INTRODUCTORY REMARKS. 



ON THE ORIGIN OF THE FLORICULTURAL GROUPS. 



The word ' Rose ' is generally allowed to have been derived from the Celtic 

 rhodd, or rhudd, signifying ' red,' in allusion to the colour of the flowers of most 

 of the species. We may trace a great resemblance in the names by which various 

 nations distinguish this plant. In the Greek it is called Rodon ; in Latin, Rosa ; 

 in French, Rosier; in Italian, Rosajo; in Spanish, Rosal; in Portuguese, 

 Roseira ; and in German, Rosenstock. 



According to the authority of most Botanists, the genus Rosa stands divided 

 into sections, which are subdivided into numerous species, the distinguishing 

 characters of which consist in the colour, shape, size, &c. of various organs, such 

 as the leaves, prickles, flowers, and fruit. On the value of these characters, as 

 constituting distinct species, botanical writers are, however, by no means agreed. 

 While in the " Rosarum Monographia" seventy-eight species are described 

 (besides others recorded as doubtful species) ; and the Messrs. Loddiges have in 

 their Catalogue a far greater number ; M. Boitard, a modern French author, 

 stoutly maintains there are but three. * 



It is not my intention here to enter into the botany of the Rosef ; but I would 

 state it to be my impression, that the differences of opinion arise in some measure 

 from the unsettled definition of the word ' species.' When in conversation with 

 tyros, I have often been asked what constitutes a species. And this question seems 

 so necessarv to be answered, in order that the arrangement of the varieties may 

 be rightly understood, that I shall here offer a reply. 



Mirbel says, " A species is composed of a succession of individuals, which have 

 descended one from the other, in a direct line, whether by seed, or a simple sepa- 

 ration of parts. 



* Manuel Complet de V Amateur des Roses, par M. Boitard. Paris, 1836. His species are, 

 1. R. simplicifolia ; 2. R. lutea; 3. R. mutabilis. He divides these into races and varieties ; 

 and, according to this arrangement, nearly all the varieties cultivated in European gardens 

 belong to the third species, (R. Mutabilis). 



t I purposely avoid entering into the botany of the Rose, having the promise of a popular 

 article on the subject, which will appear in the Appendix to this work. 



