68 PARSONS ON THE ROSE. 



THE PRAIRIE ROSE. 



The double varieties of the original Michigan Rose, or 

 Itosa ruhifolia^ have nearly all been produced by Samuel 

 Feast, of Baltimore, while a few new varieties owe their 

 origin to Joshua Pierce, of Washington. They are re- 

 markable for their perfectly hardy nature, braving equally 

 well the frosts of Canada or the heat of Louisiana. The 

 leaves are large, rather rough, and of a rich dark-green. 

 They grow with unexampled rapidity, exceeding in this 

 respect any of the climbing roses, and would cover old 

 buildings or naked ground in a very short space of time. 

 They bloom after the other summer roses are mostly gone, 

 and produce their flowers abundantly in large clusters of 

 different shades, from the shaded white of Baltimore 

 Belle to the rich deep rose of 



Queen of the Prairies. — This is the best, and of the 

 most luxuriant growth. Its large flowers are of a peculiar 

 cupped form, almost globular, when in bud, and altogether 

 of very perfect shape. They are of a deep rose color, with 

 a white stripe in the centre of each j^etal. This rose is 

 truly superb, and, for our cold Avinters and hot sun, an 

 unequaled climber. It would be a fine rose to cover a 

 trellis or building, and then bud into its branches a dozen 

 different Remontant or Bourbon Roses of various colors. 

 The tout ensemble would be superb. 



Baltimore Belle. — This variety is thought by some to 

 have a strain of Xoisette sap in it from the delicacy and 

 beauty of its flower and its tendency to bloom in the au- 

 tumn. It produces abundant clusters of white flowers 

 shaded with a slight cloud of pink. It is one of the finest 

 climbing roses known. 



Gem of the Prairie. (Burgess'.) — A hybrid between 

 the Queen of the Prairies and the Remontant, Madame 

 Laffay. It is said to combine the vigorous growth of the 

 one with the rich color and delicate fragrance of the 



