's with the body, there is a broad dark band across the wing transversely, and about the centre of the wing there is another broad oblique line of the same colour running transversely, and at the upper corner there is also a dark triangular patch. The under wings are plain smoky brown, with the fringe of a paler colour. Head and thorax brown, body smoky. The caterpillar is pale green, sometimes dull, sometimes bright. Body slightly covered with small whitish hairs. The head is shiny, of a pale dingy green colour. When full fed, it is about three quarters of an inch in length. A thin dark line runs down the back, and the joints of the segments are clearly visible by the presence of thin white lines, which show at each movement of the insect. It is very agile in its movements. It spins together two leaves, one of which it often severs from the stem ; and this dying, it appears as if the larva took up its abode in a dead leaf. When disturbed, it wriggles actively, and drops from either end of its dwelling suspended by a thread. It spins a slight web, in which to change to a chrysalis. The latter, at first, is greenish brown, but changes to a more uniform brown. The caterpillar is common through- out May and the early part of June ; the moth at the end of June and during July. The next species, Tortrix riheana, very nearly resembles the preceding insect in many points. In size it is the same, but in colour much darker. The upper wings here are also delicately reticulated with darker lines, but the broad dark band at the juncture of the wings with the body is entirely wanting. The oblique central band is also neither so complete or con- Bpicuous, and there is a very slight trace only of the triangular patch at the upper corner of the wing. The hind wings are smoky brown, with fringe of a paler colour. Head, thorax, and body dark brown. The habits of the caterpillar of this species exactly resemble those of the one last described : the points of distinction — firstly, in the colour, which is darker in T. riheana than in T. pyrastmna, being, in fact, dull pale olive green : secondly, in the head, which is black instead of green (there is also a black plate on the second segment) : and thirdly, in the size, the larva of the former being larger than that of the latter. This is a very common and troublesome species : it is equally abundant on Roses both out of doors and under glass, and is prevalent during a long time. Specimens were feeding with us from April 2nd to May 19th, and on the latter day we observed several young specimens out of doors. It seems very fond of rolling the leaf. When full fed, it changes to a dark brown chrysalis, much darker in colour than the chrysalis of T. pyrastrana. Puronea variegana, the next on our list, is not so common (at least in this locality), and therefore not so injurious as either of the two species last described. The moth has the upper wings nearly equally transversely diyided into two parts ; that including the junction with the body varying in different specimens from pure satiny white to cream colour ; and the outer half brown, with a few indistinct markings of a paler colour. It is to be APPENDIX.— ENTOMOLOGY OF THE ROSE. 297 remarked, tliat a great difference in colour exists in different specimens, especially with regard to the extent and purity of the white portion of the wing ; but where the white is pure and conspicuous, it is a charming little object. When it first emerges from the chrysalis, the wings are orna- mented with a number of small excresences or coruscations. The under wings are pale smoke colour, with the fringe of a paler hue. The caterpillar is about three quarters of an inch long when full fed, somewhat slender, and very active. In colour it varies from dull pale green to bright apple green : it is furnished with a few whitish hairs. The head is shining brown or black. It rolls up the edge of a leaf, and spinning a web, lives therein, devouring that part of its home Avhich is nearest at hand. Although not so common as some others, it is nevertheless capable of inflicting considerable damage upon Roses, and from its extreme activity is diflBcult to capture. When disturbed, it drops from its home, and lets itself down to the earth by a silken thread proceeding from its mouth, and once on the ground, it is very swift in its motions. The caterpillar appears daring June and July, the moth in July and August. From the middle of Juue and onwards during July, a beautiful little yellow moth may often be observed to rise from our Rose bushes when shaken. This little creature rejoices in the long name of Blctyopteryx Bergmanniana ; and, notwithstanding its beauty, is capable in its larval state of inflicting no little damage on the leaves of the Rose. The upper wings are bright golden yellow, and across each run four transverse purplish brown bars, the two central ones obliquely, and the other two perpendicularly. Under a micro- scope these bars are found to be ornamented with silvery scales, of which a patch also is discovered on the yellow ground in the centre of the wing. The hind wings and body are smoke coloured ; the thorax is bright orange. The fringe of the upper wings is pale yellow, of the under wings nearly white. The expansion of the upper wings, from tip to tip, is about half an inch. The caterpillar, when full fed, is about half an inch in length, and woodlouse-shaped — i. e., thicker in the centre of the body than at the extre- mities. In colour it varies from dull yellowish green to pure yellow. It is slightly covered with whitish hairs. The head is black and shining, and on the second segment and on the tail there is a black plate. The front or true legs are black ; the hind legs or claspers the same colour as the body. In feeding it appears to choose by preference the two or three end leaflets of the leaf, spinning them together, and when disturbed it will wriggle out, sus- pending itself in the air by means of a silken thread, by which also it can reascend when the danger is past.* The caterpillar is most abundant during the middle and end of May; the moth in June and July. The annexed illustration represents the moth in its natural size. * When full fed, the caterpillar of this species lines the inside of its dwelling with silk, of a white colour, and changes therein to a pale brown chrysalis. An interesting feature with regard to this chrysalis is the power it has of moving up and down its nest, by means of a 298 THE ROSE GAEDEN. Fig*. 3 represents the small Tortix or Bell Motli, Antithesia ocJiroleucana. The upper wing's of this variety are black brown, with a larg-e yellowish brown patch shading- off rather darker at the edge, on the outer corner of each wing ; indeed, this patch occupies about one-third of the area of the whole wing. The black brown colour of the remaining two-thirds is slightly marked in an irregular manner with the same pale colour ; the under wings are smoky brown, with a fringe almost white. The head and thorax are black, the body brown. In colour this species varies considerably, especially in the colour of the pale patch on the upper wings, which in some specimens is much darker than in others. In size, also, there is much discrepancy, but on an average the expanse of the upper wings, fully extended, is four-fifths of an inch from tip to tip. The caterpillar, which occurs commonly, appears generally and in the greatest quantity in May and June. We have taken specimens as late as the end of July, but do not know whether they are merely belated stragglers or referrible to a second brood. The latter supposition is the one we incline to. In colour it is dark rich green ; the best simile in point of colour that can be given is the young leaves of the Rose " Geant des Batailles." The body is furnished with a number of short thin hairs. The head and front or true legs are black ; on the segment of the body following the head there is a shining black plate ; the tail is rather paler in colour than the rest of the body ; the hind legs or claspers of the . same colour as the body generally. Its length when full fed is about three quarters of an inch, and it is thicker in the middle of the body than at the extremities. Its habit appears to be to spin together two or more leaves, and live therein, devouring the leaves which constitute its dwelling, and also sallying forth to prey upon others close at hand. It has also a partiality for the flower buds, and will often spin a web encircling a cluster of them, and eating the stalk detach the bud i from it. It is active in its movements, and when disturbed will fall from the .\ food plant on to the ground, but as far as we have observed always without spinning any thread by which it can reascend. Unlike most other species which unite several leaves to form a protection for their cocoons, this insect just rolls over the edge of the leaf and so makes a close fitting case for its cocoon ; the latter is white, enclosing a black chrysalis. The moth is on the wing during the latter end of June and throughout July. It is a common and destructive species. The next insect we have to refer to belongs also to the family of Bell series of short hooks or spines, directed backwards, with which each side of its body is furnished. It possesses this power in common with the pupse of several of the large moths, especially the woodborers, such as the Goat and Leopard Moths, the Clearwings, &c., and the chief use of it seems to be to enable the chrysalis, just before assuming the moth state, to work its way half out of the case, and thus render facility of egress to the moth. For this information the reader is indebted to an article by Mr. Westwood on *' Rose Insects," in the Gardeners Magazine of Bolamj, of some years ago. APPENDIX. — ENTOMOLOGY OE THE EOSE 299 moths, and is called Spilonola aquana. It is an excessively common and destructive species, and although it does not appear to be exclusively confined to the Rose, it is nevertheless one of the most insatiable devourers of that plant which exists. Fortunate, indeed, is the grower who can claim for his plants exemption from its ravages ; both out of doors and under glass it seems to be ubiquitous, eating its way in the hearts of the youngest shoots, and in sheltered and favourable situations we hav« seen it swarm to such a degree that it was with difficulty that a bud could be found without a tenant. The damage caused to the plants by its depredations is very considerable, and such of the infected buds as may be fortunate enough to reach maturity present a mangled and unhealthy appearance. The moth which is represented at figure 4 has the upper wings of an ashy white colour, clouded in places with lead and slate colour. Different specimens vary greatly in regard to the pre- dominence of the white, but this insect may always be Fig. 4. known by the presence of a dark brown patch on each (upper) wing at their juncture with the body. The under wings are pale smoke