Hybridizing. 



121 



Those properties of the Rose to which we attach the greatest importance are i, 

 Habit and constitution ; 2, Form of the flower ; 3, Colour ; 4, Freedom, constancy, 

 and duration of flowering; 5, Scent. 



1. Habit, &c. The growth of a tree should be free, not dwindling or delicate. It 

 may be considered immaterial whether it be pendulous, branching, or erect, as each 

 growth is desirable for certain purposes. Handsome foliage is important, and should 

 be kept in view under this head. The offspring of the tender Roses may also be 

 rendered less susceptible of frost by intermixing them with the hardiest varieties of 

 the same or kindred groups. 



2. Form. A Rose may be good whether globular, cupped, compact, or expanded. 

 But of whichever form it may be, the petals should be thick and smooth, and the out- 

 line circular. 



Fig. 33. IDEAL ROSE, form compact. 



Annexed are representations of four Roses which m,ay be considered models of 

 their respective forms, which are explained in Division II. Nearly all Roses may be 

 brought under one or other of these forms ; there are some few whose petals reflex in 

 the full-blown and decaying stage of the flower, but we think the reflexed form un- 

 desirable for a young bloom. The types or models offered in the first edition of this 

 work (1848) have been surpassed by the industry and skill of cultivators, and in the 

 new models now submitted it will be seen that our Ideals have advanced. 



The pointed bud where too prominent is in my judgment a departure from the 

 highest lines of beauty, and has a narrow and mean appearance hardly desirable even 

 for the sake of variety. 



