It is now nearly three hundred years ago since the old Provence or Cabbage rose was introduced; and that it, or its more recently raised representatives, should still find a place in our gardens is not to be wondered at, for all the varieties are deliciously fragrant, perfectly hardy, and mostly of moderate or dwarf growth. To thrive well they should be grown on their own roots, and they require rich soil and close pruning.

The Moss Rose, it is said, originated as a sport from the Provence rose (C. centifolia); it would appear to have sported abroad. Mr. Cranston states that it was introduced from Holland in 1596, but as to its origin no satisfactory account has been given. Some years ago, Mr. Henry Shailer, then of the Chapel Nursery, Battersea Fields, contributed to the Gardener, Florist and Agriculturist, an account of the first red Moss rose. He states that it was first sent over with some plants of Orange trees from the Italian States to Mr. Wrench, then at Broom House, Fulham. This, according to Mr. Shailer, was about the year 1735. It re-remained in that family nearly twenty years without being much noticed or circulated, until a nurseryman named Grey, of the Fulham Nursery, now Messrs. Osborn & Sons, brought it into note.