41. 
ON EMPLOYING THE CHINESE ROSES FOR MASSING. 
Few persons are unacquainted with the common China Rose, Rosa indica ; the 
immense profusion in which its flowers are produced, from earliest summer till 
destroyed by the severe frosts that indicate the approach of winter, contribute to render 
it as great a favourite as it is a universal one. What very largely adds to its being 
regarded with so wide-spread an interest, is the ease with which it accommodates 
itself to, and flourishes in, whatever situation it may be placed, whether it be against 
the walls of the cottage, its rural porch, or a less conspicuous situation in the garden 
of the villager. 
It is for the most part usually employed in gardens as a climber, and is planted 
against walls or rustic arbours, and sometimes by the side of mansions, which, indeed, 
is a situation worthy for it to occupy. As a shrub, or in a capacity which enables it 
to display more freely its natural character, it is often extensively planted in the 
borders of shrubberies, and the less considerable parts of the grounds. But the 
purpose for which we are about to recommend it to be used, or species and varieties 
of which it is typical, is one for which it has hitherto been very partially employed. 
It is not generally known how eligible it is for bedding out, or growing in masses ; 
the valuable properties that distinguish it, indeed, render it conspicuous, as eminently 
calculated for such a purpose ; and, how it has to such an extent escaped being so 
employed, is a matter of considerable surprise. 
Perhaps Rosa indica minor is the most suitable for general massing, as in addi- 
tion to possessing the equally valuable properties of the common China, it is less 
strong-growing, as its name would indicate ; for beds of small dimension it is cer- 
tainly the most proper. The colour of their flowers is hardly of that decided cast 
that would warrant their being employed, where such a defect might interfere with the 
effect of a perfectly arranged parterre. 
The variety under consideration, R. indica minor, may be introduced in masses 
with the greatest propriety, and with peculiar advantage to close adjacency with a 
flower-garden of the most refined order. There is nothing in the production of 
their flowers, either in point of continuance or quantity, that militates against their 
being used under any circumstances; in fact, their features in this respect constitute 
their main and deserved excellence ; and the period when these are the most highly 
appreciable is, when all Flora's gems excepting them are laid low. Beds, or masses 
of these, are clothed in lavish profusion with their flowers, from early in June till a 
period we have previously referred to. 
R. indica and R. indica minor, planted in isolated clumps on lawns, are seen to 
striking advantage if the site of such clumps is selected with judgment. The 
most favourable point of view in which they could be placed, is a situation where 
they would constitute a distinct feature ; but so introduced, be it remembered, as to 
VOL. XIII. NO. CXLVI. G 
