CULTURE OF THE ROSE. 79 



blooming ; the rest were allowed to stand for further 

 trial : and if, finally, a score or two of roses really distinct 

 and valuable were obtained, the year's culture may have 

 been regarded as a great success. It requires a long time 

 before the character of a seedling-rose can be thoroughly 

 ascertained. M. Margottin, another eminent rose-grower, 

 says that no conscientious cultivator will permit a seedling 

 to pass out of his hands until he has given it a six-years' 

 trial. 



The raising of roses from seed is an occupation of so 

 much interest, that few who have fairly entered upon it 

 have ever willingly abandoned it. Many choice roses 

 have been raised by amateurs ; and those who have the 

 time and means to enter on a large or a small scale upon 

 this pursuit will find it a source of abundant enjoyment. 

 In the next chapter, we shall point out the combinations 

 from which the existing classes of Hybrid roses have 

 sprung ; and hereafter, when we come to the description of 

 these classes, we shall add a few suggestions as to other 

 combinations likely to produce good results. 



Some roses bear seed freely, while others can hardly be 

 induced to bear it at all. The hybridizer should take note 

 of their peculiarities in this respect, or he will throw away 

 much labor and patience; for it is a thankless task to 



