28 THE HISTORY AND CULTIVATION OF THE ROSE. 



matters, who could have dived so far into the ocean of 

 futurity as to foresee that from these species would spring 

 forth the admirable varieties we at present possess ? But 

 we know it has been so, and in contemplating still further 

 improvements by the process of hybridisation, what exten- 

 sive prospects open upon our view ; the field for experi- 

 ment is boundless, and I believe yet brighter gems lie 

 hidden undeveloped in the forms of these species and their 

 varieties. 



About the year 1629 the double yellow Rose (R. 

 sulphurea) was introduced from the Levant. This is the 

 Rose that seldom flowers to perfection in this country. 

 Much discussion has arisen as to the cause of this, and 

 methods of treatment directly opposite have been recom- 

 mended. It is impossible to reconcile such adverse 

 statements, but I believe a pure atmosphere to be of great 

 importance, and thus it will seldom flower in the immediate 

 neighbourhood of large towns. The aspect should be 

 south or east, and the soil stiff and moderately rich. It 

 has long been a matter of regret that this beautiful Rose 

 does not unfold its blossoms freely, but it is less so now 

 than formerly, because we have the Persian Yellow, which 

 is a near approach to it in colour, and which, so far as we 

 can judge of a newly introduced variety, will flower 

 abundantly. 



The Evergreen Rose (R. sempervirens) was introduced 

 in 1629, but the varieties of this species are not very 

 numerous. It grows wild in Italy, France, and Greece, and 

 the group consists of very rapid growing Roses. For pil- 

 lars, or for covering old fences, or trees, they are without 

 equal ; a growth of 10 ft. in the year is nothing extra- 

 ordinary with them, and they possess the valuable property 

 of holding their foliage through a great part of Winter. 

 The Boursault Rose (R. alpina), a native of the Alps, 

 was introduced in 1683, but the varieties now held in such 

 esteem are comparative!}' of recent introduction. They 

 are valuable as climbing Roses ; some are almost spineless. 



