ROSES 5 



The Moss Rose is a small but interesting section, derived from 

 a form of the Cabbage Rose (Rosa centifolia tmiscosa). 



Of the remaining classes the most important is the Polyantha 

 Rose, which springs from Rosa multiflora (" many-flowered "). It 

 grew rapidly in numbers and value during the closing years of the 

 last century, and in view of the fact that it embraces the great 

 Crimson Rambler and its sister varieties, as well as the brilliant 

 Leuchstern, it is questionable whether it is not at least as valu- 

 able for garden decoration as the numerically stronger Hybrid 

 Perpetual s and Teas. The Polyantha Roses have special value 

 for the formation of charming garden pictures, as they are so suit- 

 able for arches and pillars. 



By the same token there is another class, hitherto of little 

 note, which is now becoming valuable, and that is the Wichuraiana 

 Rose. The Americans have obtained some beautiful hybrids from it, 

 notably Dorothy Perkins, Lady Gay, and Hiawatha, and there can be 

 little doubt that it will increase in numbers and value every year. 



This passing dip into the classes and derivations of Roses will 

 show that there is much of interest in the origin of our beautiful 

 modern flowers. But it will also show that the average flower- 

 gardener would be ill-advised to charge his mind with the task of 

 tracing the great classes back to their source. The latter is a 

 duty for the botanist, and it is not an enviable one, because there 

 has been an immense amount of crossing and inter-crossing, with 

 no accurate records to guide the inquirer. Those who love Roses 

 for their garden beauty will act wisely by contenting themselves 

 with the outline of Rose history here given, and proceed to con- 

 sider how they can best utilise the magnificent material which 

 awaits their attention. 



Arches, Pergolas, and Pillars. Our first requirement is an 

 arch, or a series of arches. Gardens are often divided into sections, 

 one of which may be a flower garden, a second a tennis lawn, 

 and a third a kitchen garden. It is a charming idea to make the 



