VARIETIES AND HABITS. 163 



and far-off lands, where history and mystery have 

 lingered round the scrolls of ancients and the scent 

 of the pot-pourri jar. Exclusively cultivated up to the 

 beg-inning of the 19th century, varieties of these Roses 

 have gradually dwindled until only the fittest have 

 survived to contest with the more favoured gems of 

 the autumn Class. 



Provence Roses (Rosa centifolia). 



This Rose, better known to the public as the old 

 ** Cabbage " Rose, by reason of its full-folded petals 

 shaped like an early cabbage, is a native of Asia Minor, 

 and in all probability one of the most ancient of culti- 

 vated Roses known. The flowers are globular, very 

 full, and sweetly perfumed; the leaves are light green, 

 with red borders. 



A sub-variety of the Provence is the Miniature 

 Provence, not to be confused with the Lawrencianae, 

 or Fairy Roses. The Provence Roses are quite hardy, 

 and will stand the severest frosts. They require 



moderate pruning and generous cultivation. 



A/055 Roses (R. Centifolia). 



The Moss Rose is in reality a sub-variety of the 

 Provence, of which the original Moss Rose is sup- 

 f>osed to ihave been a sport. The Moss Rose was first 

 introduced into England from Holland in 1596, and 

 was very highly prized in this country. It has all the 

 characteristics of the Provence Rose, with the addi- 

 tion of the Moss on its sepals and stems. 



It is sligihtly perfumed, and some varieties more 

 so than others. 



At one time, about 1855, there were several hun- 

 dred varieties in existence, and it was a most popular 

 group, but in spite of every effort of the hybridist, few 

 varieties were much of an improvement on the common 

 or old Moss Rose raised about 1596. There is a group 

 of Perpetual Moss Roses (Rosa Muscosa bifera) that 

 flower in the autumn ; these varieties are a most valu- 

 able addition to the garden and are treated of in 

 Class II. Moss Roses in miniature have been sent 