colour, with a pale fringe. The expanse of the upper wings, fully extended, is on the average three quarters of an inch from tip to tip. The caterpillar, which may be considered par excellence the hefe noir of out-door Roses, is of a fleshy brown colour, very maggoty in appearance. Its skin appears rough, as if covered with a number of small warts. The body is somewhat stouter in the centre than at the extremities, and a few small whitish hairs may be observed upon it ; the head is black, and there is a black plate on the segment of the body following the head. We have already referred to its manner of attacking the plants ; although it seems to spin the leaves which form its dwelling very closely together, and is therefore not easily disturbed, nevertheless it appears to have no special method or design in its workmanship, and notwithstanding its preference for the young shoots it will attack all the leaves, and is often to be discovered lurking in the retreat naturally formed at the juncture of the leaf with the stalk. We have also caught specimens living and feeding in the interior of the young flower buds, and even eating the petal of the full blown flower. It is sluggish in its movements, but when shaken out of its home lets itself fall by a silken thread which it spins from the mouth. The chrysalis, which is pale brown in colour, is contained in a cocoon spun amongst the leaves of the food plants. The caterpillar is most plentiful at the end of April and beginning of May, the moth throughout June. Hand- picking would appear to be the most effective method of reducing the number of these caterpillars. Great watchfulness is requisite or one may get established in a young bud, and the embryo flower be devoured before the mischief is discovered. It is not at all unusual to observe, at the end of summer, many of the leaves on Rose trees disfigured by certain pale tortuous tracks eaten in the leaf ; sometimes these pursue a zigzag course down the centre, at others they 300 THE EOSE GARDEN. make the entire circuit of the leaf. Although, perhaps, not injurious to an appreciable degree, these tracks cannot be looked upon as ornamental, or the causer of them as a friend. By placing one of the leaves under a micro- scope, we shall find it tenanted by a small orange yellow caterpillar, destitute of legs. When full fed, it makes its way through the dried surface of the leaf, and having found a place of safety, forms its cocoon, and changes to a chrysalis, from which, in due course, the moth emerges. The name of this species is Microsetia centifoliella. The moth is very minute in size, and to the naked eye its colour is almost indistinguishable, but under a microscope it will be found to consist of such glorious hues as to defy description. Green, gold, and purple, all struggling, for the mastery, present one of those brilliant and exquisite pictures for which this class of small moths is so much admired. With this, the smallest of the group, we conclude our remarks upon Lepidopterous insects, and amongst those of the great order, Diptera, we do not remember any that prey upon the Rose. In the Hymenoptera, however, we shall find several, and amongst them some of the most troublesome and destructive. Such, then, as we have to deal with are included under the three classes of Saw Flies, Gall Flies, and Bees, and it is with the first of them, as being the most important, that we will commence. In this neighbourhood one of the most troublesome is Tenthredo agilis, of which Fig. 5 is an illustration, life size. The caterpillar is of a dull bluish green, shading to a paler hue at the sides, with a clearly distinguishable pale line down the back. Head yellowish white, with three black spots on the face, arranged triangularly. It appears to prefer the leaves of the Rose, but we have caught specimens in the full blown flowers, and under such circumstances as to lead us to suppose that they prey upon them also. When full fed, the larva is about half an inch long ; when not engaged in eating, its favourite position is the under side of the leaf, where it rests curled up ; but when feeding, it clings to the edge of the leaf, sometimes fully extended, at pthers keeping the head and front part of the body attached to the edge of the leaf by the front or true legs, and keeping the hinder part of the body curled up, and completely hidden underneath the leaf. It does not appear to be tenacious in holding on to the leaf, and when disturbed drops quickly to the ground, rolling in a ring. When full fed, it descends into the ground, where ib forms a cocoon of earth, in which it changes to a pupae. The perfect fly is small and slender ; it has the wings transparent, and nearly half an inch in expanse from tip to tip, possessing those beautiful iridescent gleams of rainbow colours which are' to be observed in the wings of all Saw Flies. The antennas, head, thorax, and body are shining black, the body with a transverse bar of white or whitish yellow. The legs have the first joint black, the two remaining ones yellowish brown. This species is double-hooded, but the seasons of the appearance of the larvae seem so to merge into one another that they may be taken almost without cessation from the end of June till the autumn. The flies from the first brood emerge from the pupae about a month after it has APPENDIX. — ENTOMOLOGY OF THE ROSE. 801 assumed that state ; the second brood passes the winter under ground as pupae. The fly may therefore be looked for in spring, and again late in summer and early in autumn. A less common, but certainly more treacherous enemy is to be found in the larva of another saw-fly, Tenthredo cincta. The whole economy of this insect is so curious and interesting, as to be well worth attention. The female fly, by means of the saw-like appendage with which nature has provided her, and from the presence of which in every species the family has taken its name, forms a large single groove in the stem of the young shoots of the plant, laying therein a number of eggs, varying from twelve to twenty. These are arranged in pairs, forming two straight ling3 parallel to the sides of the branch. The eggs, however, though thus deposited in a common groove, are carefully kept, each in its place, for a ridge of the wood is left to prevent those on the right from touching Ihose on the left ; and not only so, but between each egg in the row a thin partition is left, forming a shallow cell. The edges of this groove, it will be obvious, must be further apart than those which only contain one egg, and, in fact, the whole is open to inspection ; but the eggs are kept from falling out by a frothy glue deposited by the parent fly at the time of oviposition, and by the walls of the cells containing them. It has also been observed that they increase in size after they are laid, and although this growth of the egg is contrary to the analogy observable in the eggs of birds, and even of most insects, it has its advan- tages, for as it continues to increase, it raises the bark more and more, and consequently widens, at the same time, the slit at the entrance, so that, with species which feed on the leaves of the plant, the grub, when hatched, finds a passage ready for its exit.* The young caterpillar of Tenthredo cincta, when hatched, works its way at once into the pith of the young shoot, and by feeding upon it, causes the shoot ultimately to perish. It commences at the top, and works downwards, and its progress may be traced by the drooping condition of the leaves, which gradually flag as the nourishment necessary to their existence is absorbed, and occasionally more than one larva is to be found in the same shoot. By the time it is full fed, the larva has generally reached the hard wood of the plant, and making for itself a chamber in the pith, there changes to the pupa state. The larva is dark green, with a pale line along each side : the fly is about one third of an inch in length (larger than the last described), and of slender form : the expanse of the wings, when stretched out, is rather more than half an inch from tip to tip : head, antennae, and body are shining black, the last with a trans- verse whitish band towards the tail ; the legs have the first joint black, the rest yellow. The perfect fly is to be found in the spring, the caterpillar in the summer. It passes the winter in the pupa state. The best way of destroying this insect is to cut off and burn the infected shoots. * This account is compiled from Rennie's valuable and entertaining work on "Insect Architecture," than which, no work, perhaps, furnishes more interesting matter to the entomologist. 302 THE ROSE GARDEN. One of the commonest species of saw flics in most districts is that known as Tenihredo rosarum. The economy of this species with regard to the laying of its eggs is equally curious and interesting with that of the last species. Again Rennie's description of the process is so fall and exact that no apology to the reader will be necessary for reproducing it. He says : " When a female saw fly has selected the branch of a Rose tree in which to deposit her eggs, she may be seen bending the end of her belly inwards, in form of a crescent, and protruding her saw at the same time to penetrate the bark or wood. She maintains this recurved position so long as she works in deepening the groove she is making ; but when she has attained the depth required, she unbends her body into a straight line, and in this position works upon the place lengthwise by applying the saw more horizontally. When she has rendered the groove as large as she wishes, the motion of the tendons ceases, and an egg is placed in the cavity. The saw is then withdrawn with the sheath for about two-thirds of its length, and at the same moment a sort of frothy liquid, similar to a lather made with soap, is dropped over the egg, either for the purpose of gluing it in its place or sheathing it from the action of the juices of the tree. She proceeds in the same manner in sawing out a second groove, and so on in succession till she has deposited all her eggs, sometimes to the number of twenty-four. The grooves are usually placed in a line at a small distance from one another on the same branch, but some- times the mother fly shifts to another or to a different part of the branch when she is either scared or finds it unsuitable. She commonly, also, takes more than one day to the work, notwithstanding the superiority of her tools. Reaumur has seen a saw fly make six grooves in succession, w,hich occupied her about ten hours and a half. The grooves, when finished, have externally little elevation above the level of the bark, appearing like the puncture of a lancet in the human skin." As in the case of the species last described, the egg grows after being laid, and the mother fly seems to be aware of this, for she takes care to deposit them at such distances as may prevent their dis- turbing one another by their development. The young caterpillars when hatched feed upon the leaves of the Rose ; they are dark yellow in colour, having the sides of a pale yellowish green, and the belly whitish. This is a double-brooded species, the larva appearing in June and September. Speci- mens of the first brood are ygvj rapid in their transformations, seldom taking more than four or five weeks to accomplish the full term of their existence!