i 3 4 THE ROSE BOOK 



Rosa micrantha. — Forming a bush four to six feet 

 high, this rose possesses some characters resembling 

 those of Rosa rubiginosa and others which are more sug- 

 gestive of Rosa canina. Thus the leaves, though rather 

 like those of the Dog rose, have a faint scent like Sweet 

 Brier. If forms rather long, arching branches, and 

 bears pinkish flowers in June ; they are little more than 

 an inch across. It is found from Scotland to the Channel 

 Islands, and also occurs in Ireland. The variety Briggsi 

 is a stronger-growing plant with larger flowers and 



fruits. 



Rosa mollis.— -This is one of the most beautiful of 

 British roses. Common in Scotland, it is one of the most 

 conspicuous shrubs in various parts, and is plentiful in 

 Skye and other islands, whilst it spreads southwards into 

 England and is also found in Ireland. Growing from 

 three to six feet high, it may be recognised by its up- 

 right branches, soft, hairy leaves, and pretty red flowers 

 which are two inches or so across. The fruits are oval 

 in shape and deep red, with a few bristly hairs on 

 the surface. It is one of the best kinds for the wild 

 garden. 



Rosa rubella.— Doubt exists as to whether this is 

 strictly British or not, although it is described in Smith's 

 " English Botany." In fact, it is now regarded as a 

 synonym of Rosa fiendulina, which is considered to be 

 a natural hybrid between Rosa spinosissima and Rosa 

 alpina. Forming a small bush, it reaches a height of 

 two and a half or three and a half feet. The rather small 

 leaves may have as many as eleven leaflets. The bright 



