114 The Rose Garden. 



If we compare the climate of London with that of Paris, where some of our best 

 modern Roses have been originated, it will be found that rain is less frequent in Paris 

 during summer and autumn ; there is also a greater intensity and duration of sunlight 

 there, which increases the temperature of the atmosphere and soil, and thus accelerates 

 the period of maturity. 



The above is also true as regards the climate of Angers and the South of France, 

 only in a still greater degree ; and who would doubt those districts being eminently 

 more favourable than Paris for the pursuit? No one. But suppose the Parisian 

 growers had rested contented with these reflections, what position would the Rose 

 now hold in the floral world ? And if English cultivators had joined ardently in the 

 pursuit, who can say to what pitch of beauty the Queen of Flowers might have 

 attained ? 



What country ranks equal with England in the art of Gardening ? yet how many 

 are there more favourably circumstanced. This, it may be said, is partly due to the 

 great liberality of its patrons, and to the admirable contrivance of its plant structures. 

 But still the English cultivator has great disadvantages to contend with, especially in 

 the maturation of seeds. His skill and perseverance, however, overcome them all, 

 and obstacles surmounted encourage him to go on ; he continues to battle with the 

 elements, and his intellectual powers seem to brighten in the contest. He produces 

 grapes superior to those brought from the Land of the Vine, and pine apples infinitely 

 so to those of West Indian production. These are facts known to everyone, and will 

 it yet be maintained that he cannot raise seedling Roses ! * 



But, it may be said, Hybridizing and Cross-breeding are not the work of the 

 gardener. It requires an uninterrupted course of study to enable anyone to carry 

 them out with success ; and his multifarious duties render it next to impossible that 

 he should pursue these. There is much truth in this assertion, and the nurseryman 

 may certainly put forward a similar plea. The weight of the burden, then, would 

 seem to rest with the amateur. And it has always appeared to me that his is the 

 proper sphere for the raising of seedlings, and that greater objects are accomplished 

 in this line when pursued as a recreation rather than as a profession. If the amateur 

 has had less experience in gardening matters, this seems compensated for by a less 

 divided attention and greater assiduity. 



If the Tea-scented and Chinese be the kinds the operator prefers seeding from, 

 it will be necessary to grow them under glass to flower in April or May, as they are 

 longer in bringing their seeds to maturity than most other kinds. The majority of 



* So was it said, not many years ago, that Standard Roses could not be grown in England that the climate 

 of France was essential for their development. Thus prejudice for a time triumphed over reason, and they were 

 imported from that country for years. And the reason why so few seedling Roses have been originated in England 

 is doubtless this nurserymen have found sufficient occupation in multiplying the kinds put into their hands ; 

 amateurs in admiring and attending to the varied wants of their favourites. 