^ When full fed they descend into the earth, and there pass into the puprp< state, the fly emerging in July or August from the summer brood, and in thd; spring from the larvaB of the preceding autumn. It is a thick bodied fly j; the head and thorax are black, body yellowish brown, it is not so active asi;- many kinds of saw flies, the female being especially easy to capture and. destroy. It is not at all an unusual circumstance to find a number of large roundel holes eaten in the leaves of a favourite Rose tree, the edges being lefi^^ untouched. If the leaf so disfigured be turned over there will often be found! 1 APPENDIX. — ENTOMOLOGY OF THE ROSE. 303 recliDing at full length underneath a small pale green caterpillar, the larva of a saw flj, called TentJiredo (or Cladius) difformis. This caterpillar is easily distinguished from the other saw fly larvce which feed upon the Rose by the fact of its being flatter and not so plump in appearance, and another character peculiar to it lies in a row of small excrescences down each side, which give it a notched appearance, and from each of these excrescences proceeds a tuft of small whitish hairs. When fall fed it measures about half an incb, colour as before stated, pale green with a darker stripe longitudinally down the back ; the head is brown. When disturbed it falls quickly to the ground, often rolling itself into a ring. When full fed it rolls up a small piece of the edge of the leaf and s})ins itself a small white silken cocoon in which it passes to tlie pupa state. The fly is about one-sixth of an inch long and one-third of an inch in the expansion of the fore wings. It is slender in form ; the body is black and shining ; the legs yellowish white, and black at the base ; the wings are pale smoke coloured. The antennas of the male, when viewed under the microscope, will be found to be branched somewhat resembling a stag's horn ; those of the female are quite thread-like, and it is to the difference of the two sexes in this respect that it probably owes its specific name. The larva is common in June and throughout July ; the fly in July and August. Mr. Westwood states that this caterpillar is especially attached to standard Rose trees. In a comprehensive, although not perhaps full, account of insects injurious to the Rose, which appeared some time since in " The Garden " newspaper, mention is made of the Saw Fly, Tenthredo (Aihalia) rosoe. In this neigh- bourhood, as far as our observations have gone, the Rose seems to be exempt from its ravages ; but, as all localities are not so favoured, a short account of it may not be uninteresting ; but we must admit that the greater part of the facts are drawn from the article above alluded to. The parent fly deposits her eggs on the midrib of the Rose leaf, and the young larvae emerging attack the upper surface of the leaf, leaving the under surface untouched, and quite transparent. When full grown, the larva is of a dark green colour, paler at the sides and underneath ; head yellowish brown. It descends into the earth for the purpose of changing to a pupa. The fly is described as thick bodied, with the head and thorax black, and the body yellow. It is double brooded, the caterpillar appearing in June and July, and again in the autumn, the fly during July and August, and specimens from the autumn larvae in the spring. With this species our notes on Saw Flies are brought to a close. There are one or two more species which will be found, perhaps, occasionally on the Rose, but they are either of such rare occurrence generally, or upon Rose trees specially, that they are hardly worthy of particularisation from our point of view. The Gall Flies are the next class of Hymenopterous insects which come under our notice. Although the mischief they cause is very slight indeed in comparison with that eff'ected by some insects, and many of their dwellings may be looked upon almost as objects of beauty and ornamentation, neverthe- 304 THE EOSE GARDEN. less their existence on a plant exercises a banefal influence on its welfare. Everybody has probably observed on the young branches of the Dog" Rose, or Sweet Brier, during the summer and autumn months, globular masses resembling bunches of moss. In the summer they are of a bright apple green colour, but as the shortening days of autumn draw upon us they assume a tinge of red. These are generally known as the Rose Bedeguar, and the insect which produces them {Oynips rosoe) is the Bedeguar Gall Fly. In the spring the female fly selects a young growing branch, and by means of an elaborate ovipositor, with which nature has provided her, makes a number of incisions in the bark, placing an egg in each. The sap being thus inter- rupted in its natural course, gathers and solidifies, forming a mass of hard woody matter, which serves for food to the young larvas, and if this woody formation be cut open, it will disclose a number (varying in difl'erent cases) of chambers, each tenanted by a white grub or maggot. These change to pupoB of the same colour either in autumn or spring, and the perfect fly is disclosed in the latter season. It is somewhat difficult to account for the mossy substance which envelopes the mass, and in which the chief beauty of the object consists. Rennie conjectures that a certain amount of the sap escaping through the pores of the fibre of the chambers inhabited by the grubs, instead of being evaporated and lost, shoots out into these fibrous bristles ; and it may be remarked that these bristles are not simple, but covered with a number of small spines, which branch out in various direc- tions, the counterpart, so to speak, on a small scale of the thorns which are present on the branch of the Rose. It is certain, however, that the larvce must find them of great service in preserving them from the cold of winter. The perfect fly measures a line and a half in length. The antennae are black, thick, and cylindrical, half as long again as the head ; the eyes are brown the head and thorax black, the body reddish brown. It seems to be generall attached to the common Dog Rose, but is often to be seen on the Sweet Brier and occasionally on garden Roses. Mr. Westwood makes mention of anothe species (Aylax Brandtii), which is found in company with G. Uosoe inhabiting the same gall. Three other gall insects infest the Rose, but not to such a degree as to become prejudicial to its welfare. The gall of the first of these, Rhodites eglantericB, we have found on the Dog Rose. It is always placed on the under side of the leaf : it is perfectly round in shape, about the size of a pea. In colour it is bright apple green, with a dull reddish patch on one side, which gradually shades oS"; it is not at all striped or streaked : the surface of the gall appears to be rather rough. Only one larva inhabits each gall. We found attached to a specimen of this gall, another smaller one, the work of an j3j]cidium. This was reddish green round the sides, and brown at the top. The gall formed by another kind of Rhodites (11. rosarum) is very pretty. It is bright green in colour, and ornamented with several long spikes, which are tinged with red, It does not seem to be a common species. In the APPENDIX. — ENTOMOLOGY OF THE ROSE. 305 " Entomologist's'Annual for 1872 " it is mentioned as being found on the White Cluster Rose as well as on the Dog Rose ; but we have never met with it excepting on the latter. The third species we give on the authority of the " Entomological Annual " above quoted. It is named Bhodites spinosissimoe, and is described as " bred from polythalamous fiery red galls, of irregular size and shape, on liosa sjpinosissiina. The galls are berry-, egg-, or cushion-shaped, and frequently beset or bordered with short spines." To the disfigurement of the leaves of our Rose-bushes no insect is more devoted than a species of Carpenter Bee {Megachile centuncularis) . During the summer months they may be observed at work at all times during the day, but especially in the early morning in sunny weather. For the con- struction of their nests, this section makes use of living vegetable substances ; one species hangs its dwelling with the scarlet petals of the poppy, whilst the one under notice uses for its purpose particles of Rose-leaves. It is interesting to watch the operations of this insect. After flying about a Rose-bush for a few minutes, it will select a suitable leaf, and clasping the edge with its feet, cuts out a large semi-circular piece by means of its strong and sharp mandible. Having accomplished this, without leaving hold of the piece of leaf (which is usually larger than the insect itself), it carries it between its feet, and flies ofl" to its nest, which is situated underground, either in a pathway, or some other spot where the earth is sufficiently hard for the purpose. On windy days it is often obliged to rest with its burden, and at all times when laden it is conspicuous and easily captured. It is, however, possessed of a sting capable of inflicting sharp and lasting pain. The amount of damage done sometimes in gardens by this insect is very considerable, and the large pieces they carry away, combined with the frequency of their visits to a favourite tree, render them more destructive than any single species of caterpillar. We are under the impression that the Hybrid Chinese, Bourbon, and Noisette Roses are most affected ; but it must be admitted that no one class is exempt from its ravages. In a row of pillar Roses in these nurseries, consisting of varieties of the above-mentioned three classes, and which was sheltered from the north by a belt of trees, scarcely a single plant remained, last summer, which was not subjected to its J attacks. The branch represented at flg. 6 was taken from one of these J Roses, and will serve to give an unexaggerated idea of the damage it is p; capable of inflicting. By the side of the branch will be seen the bee itself, •jof life-size. It is rather more than half an inch in length ; the expanse of i the fore wings seven-eighths of an inch. It is black brown in colour; lithe thorax is woolly, the wings white, veined with sepia. It is said to be ' common everywhere, most plentifully throughout June. The best way of destroying it is by catching it with a net. An excellent, but rather laborious, and not always practicable, method is to trace the bee to its nest, and by destroying the latter, the appearance of a young brood will be X 306 THE ROSE GAEDEN. prevented. The incisions in the leaf made by this insect are very easily distinguished from those caused by