Rose with nearly round seed-buds, and peduncles hispid: stem and
petioles hispid and prickly: leaves winged: leaflets ovate, and
villose beneath: flowers of a deep purple colour: blossom single,
semi-double, or full of petals.
* * * * *
This species of Rose forms part of a section known by the appellation of
Centifolia, in which may be included many of the French and Dutch Roses,
whose general appearance is so nearly alike, that when out of bloom it
would be very difficult to distinguish one from the other. For what
reason it has acquired the specific title of centifolia we are at a loss
to guess, as it would be utterly impossible to find out a species by any
given number of leaves, which must ever depend on the size of the plant.
But as a very old species long usage has given it such a sanction, that
a more appropriate title would not be used in preference.
Our drawing represents the single, semi-double, and completely
double-flowered velvet Roses, easily distinguished when in flower, but
when out of bloom not the slightest difference is discernible.
[Illustration]
ROSA Eglanteria, _major_.
_Large Eglantine Rose, or Tree Sweetbriar._