ic Aug.. ipi:;.] I^osc Cultivation. 479 



known as the "' Pr. )Vfncc Rose." which is much cuhi\ated in the large 

 rose-producing district of (irasse. in the South of France. 



Mr. Mellon, in giving his e\idence before the Royal Commission on 

 Vegetable Products, in answer to the question of the suitability of Vic- 

 torian soil and climate, stated that it was much better than that of the 

 South of France. He stated that in the town of Grasse, which is said to 

 be the centre of the world's floriculture, there were 52 distilleries, some 

 of them employing 500 people at a time. With this experience before 

 him, Mr. ^lellon was careful to introduce the Ijest rose for his purpose 

 when stocking the first scent farm establi.shed in this State. He discarded 

 all others but the one referred to. this he named " Rose de Gras.se." which 

 is identical with '' Rosa centifolia,' ' or " Provence Rose.'" 



On Mr. Mellon's departure, the writer took charge of this Farm, and 

 can say that this variety supplie? all requirements, as it is hardy and 

 easily cultivated, and. with proper attention in pruning, gives a large 

 amount of blooms. 



Another variety of rose will be dealt with se])aratelv later on. 



Soil. 

 ^lany rose-growers assert that special soils with clay, or a " clay 

 bottom.'" are necessary. Possibly this may be the case with some varieties, 

 but with the " Provence Rose '" it is not necessary. A warm, dry situa- 

 tion, whether sand, loam, or clay, answers the purpo.se quite well. The 

 onlv situation which I ha\e found unsuitable is one with a wet bottom. 



Climate. 



Most parts of Victoria are suitable for rose cultivation, Those that 

 do not experience excessive rain, but sufficient to allow the plant to mature 

 its blooms, give the best results in "oil." Rain on the blooms has a detri- 

 mental effect. 



At the Dunolly Flower Farm, North- western District, the crop could 

 be harve.sted without danger of rain ; while at Leongatha. Southern Dis- 

 trict, the reverse was the ca.se, considerable rain falling during the four 

 or fi\e weeks the plants were in blcom ; but under these conditions the 

 plants were more vigorous, and gave a much greater yield of blooms. 



As to the yield of oil. I had no opportunity of judging, as the farm 

 was closed down before a proper experiment with distillation was made. 

 It is recognised that the more sunshine the greater is the amount of oil, 

 providing there is sufficient moisture for the proper development of the 

 plant. 



Plants were distributed to almost every part of Victoria, and so far 

 as growth is concerned. I knew of no place A\here there has been a failure. 

 The " Provence Ro.se "" can be recomm.ended to any part of this State. 



Plants. 

 Plants may be obtained from shoots, or what is known as " suckers."'" 

 The latter may be ol)tained from any plantation which has been established 

 for three or four years, when the plant is being thinned cut. When growing 

 from cuttings, pieces 6 or 7 inches long are planted out in a well-prepared' 

 nursery bed in autumn, and left until well rooted ; thev mav be put out 

 in late spring, or carried over until the following autumn. When well 

 rooted suckers can be obtained, they will be better, as the\ can be planted 

 out in their permanent place at once. The plants should be well cut back 

 when being planted out, and it is advisable to prune back straggling or 