caterpillars, being more circular, and more dexterously and evenly cut, showing none of those jagged edges visible on the edges of the part attacked by a caterpillar. Fig. 6. Amongst Coleopterous insects the first that claims our attention, no less on account of its size and brilliancy of colour, than from the extent of its depredations, is the Rose beetle (Getonia aurata). Few English beetles can boast of more beautiful or effective colours than those with which this insect is adorned. The head, thorax, and wing cases are of a bright golden green ; the thorax is covered with tiny punctures,_which are also to be observed on APPENDIX. — ENTOMOLOGY OF THE EOSE. 307 the wing cases, but the latter possess, in addition, several larger, irregularly- shaped, rust coloured marks. The wings themselves are quite transparent, and pale brown in colour. The underside of the body is greenish bronze colour ; at the sides and under the head it is very hairy, as are also the legs at their base. In colour the legs resemble the body. It is about three- quarters of an inch in length. It may often be observed flying round a Rose flower in the bright glare of a summer sun, and on such occasions is a beautiful and conspicuous object, but it is still oftener to be found buried in the flower, either tearing the petals or devouring the anthers and pollen, thus preventing the perfecting of the seed. In addition to the Rose this beetle is said to have also a liking for the Pceony. The larva lives under- ground, feeding usually upon decayed or decaying vegetable matter, and it is, therefore, in the perfect state that this species is injurious. The beetle is common in most localities throughout the summer, and would seem to have a predilection for white or pale coloured Roses, for what reason it is difficult to guess, unless it revels in the perfume in which pale Roses are often richer than their darker brethren. In England the mischief done by the larva of the common Cockchafer or May-bug (MelolouiJia vulgaris) is chiefly confined to pastures, where indeed the havoc they occasionally cause, either directly or indirectly, is very con- siderable. In France, however, they are very destructive in Rose gardens. Kirby and Spence in their Introduction to Entomology," mention the case of M. Vibert, who was forced to abandon his nurseries at Chenevieres-sur- Maine on account of the attacks made on the roots of the plants by this larva, which in two years destroyed 100,000 Rose trees. We have also witnessed in various parts of France no inconsiderable amount of damage caused by this insect, and the same species is very noxious to various annuals in the seed farms of central Germany, where they are so numerous that we were informed a man can collect and destroy them, in affected districts, at the rate of 800 a day. They live underground, attacking and devouring the roots of the plants, thus ensuring it a certain death. They are dirty white in colour. The perfect insect is too well known to need description. Mr. Westwood, in "The Gardeners' Magazine of Botany," mentions two other Coleopterous insects, which prey upon the Rose, The first of these is Balaninus hrassic(B, a small weevil, which he describes as feeding on the petals of the flower, riddling them with small holes. It is from one-seventh to one- sixth of an inch in length, black in colour, with the underside of the body white, and the legs black. It is a very common species. The second beetle mentioned by Mr. Westwood is Meligethes ceneus. This he has observed in the act of biting off* and devouring the pollen of the flower. It is much smaller than the last named, barely one-twelfth of an inch in length. Its body is dark green, antennae black, fore legs reddish, hind legs black. It is common everywhere. It is a matter for congratulation to the Rosarian that amongst the two 308 THE EOSE GAEDEN. orders Stegopteea and NEUEOFrERA no species of insects are to be found which can be classed amongst those injurious to the Rose, and amongst Oethoptera the only species is the Mole cricket {Gryllotalpa vulgaris). This insect is only- met with in the south of England, and there never in sufficient quantity to cause any material damage. In France, however, and on the continent of Europe, it is in places very abundant and occasionally destructive in the highest degree, feeding on the roots underground, and forming for itself burrows into which it retreats after feeding. The last order, Hemiptera, furnishes us with one of the most pestilent and annoying of all the visitors to our Roses. We allude to the Aphis, or Green Ely {Aphis rosce). The genus Aphis includes a vast number of species, but that attached to the Rose would seem to be as common as any. The economy of this insect is very curious and interesting. It is generally admitted that the females are both oviparous and viviparous, and their power of increase is so great that it has been distinctly proved that in a single summer the de- scendants of one female Aphis will number several millions. From this fact it will be easily seen how serious their depredations may prove in their consequences. They attack the young shoots, and establishing themselves on the leaves and stem, suck the sap, thus absorbing to a great extent the nourishment provided by nature for the leaves, and the shoots, even if suffi- ciently vigorous to sustain these repeated onslaughts, present a stunted and sickly appearance. The Rose Aphis is pale green in colour ; the earliest broods, which consist only of females, are wingless and viviparous, but as the season advances the males appear, and specimens of both sexes are found furnished with white filmy wings. At this stage the females are oviparous, for although it has been proved that, with some species, the so-called eggs are only cocoons containing the Aphis itself, and that, therefore, these insects may be regarded as viviparous only, still it has not yet been proved that such is the case with all, or with the species now under consideration. By means of their wings, they are enabled to migrate and establish fresh colonies, and it is often these flights which are referred to when mention is made of " blight." After depositing the eggs (or pupas, whichever they may be) in the autumn, the parent fly dies, and while the insect is present in small numbers only, the following spring is the time when it may be attacked with the best results. By passing the hand gently over the affected parts, numbers of Aphides may be crushed (they are very soft and tender), without any injury to the plant, and a good syringing will remove all traces of their former presence. In the few prefatory remarks of this chapter will be found the most approved method of exterminating this insect when once it has become established ; but in no case is it of more importance, or more produc- tive of good results, to keep the plant in perfect health and vigour, and thus enable it to withstand, and even to push through, the trying ordeal to which it is exposed. Aphides have the power of emitting a sweet sticky liquid, commonly known as honeydew, which proves very attractive to ants, bees, APPENDIX. — ENTOMOLOGY Of THE ROSE. 309 and wasps. We have, in fact, been tempted to place the first-named class of insects amongst those injurious to the Rose, for we were certainly witness to the disappearance, under their ravages, of several Rose buds under glass, which were probably saturated with honeydew, and, therefore, a hoyme louche to the ants. There are also two kinds of scale found occasionally on the bark of Rose shoots. The commonest is white in colour (Kermes Bosce), but a brown species is also not uncommon. These insects fasten themselves to the bark, and suck the juice of the plant. When possible, dipping the affected parts in a solution of soft soap is the best remedy ; but when this is not possible, applying the liquid plentifully with a brush answers the same end. It requires, however, only very slight attention to keep scale away, and its presence is a sign of great neglect. The Cicadas or Froghoppers, so celebrated in poetry, and well known in tropical regions, are but poorly represented in England. Our largest species is but small in comparison with those of foreign climes ; but we nevertheless find two kinds attached to the Rose. The first of these ((7. spumaria), in the larva state envelopes itself in a mass of white froth, and is commonly known as the Cuckoo Spit. It may often be observed on the under side of Rose- leaves, or on the young twigs. The larva which this froth serves to conceal varies in colour from green to pale yellow. If eliminated from its protecting element, it immediately sets to work, and manufactures a fresh supply, and in a short time is again safely hid from view. The perfect insect is about a third of an inch long, brown in colour, sometimes a little greenish. Its head, thorax, and wing cases are finely punctured, and on the latter are two white spots ; its underside is pale brown. The injury it does to Roses seems confined to the larva state, when it preys upon the sap. The other variety of Cicada {G. Boscb), is much smaller than the last named. In length it is about one and a quarter line. Its usual colour is pale yellow, but it inclines sometimes to green, at others to nearly white ; it is, however, always of one colour, never spotted. It is elongated in form, and cylindrical, a feature it owes to the wing cases, which are folded, and envelope the body. We have often observed this insect late in the autumn on standard Rose-trees, from which, when shaken, numbers would rise into the air, leaping and flying. We must confess our ignorance of the economy of this species, but Guillemeau, a French author, states that the eggs are laid upon the Rose, and the larva probably feeds on the sap. Thrip (TJirips hoemorrJioidalis) is also sometimes found on Roses under glass. This insect is very destructive ; two or three will devour the under side of a leaf in the course of one night. Their presence may be detected by the yellow appearance of the upper side of the leaf, which, when examined, will show the under side eaten. The best means to adopt for the extermi- nation of this insect is a solution of soft soap, either dipping the affected 310 THE ROSE GARDEN. shoots in it or syringing freely. It rarely appears, however, on clean and healthy plants. In the natural order Arachnid.e, which includes spiders and mites, and the family Acarldm, we have the Red Spider {Acarus Tellarius), so well known to most cultivators of greenhouse plants, and which is often to be found on Roses under glass, especially during the autumn months. It is very n^inute, and, as its name implies, is red in colour. It proves injurious to the plants by settling on the leaves and abstracting the sap. It is generally found on plants which have been kept too dry, and their removal to a moister atmosphere will almost certainly ensure its disappearance. This insect closes our list of injurious