BOSES. 373 



constant variegation of crimson and white stripes in the flower, 

 which makes it exceedingly attractive. 



Mo3S EosES. — Naturalists say that the Moss Eose is a sport 

 fironi the common Provence Eose. Perhaps it is ; but the fol- 

 lowing account by a German writer may help us to know how 

 that sport was produced : 



" The Angel of the flowers one day 

 Beneath a Rose-tree sleeping lay ; 

 That Spirit to whose charge is given 

 To bathe young bnds in dews from heaven ; 

 Awaking from his light repose, 

 The Angel whispered to the Eose ; 

 '0 fondest object of my care, 

 StiU fairest found where all are fair 

 For the sweet shade thou'st, given to me, 

 Ask what thou wilt, 'tis granted thee. 

 'Then,' said the Eose, with deepeend glow, 

 'On me another grace bestow.' 

 The Spirit paused in silent thought ; 

 What grace was" there that flower had not f 

 'Twas but a moment ;■ — o'er the Eose 

 A veil of moss the A'ngel throws ; 

 And, robed in nature's simplest weed. 

 Could there a flower that Eose exceed?" 



The Moss Eoses require the richest soil and most liberal 

 culture possible, in order to have them in perfection. 



Common Moss. — The oldest and the best of them aU. The 

 flowers are large, full, clear rose, and the half-opened buds 

 beautifully covered with moss. 



Crested. — The Calyx of this Eose is most singularly edged 

 with a mossy fringe, which gives the buds a very pleasing 

 appearance. Beyond this it has no mossy covering. The 

 flowers resemble in form and color the common Provence.- 



Glory of the Mosses. — The flower-buds are very mossy. The 

 Eoses are of a deep blush, very large and full. 



Laneii. — The flowers are of a brilliant, rosy-crimson color, 

 and very handsomely formed. The plant is a vigorous, healthy 

 grower, with fine, clear foliage. 



