50 KOSES THAT BLOOM IX JUXE. 



KOSA GALLICA. 



THE ROSE OF FRANCE. 



This rose takes its name from its great abund- 

 ance in hedges and other cultivated grounds in 

 Erance. Some writers consider it " evidently the 

 hundred-leaved rose of Pliny," so that it must 

 have been long known in cultivation. It is rather 

 curious that the French call it Rose de Provins, 

 while the English give it the name of French 

 Kose. It is a very great seed-bearer, and has 

 consequently been much used by florists in cross- 

 ing with other varieties to produce new sorts ; the 

 results have been hundreds, though more aston- 

 ishing, in many instances, for their exalted names 

 than for any other merits ; yet there are many of 

 the most perfect character, composed of numerous 

 and regularly formed petals, with colors of almost 

 every imaginable shade. The distinguishing fea- 

 tures of this family are strong upright flower- 

 stalks, want of large prickles, rigid leaves, and 

 compact growth. The colors vary from pink to 

 the deepest shades of crimson. Nearly all the 

 striped, mottled, and variegated roses have origi- 