species, and while on the one hand we do not think that many sorts which may really be regarded as noxious are absent from this enumeration, on the other we hope that the accounts and details here furnished will not be found to be exaggerated. There remains, however, a pleasing duty to perform, with which these remarks will be closed, and that is a few words on the useful insects of the Rose. The Rose belongs to the Linneean class, Icosandria palygynia ; it has not, therefore, the need of the agency of the insect world to the perfection of its seed, that monsecious and dioecious plants have : bat there is no doubt but that bees and others materially assist the operations of nature in this respect. There are, however, a few species which are designed to keep in check the ravages of others, and it is to them we specially refer. None, perhaps, answer to this end to a greater extent than the Ichneumon flies (Ichneu- monidcB) and their allies the CJialcididce. Both these classes belong to the order HTMENOrTEEA ; we therefore see that, although this order embraces some of the most mischievous insects, it nevertheless furnishes us to a cer- tain extent with an antidote. All the species of Ichneumon flies merge so gradually into one another that classification without the aid of a miscroscope is impossible. Their bodies are, for the most part, black and shining, and their wings transparent. Their number is so great, that nearly every kind of caterpillar has its parasite of this class. Their habits vary considerably. Some are so small that a single egg of a moth or butterfly furnishes suffi- cient nourishment for one of their larvse. Some feed on the interior of the caterpillar, and the eggs of others are laid on the caterpillar's skin, and the larva being hatched, feed, half buried, on its juices. The female fly is furnished by nature for the purposes of oviposition with a sharp lancet, and with this she pierces the skin of her victim, depositing an egg in each orifice, and the wounds are often very numerous. The larvae hatching, are at once supplied with nourishment, in the shape of the flesh of the caterpillar. They are, however, possessed of such wonderful instinct, that they invari- ably avoid the vital parts, and the parent fly only deposits so many eggs as the juices of the caterpillar will serve to nourish. Sometimes the Ichneumon larva arrives at the pupa state during the lifetime of the caterpillar, at others, when the caterpillar has changed to a chrysalis : sometimes also the APPENDIX. — ENTOMOLOGY OF THE ROSE. 311 Ichneumon pupa will burst the skin of its victim, at others, remain and emerge as a fly ; but in all cases the death of the infected caterpillar is certain. We have now before us a bunch of small cocoons, of a species infesting Tortrix pyrastmna, about twenty in number, all of which issued from a single chrysalis of that insect. The fly has very long yellowish brown antennee : the head is black, thorax yellowish brown, and body black. It is very elegant and graceful in appearance. We have also bred a great number of a larger variety from the caterpillars of Antithesia ochroleucana. Next to the Ichneumons in importance as foes of Rose feeding insects, rank those families, the larvae of which devour the Aphides. The commonest, and therefore the most important, are the Ladybirds. These well-known insects belong to the order Coleoptera, and family Goccinellina. In England there are six genera and more than fifty species, nearly all of which in their larva state feed on various species of Aphides. The most generally common is the seven-spotted Ladybird (0. septempu7iciaia), whose larva is slate coloured. It is somewhat flat, oval in form, and fleshy. The three first segments are larger than the others ; the latter are tubercled and spotted. It has the power of emitting a yellow fluid from its tubercles, which faculty the perfect insect also retains. The eggs are laid amongst a colony of the green fly, on which the newly hatched larvae feed, quickly causing a visible decrease in their numbers. It is generally to be found on the upper side of the leaf or on the stems, and retains its hold by means of its posterior legs. The pupa may be found on the upper side of the Hose leaf ; it is nearly round in shape, and as the time approaches for the disclosure of the perfect insect, its colour may be clearly seen through the white transparent shell. The order Stegoptera furnishes us with one of the most active and powerful enemies of the Aphides in the beautiful lace-winged flies constituting the family Hemerohina, several species of which are natives of this country. All of them in the larva state are aphidivorous. The commonest species is Chnjsopa perla, a beautiful looking fly of a bright apple green colour, having the wings considerably larger than the body, and finely reticulated. Another object of great beauty is its eyes, which are of a brilliant coppery hue, bright and glistening, standing out like jewels in its head. It is on the wing during the summer and early autumn, and may be easily captured at dusk, its flight being but feeble. A remarkable feature in its economy is the curious manner in which the female fly deposits her eggs. Each egg is placed on a peduncle or hair, some ten or twelve being located together on a Rose leaf with the stalks, so to speak, converging. The spots chosen are those infested with Aphides, and when hatched the young larva find themselves in the midst of a plentiful supply of food. They are very ravenous, and are consequently of inestimable value where Aphides abound. Kirby and Spence state that a larva of this insect requires but half a minute to suck the largest Aphis, and they make mention of a species, the individuals of which, "clothe themselves, 312 THE ROSE GARDEN. like Hercules, with the spoils of their hapless victims." When full fed they spin a whitish cocoon, in which they change to pupae. The last of the aphidivorous insects are fche larva of the Dipterous, genus Syrphus (family SyrphincB), all of which feed on Aphides, and where these abound perhaps the Aphis has no more voracious or implacable foe. These larv89 are blind, and are furnished with a three-pronged mandible, after the fashion of a trident, and groping about amongst their victims, they seize them with this powerful instrument, and elevating them in the air suck their juices like the larva last named, leaving the skins on the leaves. We might add to these friends of the Rose, dragon flies, sand wasps, and a number of others, which, in the various stages of their existence, prey upon other insects, thus limiting their powers of increase, and rendering them incapable of overstepping the bounds assigned them in the economy of nature. NEW ROSES. 313 ON NEW EOSES. It will probably be admitted by all who Lave followed the various writers on new Roses during, the last twenty-five years, that while on the one hand there has been a disposition to unduly exalt their merit, there has been on the other a want of appreciation that is not warranted by facts. In the winter of 1856-57 I found myself unexpectedly involved in a con- troversy in the pages of the Gardeners' Chronicle on the respective merits of new and old Roses. My opponents fought valiantly and well, all honour to the brave ! Some were smart, others witty, and, as is usually the case in such controversies, a great deal was said which had nothing to do with the question at issue. I then asserted that every year brings forth some novelties well worth adding to our collections, though it may be difficult to pick out the few real gems from amongst the shoals of mere paste imitations with which they are so skilfully commingled. It was the opinion of those who were best versed in Rose-culture that my position was not only tenable but strong, although it was difficult — nay, impossible — to demonstrate this otherwise than by the test of time. That time has now passed and established the general truth of my argument. General Jacqueminot and Gloire de Dijon were then unproved, and since then we have added Abel Grand, Alfred Colomb, Antoine Ducher, Baron Adolphe de Rothschild, Baroness Rothschild, Beauty of Waltham, Black Prince, Boule de Neige, Charles Lefebvre, Comtesse de Chabrillant, Countess of Oxford, Dr. Andry, Due de Rohan, Duke of Edinburgh, Fisher Holmes, Horace Yernet, John Hopper, La France, Lord Macaulay, Louis Van Houtte, Louise Darzens, Madame Alfred de Rougement, Madame C. Crapelet, Madame C. Wood, Madame Victor Yerdier, Mademoiselle Bonnaire, Mademoiselle Eugenie Yerdier, Mademoiselle Marie Rady, Mademoiselle Therese Levet, Marie Baumann, Marquise de Castellane, Monsieur Neman, Pierre Netting, Prince C. de Rohan, Senateur Yaisse, Yictor Yerdier, Xavier Olibo, Belle Lyonnaise, Madame Margottin, Marechal Niel, and, shall I go on, or content myself with saying, a host of others scarcely less noteworthy ? Without entering further on this subject I would refer those of my readers who my take an interest in it to the Gardeners' Chronicle of 1856-57. The novelties of 1861-62 proved the richest freight of new Roses that ever reached our shores in a single year. I find, on reference to my note- book, that I bought sixty-two new kinds that year, fifty-six of which bloomed with me, and twenty-four of these I marked as decided acquisitions for that time. During the succeeding nine years, down to the autumn of 1870, the same rule obtained. Time, the avenger has thus fully proved the position I then took up "that every year brings forth some novelties worth adding to our collections." 