PINK WILD FLOWERS 
mattresses made from the sun-dried petals are lux- 
uries — beds of Roses — enjoyed only by the very 
wealthy. The ancient Greeks and Romans were 
extravagant in the use of Rose garlands and wreaths 
for decorative purposes, and at the magnificent 
feasts of Cleopatra and of Nero, everything was 
lavishly decked with them. Fountains of Rose water 
in operation were famous attractions at some of 
their marvellous social affairs. The Romans placed 
a Rose over the entrance to their feasting halls, 
and all who passed beneath it understood that what- 
ever happened within the hall was to be sub rosa — 
under the Rose—and was to be kept secret and 
never disclosed. The Romans also used the Rose in 
their funeral rites, and in China Roses and Anemones 
are used for similar purposes. The Rose was the 
flower dedicated to Venus. In the writings of Shake- 
speare, the Rose is mentioned more frequently than 
any other flower. In Germany, France, and Italy, 
frivolous maidens bury a drop of blood under a Rose 
bush to ensure rosy cheeks. The Rose is the floral 
emblem of Iowa, New York, and North Dakota. An 
annual festival celebrated in California is named the 
Tournament of Roses. Portland, Ore., is called the 
City of Roses. June is known as the month of Roses, 
One of the most costly perfumes in the world is Attar 
of Roses, and ten tons — twenty thousand pounds — 
of petals are required to make one pound of this 
precious oil, which is valued at two hundred dollars 
per pound. Candied Rose petals are considered a 
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