186 THE EOSE. 



tractive 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 investi- 

 gators to learn and make known general princi- 

 ples, which should guide us in raising new roses. 

 It wiU 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 troublesome and we do 

 not have wind and rain to contend with. When- 

 ever possible, choose a clear day, and operate in 

 the morning, so that the flowers can be exposed 

 to the influence of the sun immediately after 

 they have been fertilized. The flower selected 

 for a female parent should have the stamens care- 

 fully removed by means of a fine pair of em- 

 broidery scissors, a few hours before the pollen 

 is ripe. Should the pollen be quite ripe, some of 



