STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY, 273 



not be left bare after they have faded. We have always used petunias 

 for this. 



Lastly but by no means least, the rose; the most delighful and 

 queen of all flowers. I am thankful there are a few hardy varieties all 

 may have. The choice and tender ones are worth trying for, though 

 they require careful and skillful treatment. I believe nothing has so 

 many enemies; among the most formidable we have found the aphis, 

 rose caterpiller, bugs and spiders of various kinds, and mildew. Con- 

 stant vigilance is the price of success. 



Rose culture is comparatively a new industry in our family, in 

 which, I confess, there is much for me to learn. Will mention, how- 

 ever, a few (from over one hundred varieties we have tried) which I 

 believe, everything considered, have given best satisfaction, and which 

 may be grown out doors in Minnesota if well protected during the 

 winter. 



Gen. Jacqueminot, Fisher Holmes, Louis Van Houtte, Baroness 

 Rothchild, Mabel Morrison, Countess of Serenye, Eugene Verdier, 

 Coroline de Sansel, Alfred Colomb, Salet Moss, Eliza Boelle and La 

 France. Gren. Jacqueminot we value for its beauty, fragrance and 

 hardiness. Fisher Holmes has been described as an improved Jacque- 

 minot, and is, in ray opinion, in some respects its superior, the petals 

 having a little more substance, and in sunlight I think the color more 

 beautiful. Of the three varieties, Louis Van Houtte, Fisher Holmes 

 and Jacqueminot, Mr. Gould's choice is in the order named, Louis 

 Van Houttee coming first, but for evening decoration the Jacqueminot 

 is always preferred. We consider the Alfred Colomb a valuable rose, 

 being fuller than the Jacqueminot and a better bloomer, giving more 

 blooms late in the season, but not quite so beautiful in color. Bar- 

 oness Rothchild and Mabel Morrison, though shy bloomers, are so ex- 

 ceedingly beautiful (also hardy) we would not willingly spare them 

 from our list. 



Eliza Boelle, white, dwarf habit, is a very free bloomer all through 

 the season. 



Gen. Washington, is a free bloomer, but the flowers are often im- 

 perfect; when perfect, a fine sort. 



La France (Hybrid Tea), a delicate, silvery pink, large and fine, a 

 most constant bloomer, considered by some as the s\7eetest and most 

 useful of all roses. 



Our Teas, Perle des Jardins, Sunset and Bon Silene, were greatly 

 admired for their luxuriant growth andbeautiful and abundant bloom. 

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