1 Noy., 1902.] QUEENSLAND AGRICULTURAL JOURNAL. » 851 
2. White Maman Cochet was first secured as a sport by Cook in the United 
States. Simultaneously with its reaching us from thence, one of our members 
secured a similar sport here. It is impossible to distinguish between them, and 
I think it is probable there are far more plants of the local than of the imported 
stock grown here, and quite rightly too. In a sport it often happens there are 
points of divergence from the parent. I do not think the White Maman is 
quite as vigorous as the pink. The foliage is on a smaller scale; the plant is 
of a more branching habit, and it is not quite so free in bloom. It is not pure 
white, but a creamy white, and the outer petals are tinted pink. 
3. Climbing Niphetos——Here we have almost a pure white. Occasionally 
the outer petals are tinged pink. It is a flower which anyone pretending to 
grow roses cannot be without. It is uncertain in growth, and can never be 
relied on to climb well until tested. The dwarf variety is a poor grower. As 
a bud we have nothing to surpass it, and when well-grown it yields wonderful 
flowers, as our show tables prove. Once growing well it should be kept liberally 
fed. Once a certain point is reached it opens out quickly and the beauty of 
form passes away. ; 
4. Souvenir de Lhérése Levet.—Ilt may be difficult to justify the position 
of fourth for this variety, but I place it here more on account of its colour. 
Dark reds are very scarce in tea roses, and we have no other dark-red tea of 
much value except Frangois Dubreuil. Thérése Levet is wanting in size, but 
Dubreuil more so. The former is good in growth and free in bloom, while, if 
generously treated, the size will come up. I remember at one of our shows 
a Thérése Levet almost won the distinction of champion bloom, and general 
opinion did not go with the judge, who awarded it elsewhere. Beauty of form 
is always a strong point with this rose. 
5. Maréchal Niel.—This is a grand rose, which in a great measure stands 
by itself, for it is pre-eminently a distinct flower. It has no doubt more 
Noisette than tea blood. I think we must agree that it is the best of all the 
yellows—erand in petal centre, shape, colour, fragrance, lasting qualities, and 
size. Many of our roses lose colour when cut, but Niel deepens in colour and 
“is better on the second day if kept in water, especially in the dark. It is apt 
to become divided and to burn in the sun. It is slow in rooting and poor in 
erowth at first, and when it gets unhealthy in wood it is best to root it up and 
replace. I came across rather a curious mistake in a somewhat ambitious print 
the other day. ‘The rose was there stated to have been named in honour of 
Marshal Ney, “the bravest of the brave,” one of the first Napoleon’s most 
famous men, instead of which it is named from afar less famous man—Niel, 
one of the marshals of the second French Empire. It is generally understood 
that the Empress Eugenie bestowed the name. We have a so-called white 
Maréchal Niel, but it is a cream flower, not white, and though good not good 
enough to make a fuss about. The red Maréchal Niel is a miserable thing that 
will not grow for anybody. 
6. Souvenir d’ Elise Vardon.—The preceding five roses may be placed on 
the first rank for all purposes—exhibition, garden, and decoration. This is the 
first which we can recommend for one purpose only—viz., show. It is only 
moderate in growth, constitution, and blooming, but there generally come along 
a few good shoots, which produce blooms that to an enthusiast are better than 
a multitude of poorer ones. The petals are heavy and thick in texture, and the 
flower is of great lasting quality. 
7. Marie Van Houtte.—A very good old rose which, because it is common, 
we do not value as we should. A splendid flower for the garden and for 
decoration, but I fancy the rose is falling behind in the estimation of exhibitors 
for no sufficient reason. 
8. Perle des Jardins is somewhat on the small side, but the colour and 
form are generally good. Itis a fair healthy grower, with reddish wood and 
fine foliage. The climbing variety is a great acquisition, and, for general 
purposes, I am almost inclined to prefer it to Maréchal Niel. 
