112 The Rose Garden. 



CHAPTER VIII. 



On Hybridizing. 



GARDENING, especially that branch of it termed Floriculture, is acknowledged 

 to be replete with interesting details ; and if one department is more fascinating 

 than another it is perhaps that of Hybridizing and Cross-breeding with the view of 

 raising Seedlings. 



By Hybridizing is understood the bringing together of individuals of different 

 species ; by Cross-breeding, individuals of the same species ; with the view of raising 

 up new beings, differing from and superior to those already existing. 



How different, how far less interesting to us, would be the forms which compose 

 the Vegetable Kingdom had the Creator made them incapable of variation ! Not 

 that we despise the wild flowers scattered over the earth's surface, decking mountain 

 and meadow, met with in every hedge-row and valley : their beauty is cheerfully 

 acknowledged. But Nature's plants are prone to improvement : by cultivation 

 they increase in size ; the flowers assume new forms, new tints ; the fruits acquire 

 new flavours. 



" The earth was made so various, that the mind 

 Of desultory man, studious of change 

 And pleased with novelty, might be indulged." 



And what a kind dispensation of Providence is this ! how it strengthens the 

 inducements to labour ! What a charm it throws around the toilsome duties of a 

 rural life, cheering on the labourer with higher prospects than those of mere pecuniary 

 reward ! Compare the present breeds of corn with the wild forms of the cereal plants 

 from which they are descended ; or the Pinks, Pansies, Dahlias, and Roses of our 

 gardens with their types growing naturally in various countries ; and, while struck 

 with the contrast, we wonder at the inexhaustible treasures of Nature and admire 

 the improved races, we need not withhold from man his humble due, remembering 

 that these alterations are not the work of Nature unaided and alone, but are in 

 greater part owing to the untiring perseverance and assiduous care of the plant- 

 cultivator. 



The raising of seedling plants is indeed a delightful occupation. The work is 

 varied ; there is such a wide field for speculation and experiment ; and the pleasing 



