pink WILD FLOWERS 



mattresses made from the sun-dried petals are lux- 

 uries — beds of Roses — enjoyed only by the very 

 wealthy. The ancient Greeks and Romans were 

 extravagant in the use of Rose garlands and wreaths 

 for decorative purposes, and at the magnificent 

 feasts of Cleopatra and of Nero, everything was 

 lavishly decked with them. Fountains of Rose water 

 in operation were famous attractions at some of 

 their marvellous social affairs. The Romans placed 

 a Rose over the entrance to their feasting halls, 

 and all who passed beneath it understood that what- 

 ever happened within the hall was to be sub rosa — 

 under the Rose — and was to be kept secret and 

 never disclosed. The Romans also used the Rose in 

 their funeral rites, and in China Roses and Anemones 

 are used for similar purposes. The Rose was the 

 flower dedicated to Venus. In the writings of Shake- 

 speare, the Rose is mentioned more frequently than 

 any other flower. In Germany, France, and Italy, 

 frivolous maidens bury a drop of blood under a Rose 

 bush to ensure rosy cheeks. The Rose is the floral 

 emblem of Iowa, New York, and North Dakota. An 

 annual festival celebrated in California is named the 

 Tournament of Roses. Portland, Ore., is called the 

 City of Roses. June is known as the month of Roses. 

 One of the most costly perfumes in the world is Attar 

 of Roses, and ten tons — twenty thousand pounds — 

 of petals are required to make one pound of this 

 precious oil, which is valued at two hundred dollars 

 per pound. Candied Rose petals are considered a 



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