EAlSIls^G NEW VAKIETIES. 189 



in pots, the plants being shifted from time to time 

 to pots of a larger size. One is apt to become 

 very impatient waiting for the seedlings to 

 flower ; tlie result can be hastened by taking 

 buds from them and inserting on some stock of 

 good growth. Many of the seedlings will pro- 

 duce flowers quite single ; these plants are to be 

 at once rooted out. Now and then we may find 

 double flowers of good finish ; these are to be 

 compared with flowers of old varieties, which 

 they seem most to resemble, to ascertain whether 

 they are distinct sorts or only inferior imitations 

 of established favorites. It will often require 

 considerable moral courage to refrain from call- 

 ing our geese, swans. But if it is found, and ad- 

 mitted by general consent, that we have origi- 

 nated something both beautiful and distinct, ah, 

 what pride and satisfaction do we feel ! Surely, 

 there can be no more pleasing occupation for 

 those who love and grow roses, than by hybridiz- 

 ing and crossing artificially to engage in the art of 

 producing new varieties, aye, and not new va- 

 rieties only, but new types of roses now un- 

 known. ' ' This is an art which does mend nature, 

 change it rather ; but the art itself is nature." 



