Part 2

This cluster-flowered Variety is undoubtedly the most attractive of that species of Rose denominated Monthly. To its fine abundant and frequent bloom is attached a fragrance of unequivocal sweetness, for which it is much esteemed. It bears so great a resemblance to the Damask Rose, that we are strongly induced to regard it as a continuation of that species, and have but little doubt, if the flowers were dried and analysed, they would be found to contain the same medicinal virtues. The title of Monthly is certainly a term of latitude with regard to its flowering; for, in the literal sense, it should imply a perpetually blooming Rose; which undoubtedly a Rose must be that blossoms every month; but this is by no means the case with the present species, although in mild seasons it may be found in bloom in December or January; which gives it a decided superiority over many of the summer species.

Our figure was taken from a fine blooming specimen in the month of September, at the nursery of Messrs. Whitley and Brames, Old Brompton.

ROSA racemosa.

_Clustered Rose, or Rose of the four Seasons._

CHARACTER SPECIFICUS.

ROSA, germinibus sub-rotundis, læviter glandulosa, pedunculis hispido-glandulosis, sæpe florentibus, racemosis, læte rubro-purpureis; foliolis ovatis, subtus villosis; aculeis ramorum sparsis, rectis.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

ROSE, with roundish seed-buds, slightly glandular, peduncles hispidly glandular, often blooming, clustered, and of a bright red purple; leaflets are ovate, and villous beneath; the prickles of the branches are scattered and straight.

* * * * *

This very desirable Rose was introduced from France under the title of La Rose de quatre Saisons, and which we conceive to be an appropriate term, as it refers with some degree of accuracy to the frequency of its flowering. For although it is not in flower all the year, yet it is found blooming in every season; a circumstance of rare occurrence, and (the Chinese or Indian Rose excepted) only to be found in the species called the Monthly Rose, from which analogy alone, the Rose of the four Seasons has been by many supposed to be only the Clustered-flowered Monthly under a new name; but to this it has not the slightest affinity except in its foliage, being in every other respect most particularly distinct. It is also a scarcer rose, and by no means so well known as it deserves to be.

The figure was taken from a fine plant in the nursery of Messrs. Loddiges, Hackney.

ROSA Provincialis, _blanda_.

_Blush Province Rose._

CHARACTER SPECIFICUS.

ROSA, germinibus sub-globosis, incarnatis; pedunculis petiolisque hispidis et glandulosis; aculeis ramorum sparsis, rectis; foliolis ovatis, subtus villosis.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

ROSE, with nearly round seed-buds, flesh-coloured; the peduncles and petioles are hispid and glandular; the prickles of the branches are scattered, and straight; the leaflets are egg-shaped, and villose beneath.

* * * * *

Of all the numerous variations in the Province Rose, this is the most delicate variety; and as a well-known and much-admired (although only a slight) variety of the Red, it is highly deserving of a separate figure.--This specimen represents the most general character of the Blush Province. As we have two florescent varieties of this pale delicate character, from the same species, whose slight distinctions have no doubt lent their aid to swell the train of superfluous novelty,--the Author is in hopes, by the observations he has already made on the variations of the same Rose by different modes of culture, joined with the further inspection he shall be enabled to make in the course of the ensuing summer, that it will be in his power to ascertain with accuracy the difference between the mere florescent varieties of growth, and those actually distinct in their character, independent of that circumstance.

ROSA Gallica variegata; _vel Rosa Mundi_.

_Striped French Rose; or Rose of the World._

CHARACTER SPECIFICUS.

ROSA, germinibus globosis; floribus magnis, et eleganter variegatis; pedunculis hispidis; caule et petiolis hispidis et aculeatis; foliolis sub-ovatis, subtus villosis.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

ROSE, with globular seed-buds; flowers large, and elegantly striped; peduncles hispid; the stem and petioles are hispid and prickly; the leaflets are nearly egg-shaped, and villose beneath.

