194 THE ROSE. 



the same type will produce seedlings of the best 

 form and finish; blending sorts of different 

 types will bring forth the most distinct kinds. 

 In order to gain knowledge, it is well to prac- 

 tise both these extremes, but the best suc- 

 cess will probably follow where a mean course 

 is pursued. 



This matter of cross fertilization of roses 

 places before us a vast field in which to 

 study and experiment ; and although we have 

 so little to be drawn from the past which 

 may guide us, the fact of its being largely 

 unexplored seems an attractive feature. We 

 can experience sensations somewhat similar 

 to those of the traveller who penetrates a 

 new country, for though he may not be the 

 first to make discoveries, he can be among 

 the first to chronicle results and make the 

 discoveries useful. It is still open for in- 

 vestigators to learn and make known general 

 principles, which should guide us in raising 

 new roses. It will be a gratification for me 

 to know that I have contributed, in some 

 measure at least, to this result. 



As few readers are likely to be familiar 

 with the mode of manual fecundation, I will 

 briefly explain my practice. The work is 

 much the easiest to manage under glass, for 

 the reason that insects are not there trouble- 