314 NEW ROSER. The autumn of 1871 brought us a number of good novelties. Among the best of this year were Hybrid Perpetuals : — Abbe Bramerel, Auguste Rigotard, Baron de Bonstetten, Baronne Louise Uxkull, Coquette des Blanches, Etienne Levet, Fran9ois Michelon, Le Havre, Lyonnaise, Madame George Schwartz, Madame Hippolyte Jamain, Madame Scipion Cochet, and Princess Beatrice. Tba-scented : — Madame Camille, Madame Jules Margottin, Mademoiselle Cecile Berthed, Marie Van Houtte, Perfection de Monplaisir, and Souvenir de Paul Neyron. The following are among the best novelties of 1872-73 and 1873-74. Hybrid Perpetuals : — Bessie Johnson, Claude Levet, Firebrand, Madame Lacharme, Mademoiselle Marie Cointet, Captain Christy, Diana, Duchess of Edinburgh, Mademoiselle Marie Finger, Peach Blossom, Perfection des Blanches, and St. George. Noisette : — Madame Caroline Kuster. Tea- scented : — Anna Ollivier, Madame Fran9ois Janin, and Perle de Lyon. Of some four-score new Roses, introduced to commerce in 1874-76, not more than one half proved worthy of cultivation. The following list comprises the best of that year, but several of these have been since discarded by discriminating cultivators. Hybrid Perpetuals: — Amelie Hoste, rosy flesh ; Antoine Mouton, bright rose ; Bernard Yerlot, purplish red ; Comtesse de Serenye, flesh colour ; Crimson Bedder, bright red ; E. Y. Teas, crimson, very good ; Gonsoli Gaelano, satin pink; John Stuart Mill, clear red ; La Rosiere, maroon, fine ; La Souveraine, rose ; May Turner, salmon rose ; Miss Hassard, flesh ; Queen of Waltham, cherry, very fine ; Rev. J. B. M. Camm, rosy pink ; Royal Standard, rose ; Sir Garnet. Wolseley, crimson ; Souvenir de Ducher, purple ; Souvenir du Baron de Semur, blackish crimson ; Star of Waltham, deep crimson, a grand Rose ; Villaret de Joyeuse, rose ; and Climbing Jules Margottin. Tea-scented : — Aline Sisley, red ; Comte de Sembui, salmon rose ; Duchess of Edinburgh, bright crimson ; Jean Ducher, salmon yellow ; Marie Guillot, white ; Perle des Jardins, deep yellow, one of the finest Tea Roses we possess ; Shirley Hibberd, coppery yellow. Perpetual Moss : — Soupert et Netting, rose. Again, in the autumn of 1875 and spring of 1876, we were met by a formidable array of novelties, and in giving the following list of the best, I am conscious of having dealt leniently with the merits, or rather demerits, of several. Hybrid Perpetuals : — Abel Carriere, maroon ; Avocat Duvivier, purplish red ; Dingee Conard, crimson ; Due de Montpensier, scarlet red ; Duchesse de Yallombrosa, flesh, very good ; Duke of Connaught, velvety crimson ; Empress of India, brownish red ; Jean Liabaud, maroon, quite first-rate ; Jean Soupert, crimson ; Lady Mary Keith, probably belonging to this year, rosy flesh ; Madame Ferdinand Jamin, rosy carmine ; Madame Prosper Laugier, fiery red ; Mademoiselle Emilie Verdier, rosy carmine ; Magna Charta, bright pink, one of the finest Roses grown ; Marguerite Brassac, crimson, good ; Monseigneur Fournier, bright red ; Mrs. Baker, carmine red ; Oscar Lamarche, amaranth ; Oxonian, rose ; Queen Eleanor, pink ; Sultan of Zanzibar, blackish maroon ; Triomphe de France, carmine ; NEW ROSES, 315 and Climbing Countess of Oxford. Tea-SCented : — Letty Coles, pink ; Mademoiselle Marie Berton, straw ; Marechal Robert, white ; Marquis de Sanima, coppery rose ; aud Souvenir de Madame Pernet, pink. The autumn of 1876 brought us a fine new Rose in Gabriel Tournier, a deep rose-coloured hybrid perpetual. Other Roses of this season worth preserving are. Hybrid Pbrpetuals : — Duchesse d'Ossuna, rosy vermilion ; John Fraser, crimson ; Madame de Mont Chaveau, satiny pink ; Madame Sophie Fropot, rosy flesh ; Marchioness of Exeter, rose ; Marie Louise Pernet, crimson ; Marquise Adele de Marinais, flesh ; Monsieur Fillion, magenta ; and the Climbing Charles Lefebvre. Tea-scented : — Comtesse Riza du Pare, salmon rose; and Mademoiselle Lazarine Poizeau, orange. Bourbon : — Queen of Bedders, crimson. Hybrid Bourbon (summer- flowering) : — Souvenir de Pierre Dupuy, velvety red. Of the new varieties of 1877-78 I think most favourably of the following. Hybrid Perpetuals : — Alfred K. Williams, Barthelemy Joubert, Boildieu, Constantin Tretiakoff, Edouard Pynaert, Mabel Morrison, Earl of Beaconsfield, Egeria, Madame Gabriel Luizet, Madame Jeanne Bouyer, Mademoiselle Marie Verdier, May Quennell, Mrs. Laxton, Penelope Mayo, Red Dragon, Rosy Morn, Souvenir d'Adolphe Thiers, and Souvenir d'Auguste Riviere. Tea-scented : — Madame Alexandre Bernaix, Madame Lambard, and Madame Welch. The best novelties of 1878-79 appear to me to be, Alexandre Dutitre (H.P.), clear rose ; Alphonse Karr (Tea- scented), crimson ; Barthelemy Levet (H.P.), bright rose ; Claude Bernard (H.P.), rose ; Comtesse de Choiseuil (H.P.), cherry red ; Countess of Rosebery (H.P.), brilliant carmine, three First Class Certificates ; Duchess of Bedford (H.P.), scarlet crimson ; Harrison Weir (H.P.), velvety crimson ; Innocenta Pirola (Tea- scented), white ; Joseph Bernacchi (Noisette), white, tinged with yellow ; Jules Chretien (H.P.), deep red, and shaded with purple ; Leon Renault (H.P.), deep cherry red ; Louis Dore (H.P.), cerise, shaded with purple ; Madame Alphonse Lavallee (H.P.), deep red, shaded with rose ; Madame Amelie Baltet (H.P.), pale silvery rose ; Madame Auguste Perrin (H.P.), pale rose ; Madame Etienne Levet (H.T.), red, shaded with yellow ; Madame Pierre Oger (B.), creamy white ; Panachee d' Angers (H.P.), rose, striped with purple ; Paul Jamain (H.P.), deep bright red ; Pierre Caret (H.P.), red ; Prefet Limbourg (H.P.), dark red, shaded with violet ; Princess Marie Dolgorouky (H.P.), rose, often striped ; Reine Marie Henriette (H.T.), red ; Souvenir de Madame Robert (H.P.), salmon rose ; Souvenir de Victor Emmanuel (H.P.) (Moreau), vermilion, shaded with purple; Souvenir de Victor Verdier (H.P.), scarlet shaded ; Wilhelm Koelle (H.P.), bright red; William Allen Richardson (Noisette), orange yellow. Coming down to 1879-80 I cannot speak with so much confidence as usual, owing to the unfavourable summer for blooming, but the following have pleased mo best : — Catherine Soupert (H.P.), Comte de Mortemarte (H.P.), Ennemond Boule (H.P.), Gloire de Bourg-la-Reine (H.P.), Henriette Pettit 316 NEW ROSES, (H.P.), Jean Lorthois (T.), Jules Finger (T.), Jules Jurgensen (B.), Julius Finger (H.P.), Madame Angele Jacquier (T.), Madame Barthelemy Levet (T.), Madame Ducher (H.P.), Madame Oswald de Kerchove (H.P.), Pierre Guillot (T.), Masterpiece (H.P.), Little Gem (Moss), Duke of Teck (H.P.), Mrs. Harry Turner (H.P.) But of the Roses of the present year, 1880-81, the forthcoming brood — what expectations and interest cluster around them ! Although I have seen the greater number of these varieties blooming, and have made copious notes for temporary use, I should like to confirm these by growing the plants out of doors before hazarding a definite opinion of their respective merits. Accordingly I shall at present merely enumerate them, appending the raisers descriptions, somewhat condensed, reserving for next year the task of redescribing and criticising them. 1. Anicet Bourgeois (H.P.) ; flowers bright cherry red, cupped, large, and full, produced in clusters ; growth vigorous. 2. - Antoine Devert (Tea-scented); flowers white, centres sulphury white, reverse of petals salmon rose, with large well rounded outer petals, large, full, and of good form ; very sweet ; flowers freely j growth very vigorous ; flower-stalks firm. 3. Augusts Buchner (H.P.) ; flowers bright scarlet, shaded, large and full j growth vigorous. 4. Baron Alexandre de Vrints (Tea-scented) ; flowers delicate rose, striped with red and white, of medium size, and fine form, produced freely and in clusters ; growth vigorous ; flower-stalks firm. 5. Blanche Moreau (Perpetual Moss) ; flowers pure white, large, full, and of perfect form, the buds and flowers produced in clusters, and freely furnished with deep green moss ; growth very vigorous. 6. Brightness of Cheshunt (H.P.) ; brick red ; a medium-sized flower of open imbricated form ; promising as a garden Rose. 7. CoMTE Frederic de Thun-Hohenstein (H.P.) ; flowers deep crimson, shaded with carmine, large, full, and of good form ; growth vigorous. 8. Comtesse de Camando (H.P.) ; flowers bright rose, shaded with violet, very large and full ; growth vigorous. 9. Comtesse Nathalie de Kleist (H.P.); flowers coppery yellow, reverse of petals reddish lake, new colour among hybrid perpetuals, large, full, and cupped. 10. DuMNACUS (H.P.) ; flowers reddish carmine, shaded, very large, full, form of the Cabbage Bose, blooms freely ; growth very vigorous. 11. Empereur du Bresil (H.P.) ; centre of flowers magenta and lake, shaded with blackish crimson, exterior petals brownish violet, very large, full, and globular ; growth very vigorous. 12. Fiancailles de la Princesse Stephanie (Tea-scented) ; flowers salmon yellow and orange, of medium size and climbing habit. A seedling from Glorie de Dijon, 13. FRANgois Levet (H.P.) ; flowers clear pale rose, of medium size, blooms freely ; growth vigorous. NEW ROSES. 317 14. George Baker (H.P.) ; lake, shaded with cerise in the way of Dupuy Jamin; free-flowering", and neat in habit. 15. Georges Moreau (H.P.) ; flowers bright glossy red, shaded with vermilion, globular, very large and full, foliage ample and beautiful j growth very vigorous. 16. GuiLLAUME GiLLEMOT (H.P.) ; flowers delicate rosy carmine, reverse of petals silvery rose, very large, form globular, habit perfect, blooms freely ; growth vigorous. 17. GusTAVE Thierry (H.P.) ; fine cerise red ; flowers large, full, and globular ; growth vigorous. 18. Lady Sheffield (H.P.) ; brilliant rosy cerise, changing lighter as the flower opens fully, a most beautiful shade of colour, and quite distinct from any existing variety ; petals large and of great substance ; flower of good shape, size, and fulness, foliage handsome ; growth vigorous. Raised by Mr. Postans, and introduced to commerce by Messrs. William Paul & Son, of Waltham Cross. Figured in the "Rose Annual," 1880-81. Madame Alfred Leveau, see Mr. Alfred Leveau. 19. Madame Amadieu (Tea-scented) ; flowers brilliant rose, centres white, tinted with carmine, very large, almost full ; growth vigorous. 20. Madame Caro (Tea-scented) ; flowers salmon yellow, of good form, medium size, full ; growth vigorous. 21. Madame Chedanne Guinoisseau (Tea-scented) ; flowers canary yellow, beautiful in bud, large, full, and of fine form ; growth vigorous. 22. Madame Isaac PeriI^rb (Bourbon Perpetual) ; flowers vivid carmine, very large and full, blooms constantly ; growth vigorous. 23. Madame Joseph Schwartz (Tea-scented) ; flowers white, tinted with flesh coloured rose, changing to flesh, of medium size, good form, and full ; growth vigorous. 24. Madame Julie Weidman (Hybrid Tea) ; flowers silvery rosy salmon, centres carmine and yellow, reverse of the petals violet, large, and full, petals also large ; flowers freely. 25. Madame la Marquise d'Alex (H.P.) ; flowers purplish red, with brighter centres, large and full ; growth very vigorous. 26. Madame Maxime de la Rocheterie (H.P.) ; flowers flesh coloured rose, of medium size, full, of good habit, and blooms freely ; growth vigorous. 27. Madame Montet (H.P.) ; flowers delicate rose, with large petals, very large, almost full, of fine form and habit ; growth very vigorous. 28. Mademoiselle Cecile Brunner (Polyantha Perpetual) ; flowers fine bright rose, the base of the petals yellowish, produced in clusters, very sweet, of dwarf but free habit. Ofiered as a bedding Rose. 29. Marie Par^ (Bourbon) ; flowers flesh colour, with deeper centres, of medium size, full, and of good form and habit, produced freely ; growth vigorous. 30. Mr. Alfred Leveau (H.P.) ; flowers bright carmine rose, large, full, and of good form, blooms freely ; growth vigorous. 318 NEW ROSES. 31. Mr. Thouvenel (H.P.); flowers fine velvety red, large, full, slightly flat, flowers freely, very effective ; growth very vigorous. 32. Mrs. Jowitt (H.P.) ; brilliant glowing crimson, shaded with lake, flowers very large and globular ; very fragrant. 33. Pride op Waltham (H.P.) ; habit of Countess of Oxford, producing flowers of a delicate flesh colour, richly shaded with bright rose, the colour very clear and distinct. A fine exhibition and garden variety, producing large and full flowers, with petals of great substance. Habit and constitution very good. Figured in the "Rose Annual," 1879-80. 