* * * * *

This elegant Striped variety of the _Rosa Gallica_ is certainly more attractive than its original, the _officinalis_. Its fine red stripes acquire a comparatively superior brilliance, by their contrast with the white; from which analogous circumstance we believe the name of _Rosa Mundi_ has been originally derived from a collateral reference to that celebrated lady in the reign of Henry the Second, commonly called Fair Rosamund (signifying Rose-mouth). Thus, like the Rose, the colour of her lips was heightened by the comparative delicacy of her fair complexion; and which the Author has no doubt will be considered as a fair excuse, however remote or questionable the etymology. Like all other variegated Roses, an exactitude of character is never to be expected; we having sometimes seen it more divided than our figure represents, and at others so much less so as to be nearly one half white, and the other red.

The drawing was made from fine plants in the nursery of Messrs. Whitley and Brames, Old Brompton.

ROSA Gallica; _Var. flore marmoreo_.

_French Rose; Marbled-flowered Variety._

CHARACTER SPECIFICUS.

ROSA, germinibus globosis; floribus magnis, marmoreis; pedunculis hispidis; caule petiolisque hispido-aculeatis; foliolis sub-ovatis, subtus villosis.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

ROSE, with globular seed-buds; the flowers are large, and of a marbled character; peduncles hispid; the stem and petioles are hispidly prickly; the leaflets are nearly egg-shaped, and villous beneath.

* * * * *

This Marbled Variety of the _officinalis_, or French Red Rose, is, like the Striped, a variety of colour only: for although all the three Roses appear distinct from each other when in flower; yet, when out of bloom, it is scarcely possible to distinguish the one from the other. We have sometimes observed the foliage of this variety more undulated or waved than the others; a trifling difference, if it is even a constant character;--but most likely a mere casualty of growth. It is exactly of the same bushy habit as the other two; and, like them, equally subject to mildew in the autumn.

Our drawing was made from a fine plant, in luxuriant bloom, at the nursery of Mr. Shailer, King’s Road, Chelsea.

ROSA Provincialis, _semi-duplex_.

_Semi-double Province Rose._

CHARACTER SPECIFICUS.

Rosa germinibus subrotundis; pedunculis petiolisque hispidis et glandulosis; floribus semi-duplicibus; aculeis ramorum sparsis, rectis, sub-reflexis; foliolis ovatis, subtus villosis, serraturis glandulosis.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Rose with roundish seed-buds; peduncles and petioles hispid and glandular; flowers semi-double. The prickles of the branches are scattered, straight, and slightly bent back. The leaflets are ovate, villous beneath, with glandular serratures.

* * * * *

This fine Semi-double Province Rose is at present but little known, being nearly of as recent a date as the Single, although not quite so rare--but in beauty by no means inferior; and when regarded as a connecting link in the symmetrical arrangement of this very numerous species, it will doubtless be considered as a valuable acquisition. Amidst their numerous variations of flower, very little if any difference is observable in the foliage, except what is incident to the health or age of the plant. The leaves are invariably composed of leaflets of from one to three pairs, with a terminating or end one: but those having three pairs are mostly confined to the lower part of the plant; and frequently those leaves at the base of the footstalks of the flowers have only the abortive rudiments of what would have been one pair of leaflets, had not the luxuriance of its blossoms absorbed the nourishment that would otherwise have brought them to maturity.

The figure was made from a plant at the nursery of Mr. Shailer, King’s Road.

ROSA nana, _minor_.

_Small Dwarf, or Pompone Rose._

CHARACTER SPECIFICUS.

Rosa germinibus subrotundis, parvifloris, incarnatis, in medio profunde rubris; foliolis ovatis, acutis, et parvis; subtus villosis, marginibus serrulatis, glandulosis; caule et petiolis aculeatis; aculeis ramorum sparsis, rectis.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Rose with roundish seed-buds, small-flowered, flesh-coloured, and of a deep red in the centre. The leaflets are ovate, sharp-pointed, and small; downy beneath, with small sawed glandular margins. The stem and petioles are prickly: the prickles of the branches are scattered, and straight.

