The Eglantine is the poetical name of one of the most charming species
of rose, generally known in this country as the Sweetbrier, noted for
its scented foliage and its multitude of thorns. This species seems to
occupy a mean between the tree-roses and the climbers. It often mounts
to a considerable height, supporting its position by its thorns. I have
seen a Sweetbrier growing wild upon a juniper to the height of fifteen
feet, and covering the whole tree. The flowers are small and of a pale
crimson, having less sweetness than the common rose. The American
Sweetbrier has paler flowers and a smaller leaf; the English plant has
larger flowers of a deeper color, and more luxuriant foliage. The
American species, however, attains the greater height; it is more
fragrant, and more abundant in flowers.