114 DESCRIPTION OF THE ROSE. 



from this tendency is the Moss Rose and its varieties ; for 

 that such is the true origin of this unique family, there can 

 be very little doubt. There is, however, no record of the 

 first appearance of the Moss Rose. The original type of 

 the race the Old Red Moss was introduced into Eng- 

 land as early as 1596. It came immediately from Holland, 

 but seems not to have originated there : indeed, to this 

 day, we have remained in doubt as to whence it drew its 

 birth. Of the large number of Moss roses now on the 

 lists of nursery-men, some owe their origin to sporting 

 branches, others to seed. Of the plants arising from the 

 seed of a Moss rose, not more than one in three will 

 show the characteristic of the parent ; that is, the " moss : " 

 the rest will be mere varieties of the Provence Rose. 

 Sometimes a Moss rose will put forth a branch perfectly 

 free from the mossy covering. 



In cold, heavy soils, Moss roses are somewhat difficult 

 of cultivation ; but in a light, rich loam, and a sunny expo- 

 sure, free from roots of growing trees, they thrive luxuri- 

 antly. They all require high enrichment. All excepting 

 the strongest growers should be closely pruned ; and, in 

 the Northern States, it is well to give them protection in 

 winter by means of pine-boughs, or by laying them down 

 like raspberries. 



