The soil for planting roses must be rich and well mixed. It should consist of four parts of the richest black loam, or leaf mould, two parts of well-rotted manure, with a slight admixture of fine sand. This soil should not be sifted, but lumpy, yet well mixed together.

In potting, as much of the old soil as can be taken off, without breaking the roots, should be removed, and the plant set just up to the neck or collar, on the new soil; settle the earth well around the plant, and give a gentle watering from the fine rose of a watering pot or a patio fountain.

Pruning should be done as required; the eyes will break anywhere; therefore, whenever a branch becomes too long or unsightly, cut it in; there need be no fear of injuring the plant.

If they have been planted out in the garden during the summer, on removal to the house in the autumn they will need a severe pruning.

Cut off the young wood to within a few inches of the old wood, and give the plants a little rest, by giving less water and little heat; when you wish them to bloom, bring them into full sunlight, give more heat, and, as soon as the young branches have begun to push, give plenty of water.

Every eye will produce a shoot, crowned with one or more buds; after blooming, shorten in the blooming branches about one half; new eyes will push, and a second display of bloom be the result.

In watering roses, care must be taken not to render the soil cold and sodden; water should never stand round the roots; frequent stirring of the surface of the soil is very beneficial.

Be wary of any garden water features that produce a large amount of water, they can oversoak these delicate flowers. A few bits of charcoal, broken fine and mixed with the earth, will impart the richest brilliancy to the flowers.

The following list of China roses will be found to include the best old varieties. New hybrids are constantly produced, and all of this class makes good window plants. China roses are called also “Bengal” roses.

1.     Agrippina, or Cramoisi Superieur: Rich, velvety crimson, very double.

2.     La Superbe: Purple crimson, very double, flowers always opening well.

3.   Eels Blush: A profuse bloomer; flowers large and double, resembling a tea rose.

4.     Indica, or Common Daily: Dark blush or rose color; free grower and profuse bloomer. This is the common “monthly rose.”

5.     Indica Alba: A white variety of the last, of more slender growth, but double and free flowering.

6.  A dwarf form of R. Indica, called “Fairy Rose” Tom Thumb, Lawrenaeanai: Is a pretty little miniature rose, very double, and about as large as a dime or half dime.

7.  Mrs. Bousanquet: Creamy blush, very fine; by some classed as a Bourbon, which it seems to be. It is very distinct from other Chinas.

8.  Semperflorens, or “Sanguinea”: Very double; cupped; rich crimson. Grown everywhere and appreciated, especially amongst vibrant garden statues.

9.  Jacksonia: Bright red, very double.

10.  Louis Philippe: Dark crimson; globular.

11.  Eugene Hardy: White, changing to blush.

12.  Eugene Beauharnais: Bright  amaranth, very fine form, and fragrant.

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