148 



FAMILIAR WILD FLOWERS. 



rose sprays, breaking into wreaths of blossom, are the 

 pledges of the glorious days of the coming summer. 



The general growth of the dog-rose is subject to a 

 certain amount of variation, so much so, in fact, that the 

 original species, as defined by Linnaeus, has been, by later 

 botanists, divided into four or five sub-species. It is 

 doubtful, however, how far some of these divergencies from 

 the type-form can be considered sufficiently fixed to give 

 specific value ; and in any case, in a work like the present, 

 intended for the general reader, any attempt to analyse 

 such minor points of distinction would be out of place. 



The flowers vary considerably in colour, some being 

 almost white, others a very deep pink, and have a delicate 

 but very refreshing fragrance that is no slight addition to 

 their charm. 



