Diseases op the Rose. 119 



CHAPTER XXVIII. 

 DISEASES OF THE ROSE. 



The common saying that "Death loves a shining 

 mark" we iind exemplified in vegetable, as Avell as 

 phjsical life, and while many strong plants which pro- 

 duce beautiful flowers seem to be in a measure exempt, 

 the Queen of all is very susceptible to many forms, 

 among which the most common is mildew. This is a 

 fungoid growth and is produced by sudden changes in 

 the atmosphere, or drafts of air. As with man or 

 beast, the power of resistance to disease which a plant 

 is able to put forth, is in proportion to its state of 

 health and vigor. 



Pampered, sickly plants that have been poorly ven- 

 tilated or overfed, are fit subjects for any form of dis- 

 ease, and especially liable to this. 



The first great preventative is a sturdy, hardy growth. 

 An abundance of air from the time the plant has its 

 first shift, is what makes it sturdy. I do not mean that 

 they should be exposed to drafts of cool air, but that if 

 accustomed to receive all the air possible without this 

 exposure, they will be in condition to withstand the 

 changes that come with the varying seasons. 



Some roses are much more susceptible to mildew than 

 others, and unfortunately they are our most valued 

 varieties and cannot be dispensed with. With the ad- 

 vent of early fall the trouble begins, and unless the ut- 

 most care is given to methods of ventilation, a little fire 



