VII. 



INSECTS AND DISEASES. 



O one can be more profoundly im- 

 pressed with the curse entailed on 

 Adam and his descendants than 

 the reverent rosarian; for all 

 things hostile and bad, animate and inani- 

 mate, seem to combine in greater degree to 

 prevent the successful cultivation of the rose 

 than any other well-known flower. Few 

 things, for example, can be more effective 

 in their season than a massive bed of 

 paeonies; they have all the shades of the 

 rose, are more hardy, and know nothing of 

 mildew or the ravages of insect enemies ; but 

 they are almost entirely neglected very un- 

 justly too that proper attention may be 

 given to our roses, which need constant care 

 and attention to make their culture profitable. 

 The price to be paid for beautiful roses is 

 eternal vigilance inspired by reverent love. 

 " He who would have beautiful roses in his 

 garden must have beautiful roses in his heart. 

 87 



