44 
ON THE CULTIVATION OF TEA-SCENTED EOSES. 
those of 1810; they have the large guard leaves, the irregular disposition of petals, and, 
for the most part, the same drooping habit and glossy leaves as those of yore. Notwith- 
standing this, the varieties we possess furnish us with abundant proof that the object has 
been attempted ; and the slight alteration apparent, consisting in the size of the flowers 
and variety of colour, we believe not due to the breeding for a particular result, but the 
natural results of cultivation. Strange that they should thus resist change, when the 
types of other groups, of more recent origin, are lost in the varying characters of the floral 
races. Beautiful in their irregularity, distinct in their properties, unique in appearance, — 
we confess that we admire them above all others, and that their charms for us would depart, 
were they aught else than what they are. As well might we complain of the diversified 
surface of the landscape, as of the graceful irregularities in this charming group of Hoses. 
It has been said that the objections of minds floriculturally schooled, has done 
something to render them unpopular ; but there is another cause, existing in their 
delicacy, and susceptibility of frost. It is not intended here to dwell upon their culture in 
the open air — though I have proved, by experiment, that they may be grown successfully, 
and with little trouble, in this manner. We will, for the present, dismiss this point. 
I intend here to confine my remarks to their cultivation as climbers for the conservatory. 
But am I at the outset met with the response “We have abundance of such plants.” 
Then I rejoin “ Is not the variety these will afford, combined with a delightful fragrance, 
a sufficient plea for their introduction ? Then of their cultivation. 
We will suppose plants intended for this purpose to be purchased in the spring. They 
are perhaps in small pots, therefore unless the situation be freely exposed to air and light, 
they should be shifted into larger pots, using a compost of leaf-mould and loam, and 
cultivated with care during the first summer. In the spring following they will be strong 
and well rooted, and may be planted out in prepared soil — loam and leaf-mould as before. 
They may be pruned rather closely, and watered with weak liquid manure as they become 
dry ; and the growing shoots trained with care according as they are wanted to clothe 
round pillars or trellis- work. They will probably rise from two to three feet the first year ; 
and as they become evergreen under this treatment, they will grow and flower almost 
incessantly, even in the depth of winter, if suffered to do so. But as a period of rest is 
necessary in order to ensure rapid progress, this may be granted about midsummer, when 
Hoses abound out of doors, — or immediately after a general flowering, — by keeping the soil 
about the roots perfectly dry. When it is thought desirable to excite a new growth, it is 
only necessary to prune and water the plants, and the end is attained. If they are 
fortunate enough to escape pruning by the cutting of the flowers for bouquets, a second 
pruning on the completion of flowering will be needed, and at this time any misplaced or 
unhealthy branches should be removed. The same course of culture may be gone through 
from year to year, training up the topmost branches till the height desired be attained. 
For the satisfaction of any who may doubt the adaptation of Tea-scented Hoses for this 
purpose, I would state that there are several plants in the conservatory at Orleans House, 
Twickenham, from ten to twelve feet high, and at the time I saw them, about a year and a 
half ago, they were most beautiful specimens, clothed with large handsome foliage, the 
flowers regaling us with their delicious sweets. The plants in the border of the conservatory 
of the Horticultural Society of London, may be referred to in support of our position ; 
these, I should think, (speaking from impressions only,) are eight or ten feet high, and 
there are specimens nearly equal the size and beauty in many other places. 
In conclusion, allow me to offer a brief list of kinds suited for the purpose. 
Abricote j fawn, apricot centre. 
Belle Allemande ; cream, shaded with blush. 
Bougere ; rosy bronze. 
Buret ; rosy purple. 
Clara Sylvain ; pure white. 
j Delices de Plantier ; coppery rose. 
Devoniensis ; pale yellow. 
Eugene Desgaches ; clear rose. 
Goubault ; bright rose, centre buff. 
Julie Mansais ; pure white. 
Lynnais ; rose, and rosy lilac, very large. 
Madame de St. Joseph; salmon pink 
Marie de Medicis ; rose, centre fawn. 
Niphetos ; pale lemon. 
Originate ; blush, centre rose. 
Safrano ; apricot changing to buff. 
Souvenir d'un Ami ; salmon, and rose shaded. 
Triomplie du Luxembourg ; coppery rose. 
