CHAPTEE XI 



EXHIBITING 



The instructions hitherto given have been meant 

 to show how to grow Roses in the best possible 

 manner, so as to produce the finest blooms. There 

 are probably few who will go thus thoroughly into 

 the matter without desiring sooner or later to put 

 their care and labour to the test by showing, in 

 friendly rivalry, against their brother Rosarians. 

 The true Rose lover may perhaps enjoy and ap- 

 preciate all the winter and spring work simply from 

 his personal devotion to the Queen of Flowers. But 

 if he visits Rose shows he will soon be anxious, I think, 

 to get an important judgment upon his own blooms, 

 and see what rank his much-cared-for plants can 

 take in the world of Roses. 



We may perhaps hear a man say, " Oh ! I don't 

 exhibit, but I can assure you I cut some very good 

 Roses from plants under such and such a treat- 

 ment (perhaps from plants on their own roots, from 

 cuttings). In such a case, without throwing the 

 smallest doubt upon his veracity or bona fides, we 

 are apt to wonder what he considers " very good " 

 Roses, and unless his blooms have been seen by a 



