CHAPTER XX 



THE WILD ROSES OF BRITAIN 



Botanists differ considerably in their ideas respecting 

 the number of species of rose which are found growing 

 wild in the British Isles. Some regard very minute dif- 

 ferences as sufiicient justification for the creation of 

 distinct species, whereas others take a broader view, 

 and when a species is found to differ somewhat in habit, 

 hairiness, or colour of flowers, but to show connecting 

 links between the most distinct forms, no difference in 

 name is made. Still other authorities are found whose 

 views are a modification of those of both extremists, and 

 well-marked forms of species are given varietal names. 

 In the following notes the classification of the Student's 

 Flora of the British Isles, by the late Sir J. D. Hooker, 

 has been followed, with slight modifications. 



British roses, as a rule, are very amenable to cul- 

 tivation. Some may be given a place in the garden, 

 but as a rule they are better fitted for park or wood- 

 land. Cultivated forms of several species are, however, 

 well suited to conspicuous positions in the garden, and 

 merit representation amongst collections of roses. Very 

 little pruning is required, all that is necessary being the 

 removal of the older wood if the bushes are becoming too 



dense. It sometimes happens that the branches are 



130 



