140 THE ROSE GARDEN. 



ROSA INDICA. 

 Group XXXVI.— THE BOURBON ROSE. 



The type of this group, which has furnished us with some of the most lovely 

 gems of autumn, was discovered by M. Breon, in the Isle of Bourbon, in 1817. 

 He noticed it growing among a lot of seedlings of a different cast, raised for 

 forming a hedge. He took charge of and flowered it ; and, in 1819, sent seeds to 

 M. Jacques, gardener at the Chateau de Neuilly, near Paris. A little later it 

 found its way to England. Its origin is unknown ; but it is supposed to be a 

 hybrid between the Chinese and Four-seasons. What a numerous progeny has it 

 given birth to, and what a lovely assemblage they form, graduating from pure 

 white to the darkest tints ! The brilliancy and clearness of the colours, the large 

 smooth petals of the flowers, their circular outline, and the beauty of the foliage, 

 has rendered them especial favourites. The tardy growth of spring seldom pro- 

 duces them in full beauty ; but the more rapid growth of summer provides us 

 with an ample supply of perfect flowers during the autumn months. 



There are certain kinds here partaking slightly of the Chinese ; these are marked 

 thus t : there are others, marked thus \, approaching to the Noisette : the 

 flowers arguing in favour of the one group, and the foliage in favour of the other. 



The Bourbon Roses have been recommended for planting against walls ; but 

 they are hardy, and thrive well under ordinary culture. Surely, then, this extra 

 care is unnecessary : we would rather choose the Chinese and Tea-scented for that 

 purpose, for they need some protection. 



The kinds of vigorous growth form handsome umbrageous trees, with heads as 

 large as Summer Roses ; they also look chaste and elegant trained up pillars. 

 The moderate growers are very pretty as Dwarf Standards : the Dwarf form 

 striking and beautiful objects when grown on their own roots. A great many are 

 excellent for Pot-culture, and are beautiful in the Forcing-house. All prefer and 

 delight in a rich soil, requiring (with the exception of the vigorous kinds) close 

 pruning. 



1. Acidalia; flowers pure white, their centre blush, large and full; form, glo- 



bular. Growth, vigorous. A beautiful Rose in fine weather. An 

 excellent kind for forcing. Very sweet. 



2. A dele Plantier; flowers rosy crimson, large and full. 



3. A fleur de Nerium; flowers rosy carmine. 



4. Alfred; flowers rosy red. Of little worth. 



5. Amarantine; flowers fresh rosy pink, large and double; form, cupped. 



Growth, moderate. The colour of this Rose is beautiful when the 

 flowers are newly expanded. A good seed-bearer. 



6. J Amen aide; flowers lilac rose, produced in clusters, large and full; form, 



cupped. Growth, robust. 



