THE EOSE GARDEN. ."> 



this is the proper course to pursue ; and it is thus that several new groups have of 

 late years been added. The Hybrid Perpetuals, for instance, are of modern date; 

 and it must be admitted by all, that for these hybrids a new group was necessary. 

 But supposing this new individual to possess no very distinct features, then will 

 not the characters of any one species or group predominate ? Undoubtedly they 

 will : and the variety should be referred to that group to which the preponderance 

 of similar external characters denote it most intimately to belong. 



If we glance at the species from which the beautiful varieties which decorate 

 our gardens have sprung, we find nearly all are natives of civilized countries, and 

 have been for some years known and cultivated in Europe. This will account for 

 the number of varieties we possess from them. It is probable that many other 

 species, which are at present only known as species, will eventually give birth to 

 esteemed garden kinds ; that fresh groups will arise, possessed of distinct characters 

 from those we already possess. If these anticipations be realized, what a genus 

 will that of the Rose become ! And are we not strengthened in this supposition 

 by the appearance at the present time of numerous varieties raised from the Rosa 

 Rubifolia, which, till lately, was only known to us as embellishing with its pale 

 red blossoms the prairies and forests of North America ? There is no doubt some 

 of the species are more disposed to improvement than others, but all are capable 

 of it : and I believe that, when our cultivators shall become tired of working 

 upon the garden kinds they already possess, they will direct their attention to 

 others of the species, and bring forth the treasures they are capable of producing. 



When we look at the species with single or semi-double flowers, which are the 

 types of the present garden varieties, and compare them with those varieties, the 

 contrast may well make us inquire — Have the latter really descended from these 

 species ? So greatly are they improved in form and texture of petal — increased 

 also in size — changed from single to double — and varied in colour to a remarkable 

 degree — that I do not wonder at persons unacquainted with the effects of cultiva- 

 tion on the wild species, Avishing to know the process of development before they 

 accredit statements such as these. We may fairly presume, however, that such is 

 their origin. But if so, how has such a change been wrought? We reply, 

 Simply by a long course of careful and systematic culture. What was the Rose, 

 comparatively speaking, fifty, or even thirty years since ? There are, doubtless, 

 some admirers of the genus who can glance retrospectively to the former period, 

 and trace the gradual alteration from flimsy semi-double varieties, few blooming 

 in the autumn, to the full bold flowers of the present day, so exquisite in colour, 

 so symmetrical in form. In order to trace their descent, it is necessary to revert 

 to the species, which we must suppose existing in a wild state. We know little of 

 cultivation as pursued in remote ages; but maybe justified in presuming that 

 seeds of the Rose were sown, as well as those of other trees and plants. It is 

 recorded that the Romans did this, but we now allude to times anterior to these. 

 Now, supposing the seeds of the wild species to have been gathered and sown, 

 Nature's stores thus opened, she would yield forth her treasures, here as elsewhere, 



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