* * * * *

This elegant minor variety of the Dwarf Rose has been, and still continues to be, regarded as superior to most, equal to any, and surpassed by no one, of this enchanting genus at present known. It is an evident variety of the Rose de Meaux, an equally beautiful Rose, but whose flowers are larger, and deficient in the fine deep red eye;--the principal specific distinction, in the present plant, and which is thought to give it a decided superiority. But whether this distinction be a permanent character, is certainly at present a matter of doubt; for in several instances we have seen it lose this central distinction, and attain the full height of its original. Yet against this observation we are acquainted with two exceptions: one of them, a plant in the nursery of Mr. Shailer; the other, a plant in the nursery of Messrs. Loddige; neither of these plants having for years grown beyond a foot in height, nor have the proprietors ever been able to propagate them. It is therefore not improbable, that upon comparing them with the present figure when in fine bloom, there may be found a sufficient distinction to enable us to subjoin another figure of it, under the title of _minima_, or smallest variety.

The drawing was made from a plant at the nursery of Messrs. Whitley and Brames, Old Brompton.

ROSA nana, _minor_; _Var. æqualiflora_.

_Small Dwarf Rose; Equal-flowered Variety._

CHARACTER SPECIFICUS.

Rosa germinibus subrotundis, parvifloris, incarnatis, æqualibus; foliolis ovatis, subtus villosis; marginibus serrulatis, glandulosis; caule et petiolis aculeatis; aculeis ramorum sparsis, rectis.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Rose with roundish seed-buds, small-flowered, flesh-coloured, and equal. The leaflets are egg-shaped, villose beneath, with sawed glandular margins. The stem and petioles are prickly: the prickles of the branches are scattered and straight.

* * * * *

This variety was introduced from France by Mr. Williams, a nurseryman residing near Paris. It is of a compound character; the leaves and the colour of the flowers resembling the _Rosa nana_, but in point of size much more like the _nana minor_, or Pompone Rose; yet differing again from that, in the great regularity of the petals--(whence the name _æqualiflora_)--a trivial distinction, and yet the most prominent feature allowed us by way of discrimination. Nor should we have adopted it, had we not seen at the nursery of Messrs. Colville a number of plants of exactly the same uniform description; which induced us to regard it as a permanent character. If it should prove so (which time alone can ascertain), the name will be sufficiently discriminative: but in case the flowers should enlarge, that circumstance might probably disorganize the symmetry of the petals, and it would then have no distinguishing mark to separate it from the de Meaux; between which and the Pompone Rose it is certainly a variety. But whilst so many variations are allowed among the larger Roses, the lesser ones (but not less estimated) may with propriety claim an equal right to be admitted, particularly as they are so few, compared with those of larger magnitude.

ROSA Carolina, _pimpinellæfolia_.

_Great Burnet-leaved Carolina Rose._

CHARACTER SPECIFICUS.

ROSA, germinibus globosis, pedunculisque hispidis; petiolis aculeatis; foliolis oblongis, acutis, serratis; caule glabro; spinis ramorum sparsis, et oppositis.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

ROSE, with round seed-buds and hispid peduncles; petioles prickly; leaflets oblong, sharp-pointed, and sawed; stem smooth; spines of the branches are scattered, and opposite.

* * * * *

This Rose, so well known by the appellation of the Great Burnet-leaved, is estimated as a variety of the Carolina; but in our opinion the resemblance is not very powerful. Probably a more minute investigation of some of the intermediate varieties at some future period may enable us to throw some further light on the subject. It is a very shrubby and rather dwarfish-growing plant, inclinable to spread; and although not particularly attractive, is by no means deficient in beauty. It continues a long time in successive bloom, and is possessed of a very handsome double-flowered variety.

Our drawing was made from a plant at the nursery of Messrs. Colville.

ROSA Pennsylvanica.

_Pennsylvanian Rose._

CHARACTER SPECIFICUS.

ROSA, germinibus globosis, pedunculisque hispidis; foliolis ovatis, acuminatis, serratis, glabris; spinis ramorum oppositis, rectis, rubris.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

ROSE, with round seed-buds, and hispid peduncles; the leaflets are of an ovate form, sharp-pointed, sawed, and smooth; the thorns of the branches are opposite, straight, and red.

