The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-05-20
FASHIONS IN FLOWERS.
The American Beauty Rose Finds .
Potent Rival.
From the Kansas City Star.)


The otherwise welcome news that the
American Beauty rose has declined in price
in New York is accompanied by the dub
ious announcement that its pre-emiuence
as the most popular Of flowers has come
to an end. Its rival is said to be the
Baroness Rothschild,' which. during the
| last ten years, has been displayed by the
florists in only small quantities. From its
long period Of observation it is now coming
into favor and expects to supersede the
splendid competitor in whose presence it
has paled for years its Intellectual charms
Fashions in flowers are probably as ar
bitrary as fashions in everything else, but
1t is not easy to believe that a mere whim
or caprice can cast a shadow upon a flow
er so superb as the American Beauty. In
this rose are combined all the qualities
of perfection-color. fragrance, size, fol-
iage, endurance. No other rose smells so
sweet. keeps SO well, or is so glorious in
its blushing maturity. The sturdy stem
and the dark. glossy green leaves heighten
its superiority. 1t is lovely to the last
moment Of its existence, and when the
petals fall they are still beautiful enough
to plead for preservation.
The name of the American Beauty ought
to make it preferred in this country 10 the
Baroness Rothschild." 1t bespeaks its
nativity. 1t partakes of the vigor of he
soil which gives it life. 1t conveys an i'm
preston of peerless grace and strength.
1t is no limp exotic TO pine on the stem.
1t stands up straight and regal. Haunting
color which is found in the banner of
freedom. No such neglect can come to the
American Beauty as has been suffered by
the Marechal Neil. the Mermet and La
France. which are discarded fayorites. The
American Beauty will assert its own worth
and merit With true republican sover-
eighty, and will triumph over its titled
competitor.
The American people are not becoming
snobs in the matter of flowers There has
been. on the other hand, a distinct revival
this season of the old-time favorites. SUCH
as lilacs and flags" or fleur de lis. These |
Gooryard flowers have appeared in unus- |
ual abundance in the shops OF the florists |
and have been preferred by purchasers to /
more costly blossoms There is a sentl
ment in men and women which causes /
them to turn eagerly to the first flower of /
spring as the most suggestive mementoes |
of childhood and youth. Popular taste may
be beguled for season by new and |
curious trophies of the florists art and |
skill but the best survives and the public |
is true to that which is genuine and which |
asserts the claim of perennial excellence
In every Village yard fifty years ago /
grew great bushes. filled in their season |
with plump and clcse-leaved pink roses !
These were gathered by the apronful by /
dainty housewives ard placed in chests or
drawers TO dry and leave their delicate fra
GRANGE. that odor. unsurpassed, IS
intact in the Ameri-
Fan Beauty. with the added charm of a
more gorgeous coioring. IN expanded form
and more stately presence. 1t Is this
subtle scent. with its power to invoke
tears or TO awaken happy recollections. !
hat gives the American Beauty its just
ore eminence and which offers sure
pledge against its Reinforcement