155 

 THE MACARTNEY ROSE. 



(ROSA BRACTEATA.) 



THE single Macartney Rose was brought from 

 China, in 1795, by Lord Macartney, on his re- 

 turn from his embassy to that country. It now 

 forms the original of a pretty family; but as it 

 does not bear seed freely, even in France, fine 

 varieties, as yet, are not abundant; its strictly 

 evergreen and shining foliage is a beautiful fea- 

 ture ; and I hope ere long to see numerous varie- 

 ties, with double flowers of the same brilliant hues 

 as our other fine roses possess. Time will prove ; 

 but I think it is not too much to anticipate that, 

 ultimately, we shall not be satisfied unless all our 

 roses, even the Moss Roses, have evergreen foliage, 

 brilliant and fragrant flowers, and the habit of 

 blooming from June till November. This seems 

 to be an extravagant anticipation ; but persever- 

 ance in gardening will yet achieve wonders. The 

 Double (the old variety) was the first double 

 Macartney Rose raised from seed : it is mentioned 

 here to caution any one from planting it, as it is 

 totally worthless, its flowers constantly dropping 

 off without opening. Maria Leonida is now an 

 established favourite : its fine bell-shaped flowers 

 of the purest white, sometimes slightly tinged 

 with pink towards their centre, and its bright red 

 anthers peeping from among its central petals, 