34. Prince Prosper d'Aremberg (Tea-scented) ; flowers reddish salmon, centres and reverse of petals carmine, of medium size, full ; growth very vigorous. 35. Red Gauntlet (H.P.) ; bright scarlety crimson, shaded with deep rose, very large, full, and free. A very distinct and handsome variety, of good habit and constitution, and very vigorous in growth. Raised by Mr. Postans, and introduced to commerce by Messrs. William Paul & Son, of Waltham Cross. Figured in the " Rose Annual," 1880-81. 36. Reine Maria Pia (Tea-scented) ; flowers deep rose, with crimson centres, large and full ; growth very vigorous. A seedling from Glorie de Dijon. 37. Rosieriste Jacobs (H.P.) ; flowers bright velvety red, shaded with blackish crimson, large, full, of fine globular form, and produced freely ; growth vigorous. 38. Souvenir de Madame Alfred Vt (H.P.) ; flowers bright deep Goose- berry red, of medium size, full, and of good form and habit, produced freely ; growth vigorous. 39. Souvenir de Mr. Droche (H.P.) ; flowers rosy carmine, large, globular and almost full, fine habit ; growth vigorous. 40. Souvenir du President Porcher (H.P.) ; flowers deep rose, lighter edges, large, full, blooms freely, very effective ; growth vigorous. There has been introduced recently a set of new Roses, under the name of " Pedigree " Roses, which are said to be the result of artificial fertilisation, the parentage on both sides being preserved. However interesting this work may be, from a scientific point of view, the value of it to the horticulturist seems to me to depend on whether the new individuals are distinct from, or superior to those we already possess. Judged from this point of view I am not favourably impressed by them. INDEX. INDEX. Adonis, Epitaph, on 7 Alba Kose, The ... 214 Alpine Rose, The... ... 196 Anacreon's Ode ... 5 Annuals on Rose Beds 53, 65 Antiquity of the Rose 8 Aphis, Destruction of ... 123 Apple Bearing Rose, The ... 25 Attar of Roses, The ... 12 Austrian Briar, The ... 215 Autumnal Bloom, To secure ... 138 Autumnals Forced, Treatment of ... 131 Striped, To obtain ... ... 109 Autumn Pruning ... 69 Avenues of Roses ... 53 Ayrshire Rose, The ... 216 Banksise Rose, The ... 219 Bedding, Best kinds of . . . ... 52 Bee-hives, Use of ... 151 Berberry-leaved Rose, The ... 223 Bion's Epitaph on Adonis 7 Birds, To frighten ... 112 Black Roses ... 126 Blue Roses of the Moors... 11 Botany of the Rose (Appendix) . . . ... 271 Botanical Arrangement ... ... 186 Bourbon Rose, The ... 251 Origin of ... 107 Perpetual, The ... 248 Yellow, To obtain ... 109 Boursault Rose, The ... 196 As a stock ... ... 1&5 Boxes for Exhibition ... 171 Briar, Austrian, The ... 215 Sweet... ... 215 Broxbomebury Rosarium 29 Budded Stocks, Treatment of ., ... 158 Budding ... 155 Season for ... 159 Illustration and Practice of ... 156 Burnt Earth, Experiments with ... 34 Value of „, ... 34 Camphor Water, Properties of . . ... 122 Charlemagne, his love of Roses ... 11 Chaucer's allusion to the Rose ,. ... 22 Chinese Rose, The ... 256 Crimson, The ... 255 Chiswick Gardens, Roses at ... 28 Cleft Grafting ... 160 Climates of London and Paris cc m pared 97 Page Climbing Roses ... 82 Defined ... 195 In Pots ... 128 Best kinds ... 181 Position for ... 54, 83 Pruning and Training ... 83 Close Pruning 78, 79 Applicable to weakly plants ... 88 Evils of, in excess ... 88 Colours of Roses ... 106 Cowper's Poem on the Rose ... 24 Cross Breeding ... ... ... 95 Crown of Roses, The Reward of Virtue 16 Cuttings ... 152 Management of ... 153 Seasons for making ... 153 Damask Rose, The ... 201 Decay of Pith ... 150 Devoniensis Rose, Origin of ... 258 Disbudding 89, 94 Dog-Rose, Origin of the name . . . 14 As a Stock ... ... 155 Double Yellow Rose, The ... 197 Flowering of the ... 27 Dwarf Rose defined ... 195 Illustration of ... 146 Dwarf Standard defined ... 195 Earth, Mode of Burning ... 34 Edgings of Rose Beds, Roses for ... 184 English Rose Trees, Superiority of ... 21 Entomology of the Rose (Appendix) ... 289 Evergreen Roses, The ... 217 Exhibiting ... 169 Exhibition Plants, Management of 172, 175 Best kinds for ... 178 Exhibition Boxes ... 171 Fairy Rose, The ... 258 Flora, Origin of her divinity ... 10 Floriculture, Moral Reflections on ... 143 Floricultural Groups, Origin of... ... 187 Flowering, Remarks on ... ... 103 Flowers large, To obtain ... 142 Choice for Exhibition ... 171 Forced Roses, Management of ... 135, 136 Forcing, Art of ... 133 Newly potted plants ... 139 Best kinds for ... 183 Forcing House ... 133 Forcing House, Temperature of... ... 134 Forms of the Rose ... 105 INDEX. Forms of the Rose Explained ... Page ... 192 Hydrophobia, The Rose, A cure for Page ... 14 Of growth - 145 Indian Roses, time of flowering... ... 13 France, Species indigenous to ... ... 15 Value of ... 14 Ancient culture of ... ... 16 Insects, Destruction of ... 123, 136 Free-blooming Roses ... 179 Iron, Oxide of, favourable ... 36 French poets, their love of Roses ... 16 Jardin du Luxembourg ... 43 French Rose, The ... 208 Description of 43, 46 French Rose-growers, Jealousies of ... 21 Plan of 44, 45 Fulness of Roses, Degrees of . 192 Josephine, Empress, her passion for Roses 17 Fumigating ... 136 Labels, Best ... 149 Fungus red. To destroy ... 123 LafFay, M. , cultivates for amusement ... 19 Gardeners, English, skill of ... 97 His seedlings 18, 19 Geographical Distribution 2 Residence ... 18 Golden Rose, The ... 11 Late Roses, To obtain ... 150 Grafted Roses, Treatment of ... 162 Lawns, Roses on ... ... 53 Grafting ... 159 Lawrenciana Rose, The ... 258 Composition for ... 160 Layering, Operation of ... 163 Standard Roses ... 162 Layers, Treatment of ... 164 Ligature, Removal of ... 162 Lindley's Rosarum Monographia ... 26 Greeks, The Rose amongst the , . . ... 4, 7 Locality, Best ... ... ... 30 Gross Shoots, Management of ... ... 141 Long-pruning, Stage 1 ... 75 Groups, Average heights of ... 194 Stages 2 and 3 76, 77 For various purposes 60, 62 Low Standard Roses ... 195 How formed ... 188 Luther's Seal, a Rose ... 15 Newly formed ... 191 Luxembourg, Jardin du . . . ... 43 Requiring close pruning ... ... 78 Macartney Rose, The ... 222 Long pruning ... 73 Malmaison, Garden at ... 17 Pure air ... 61 Manure Water ... 122 Growth, Rates of ... 193 Manuring, annual, necessary ... 39, 140 Guano, Experiments with 35, 38 Manures, Application of .. . ... 38 Habit of Roses ... 104 Manetti Stock ... 155 Habit, Terms of, explained ... 193 Medicinal value of the Rose ... 14 Half Standard Rose, The ... 146 Microphylla Rose, The ... 223 defined ... 195 ■ Mildew, Cure for 115, 123, 136 Hardy, M., Roses of ... 20 Miniature Provence, The ... 203 Hedge budding ... ... 159 Roses, List of ... 184 Hedges, Roses for ... 184 Monthly Rose, The ... 256 Herts, Rose Gardens of ... 28 Moors of Spain, Blue Roses of ... ... 11 Holland, The Rose in ... 15 Moss Rose, The ... 204 Hungary, budding in the woods ... 15 Perpetual, The ... 221 Hybrid French Rose, The ... 209 Origin of ... 100 Moss, Origin of ... 100 To increase ... ... 109 Perpetual Rose, The ... 224 Striped, To obtain ... ... 109 Perpetuals, LafFay's origin of ... 100 Yellow, To obtain , ... 109 Perpetual, striped. To obtain ... 109 Multiflora Rose, The ... 218 Bourbon ... 213 Musk Rose, The ... 267 Chinese ... 210 Naming Roses, Plan of 149, 172 Noisette ... 212 New Roses (Appendix) ... 313 Hybridising, Author's plan of ... ... 108 Night Soil, Preparation and value of 38, 118 Hybridising, Experiments in ... 101, 108 Noisette Rose, The ... 268 Fixed Ideas necessary in ... ... 103 Note Book, Extract from ... 108 Knowledge of ... ... ... 107 Ode to the Rose, by Anacreon . . . 5 Pleasures attending ... 96 Origin of the Rose Q, 7, 16 The province of the amateur ... 98 Psestum, Roses of. 8 INDEX. Page Pagk Parkinson on the Rose ... 25 Pruning, Seasons of ... 68 Perpetual Moss Rose, The ... 221 Seedlings ... 116 Scotch Rose, The ... 221 Variations in ... ... 67 Persia, Culture of Roses in ... 12 Rapin's tale of the Rose ... ... 16 Persian Fable of the Rose ... 12 Red Rose, Origin of ... 22 Pniar Rose, The, Defined ... 195 Red Spider, Cure of ... 136 Complete ... 83 Renovation of old plants 87, 149 Illustrated ... 147 Roman de la Rose ... 11 Roses, Best kinds ... 180 Romans, Their love of Roses 8 Positions for... ... 40 Rosa alba ... ... 214 Manuring ... 148 alpina ... 196 Pruning ... 80 arvensis ... 216 Supports for 147 Banksise ... 219 Stages 1 and 2 . . 81 (Lowea) berberifolia... ... 223 Tying up ... 82 bracteata ... 222 Planting, Experiments in ... 64 centifolia 202, 203, 204, 221 State of ground ... 66 Damascena ... 201, 224 Pliny, his account of Roses 9 Gallica ... 208, 209, 210, 212, 213 Pole Roses ... 180 Indica ... 248, 250, 251, 257, .258 Pompon Rose, The ... 203 lutea ... 215 Ponsborne Park, Roses at ... 56 microphylla ... 223 Pot Rose, advantages for exhibiting ... 173 moschata 267, 268 Best kinds ... ... 182 multiflora ... 218 As climbers ... ... 128 rubiginosa ... 215 Defined ... 195 rubifolia ... 219 Pot Roses, Desirabilty of ... 117 semperflorens ... 255 Divisions of ... 129 sempervirens ... 217 Features desirable in ... 119 spinosissima'... 199, 221 Guide in re-potting ... ... 120 sulphurea ... 197 Protection of Tender ... 127 Rosarium, Formation of ... 40, 47 Pruning 120, 126 Plans for 48, 49 Soils for 118 Rose amateurs of France... ... 20 Training ... 124 Banks, Formation of ... 55 "Watering ... 122 Temple ... 57 Potting Seasons, and mode of ... ... 126 Trees, Form of ... 71 Prairie Rose, The ... 219 Water, Manufacture of ... 12 Propagation by budding ... 155 Gardens, Delights of the . . ... 143 Cuttings ... ... 152 Morning rambles in... ... 143 Grafting ... 159 Gardens of England ... 28 Layering ... 163 Gardens of France ... ... 20 Seed ... Ill Grub, Destruction of ... 122 Suckers ... 164 de Rosoniane, The ... ... 250 Properties of the Rose ... 103 literature 27 Protection of Roses ... 150 of Jericho 23 Provence Rose, The ... 202 Orgin of the word ... ... 186 Miniature, The ... 203 The emblem of silence 4 Provins, Roses of... ... 14 Dedication of, by the Ancients 4 Pruning, Ends sought in ... 70 Recent improvements of . ..." 15 First efforts in ... 70 To graft on the holly ... 25 For masses of bloom ... 80 Progress of ... 189 Guide in ... 78 Queen of Flowers ..„ 4 Increase of size by ... ... 86 Value in medicine ... ... 14 Instruments used ... 70 Valued by our poets .,. 22 Practical knowledge required ... 72 Adaptation of, for pot culture ... 117 INDEX. Pa (IE r.vGK Hoses at Rosenthal 68 Soil, Best ... 33 Southgate House 60 For Pot Roses ... 118 Causes of Sterility ... 101 Hoeing of ... 140 Arrangement of 65 Lnprovement of 33, 65 Growth of, in Paris 20 Draining of ... 33 Opening badly. Causes of 89 Species, "What constitutes a ... 186 Opening badly, Remedy for 89 Capable of Improvement . . . ... 187 Of the Sixteenth and Seventeenth Spencer, Lines on the Rose by ... 