182 SYLVA FLORIFERA. 



planted in Italy, and we have not yet heard 

 of this rose having been in any instance raised 

 from seed, for the single moss rose was re- 

 duced to that state from the double variety 

 (either accidentally or intentionally) by a pe- 

 culiar mode of cultivation. The single variety 

 of the moss rose, as well as the double white 

 moss rose, still continue scarce, and bring 

 high prices to the nurserymen near London. 



The moss rose is made the emblem of 

 voluptuous love, and the creative imagination 

 of the poet thus pleasingly accounts for this 

 rose having clad itself in a mossy garment. 



" The angel of the flowers, one day, 

 Beneath a rose-tree sleeping lay. 

 That spirit — to whose charge is given 

 To bathe young buds in dews from heaven. 

 Awaking from his light repose, 

 The angel whisper'd to the rose, — 



* O fondest object of my care, 



Still fairest found where all are fair, 



For the sweet shade thou'st given to me, 



Ask what thou wilt, 'tis granted thee.' 



1 Then/ said the rose, ' with deepened glow, 



* On me another grace bestow.' 

 The spirit paused in silent thought, 

 What grace was there that flower had not ? 

 'Twas but a moment — o'er the rose 



A veil of moss the angel throws. 

 And, robed in nature's simplest weed, 

 Can there a flower that rose exceed ?" 



M. lledoute, the author of a French pic- 

 tured work on roses, seems displeased at our 

 17 



