THE FLORAL WORLD AND GARDEN GUIDE. 227 



kinds we may most safely purchase. But the amateur must always 

 bear in mind that exhibitions afford only one test of merit, 

 though in respect of that one nothing can be more satisfactory. We 

 learn much about the qualities of individual flowers, but nothing at 

 all about the habit of growth, constitution, and willingness or other- 

 wise to flower freely. We must go to the garden for such informa- 

 tion ; and, therefore, such papers as we have occasionally from 

 Mr. Prior, and other practical cultivators, are of immense value, and, 

 if turned to the best account, tend to save the amateur many a 

 wasteful outlay, and many a bitter disappointment. No one would 

 conclude Louis XIV. to be otherwise but one of the most desirable 

 garden roses from seeing a perfect bloom on an exhibition stand, for 

 it is unmatched in beauty. Yet so shy is it to flower, that it is now 

 rarely met with. So, again, no one would learn from an exhibition 

 that Lord Nelson, 8ir Joseph Paxton, Jules Margottin, and Anna 

 Alexieff*, are about the most free to bloom, and consequently the 

 most showy, of all the roses in the garden ; for as to the first two, 

 they are now never shown at all ; and as to the last, they have nearly 

 had their day as sho.v flowers, though still worth a place in the list 

 of most select roses. 



Amongst the newer kinds that have attracted special attention 

 this season, we cannot forget the attractions of Madame Moreau, 

 Marie JSaumann, Miss Ingram, Madame Hoste, Exposition de Brie, 

 JShvier Olibo, Marechal JViel, Mrs. Ward, Alfred Colomb, Mar- 

 guerite St. Amand, Princess Mary of Cambridge, and Thorin. More 

 than these we might name as characterized by the highest qualities 

 of show roses, but these are undoabtedly the cream of the additions 

 made to our lists within the past three years. A few of the older 

 kinds that still keep a place are so good, that we may almost indulge 

 the hope, though a hope unpardonable, that they will never be 

 beaten. At all events, we do not at present believe in the possibility 

 of a supersession of Gioire de Dijon, Souvenir de la Malmaison, 

 Jules Margottin, Devonieusis, Souvenir d'un Ami, Victor Verdier, 

 General Jacqueminot, and some half dozen more ; they appear to be 

 so good, that anything better is beyond possibility, yet tliey may be 

 all destined to give place to superior varieties in their several 

 classes : for in rose-growing, as in all things else, we know not what 

 a day or an hour may bring forth. But there are some old roses 

 that still enjoy much favour with exhibitors — a fact which greatly 

 surprises us, seeing that the kinds we have in our mind now are 

 really bad, but maintain their popularity by their size and coarseness, 

 such as Anna de Diesbach and Colonel de Eougemont. Surely, if 

 these can be set aside, it will be a great benefit, for a perfect form is 

 far to be desired above mere size and colour, as virtue and beauty 

 are to be preferred to power and riches. 



In comparing our various notes made at exhibitions and in 

 gardens, we have resolved to recommend the following as the best 

 roses in cultivation. No two cultivators will agree in every par- 

 ticular, but very few, we feel assured, among competent judges, will 

 raise a question as to the desirability of the following having a place 

 in every rosarium in Britain : — 



