The Rose, the Queen of Window Plants:

In the continued list of plants appropriate for window gardening, we come to the queen of flowers, the Rose. A book, rather than a single article, should be devoted to this flower; but as our space is limited, we must with a word, dismiss the large divisions of June, Hardy or Hybrid Perpetuals, Provence, Damask, Galic, Moss, Climbing, Austrian, Noisette, and Banksian Roses, each, of which would require a separate treatise, and confine ourselves to the China, Bourbon, and Tea families.

Many of the others are of great value for the greenhouse, some being, in our climate, purely greenhouse roses, and others being invaluable for forcing; but none succeed with parlor culture, though many are well known in the garden, and may claim more than a passing mention when we come to other articles on flower gardens and shrubbery.

China Rose

Without further ado, the China rose. While treating of parentage, we may also include the tea rose, which, with the China, comes from the same ancestor, the <EM>Rosa Indica </EM>and its varieties. From this; stock come all the China and tea-scented roses, which, by skilful hybridization, are now so multiplied that already their name is legion.

Properly speaking, the three roses which are the oldest, and may be considered parents of the race, are <EM>Bosa Indica, </EM>the common Chinese rose, <EM>R. semperflorens, </EM>the crimson or sanguinea rose, and <EM>R. odorata, </EM>the Chinese or sweet-scented tea rose.

The China rose and its hybrids are usually stout growing and sometimes of a close, twiggy habit. With us they w not endure the winter without protection, but south of Baltimore, stand out uninjured.

They are the common rose of window gardening, and are known as "monthly roses." The colors vary from white to deep crimson or red, running through all the shades of blush and pink.

They are often exposed for sale in early spring at the corners of streets and in the market places, every little shoot being crowned with a bud or flower. The foliage is generally smooth, glossy, and fine cut, clothing every little twig, and of a lively, fresh appearance.

It w survive almost any treatment, and w live if but a ray of sunlight can reach it. It is the poor man's friend and clings to him in every vicissitude; yet, while possessing adaptability to circumstances in a remarkable degree, no plant w better repay care and attention. Cleanliness, washing, and syringing are essential to good health; give plenty of light, and it w repay you by abundance of bloom.

Though as its common names (daily or monthly rose) imply, it w not bloom<EM> </EM>every day, yet there w seldom be a day when it w not have a flower or a bud upon it. It w ask you, too, for an occasional smoking; for the green fly is very fond of the delicate juices of its young shoots, and this indeed of all roses. Do not give it too large a pot. Roses w do well in smaller pots, in proportion to their size, than almost any other plant.