THE FLORAL WOULD AND GARDEN GUIDE. 327 



critics to give tlieir opinions on them. Every year some thirty 

 or forty varieties are sent over, and of these not more than three or 

 four are really first-class, and to bay at random is to incur the risk 

 of wasting money. In buying Eaglish-raised roses the case is 

 altogether different, for before a raiser in this country ventures to 

 offer a new variety, blooms or plants are submitted to the 

 criticism of the rosarians at the public exhibitions. Indeed, were 

 this not to be done, it is questionable whether it would be pur- 

 chased by the trade, although there is no hesitation in sending 

 orders for the large number of new varieties which the French 

 raisers offer. 



Relative to roses, the term " new " must be interpreted in a 

 liberal manner, to allow of mention being made of varieties which 

 have been in commerce two or three years, but which are as yet not 

 so generally known as they deserve to be. Taking some of the 

 newest hybrid perpetuals first, we have Princess Beatrice, a very 

 beautiful light rose. Annie Laxton is another good globular light 

 rose, but the petals are wanting in substance, and when the flowers 

 are exposed to rough weather, the outer petals have a washed out 

 appearance. Captain Christy, one of this year's roses, may be 

 regarded as one of the best of the series of which it forms a part ; 

 the flowers are delicate flesh, with pale carmine centre, and the 

 colouring altogether is very distinct and pleasing. Another good light 

 rose of this year is Diana, a fine large cupped flower, of a bright pink 

 colour ; this is of special value for garden decoration, as it has a 

 vigorous habit, and the flowers are produced until quite late in the 

 autumn. Feach Blossom also claims attention as being a most 

 valuable addition to the list of light roses ; for the flowers are of a 

 pleasing shade of delicate pink, and of good form. St. George is a 

 fine dark variety ; the flowers deep crimson, large, full, and of most 

 excellent form ; presenting in the latter respect a striking contrast 

 to some of the dark flowers we have of late received from our friends 

 on the other side of the Channel. Beijnolds Hole, is perhaps hardly 

 equal to some of our finest dark roses ; but the flowers are of average 

 size, the form good, and the colour rich maroon crimson, and as it 

 may improve on further acquaintance, it should have a place in 

 the rosery. General Von Moltke is of English extraction, and is 

 described as possessing all the good qualities of a first-rate rose, 

 whilst being of the most brilliant scarlet ; but as yet I have had 

 no opportunity of seeing it, neitlier have any of my friends, and I 

 am therefore unable to say anything about it. Baron de Bonstetten 

 may be described as an improved Monsieur Boncenne, and therefore 

 a most desirable acquisition ; the flowers are larger and fuller, the 

 growth is more vigorous than of the variety to which it bears a 

 close resemblance. Abbe Bramei-el is described in mo^t of the cata- 

 logues, as being of fine form, but in my opinion the flowers are too 

 flat and too coarse to be considered anything but first-rate ; it is, 

 however, a good garden rose, for the colouring is bright and deci- 

 sive, and the flowers are borne in large trusses. Etienue Levet, a 

 fine rose, with reddish carmine colour, has made its way to the head 

 of the list of exhibition varieties, and it may also be regarded as one 



November, 