* * * * *

This handsome Single Rose is supposed to be one of the varieties of the Carolina, and for that reason, we believe, called the Pennsylvanian Rose, and perfectly well known under that title; although we think the plant bears very little affinity to the Carolina Rose, and is perhaps nearer allied to the Austrian than any other. It certainly bears a considerable resemblance to the Burnet-leaved variety of the Carolina; but has much more of the character of a brier attached to it, and is generally estimated as the most desirable variety.

It is in fine bloom from the middle of June to the end of August. There is a delicate variety of it with double flowers.

Our figure was made from the nursery of Messrs. Colville.

ROSA parvifolia.

_Small-leaved, or Burgundy Rose._

CHARACTER SPECIFICUS.

ROSA, germinibus globosis; pedunculis et petiolis hispidis; floribus multiplicibus, equalibus; foliolis ovatis, acutis, parvis, subtus villosis, marginibus serrulatis; caule fruticoso; aculeis ramorum sparsis, rectis.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

ROSE, with round seed-buds; peduncles and petioles hispid; flowers with many folds, and equal; leaflets ovate, sharp-pointed and small, hairy beneath, with finely sawed edges; stem shrubby; the spines of the branches are scattered and straight.

* * * * *

This beautiful Dwarf Rose is certainly a very distinct species, and generally known by the appellation of Burgundy Rose. It is an early-blooming Rose, and makes a brilliant appearance. The flowers are very double, of a rich red purple when in perfection, but of a paler or bluer colour when retiring. It is very easily distinguished from any other dwarf Rose, by the striking resemblance which it bears to the Ranunculus, and from which a good specific name might have been derived, had not the leaves (ever the most appropriate characteristic) furnished an unexceptionable title, recently adopted by professor Willdenow in his Species Plantarum.

Our drawing was made from fine plants at the nursery of Messrs. Whitley and Brames.

ROSA spinosissima.

_Thorny Rose._

CHARACTER SPECIFICUS.

ROSA, germinibus globosis, glabris; pedunculis et petiolis glabris; foliolis ovatis, crenatis, glabris; floribus albis; caule et ramis aculeatissimis; aculeis rectis, sub-albidis.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

ROSE, with smooth round seed-buds; peduncles and petioles of the leaf smooth; the leaflets are egg-shaped, notched, and smooth; flowers white; the stem and branches are very prickly; the prickles straight, and nearly white.

* * * * *

Various are the opinions of cultivators with regard to what part of the world this Rose is in reality indigenous. Its general appellation with us is Common Scotch Rose; but Professor Afzelius, in his Observations on Swedish Roses, claims it as a native of Sweden, finding great fault with Linnæus for the inaccuracy of his description in confounding the _pimpinellæfolia_ with the _spinosissima_; an error, we have little doubt, originating merely from having two names for one individual plant. There are two slight variations from this plant: the one rather a taller plant, whose flowers and leaves are of a more luxuriant growth; the other and most material is one, said to be of recent importation from Holland, whose leaves are narrower, nor are the spines quite so numerous or perfectly straight as on the true _spinosissima_, but yet it is evidently the same plant. This slight variation of clime and culture, it is not at all improbable, might be the cause of the above confusion: we have so frequently seen it growing wild on the waste lands within ten miles of London, that, although it may be a native of Sweden, it nevertheless seems quite at home in Britain. The single flower beneath represents what is called a Striped Variety; but it is often so nearly white, that, until its character is more determined, we shall decline a separate figure. It is very hardy, of a lively appearance, but no great beauty. It is an early Rose, and possessed of several very handsome varieties.

Our figure was made from the nursery of Mr. Williams, Turnham Green.

ROSA spinosissima; _Var. flore marmoreo_.

_Thorny Rose; Marbled-flowered Variety._

CHARACTER SPECIFICUS.

ROSA, germinibus globosis, glabris; pedunculis et petiolis glabris; foliolis ovatis, crenatis, glabris; floribus marmoreis, purpureis; caule et ramis aculeatissimis; aculeis rectis, albicantibus.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

ROSE, with round seed-buds, and smooth; peduncles and petioles smooth; the leaflets are ovate, notched, and smooth; the flowers are marbled, and of a purple colour; the stem and branches are very prickly; the prickles straight out, and of a whitish colour.

