48 ROSES THAT BLOOM IN JUNE. 



ROSA GAL LIC A. 



THE HOSE OF FRANCE. 



THIS rose takes its name from its great abun- 

 dance in hedges and other uncultivated grounds in 

 France. Some writers consider it " evidently the 

 hundred-leaved rose of Pliny," so that it must 

 have been long known in cultivation; and it is 

 rather curious that the French should call it Rose 

 de Provins, while the English give it the name of 

 French Rose. It is a very great seed-bearer, and 

 has consequently been much used by florists in 

 crossing with other varieties to produce new sorts ; 

 the results have been, hundreds, in many instances, 

 more astonishing for their exalted names than for 

 any other merits ; yet there are many of the most 

 perfect character, composed of numerous and regu- 

 larly formed petals, with colours of almost every 

 imaginable shade. The distinguishing features of 

 this family are strong upright flower-stalks, want 

 of large prickles, rigid leaves, and compact growth. 

 The colours vary from pink to the deepest shades 

 of crimson. Nearly all the striped, mottled, and 

 variegated roses have originated in this group ; the 

 recent varieties and improvements of character 



