112 EXHIBITING. 



far as possible, reliable particulars as to most sorts. 

 No nurserymen can be blamed for including in some 

 lists varieties that the show tent has demanded, and 

 the general public has taken up, regardless of their 

 habit or anything other than the fact that they are 

 attractive and new varieties. Speaking generally, 

 however, I would always advise the Rose grower to 

 include in his selection of trees a large proportion of 

 old varieties, especially of Hybrid Perpetual Roses, 

 and, by making a careful study of their habits, to en- 

 deavour to select those sorts that will keep his garden 

 in constant flower. It can be done, but to do it he will 

 find that he will have to introduce many an old variety; 

 but when, as an exhibitor, having a show to attend, he 

 is searching his Rose beds for varieties to make up the 

 required number to enable him to compete in some 

 class, he will live to bless the day of their introduction 

 into his garden. Again, when the amateur has given 

 up exhibiting, and is growing only for his own pleasure 

 and that of a few friends, he will find that many a 

 sturdy old variety will give far better results and 

 greater satisfaction than other sorts which to-day are 

 being introduced, and which show a marked lack of 

 stamina. 



Here I will tilt a thorn at the hybridiser, and 

 inveigh against the raising, introducing, and efforts 

 made to popularise Roses devoid of scent. 



A few years ago it seemed almost impossible to 

 think of a Rose other than that of a flower possessing 

 the sweetest scent, but to-day, when varieties abound 

 having absolutely no perfume, we must discriminate, 

 and it is not hard to enumerate the really fragrant 

 Roses from those that are scentless or give but a poor 

 apology for the sweetness we expect. 



Our hybridisers are much to blame in this matter, 

 and less attention should be paid to colour and easy re- 

 sults, and far more to the procuring of the type of Rose 

 which is ever a favourite with the general public — 

 namely, that possessing the greatest perfume. 



