194 A GARDEN OF PLEASURE 



Our Willow rose might in these days be 

 thus described : * Smooth long stems with 

 infrequent thorns at intervals set singly or 

 in pairs, tufted with narrow willow-shaped 

 leaves in the midst of which appear the 

 flowers, five-petalled, of a full pink colour. 

 In the centre of each flower a little round 

 pink button or pointal surrounded by 

 yellow stamens. The hips are dark red 

 and round like little russet pippins, and 

 these tiny apples being hairy while young, 

 become in time quite smooth and shining/ 

 There exist no doubts, however, about the 

 Velvet rose (Rosa tholoserica simplex et 

 multiplex). A few plants of this neglected 

 rose, survive in our older shrubberies, the 

 flower is neatly made and small : semi- 

 double, of a deep, black-crimson colour, 

 and velvety with yellow threads. The 

 velvet rose is not very good for cutting, 

 as it never lasts. Yet by its so great 

 abundance in the season of its bloom, I 

 am always tempted to gather of it. The 

 Ayrshire rose has been added to our store, 

 but as yet the rooted cuttings have not 

 left their nursery. 



