222 The Rose Garden. 



nature of both these species, and also of the Damask (R. Damascena) parent. 

 These are, on the authority of most Botanists, three distinct species. Well, 

 supposing the features of each to be visible in the new variety, where is the 

 place for such a hybrid? We would say Is it sufficiently original in character 

 to demand the formation of a new Floral group? If so, this is the proper course 

 to pursue ; and it is thus that several new groups have of late years been added. 

 The Hybrid Perpetuals and Hybrid Teas, for instance, are of modern date, and it 

 must be admitted by all that for these hybrids new groups or sections were necessary. 

 But supposing this new individual to possess no very distinct features : then will not 

 the characters of any one species or group predominate ? Undoubtedly they will ; 

 and the variety should be referred to that group which it most nearly resembles in 

 external characters. 



If we glance at the species from which the beautiful varieties which decorate 

 our gardens have sprung we find nearly all are natives of civilised countries, and 

 have been for some years known and cultivated in Europe. This will account for 

 the number of varieties that have been derived from them. It is probable that 

 many other species, which are at present only known as species, will eventually 

 give birth to esteemed garden kinds ; that fresh Floral groups will arise, possessed 

 of distinct characters from those we already possess. If these anticipations be 

 realised, what may not the Roses of the future be ! And an air of reasonableness 

 is given to this supposition by the recent appearance of numerous varieties raised 

 from the Rosa rubifolia, which was formerly only known to us as embellishing with 

 its pale red blossoms the prairies and forests of North America. There is no doubt 

 some of the species are more disposed to improvement than others, but all are 

 capable of it. I believe that when our cultivators shall become tired of working 

 upon the garden kinds they already possess they will direct their attention to 

 others of the species, and bring forth the treasures they are capable of producing. 



When we look at the species with single or semi-double flowers, which are the 

 types of the present garden varieties, and compare them with those varieties, the 

 contrast may well make us inquire Have the latter really descended from these 

 species ? So greatly are they improved in form and texture of petal ; increased also 

 in size ; changed from single to double ; and varied in colour to a remarkable degree ; 

 that I do not wonder at persons unacquainted with the effects of cultivation on the 

 wild species wishing to know the process of development before they accredit state- 

 ments such as these. We may fairly presume, however, that such is their origin. 

 But if so, how has such a change been wrought? We reply Simply by a long 

 course of careful and systematic culture. What was the Rose, comparatively 

 speaking, eighty or even fifty years since? There are doubtless some of the 

 admirers of the genus who can glance retrospectively to the latter period, and trace 

 the gradual alteration from flimsy semi-double varieties, few blooming in the 



