CHAPTER XI 
EXHIBITING 
THE instructions hitherto given have been meant 
to show how to grow Roses in the best possible 
manner, so as to produce the finest blooms. There 
are probably few who will go thus thoroughly into 
the matter without desiring sooner or later to put 
their care and labour to the test by showing, in 
friendly rivalry, against their brother Rosarians. 
The true Rose lover may perhaps enjoy and ap- 
preciate all the winter and spring work simply from 
his personal devotion to the Queen of Flowers. But 
if he visits Rose shows he will soon be anxious, I think, 
to get an important judgment upon his own blooms, 
and see what rank his much-cared-for plants can 
take in the world of Roses. 
We may perhaps hear a man say, ‘“‘Oh! I don’t 
exhibit, but I can assure you I cut some very good 
Roses from plants under such and such a treat- 
ment (perhaps from plants on their own roots, from 
cuttings). In such a case, without throwing the 
smallest doubt upon his veracity or bona fides, we 
are apt to wonder what he considers ‘ very good ” 
Roses, and unless his blooms have been seen by a 
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