42 ROSES THAT BLOOM IN JUNE. 



described. They require a free rich loamy soil; 

 close pruning, that is shortening the shoots of the 

 preceding year to three or four eyes, keeps them in 

 the best order; choosing the month of February 

 for the operation. 



ROSA CENTIFOLIA, var. MUSCOSA. 



THE MOSS HOSE.* 



THIS much admired rose is unquestionably a 

 mere variety of the Provins; although its origin 

 remains in obscurity, it has been repeatedly proven 

 to produce flowers, without any moss, on either 

 buds, leaves, or branches. In 1836 a plant in my 

 nursery had a large shoot on it that sported back 

 to the Provins, and entirely destitute of its mossy 

 coat. I believe that Sir James Smith mentions, in 

 " Rees's Cyclopaedia," that in Italy it loses its mossi- 

 ness almost immediately through the influence of 

 climate. It was first noticed about the years 1720 



* In very cold latitudes, where the thermometer falls fre- 

 quently below zero, all the Moss Roses are better for being 

 protected by dry leaves or a mat, except Luxembourg and the 

 Perpetual White, which, I am informed, stand our most rigor- 

 ous winters. 



