184 The Rose Garden. 



that a bad truss or variety would be counted against the exhibitor ? This would 

 guarantee the exclusion of all inferior kinds, and secure a greater number of varieties 

 in a small space, and in a state approaching more nearly to that of nature. But to 

 limit the exhibition to a small number of varieties, when hundreds are grown, does 

 not admit of classification, and renders it impossible to give a full and true account 

 of the genus. Further I say it with regret our Rose shows as at present con- 

 ducted bring out only one phase of the Rose, namely, the full blown flower, which, 

 to my taste, is not by any means the most beautiful. . 



With this statement of our views on exhibiting cut Roses, we respectfully submit 

 two arrangements for the consideration of those who prepare the prize schedules for 

 our flower shows. 



ist, Roses in a collection, the number of varieties unlimited, classed in groups 



according to the arrangement of (name who), one, two, or three trusses 



only of one variety. Or, 



2ndly, 



A. Summer Roses in a collection, the number of varieties unlimited ; classed in 

 groups according to (name who), one, two, or three trusses only of one variety. 



B. Autumnal Roses in a collection, number of varieties unlimited, to be classed 

 and shown as in letter A. 



By the arrangements above proposed we afford the tyro efficient aid in selecting 

 varieties. The classification enables him to see at a glance the extent, variety, and 

 beauty of each group, and he can select from each and every one a gradation of colour 

 from the lightest to the darkest hues it may embrace. Or if he prefer one colour 

 more than another, such can be noted down, and its free interspersion secured. Fur- 

 ther still, while he admires the variety and richness of colour existing in one group, 

 the regular outline of another, and is charmed by the delicious odour of a third, he is 

 enabled to form a correct judgment of the comparative value of each from the whole 

 or the most worthy being brought at once under the eye. But these remarks are 

 sufficiently extended, and we have to speak of dressing the exhibition boxes, and 

 gathering and arranging the flowers. 



The boxes may be made of inch deal of the simplest construction, and painted 

 green. By the laws of some Societies, framed for general convenience, the lids must 

 shift off at pleasure : no boxes are allowed to be placed on the exhibition tables 

 whose dimensions exceed three feet in length, six inches in height when the lid is 

 removed, and eighteen inches in width from front to back. A handle at either end is 

 desirable, which should drop into the wood, that the ends may approach closely. 

 The box may be filled with moss, into which zinc tubes may be sunk, filled with 

 water, to contain the flowers. The tubes may be about five inches deep, an inch and 

 a quarter wide, with a rim half an inch broad. The tubes made and sold by Mr 

 H. Foster, Watchmaker, Ashford, Kent, are an excellent contrivance for the purpose. 



