184 



THE BOOK OF THE ROSE 



CHAP. 



freedom of bloom are superior or very different to those 

 already known. Yet most of the modern failures are 

 probably much better than the old-fashioned garden 

 Roses which still have their worshippers, thus proving 

 that sentiment and affection rather than merit cause 

 them to be still recognised. 



This is very likely as it should be : it is well to see 

 those old Roses of forty years ago, if only to realise and 

 be thankful for what we have gained : the grand H.P.s 

 and Teas of the present day have certainly no cause to 

 be jealous of the old favourites, or to dread comparison 

 with them ; and the most inveterate exhibitor will 

 rejoice that the Roses which so charmed our fathers are 

 still loved and admired by some. 



It will be found that more or less serious objections 

 may be urged against all exhibitions, where a " fancy " 

 or fashion decrees arbitrary points in the things exhibited 

 apart from their useful qualities. Thus it has been 

 said of dog shows that breeds notorious for their service 

 for sporting or other purposes are not judged or awarded 

 prizes for their useful qualities, but for fashionable 

 points of colour and shape. And it is also alleged that 

 certain varieties of poultry have deteriorated because 

 they have been judged by their feathers and other 

 useless points to the detriment of their capabilities of 

 furnishing plenty of good eggs and chickens. 



On the other hand, fewer complaints are made against 

 shows of fat or dairy cattle, because there is no " fancy " 

 here, and the animals are usually judged according to 

 their market value for use. And if it be said that there 

 is a " fancy " in Roses, and that the very term " show- 

 Rose " proves it, we must see what are the desirable and 

 useful properties in Roses, and whether the system of 

 exhibitions favours or hinders them. 



