DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF FLOWERING SHRUBS. 437 



The Rose lias been a favorite flower from time imme- 

 morial among the civilized nations of Europe and Asia. 

 The Rose, in its wild state, is found in almost every coun- 

 try in the temperate zones. We have a few species in 

 New England, none of which have been taken in hand by 

 the florist for improvement, but are sufiered to remain in 

 their wild state for the pleasure of the botanist. 



This well-known and highly esteemed genus, embraces 

 many distinct species, which, by the skill of the florist, 

 have multiplied into thousands of varieties. They vary in 

 height from one to twelve or fifteen feet, producing flow- 

 ers, single, semi-double and double, and generally of ex- 

 quisite fragrance. The colors are pure white, white-tint- 

 ed, shaded, striped, or mottled ; every shade of red to 

 purple, and all these shades and colors variously mixed ; 

 also a few yellow varieties. There are no black Roses, 

 although we sometimes hear of them. Such as are sold 

 for Black Roses, are those of dark shades of purple or 

 crimson. The foliage is also various in the diflerent spe- 

 cies or varieties, but of a general character. They diifer 

 also as to the aj^pendages to the plant, some having form- 

 idable thorns, while others are entirely destitute. Some 

 flower only once in the season — others are perpetual, or 

 everblooming. Most are hardy, but many require protec- 

 tion. It is a flower beloved by every one, not only in the 

 present age, but has been in all ages past, and will, no 

 doubt continue to be the most prominent and desirable 

 flower as long as the world stands. It may, Vy ith propri- 

 ety, be styled the Queen of Floioers. We have not space 

 in this w^ork to do justice to its merits, and must refer our 

 readers, for the details of its culture, and for a mass of 

 valuable and interesting particulars, to a work published 

 by S. B. Parsons, Esq., of Flushing, N". Y., a volume of 

 280 pages, octavo, upon the Rose, which we heartily com- 

 mend to all the lovers of this universal favorite. Mr. Par- 



