XII MANNERS AND CUSTOMS 269 



The flower, as seen in a show stand, is magnificent, 

 very large, and very finely and regularly formed, 

 with beautiful bright colour and good fragrance. 

 But its growth though " robust " is very short and 

 it is plainly a rose for exhibitors only, and for those 

 only of them who can give it the most " liberal treat- 

 ment." Nevertheless, I think this variety also 

 has improved in habit, and I find it will often make 

 a fair " head" as a half -standard. 



Victor Hugo (Schwartz, 1884). — Of good growth 

 in rich soil, with very distinct foliage and habit, 

 liable to mildew, and requiring high cultivation and 

 "liberal treatment." When "well done by," the 

 blooms are very handsome, of fine shape, fair petal 

 and centre, glorious colour, and good size. This is 

 a very taking sort from the glow of its crimson : the 

 constitution seems pretty good on strong soil, and 

 it is fairly free blooming in summer and in autumn, 

 but the petals are rather thin, and the blooms not 

 very lasting. A really fine bloom of this Eose, seen 

 at its best, will attract great attention. Fragrant. 



Victor Verdier (Lacharme, 1859). — Eliminated by 

 the editors of this edition. 



Waltham Standard (W. Paul & Son, 1897).— 

 Eliminated by the editors of this edition. 



Xavier Olibo (Lacharme, 1864). — Evidently a 

 seedling from General Jacqueminot, as the wood is 

 very similar. A weak grower with poor con- 

 stitution, not liking manetti, and rather liable to 

 mildew, answering best if budded annually on the 

 briar either standard or cutting, but occasionally 

 doing fairly as a cut-back if not moved. This 

 Eose used always to be described as "velvety 

 black, shaded with amaranth," a taking description. 



