ROSES IN GENERAL CULTIVATION". 37 



obtained from the Isle of Bourbon and taken to 

 France (either seeds or plants) in the early part 

 of the century. It was noticed growing in a 

 hedge of Bengal and Damask Perpetual Roses, 

 and on examination proved distinct from either, 

 but seemed to have characteristics which per- 

 tained to both. It has been considered therefore 

 as a natural hybrid, a product from these two 

 groups. Except in the case of varieties strongly 

 impregnated with Tea blood, this class is suffi- 

 ciently hardy to withstand all but extraordinary 

 winters ; the tops may be blackened by the frost, 

 but shoots will push forth from the lower buds. 

 The varieties vary greatly in growth and other 

 features, but "most of them are of vigorous habit, 

 and have dark, lustrous foliage. The flowers 

 are generally of light shades and found in clus- 

 ters, and are specially valuable in the autumn, 

 when so many Hybrid Perpetuals belie their 

 .name. But it must not be overlooked that many 

 Bourbon Roses are also shy autumnals, though 

 mention of this is seldom made in any of the 

 catalogues, and the impression is therefore gener- 

 al that all Bourbon Roses produce flowers freely 

 in the autumn. There are several well-known 



