6 A BOOK ABOUT ROSES. 



joined as a Cornet, although some Hke Mr Rivers are no 

 longer exhibitors, are still the most famous in our ears, — 

 Cant, Cranston, (I. write them alphabetically to avoid in- 

 vidious distinction) — Francis, Fraser, Keynes, Lane, Lee, 

 Mitchell, Paul, Turner, and Wood. Perkins of Coventry, 

 Merryweather of Southwell, and Frettingham of Notting- 

 ham, have distinguished themselves latterly at provincial 

 shows, and may hereafter achieve nobler victories, but at 

 present the older champions ride into the lists, and hold 

 their own against all comers. The new aspirants for the 

 smile of our Queen of Beauty go home discomfited. They 

 may say, when they enter the arena, as the gladiators of 

 old to the emperor, or, in absence of an emperor, to the 

 policeman at the gate, Morittiri te sahttant. 



It is the same with the professional Rose-grower, who 

 does not compete and never has competed, as with our 

 fighting men. The old firms, such as the Dicksons of 

 Chester, Harrison of Darlington, and Smith of Worcester, 

 are still, with those whom I have mentioned, the Merchant- 

 Princes of the Rose. 



Passing from the chiefs of the regular army to the officers 

 of the volunteers, there are, I think, hopeful indications of 

 a larger, worthier emulation. We have lost a champion in 



