SUMMER MEETING AT OREGON. 103 



Darwin records the fact that three hundred distinct varieties have 

 been produced from a single wild rose during that period. 



Roses of the present as compared with those of the past are super- 

 ior by reason of the introduction of groups that are hardy, or nearly so, 

 and that blossom at intervals, or continuously, through the summer and 

 autumn. Rose culture has been the most successful in France and Eng- 

 land. America, it is saij, has originated more fruits of high quality than 

 any other country, but her contribution to the list of new roses is not 

 extensive; while Italy and Germany have done almost nothing. 



Its cultivation has been greatly promoted in England by the insti- 

 tution of Rose shows, and by the organization of the National Rose 

 Society. 



Canon Hale was very influential in establishing these institutions 

 and in bringing into more prominent notice the Rose. 



Some thirty years ago he said : " There deepened in my heart an 

 indignant conviction that the flower of flowers did not receive its full 

 share of public honor." 



It is he also to whom we are indebted for the following beautiful 

 sentiment : " He who would have beautiful roses in his garden, must 

 have beautiful roses in his heart. He must love them well and always. 

 He must have not only the glowing admiration, the enthusiasm and the 

 passion, but the tenderness, the thoughtfulness, the reverence, the watch- 

 fulness of love." 



WILD FLOWERS. 



BY MARY E. MURTFELDT, KIRKWOOD, MO. 



In the affections of the true flower-lover, none of the regal beauties 

 of the parterre or conservatory can supplant the wildlings c>f the wood 

 and field. We lin^'cr i'T ardent ndmiration over cur choice roses, r.olir.c^ 



