TRANSACTIONS OF THE SOCIETY. 11 



can now count them by hundreds, and some of the varieties are in bloom 

 nearly the whole year. Our hardy Roses are not confined to the limits 

 of one short summer month in which to develop their fragrant buds 

 and flowers, but a large class of perpetuals have been introduced that 

 continue to beautify the garden until several autumnal frosts, so that the 

 poet may alter his phraseology from " the last rose of summer," and sing 

 of the last rose of autumn, if he chooses. Of this class, the La Reine is 

 a sample, not that its flowers are the most beautiful of the class, but noted 

 for their remarkable size. Of the Noisettes, Bourbons, Tea and China 

 Roses, most of which require protection, it will be impossible to name even 

 the most desirable varieties, they are so numerous. 



Mr. Feast, of Baltimore, has done himself much credit by raising and 

 introducing some beautiful, hardy climbing Roses, particularly the Queen 

 of the Prairies, for which the Society voted him a silver pitcher of the value 

 oi forty dollars, or the Society's large gold medal, at his choice. This variety 

 proves perfectly hardy, and best adapted for pillars of any rose yet known 

 among us; it is, however, deficient in fragrance. M. P. Wilder, President 

 of the Society, Messrs. Hovey and others, have imported numerous varieties 

 in all the classes of Roses named. Among other classes of this popular 

 flower, the Moss Rose tribe has received its quota of improved varieties. 

 It may not be generally known how the mossy vest which gives to this 

 class of roses their peculiarly rich and luxurious appearance originated. 

 A German writer thus explains it : — 



" The ang'el of the flowers one day, 



Beneath a rose tree sleeping lay ; 



That spirit to whom charge is given 



To t)athe young buds in dews from heaven ; 



Awaking from his light repose, 



The angel whispered to the rose: 



' O ! fondest object of my care, 



Still fairest found where all are fair, 



For the sweet shade thou 'st given to me, 



Ask what thou wilt, 'tis granted thee.' " 



" Then said the rose, with deepened glow, 

 'On me another grace bestow;' 

 The spirit paused in silent thought; 

 What grace was there that flower had not ! 

 'Twas but a moment; o'er the rose 

 A veil of moss the angel throws, 

 And robed in nature's simplest weed, 

 Could there a flower the rose exceed ?" 



Whether this account of the origin is correct or not, the reader must be 

 the judge; all that can be said of it is, the poetry is beautiful. 



