ROSES IIT GENERAL CULTIVATION?'. 39 



Hybrida) is a coiiij)arativelj n ew group of con- 

 siderable importance. The varieties of this 

 class generally, though not always, flower in 

 small clusters and bloom very freely throughout 

 the season ; they are of about the same degree of 

 hardiness as the Bourbons — that is will winter 

 with perfect safety if given some slight protec- 

 tion, such as liiUing up earth about the plants or 

 covering them with loose litter or evergreen 

 branches. It is not easy to ascertain the origin 

 of this class, but the varieties are mostly from 

 crosses of Bourbon on Noisette and vice versa. 

 They all require pretty severe pruning. The 

 most beautiful in the class are Madame !Noman, 

 Mdlle. Bonnaire, and Ehza Boelle, a trio of white 

 roses which might well represent the three 

 Graces. There is too strong a resemblance be- 

 tween them to make all desirable in a small col- 

 lection, but it is difficult to know which of them 

 to reject. Our own preference inchnes towards 

 Madame l^oman. These are the most delicate 

 in habit ; of the stronger growing varieties 

 which partake more of the Noisette character. 

 Coquette des Alpes, Coquette des Blanches, and 

 Mme. Auguste Perrin are most noteworthv. 



