390 THE GARDENER. [Sept. 



been studied as it deserves to be. "With some few exceptions, tbe 

 nurserymen are not successful in this matter ; but it is very difficult 

 for them to find the time, granting the taste to be there, for a minute 

 assortment of the large collections which they are called upon to show ; 

 and knowing that the awards will be made upon the merits and de- 

 merits of the individual flowers, they are not solicitous about minor 

 details. The amateur, with more leisure than the man of business 

 for the study of the beautiful, and for the most effective display of his 

 fewer flowers, ought to excel, but, as a rule, does not. His Roses are 

 very rarely made the most of in this respect, but are frequently marred 

 and spoiled, the colours clashing and contending with each other, in- 

 stead of combining against their common adversary. It is told of a 

 highly sensitive dame, whose silly pride was in dress, that she went 

 into hysterics before a large party when her great rival in millinery 

 came and sat upon the ottoman beside her, in a grand garment of the 

 same colour as her own, but of a much more brilliant and efi'ective 

 dye ; and I have seen many a Rose which would weep, if it could, 

 aromatic rose-water, subdued by a like despair. Whereas every flower 

 should be so placed as to enhance its neighbours' charms — the fair 

 blonde with her golden locks smiling upon the brunette with her 

 raven hair, each made by the contrast lovelier. Once upon a time six 

 pretty sisters lived at home together always. In looks, in figure, in 

 voice, gait, and apparel, they exactly resembled each other. Young 

 gentlemen, seeing them apart, fell madly in love, as young gentlemen 

 ought to do ; but on going to the house, and being introduced to the 

 family, they were bewildered by the exact similitude, didn't know 

 which they had come to see, couldn't think of proposing at random, 

 made blunders, apologies, retreats. It seemed as though all these 

 charming flowers would be left to " wither on the virgin Thorn," when 

 one of them was permitted to leave her home upon a visit to a distant 

 friend. She returned in six weeks, hien fiancee, and six months after 

 was a bride. The rest followed her example. So it is that six 

 scarlet Roses or six pink Roses in close proximity perplex the specta- 

 tor, and depreciate each other by their monotonous identity ; isolated 

 or contrasted, we admire them heartily. 



Nor let the exhibitor, amateur or professional, suppose that these 

 matters are of no importance. It is true that priority is won by the 

 superior merits of the Roses, carefully examined and compared ; but 

 in cases where these merits are equal, then the best arrangement as to 

 form and colour will certainly influence, and probably determine, the 

 verdict. I can recall several instances in which, cceteris paribus, taste- 

 ful arrangement has given the victory. The material for operation has 

 been equally good ; tlie modus oioerandi has been the point of excel- 



