GARDEN CLASSIFICATION. 253 



of bloom throughout the season. The Tea and Noisette Roses 

 have been generally classed distinct from the China ; they are, 

 however, but varieties of the latter, and there is so much confu- 

 sion in the old classification, that the amateur is frequently mis- 

 led. Many of the roses now classed among the China have a 

 strong tea scent, and many of the present Tea Roses have very 

 little fragrance. The characteristic of the Noisette Rose is un- 

 derstood to be its cluster-blooming habit. In the Noisette Roses, 

 however, as formerly classed, there are some varieties that do not 

 bloom in clusters, and a^nong the China, Tea, and Bourbon, 

 many that frequently bloom in clusters. With this confusion 

 existing, we have thought it best to place them altogether under 

 their true head of China Roses. For the benefit of those who 

 may have been accustomed to the old classification, we have 

 given each its old designation of Tea or Noisette, as classed by 

 Rivers, Vibert, and others. 



The original variety of the Tea Rose was imported from China 

 into France in 1810, and the yellow variety in 1824. Many of 

 the tea-scented varieties have thick, rich petals, fine foliage, and 

 beautiful colors ; they are, however, more tender than others. In 

 the warm climate of Italy and our Southern States they grow 

 and bloom most beautifully, and are general favorites. Above 

 all other roses, they require a rich soil, with a dry bottom and 

 a sheltered situation ; they will sometimes endure our winters 

 with the thermometer at zero, but it is better to protect them by 

 means of straw and hay, or of boards upon low stakes. Perhaps 

 the least troublesome way of protecting them is, to have one or 

 more hot-bed frames, six feet by twelve and about a foot and 

 a half or two feet deep. This can be set several inches in the 

 ground, and litter of any kind placed around the sides. The 

 roses can be carefully taken up, and planted in this frame aa 

 thick as they will stand. The top can then be covered with 

 boards a little slanting, to carry off the rain, and the plants will 

 be suflTiciently protected. If the weather is very severe, some 

 litter can also be placed upon the top. The whole can be made of 

 rough boards very cheaply, and will protect a great many plants. 



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