144 THE COMEDY OF THE GARDEN 
But ferns, alas ! have very large roots, which would 
interfere with the nourishment of the roses. Be- 
sides, as I have written, these whimsical beauties 
thrive best when growing by themselves. 
Many roses in the fan are now blooming. They 
are perfuming the air and the house as well, since 
each morning I have cut several with which to fill 
vases in the library. The form of the fan is said 
to be a success by our neighbours, who seem equally 
sure that the roses have done remarkably well. 
Naturally, I could not have had as large a rosarium 
this year if it had not been for the many strong 
plants which were given me by Mr. Hayden. 
The ever-blooming or monthly roses which I 
bought at the nursery, and which form the semi- 
circular base of the fan, are not opening with the 
lavish zest of the hardy perpetuals. Still, their 
period of bloom will continue from month to 
month, while those that are known as June roses 
will only give an incidental flower now and then 
after their great festival is over. 
Among these so-called hardy perpetual roses, I 
notice especially the Soleil d’Or, or golden sun. 
Thus far, just one has opened. The outer petals 
are pale yellow, but the smaller, crinkled ones of 
the centre are a vivid yellow pink. It is like the 
sun saying “good-bye.” The buds on this bush 
look small, and some of the foliage is wilted. I 
do hope it is not going to die. Mr. Hayden’s 
gardener tells him that these roses are not the 
