On the Cuhivalion of hardy varieties of Roses. 331 



plants are separated very carefully before they have acquired a 

 large size. Seeds may be also successfully sown in the open 

 air; but I would observe that this method is scarcely ever em- 

 ployed, when the object is to procure strong plants, which will 

 produce bloom the first year. All the seeds will not come up 

 at the same time; and many of them often remain in the soil until 

 the second year, before they vegetate. 



It is probable that there are many persons, especially those 

 who have not paid much observation to raising roses from seeds, 

 who are not aware that the plants sport as much as any others, 

 without excepting even the dahlia. I have often noticed, among 

 my seedlings, plants with deep crimson or purple flowers, raised 

 from seeds saved from a pure white rose. I think that the pim- 

 pernell class generally preserve their colors with more certainty 

 than any other. I have also observed that the Isle de Bourbons 

 sport less than either the Chinese, the tea, or the noisette varie- 

 ties. 



On this account I would recommend all amateurs of roses to 

 sow as many seeds as possible of this superb and fragrant group. 

 For all amateurs and connoisseurs of roses agree with me that 

 this is, without contradiction, the finest and the most desirable of 

 all for its delightful odor, its superb flowers, and its beauti- 

 ful foliage, and for its hardiness in standing out in our most se- 

 vere winters without injury. 



The Isle de Bourbon roses hold, and will hold, a place above 

 all other kinds. There are, at the present day, more than fifty 

 varieties in the trade, all fine and beautiful. I have raised, the 

 present year, two varieties from seeds planted the 28th of Feb- 

 ruary, which flowered very well the 1st of June, and which were 

 very fine. There is no reason why we should not produce a 

 yellow Isle de Bourbon, for which I have labored long. I have 

 not any doubt but that we shall produce, in a short time, as fine 

 varieties in this country as in France. If our horticultural 

 societies should encourage the taste for roses and the production 

 of seedlings, it would be the means of adding many varieties to 

 our collections. 



I have thus noted down my method of cultivation of hardy 

 roses from the seed. If my experience upon the subject has af- 

 forded any thing new, I shall feel amply repaid in communicating 

 to you these few hints, for the information of all who feel an in- 

 terest in gardening. -v o 



° ° Yours, &c. 



L. Boll. 



Mw York, Jlugust, 1838. 



The above article, by Mr. Boll, who is, probably, one of the 

 best cultivators of roses in the country, as all may witness who 