22 Centuries ... 24 Spring planting for tender Roses 66 Of the Eighteenth Century 26 Pruning, Advantages of 69 Of M. Vibert 17 Standard Roses ... ... 145 Planting in masses ... 50 Defined ... 195 Removal of, in June 127 Stocks ... 155 Soil for 51 Fitness for budding ... 159 To bloom in May 139 Selection of ... 159 Transplanting, Success in 51 Treatment of ... 155 To purchase 63 Suckers, Destruction of ... 141 Used by the Jews ... 4 Propagation by ... 164 Winter-flowering of 129 Summer Pruning ... 150 "Work on, by Miss Lawrence 26 Thinning 94 Rustic figures in the Rosarium 58 Sweet Briar ... 215 Salency, Ancient custom of 16 Roses, The best ... 183 Sappho's fragment on the Rose ,. 5 Sweetness indispensable ... ... 106 Saw, Use of 86 Table of heights of groups ... 194 Saw-fly, Larvss of 123 Tea-scented Roses 165, 258 Scissors, Use of 70 As standards ... 151 Scotch Rose, The 199 Tender Roses, Protection for ... ... 150 Perpetual, The 221 Theophrastus on the Rose 7 Seed-bearers, The best 102 Thinning 75 Microscopic examination oi 101 Tobacco-smoke, cure for aphis ... 123, 136 Pruning of ... 103 Trailing Roses, best kinds ... 182 Situation for 103 Remarks on ... 55 Self fertilized 102 "Varieties, Adaptation of, to soils 31 Under glass 98 Choice of ... 69, 60 Seed-pods, Protection of 110 Grouping of ... 191 Seedlings, Management of 112 Traced from the species ... 189 Mildew among 115 "Vibert, his seedlings 17 Pruning oi ... 116 "Warner's, Mrs., rosarium 67 Raising 99 "Wars of the Roses 21 Variation of . . . 98 "Wash for Rose stems ... 150 Seeds, Sowing of 111 "Wedge-gi-afting ... 161 Eaten by mice 116 "Weeping Rose, The 53, 84, 148 Sempervirens Rose, The 217 Pruning 84 Shading Roses 137 Supports for , . , 85, 148 Shortening in 75 Defined ... 195 Showy Roses, List of 179 Best kinds for ... 182 Shakespeare's sonnet on the Rose Ao Whip-grafting ... 161 onruDoeiy, noses loi iiie 56 White Rose, The 9F» 91 A. ZD, Best kinds of. 184 Winter Roses, best kinds ... 183 The planting in 57 To secure Roses in ... ... 129 Situation, Best for Roses 30 Worms, Remedy for ... 113 Sizes of Flowers, Terms of, explained . . . 192 Yellow Moss Rose 11, 26 Small -leaved Rose 223 Roses, The best ... 183 ADVERTISEMENT. WM. PAUL & SON Avail themselves of this opportunity of inviting all who take an interest in Trees and Plants to visit their Nurseries at WALTHAM CROSS (Adjoining the Waltham Station, Great Eastern Railway), which are now the largest in the immediate neighbourhood of London. They are open to the Public, free daily (Sundays excepted), and visitors can inspect the Stock at their leisure, or will be provided with a conductor on application at the OfiBce. Attention is respectully invited to the following brief enumeration of the Roses, Trees, Plants, Seeds, and Bulbs, which are objects of especial care. I.-NURSERY DEPARTMENT. ROSES : Priced Descriptive Catalogues of which are published twice yearly, in Autumn and Spring. HARDY TREES AND PLANTS, including— Evergreens for ornamental planting. CoNiFERiE, as Firs, Pines, Junipers, &c. American Plants, as Rhododendrons, &c. Flowering Trees and Shrubs. Climbing Plants. FRUIT TREES : including Grape Vines, Strawberry Plants, &c. **# No pains or expense is spared to obtain the Best Sorts, and to heep them healthy^ vigorous, and true to name. FOREST TREES, AVENUE, PARK, AND ROAD-SIDE TREES of all description, which are kept constantly transplanted in order that they may succeed well after removal. SEA KAIL, ASPARAGUS, RHUBARB, &c., &c., for forcing and planting out. II.— GREENHOUSE AND Azaleas. Camellias. DAHLLA.S. FUCHSLA-S. FLORIST DEPARTMENT. Geraniums. Greenhouse Plants generally. Hollyhocks. Phloxes. A selection of the choicest and most distinct varieties of the above are always on sale. Every novelty of merit is added, in order to keep the Establishment on a level with the times. ADVERTISEMENT. Ill— SEED DEPARTMENT. VEGETABLES SEEDS of the most approved kinds. FLOWER SEEDS, including Asters, Stocks, Primulas, &c., the best races. FARM SEEDS, including Turnips, Mangold Wurtzel, Grasses, &c. This, which has always appeared to them one of the most important branches of the business, receives a large share of their personal superin- tendence. Every effort is made to secure for their customers the best races, by growing and saving the more critical crops, and buying others from inspected stocks. Free and strong vegetative powers are secured by furnishing New Seeds where best, and by keeping them in a dry, cool, and airy warehouse, built on the most approved principles expressly for the purpose. In this Department — MusHROON Spawn. Russian Mats. Garden Tools, Tobacco Paper, And sundry miscellaneous articles for Garden use are kept. IV.— BULB DEPARTMENT. HYACINTHS, for which they have obtained several prizes at the leading Metropolitan Shows. TULIPS, all the best early kinds for Sping-gardening and po '■-culture. GLADIOLI, one of the first collections of this most beautiful of Autumn flowers. LILIES, NARCISSI, CROCUS, HERBACEOUS and HARDY SPRING- FLOWERING PLANTS, &c. Such of these as are better matured in foreign soils and climates, are annually imported thence from the very first sources. These, and sundry Garden Requisites, it has ever been and will continue to be their aim to furnish at the lowest rates compatible with the supply of a first-rate article. PAULS' ROSE MANURE. Recommended also for Fruit Trees, Grape Vines, Strawberries, and Lawns. Sold in boxes, with full instructions for use, at 2s. and 4s. each, the latter containing two-and-a-half of the former. Price, per cwt., 21s. The public are respectfully informed that the original firm of A. Paul & Son no longer exists. Of that firm, their senior partner, Mr. William Paul, is the sole survivor, and to prevent confusion, their friends and correspondents should address WILLIAM PAUL & SON (the Christian name in full), Paul's Nurseries and Seed Warehouse, Waltham Cross, Herts. Visitors by railway can enter the Nurseries from the platform, Waltham Station, half an hour's ride from Liverpool Street, or St. Pancras Stations, London. ADVERTISEMENT. WORKS ON HORTICULTURE, BY WILLIAM PAUL, F.L.S., F.R.H.S. Mr. William Paul's contributions to the Horticultuial Literature of the day hold a high position amongst authoritati works. — Bell's Weekly Messenger. THE ROSE GARDEN. Eighth Edition. Printed on toned s. i paper, and illustrated with numerous woodcuts ... ... ... 10 Ditto. ditto. With 15 highly finished coloured plates ... 21 "Amid the number of Rose books, Mr. William Paul's 'Rose Garden' stands out, not merely as a practical guide to culture, but as a model of scientific reasoning and observation applied to Vr&ctic&J'— Gardeners' Chronicle, July 7th, 1877. ''Infinitely the best work ever written on the culture of the Rose."— 5ofa«ie Garden. "It is the most comprehensive book on all that relates to the Rose and its cultivation." — Journal of Horticulture, •*By far the most useful book yet published on Rose cultivation." — Midland Counties' Herald. ROSES IN POTS. Fifth Edition 2 "In this little work of ninety-one pages will be found every direction that can possibly be required." — Journal of HoHiculture. " It is completed with so much care by its author, and embodies so much practical experience that it cannot fail to be useful to all," — The Garden. "The sound teaching of the book will necessitate the publication of a fifth edition shortly." — Gardeners' Magazine. " In the handy and elegant got up little book before us we may be said to have the experience of the best part of a lifetime as to growing Roses in pots." — Floral Magazine. " We are glad to see it whenever it comes, and trust to see it again and again." — Gardeners' Chronicle. ROSES AND ROSE CULTURE. Fifth Edition 1 " The present work may be commended, not only for its low price, but for the extent of the information given in a short space, and the thoroughly practical and admirable manner in which it is written." — Gardeners' Chronicle. " It is so complete, so explicit, and yet so brief, as to justify his own description of it as conveying the rationale of cultivation in a nut-shell," — Gardeners' Magazine. " In this little shilling book, consisting of 83 pages, Mr. William Paul tells amateur Rose growers all that is really necessary for them to know, in order to make them successful Rosarians," — The Garden, THE ROSE ANNUAL, 4 Coloured Plates, 1859-60, 1860-61, 1861-62 each 4 Ditto ditto 4 ditto 1877-78, 1878-79, 1879-80, 1880-81 each 5 "The beautiful portraits make this welcome book a pleasant substitute for the 'rose garden.'" — Gardeners' Magazine. AMERICAN PLANTS, THEIR History and Culture. Illustrated ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 2 VILLA GARDENING. Third Edition. Illustrated with numerous wood engravings ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 2 "Well adapted to the end, being of a plain practical character." — Spectator. '■ Mr. Paul's useful litttle work on Gardening will prove even more acceptable to amateurs than its predecessors." — Standard. " Well known for its adaptation to the wants of the amateur cultivator."— TAe Florist and Pomologisfs. "We anticipate it will become, as it deserves, a general authority in suburban cultivation." — Gardeners' Chronicle. LECTURE ON THE HYACINTH. Delivered before the Royal Horticultural Society ... ... ... ... ... ... 0 "The best and fullest account of this plant I have met with is by a famous horticulturalist, Mr. Paul, of Waltham Cross," — Darwin's Animals and Plants under Domestication. THE FUTURE OF EPPING FOREST. Read before the Society of Arts, London, January 28th, 1880 ... ... ... 0 PAUL'S NURSERIES, WALTHAM CROSS, HERTS. NURSERY CATALOGUES. THE FOLLOWING PRICED DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUES MAY BE OBTAINED, POST FREE, ON APPLICATION !- ROSES. New edition published annually in September, EVERGREENS, CONIFERS, ORNAMENTAL TREES & SHRUBS, CLIMBING PLANTS, &c. Silver Medal from the Royal Agricultural Society for an ex- hibition of Trees and Shrubs at the Kilburn Exhibi- tion, 1879. a.—FRUIT TREES, including Grape Vines and Strawberries. Gold Knightian and Gold Bank- siAN Medals have been awarded to Wm. Paul & Son by the Royal Horticul- tural Society for their extensive collection of Apples and Pears exhibited at South Kensington. /).— HYACINTHS, TULIPS, and other BULBS, CAMELLIAS, AZALEAS, &c. New edition published annually in August. A Gold Banksian Medal was awarded to Wm. Paul by the Royal Horticultural Society for his special exhibition of Hyacinths, Tulips, and other spring flowers. ^7.— Special list of the above at reduced prices for large buyers. F.— NEW ROSES, GERANIUMS, PHLOXES, DAHLIAS, &c. New edition published annually in March. SEEDS : Vegetable, Flower, and Agricultural ; GLADIOLI, &c. New edition published annually in January. PLANTS, SEEDS, AND BULBS, PACKED FOR ANY CLIMATE. GARDENERS OF CHARACTER AND EXPERIENCE RECOMMENDED.