234 A GUIDE TO FLORICULTURE. 



This variety can be traced back over two thousand years, 

 and is a native of the East. 



The Moss Rose is supposed to be a mere variety of tho 

 Provence, which Mr. Lee, of Hammersmith, endeavored to 

 prove ; it is certainly problematical. In Italy it is said to 

 lose its mossy appearance, which some botanists suppose to 

 be enough to prove the assertion; but this is fallacious 

 reasoning. It only proves that the climate or soil is not 

 congenial to its culture. There are many flowers brought 

 to this country that lose their fragrance ; for instance, the 

 Mignionette, which in England is delightful, but degenerates 

 in this country ; that is no argument that it was originally 

 void of fragrance. Country, soil, and situation, will influence 

 most exotics, more or less. The first account we have of 

 the Moss Rose was in 1724. Its true history is unknown ; 

 therefore all conjecture on the subject is idle speculation. 

 The following little fictitious poetical explanation will 

 amuse some, if it does not give the true history. It is a 

 translation from a German poet : 



The Angel of the flowers, one day 



Beneath a Rose-tree sleeping lay, 



That spirit, to whose charge is given, 



To bathe 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? 



