74 THE ROSE GARDENS OF HERTFORDSHIRE. 



clumps of oak trees ; while an extensive range of hills, 

 bounded only by the horizon, appears beyond. Quitting 

 this spot, we approached the Fountain-garden, which is in 

 the form of a horse-shoe, with a wall at the back, and 

 laurel banks on either side. There is a fountain in the 

 centre, and the beds are filled entirely with verbenas. 



KEMAKKS ON THE CULTIVATION OF TEA- SCENTED 

 EOSES AS CONSEKVATORY CLIMBERS, 



[From " Paxtoris Magazine of Gardening and Botany? 1849, 



P- 43-*] 



WHO can contemplate with indifference the beauty, 

 variety, and perfume of the Queen of Flowers, or 

 who can fix a limit to the circle over whose affections she 

 holds sway ? Cherished alike by peer and peasant, her 

 circle of admirers is wide as are the dominions of our 

 beloved Sovereign the Rose of England. Growing 

 spontaneously in almost every latitude of the northern 

 hemisphere, admired alike by the highly civilised inhabi- 

 tants of Southern Asia, and the less-favoured natives of the 

 icy north, wheresoever it dwelleth its presence is hailed 

 with joy and gladness. Sweet emblem of innocence, of 

 virtue, of humility, whence derivest thou that power which 

 gives thee such an influence over the mind of man ? Truly, 

 the Rose of the desert in its loneliness is suggestive of 

 modesty and retiring worth, and the gorgeous masses of 

 our flower gardens are realisations of grandeur, beauty, 

 elegance, and grace. 



No wonder, then, that thy declared admirers are so 

 numerous, that thy presence should be sought so eagerly 



* This article was written by the request of Mr (afterwards Sir Joseph) 

 Paxton. 



