210 
4 
THE FLORIST. 
be established by the fact, that Pourpre Fafait, a mongrel-bred Bourbon Rose, 
and others too full to open their flowers at all times, ripen their seeds, although 
very many semi-double varieties rarely form a seed-pod. That it does not 
depend on their being hybrids may be inferred from the fact, that many of the 
hybrid Chinese Roses, which are decided hybrids, seed freely.” 
After detailing the microscopic examination of numerous flowers, 
the author proceeds :— 
“ From these facts I draw the following conclusions :—1st. That certain varie¬ 
ties are sterile, incapable of forming perfect seeds under any circumstances. 2dly. 
That many kinds where the pistils are perfect, which in their natural state form 
seed-pods that wither before arriving at maturity, may be induced to perfect 
their seeds by artificial impregnation. 3dly. That those kinds which we find seed¬ 
ing abundantly in their natural state are self-fertilised ; and that their abundant 
production of seeds is due to this point mainly, the more perfect development of 
the sexual organs, especially the polleniferous parts of fructification.” 
Our author holds that Roses may be raised from seed in Eng¬ 
land almost as successfully as in France: and the reducing of his 
thoughts to practice has resulted in the originating of some very 
interesting seedlings,—a proof of the soundness of his opinion. 
In treating on the culture of Roses in pots, Mr. Paul has thrown 
out some excellent hints on training. 
“We agree,” he states, “ that the fewer sticks used the better ; but we fear 
that Roses cannot be managed nicely without the help of some. We do not like 
to see a plant with as many sticks as it has flowers, and almost a hedge-stake 
used to support a branch which a privet-twig would hold in place. This is 
bungling and unsightly, equalled only by the want of design often apparent in 
the training. The sticks should be chosen as slight as will support the flowers, 
and the shape of the plant should be determined before we commence to fashion 
it. Not that we are obliged to follow such form, if, by any occurrence, we dis¬ 
cover one more suitable in any after-stage of growth. The sticks used in tying 
out and training, should be painted green, as near the colour of the foliage as 
possible—duller, not brighter—or they will create a glare, and detract from the 
beauty of the plant. To us, the system of a tall shoot in the centre of the plant, 
with all the others disposed around it, gradually decreasing in height as they 
recede from the centre—in a word, a pyramid, presents the most pleasing 
object. In how great a degree does the beauty of a plant depend on the taste 
exercised in the training!’' 
This plan has been carried out by our author with admirable suc¬ 
cess, as the specimens reared under his care, and exhibited at the 
Chiswick and Botanic Gardens, fully testified. It cannot be said of 
this mode of training, as it has been said of others, that each pot 
contained a forest of sticks, and looked like a faggot decorated with 
flowers. 
Passing over an interesting account of experiments, by which 
Roses were obtained in perfection at Christmas, not hy forcing, but by 
retardation, we arrive at the chapter on forcing, which must furnish 
our last extract from a work full of most useful information :— 
“ The Rose is not a lover of a powerful heat; it must be forced steadily, 
increasing the temperature by degrees if flowers are required very early. Where 
bottom heat can be readily obtained, we think it advantageous, although by no 
means necessary. A good point to start from in forcing is 50*^ or 55“ by day, and 
40“ by night. The temperature of the house requires close attention, and the 
state of the atmosphere as regards its humidity, although often over-looked, is 
equally important. Too dry an atmosphere causes a drain upon the nutritive 
