258 Landscape Gardening 



of white roses, full of purity and grace? And, last of all, 

 what blossom, so expressive of human affections, could we 

 find at the bier to take the place of the rose; the rose, 

 sacred to this purpose for so many ages, and with so many 

 nations, 



"because its breath 



Is rich beyond the rest; and when it dies 

 It doth bequeath a charm to sweeten death." 



BARRY CORNWALL. 



The rose is not only infinite in its forms, hues, types, and 

 associations, but it deserves an infinite number of admirers. 

 This is the explanation of our desire to be eloquent in its 

 behalf. There are, unfortunately, some persons who, how- 

 ever lovely, beautiful, or perfect a thing may be in itself, 

 will never raise their eyes to look at it, or open their hearts 

 to admire it, unless it is incessantly talked about. 



We have ahvays observed, however, that the great diffi- 

 culty with those who like to talk about fruits and flowers is, 

 when once talking, to stop. There is no doubt whatever, 

 that we might go on, therefore, and fill this whole number 

 with roses, rosariums, rosaries, and rose-water, but that 

 some of our western readers, who are looking for us to give 

 them a cure for the pear-blight, might cry out "a blight 

 on your roses!" We must, therefore, grow more syste- 

 matic and considerate in our remarks. 



We thought some years ago that we had seen that ultima 

 thule--"a perfect rose." But we were mistaken! Old 

 associates, familiar names, and long cherished sorts have 

 their proper hold on our affections; but --we are bound 

 to confess it - - modern florists have coaxed and teased 

 nature till she has given them roses more perfect in form, 

 more airy, rich and brilliant in color, and more delicate and 

 exquisite in perfume, than any that our grandfathers knew 

 or dreamed of. And, more than all, they have produced 

 roses - - in abundance, as large and fragrant as June roses 

 -that blossom all the year round. If this unceasingly 

 renewed perpetuity of charms does not complete the claims 



