XII MANNERS AND CUSTOMS 269 
The flower, as seen in a show stand, is: magnificent, 
very large, and very finely and regularly formed, 
with beautiful bright colour and good fragrance. 
But its growth though “‘robust’”’ is very short and 
it is plainly a rose for exhibitors only, and for those 
only of them who can give it the most “ liberal treat- 
ment.’’ Nevertheless, I think this variety also 
has improved in habit, and I find it will often make 
a fair ‘‘ head”’ as a half-standard. 
Victor Hugo (Schwartz, 1884).—Of good growth 
in rich soil, with very distinct foliage and habit, 
hable to mildew, and requiring high cultivation and 
“‘liberal treatment.’ When ‘‘ well done by,” the 
blooms are very handsome, of fine shape, fair petal 
and centre, glorious colour, and good size. This is 
a very taking sort from the glow of its crimson: the 
constitution seems pretty good on strong soil, and 
it is fairly free blooming in summer and in autumn, 
but the petals are rather thin, and the blooms not 
very lasting. A really fine bloom of this Rose, seen. 
at its best, will attract great attention. Fragrant. 
Victor Verdier (Liacharme, 1859).—Eliminated by 
the editors of this edition. 
Waltham Standard (W. Paul & Son, 1897).— 
Eliminated by the editors of this edition. 
Xavier Olibo (Lacharme, 1864).—Evidently a 
seedling from Général Jacqueminot, as the wood is 
very similar. A weak grower with poor con- 
stitution, not liking manetti, and rather liable to 
mildew, answering best if budded annually on the 
briar either standard or cutting, but occasionally 
doing fairly as a cut-back if not moved. This 
Rose used always to be described as ‘‘ velvety 
black, shaded with amaranth,” a taking description, 
