A CHAPTER ON ROSES. 31 



We have long ago invited our correspondents to send us their 

 " confessions," which, if not as mysterious and fascinating as those 

 of Rousseau, would be found far more innocent and wholesome to 

 our readers. Mr. Buist (whose new nursery grounds, near Phila- 

 delphia, have, we learn, been a paradise of roses this season), has 

 already sent us his list of favorites, which we have before made pub- 

 lic, to the great satisfaction of many about to form little rose-gar- 

 dens. Dr. Valk, also, has indicated his preferences. And to en- 

 courage other devotees more experienced than ourselves we give 

 our own list of favorites, as follows : 



First of all roses, then, in our estimation, stands the BOURBONS 

 (the only branch of the family, not repudiated by republicans). 

 The most perpetual of all perpetuals, the most lovely in form, of all 

 colors, and many of them of the richest fragrance ; and, for us 

 northerners, most of all, hardy and easily cultivated, we cannot but 

 give them the first rank. Let us, then, say 



HALF A DOZEN BOURBON ROSES. 



Souvenir de Malmaison, pale flesh color. 



Paul Joseph, purplish crimson. 



Hermosa, deep rose. 



Queen, delicate fawn color. 



Dupetit Thouars, changeable carmine. 



Acidalie, white. 



Souvenir de Malmaison is, take it altogether, its constant 

 blooming habit, its large size, hardiness, beautiful form, exquisite 

 color, and charming fragrance, our favorite rose ; the rose which, 

 if we should be condemned to that hard penance of cultivating but 

 one variety, our choice would immediately settle upon. Its beauty 

 suggests a blending of the finest sculpture and the loveliest femi- 

 nine complexion. 



Second to the BOURBONS, we rank the REMONTANTES, as the 

 French term them ; a better name than the English one perpe- 

 tuals ; for they are by no means perpetual in their blooming habit, 

 when compared with the Bourbons, China, or Tea roses. They are, 

 in fact, June roses, that bloom two or three times in the season, 



