262 A BOOK ABOUT ROSES. 



preciate each other by their monotonous identity; 

 isolated or contrasted, we admire them heartily. 



The Rosarian will learn much as to the effect- 

 ive arrangement of Roses for exhibition by keep- 

 ing one of his boxes, surfaced with moss and filled 

 with tubes, in his hall or in some cool place near 

 his Rose-garden, and by making experiments 

 therein, with a view to discovering the most 

 pleasing combinations as to color, and the most 

 graceful gradations as to size. 



Nor let the exhibitor, amateur or professional, 

 suppose that these matters are of no importance. 

 It is true that priority is won by the superior 

 merits of the Roses, carefully examined and com- 

 pared ; but in cases where these merits are equal, 

 then the best arrangement as to form and color 

 will certainly influence, and probably determine, 

 the verdict. I can recall several instances in which. 

 ccBteris paribus, tasteful arrangement has given 

 the victory. The material for operation has been 

 equally good ; the modus operandi has been the 

 point of excellence — the artistic effort of the 

 more accomplished horseman has saved him from 

 a dead heat. 



Time was when the exhibitor had good excuse 

 for the introduction of flowers faulty in shape and 

 too much alike in color. Time was (and I recall 



