1869.] ROSES ON THEIR OWN ROOTS. 113 



whole over with 5 or 6 inches of good stable-dung, and hang the 

 bundles of branches to the wall, and the operation for the present is 

 finished. In the course of three or four months, after the soil has had 

 time to subside, and all danger of " hanging " is over, the tree may be 

 permanently fixed upon the wall. If during the first summer the 

 weather is dry, liberal waterings may from time to time be admin- 

 istered to much advantage. Manure-water of no sort should, however, 

 be given, as the tree stands in the very same position as an animal 

 recovering from a protracted illness ; and we are all aware that the 

 medical practice is to bring the patient round by degrees, and then 

 give him the best food to build up the system. Let us in like manner 

 do the same to the vegetable kingdom. Let the plant or tree show 

 good signs of recovering strength before many stimulants are provided 

 for it. During the first year the tree will probably show but feeble 

 health, but the second it ought to be pretty strong, when, if watering 

 is necessary, manure-water may with much advantage be applied. The 

 third year, in all probability, there may be a crop of fruit, and the tree, 

 if properly attended to, will continue to be fruitful and healthy for 

 many years to come. James M'MillajS". 



(To he continued.) 



—'^-i-^'^^^^i-^ — 



CULTIVATION OF ROSES ON THEIR OWN ROOTS. 



As the season is come again when plenty of good ripe cuttings are to 

 be had of all sorts of Roses — and generally at the pruning-season a 

 great portion of their heads goes to swell the rubbish-heap in the shape 

 of prunings — prepare a piece of ground, of any light, sandy soil, upon 

 a south border. It does not require to be over rich, as the Roses will 

 remain on it for twelve months to complete their growth ; and many 

 of them will make from three to four shoots, and from 2 to 3 feet 

 long. The distance apart may be 12 inches between the rows, 

 and 4 inches from cutting to cutting. In taking off the cuttings, 

 select those with the ripest wood. Get as many with heels as you pos- 

 sibly can, although many will strike equally well by cutting them across 

 at an eye with a sharp knife. The cuttings need not be any longer than 

 from 5 to 6 inches ; if made shorter, they are apt to be thrown out 

 with the frost. During winter it is a matter of little consequence 

 whether the leaves are left on or not. I have put in batches of cut- 

 tings at pruning-time in the spring, and secured upwards of seventy 

 per cent. A north aspect behind a hedge is as good as anywhere. 



H 



