Evening journal., 1910-01-21
NEW NEWS OF YESTERDAY
Roses That Inspired George
BanCrOft'S Great Work
BY "HolIand."

The statement has been made from
time to time that George Bancroft, the
historian, was among the foremost au-
thorities of his day on the cultivation,
varieties, habits and characteristics of
roses. It is also true-as has been
stated-that the love of roses amount
ed almost to a passion with Mr.. Ban
croft. But l have never seen it print
ed that his roses frequently inspired
Mr. Bancroft in this great work. Yet
1t was my good fortune to have him
naively make this confession to me
under very interesting circumstances.
One balmy June morning a matter
Of business took me to the Washing
ton residence of the venerable man,
then engaged in putting the final
touches on his monumental history of
the United States. With a gracious
and cordial dignity he received me in
his library. fragrant with the perfume
from vase full Of roses resting on a
table. Indeed, so beautiful were the
flowers that could not help remark
ing to Mr.. Bancroft even before the
business in hand was finished. what
exquisite roses. Mr.. Bancroft"
He had been all attention before,
but now his eyes shone with the fire
of enthusiasm.
DO you like roses?" he asked with
almost childish eagerness.
"Yes," I replied, they are my favor.
ite flower"
"Then come with me" he said sim.
ply.
A minute or two later, as we left the
house by the rear door. found myself
standing on the edge Of a luxuriantly
blooming rose garden, occupying the
whole of the rear yard, about 75 feet
in depth and so in width, as I remem-
Der it. It was plain even to lay eyes
that Mr.. Bancroft had made. artistic
and economic use of every foot of the
plot at his command.
AS we walked along the little wind
ing paths that gave easy access to
each bush. Mr.. Bancroft's hands were
! prodigal with caresses for his roses.
and his touch upon them was like that
of a fond fathers upon the head Of a
favorite child.
They are my children, the compan-
ions Of my leisure hours" he told me
with charming simplicity. Some
times they have tempted me away
when 1 should have been at my desk.
DO you know that they sleep, getting
drowsy at twilight, and falling sound
asleep when darkness comes? And,
though I love them all, do you know
that sometimes 1 think the neighbor-
ing blossoms pout when I caress one
of their fellows? / can't help thinking
that these friends and companions
have some sub-conscious intelligence,
and / know of a surety that to them
owe great happiness and something
Of whatever success 1 have had in life
for they have been true healers Of
many Of my momentary infrmities."
He stopped before some blossoms Of
exquisitely delicate tint. With both
hands he lovingly stroked them.
"Ah, how they have refreshed me-
he went on. Invariably l come TO
them when work on my history has
wearied me. talk with them, fancy
they know what I say and like my
caresses, and they send me back to
my desk with my body refreshed and
my mind stimulated for further work"
Again he stopped, this time before
bush laden with blossoms magnif-
Gently red.
They helped me with battle once.
I had reached a point where the ex.
citement of the theme no longer sus-
tained me. Suddenly. laid down my