THE ROSE. 
The different kinds of Roses are quite numerous; and 
botanists find it very difficult to determine with accuracy 
which are species and which are varieties. On this account, 
Linmeus, and some other eminent authors, are inclined to 
think that there is only one real species of Rose, which is 
the Rosa Canina, or Dog-rose of the hedges, &c., and that 
all the other sorts are accidental varieties of it. However, 
according to the Linnasan arrangement, they stand divided 
into fourteen species, each comprehending varieties, which 
in some sorts are but few, in others numerous. 
Poetry is lavish of Roses : it heaps them into beds, weaves 
them into crowns, twines them into arbours, forges them 
into chains, and plants them in the bosom of beauty. It not 
only delights to bring in the Rose itself upon every occasion, 
but seizes each particular beauty it possesses as an object 
of comparison with the loveliest works of Nature; — as soft 
as a Rose leaf; as sweet as a Rose; Rosy Clouds ; &c. &c. 
The eastern poets have united the Rose with the nightin¬ 
gale— the Venus of Flowers with the Apollo of birds.— 
The Rose is supposed to burst forth from its bud at the song 
of the nightingale. 
I saw the sweetest flower wild Nature yields, 
A fresh-blown Musk Rose. 
10 
ANON. 
( 103 ) 
