CHAPTER 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 appreciate all the 

 winter and spring work simply from his personal devo- 

 tion 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 treatment" 

 (perhaps from plants on their own roots, from cuttings). 

 In such a case, without throwing the smallest doubt 

 upon his veracity or hona fides, we are apt to wonder 

 what he considers " very good " Roses, and unless his 

 blooms have been seen by a competent and impartial 

 judge, or, better still, actually tested at a show, the 



