160 ROSES THAT BLOOM THE WHOLE SEASON. 



true Microphylla Rose are very beautiful; when 

 in foliage, their small pinnated leaves are so unlike 

 any other plant (except perhaps a Locust tree in 

 miniature) that they are both interesting and agree- 

 able. It has been known twenty years in Europe, 

 having been brought from China, and supposed by 

 some to have originated in that country from the 

 old Macartney Rose. I consider it, however, a 

 distinct species, in every particular, and this can be 

 proven by any of my readers who may be fortu- 

 nate enough to save seed from it. The produce (if 

 not intermixed with others) will be pure Micro- 

 phylla roses, retaining the character of foliage, 

 spiny calyx, with single, half double, and perfectly 

 double flowers, nearly all of a dark rose colour. 

 The first of this rose, as we believe, was imported 

 by us in 1830, and it is now extensively cultivated 

 in every section of the country. Recent importa- 

 tions, denominated Microphylla, can barely be 

 recognized as such; the popularity of the old 

 variety has given circulation to many of the in- 

 ferior new ones, which, after having been seen in 

 bloom, are frequently thrown aside as worthless. 

 They are generally hardy, in dry soils giving a 

 succession of flowers throughout the season. They 

 are adapted for training against fences, or low out- 

 buildings, or they may be formed into handsome 

 bushes of any shape ; but a hedge of them is the 



