DESCRIPTION OF THE ROSE. 185 



ments are very apparent ; and, while these roses are excel- 

 lent autumn bloomers, they are much less hardy and 

 vigorous than the other two. 



M. Laffay," in his garden at Bellevue, a few miles from 

 Paris, may be said to have laid the foundations of the Hy- 

 brid Perpetual family. Indeed, to a great extent, he created 

 it; having originated a great number of beautiful roses, 

 some of which none of the more recent productions 

 have been able in the least degree to eclipse. Laffay's 

 roses were chiefly of the hardier and stronger type, witli 

 La Reine, which was produced about the year 1840, at 

 their head. 



From the motley character of the group, the lines that 

 separate it from the Bourbon and from some other f-imilies 

 cannot be definitely drawn; and there are certain varieties 

 which always hold an equivocal position, being sometimes 

 placed with one group, and sometimes with another. 



These Perpetuals differ greatly in the freedom of their 

 autumn blooming; some giving a second and third crop of 

 flowers in abundance ; while others will not bloom at all 

 after midsummer, except under careful and skilful treat- 

 ment. All require rich culture and good pruning. When 

 an abundant autumn bloom is required, a portion of the 

 June bloom must be sacrificed by cutting back about half 



