114 A BOOK ABOUT ROSES. 



the tout ensemble, of his Rose-garden, that he may 

 attain perfection as to size and color in the indi- 

 vidual flowers. He cannot afford space for numerous 

 varieties, which, lovely, distinct, and indispensable 

 in the general collection, are not suitable for the 

 exhibition stage. He admires the Gallicas and 

 Mosses, Chinas and Bourbons, earnestly, but has 

 only room for these in his heart. He must have 

 all his trees so disposed that they may be readily 

 surveyed, approached, and handled. Specimens 

 of the same variety must be planted together, that 

 he may quickly compare and select. Time is most 

 precious on the morning of a show ; and returning 

 to the boxes vvith a bloom in each hand and a 

 couple between one's teeth. It is a sore hindrance 

 to remember another tree at the furthest point of 

 the Rosary, which possibly carries the best bloom 

 of all. Taste in arrangement consists with the ex- 

 hibitor in the harmonious grouping of his Roses, 

 not in the gracefulness of his ground or of his 

 trees. He appeals not to the general public, but 

 to the connoisseur ; not to the court,* but to the 

 judge. 



* A Lancashire witness hearing words ascribed to him by a con- 

 ceited young barrister (with a new wig and a tumed-up nose) which 

 he had not spoken, jumped up and wrathfully protested : " Why, yer 

 powder-yedded monkey, I never said note o' th' sort — I appeal to th' 

 company !" 



