_ ROSE PROGRESS _ 93 



Rose Test-Gardens 



But perhaps the most important step of all in the last 

 few years for the American rose world is the establishment, 

 in various geographical locations, of rose test-gardens: 



At Arlington Gardens, Washington, D. C., known as the 

 National Rose Test-garden; under the care of the Depart- 

 ment of Agriculture. 



At Ithaca, New York; under the care of the College of 

 Agriculture of Cornell University. 



At Hartford, Connecticut; under the care of the authori- 

 ties of Elizabeth Park. 



At Minneapolis, Minnesota; under the care of the authori- 

 ties of Lyndale Park. 



To each of these gardens already have been sent, on an 

 average, nearly four hundred varieties, and from one to two 

 thousand roses, which this year will be ready for test and 

 determination of kinds that may be recommended in each 

 locality. Established thus under the care of permanently 

 organized institutions and under the thoroughgoing care and 

 attention of able specialists, there is promise of collecting 

 most valuable information for amateur rose-growers living 

 in climates corresponding to these spots. The guidance 

 available from such tests is bound, we think, to prove a great 

 boon in saving beginners, especially, from loss entailed by 

 trying out unworthy sorts. 



The official scale of points heretofore used by the Amer- 

 ican Rose Society for judging outdoor roses is as follows: 



Floriferousness . . . . . 20 



Vigor . . 20 



Color . "" . 15 



Size 15 



Form , . ' . '.-.'.. . . . i o 



Substance ....... 10 



Fragrance ....... 10 



100 



These tests should serve to center attention upon the 

 need in America for more roses adapted to our varied climatic 

 conditions, and thus encourage hybridizers to the work of 

 developing our native species. 



Another of the noteworthy steps forward in the past few 

 years is the awakening of city authorities to the possibilities 

 and value of municipal rose-gardens. 



