8 
remarkable, and form a striking instance of the 
wonderful works of the Creator. 
With so vast a difference as is here to be met 
with, the almost endless number of varieties is not 
so much to be wondered at. 
With the exception of the introduction of a few 
distinct species, this work has been accomplished 
by hybridizing and cross breeding; and with a 
flower so very popular as the Rose, and which 
bears seed so freely, it is natural to suppose that 
the work of raising seedlings would be taken in 
hand by all who are fond of this most interesting 
pursuit. 
Until of late years little has been accomplished 
by English amateurs and cultivators, which has 
often surprised me. With the French it has been 
otherwise, and to them we are indebted for nearly 
all our finest Roses, and if we may judge by the 
quantity of new varieties annually introduced, they 
doubtless find it profitable as well as interesting. 
It maybe said, and that justly, that our 
climate is not so suitable for raising seedlings as 
that of France (especially the south). This, however, 
would apply more to tender kinds, which certainly 
do not mature their seed thoroughly in this country 
unless artificial means are adopted. Nevertheless, 
we have hardy seed-bearing Roses in abundance, 
which are quite as prolific with us as in France, 
and in favourable seasons ripen their seed as well. 
My opinion is, that if the crossing and raising of 
seedlings were taken up by English amateurs and 
cultivators with the same amount of energy which 
