112 



A BOOK ABOUT ROSES 



above the ground, that he might preserve the unities 

 of an even surface. Does not a dead level, bearing 

 the old pattern of stars and garters, generally encircle 

 the Rose-temple, over which the disgusted right- 

 minded Rose-trees always object to grow? It looks 

 like a dismal aviary from which the birds have flown ; 

 but with a little bright paint and gilding externally, 

 and a loud barrel-organ within, it might form a 

 brilliant lucrative centre-piece for a merry-go-round 

 at a fair. 



When the Rose is grown for exhibition exclusively, 

 the geometrical system in its simplest form, and 

 minus the temple, is desirable, as being most con- 

 venient to him who purposely sacrifices beauty of 

 arrangement as regards the general appearance, the 

 tout ensemble, of his Rose-garden, that he may attain 

 perfection as to size and colour in the individual 

 flowers. He cannot afford space for numerous 

 varieties, which, lovely, distinct, and indispensable 

 in the general collection, are not suitable for the 

 exhibition stage. He admires them earnestly, but 

 has only room for them in his heart or with his 

 herbaceous plants in *the borders.' He must have 

 all his trees so disposed that they may be readily 

 surveyed, approached, and handled. Specimens of 

 the same variety must be planted together, that he 

 may quickly compare and select. Time is most 



