50 THE BOOK OF ROSES 



increased weight of the plant. In very heavy clayey and 

 cold soils the Moss Rose often succeeds better grown on 

 the Dog Rose stock than on its own roots. 



The Maiden's Blush Rose 



The Maiden's Blush Rose is a variety of the Old 

 White Rose, Rosa Alba, which was introduced into 

 England probably in the fourteenth or fifteenth century. 

 It is a beautiful variety, shaded with a faint salmon 

 pink at the base of the petals and at its heart. Hanbury 

 waxes very enthusiastic over it. " Such a profusion of 

 noble sorts of flowers does the Rose afford us, that 

 when we view one we think that the best, when another, 

 that that excels. We may gaze with admiration on 

 most of the before-recited sorts, and shall have reason 

 for astonishment in what are to follow ; but surely we 

 may pronounce of this, that it is exceeded by no Rose ; 

 neither are we affected by any, more than by the sort 

 before us. They are produced in very large clusters, 

 and each Rose is as large as the Common Double White. 

 Their fragrance is of the same nature with that sort, and 

 they are every whit as double and large. As to their 

 colour, can we justly form an idea of the finished 

 beauty of a young lady, who is every way perfect in 

 shape and complexion and whose modesty will give 

 occasion (without any real cause) for the cheeks gently 

 to glow ? Form to yourselves an idea of such a colour 

 at that time, and that is the colour of the Rose we are 

 treating of, before it has been too long exposed to the 

 air. A Rose properly termed the Maiden's Blush, and 

 which all covet and admire." 



The Red Damask Rose 



The Red Damask Rose is one of our oldest garden 

 Roses, and is praised by Parkinson as having the sweetest 