* * * * *

This fine Marbled Variety of the _spinosissima_ is certainly much more desirable than its original, but is by no means so abundant; and we think it is a smaller or more dwarf-growing plant: but not having seen more than two plants of it in bloom, we cannot be quite certain of its character in that particular. The flowers are somewhat smaller than in the White, and one of the specimens in bloom at the nursery of Malcolm and Co., Kensington, still smaller than our figure of it, but fully equal in beauty and richness of colour to the plant from which our figure was made at the nursery of Messrs. Loddige, Hackney; but so variable are the Striped and Marbled Roses, that we cannot expect them often to stand the test of comparison. It is an early blooming Rose, but not of long duration; beginning to flower the latter end of May, and seldom lasting more than three weeks.

ROSA nana, _minima_.

_Smallest Dwarf, or True Pompone Rose._

CHARACTER SPECIFICUS.

ROSA, germinibus subrotundis; floribus minutis, incarnatis, in medio profunde rubris; foliolis ovatis, acutis, et parvis, subtus villosis, marginibus serrulatis, glandulosis. Frutex pygmæus; caule et petiolis aculeatis; aculeis ramorum sparsis, rectis.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

ROSE, with roundish seed-buds; flowers very small, flesh-coloured, and of a deep red in the centre; leaflets egg-shaped, sharp-pointed, and small, hairy beneath, with finely sawed glandular margins. It is a dwarf shrub; stem and petioles prickly; the spines of the branches are scattered and straight.

* * * * *

This elegant little plant proves, as we imagined it would, distinct from the minor variety, whose flower and leaves we find subject to vary both in size and colour, but in the present true original species they are not. At present it is a very scarce Rose, and likely so to continue, from the difficulty annexed to its cultivation.

Our figure represents one-third of the entire and only plant in the collection of Messrs. Loddige, Hackney, the whole plant exhibiting an equal degree of luxuriant bloom. It very rarely attains the height of one foot; but this year it had not exceeded five inches, which gave an addition of singularity to its appearance. It begins to flower nearly at the same time as the Rose de Meaux, but does not remain quite so long in bloom.

ROSA semperflorens.

_Ever-blowing Rose._

CHARACTER SPECIFICUS.

ROSA, germinibus subrotundis, pedunculisque læviter hispidis; floribus profunde rubris, semperflorentibus; petiolis aculeatis; foliolis oblongis, acuminatis, glabris; caule viridi, glabro, ad basin spinoso.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

ROSE, with roundish seed-buds, and slightly hispid peduncles; flowers of a deep rich red colour, ever-blooming; petioles prickly; leaflets oblong, sharp-pointed, and smooth; stem green, smooth, and thorny towards the base.

* * * * *

This most beautiful species is perhaps the only one that could with any degree of propriety be termed an Ever-blooming Rose, the _indica_ excepted, and which is by some supposed to be only a variety of the present plant; an idea probably resulting from the congeniality of their continual bloom: but admitting it to be only a pale variety of this dark Rose, there must be at least one or two intermediate varieties not yet imported, to smooth the gradual descent from its original; or otherwise the China Roses must be as distinct in their varieties as the generality of other Roses are in their species. It is a Rose of extreme latitude, particularly in the growth of its foliage. When cultivated in a pot, it is frequently not a fourth part of the size our figure represents; whilst on the contrary in the conservatory of G. Hibbert, esq. from whence our figure was made from a plant ten feet high, some of the foliage on the lower part of the plant was full three times the size we have delineated.

To the late G. Slater, esq. of Knots Green near Laytonstone, we are indebted for the introduction of this fine plant, in the year 1792.

ROSA muscosa _Provincialis_; _Var. flore pallido_.

_Moss Province Rose; Pale-flowered Variety._

CHARACTER SPECIFICUS.

ROSA, germinibus ovatis; calycibus et pedunculis muscosis; petiolis ramulisque hispidis, et glanduloso-viscosis; floribus incarnatis; spinis ramorum numerosis, rectis.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

ROSE, with egg-shaped seed-buds; empalements and peduncles mossy; petioles and younger branches hispid, and glandularly viscous; flowers of a flesh-colour; the spines of the branches are scattered and straight.

* * * * *