WINTER MEETING. 327 



64. What is the best method of growing roses and forcing bloom 

 in winter ? 



The best houses to use are the regular "4-8p:in'' or '-short span to 

 the south," an abundance of light during the winter months being the 

 great object sought. Taey should run east and west, facing South. 

 If the houses are naturally dark, keep them well painted, thus increas- 

 ing as much as possible the brightness. Plant on benches in June 

 strong plants from 3 inch pots, in 3^ or 4 inches of soil. The soil 

 should be light in preference to heavy. If heavy, make it light with 

 well rotted manure and sand. Soil from lowland is preferable to up- 

 land soil, the best being taken from places that have received the 

 washings from hillsides; thoroughly mix with the soil one-fourth to 

 one-sixth well rotted manure according to the fertility of the soil used, 

 and a sprinkling of bone meal, about a Xo. 4 pot to a barrow load of 

 soil. Give all the air possible during the summer, and if the houses 

 get too warm, shade slightly. The plants must have an abundance of 

 water ; never let them suffer for it. Firing should commence as soon 

 as the glass falls to 60 degrees during the night. For the first month 

 the temperature in the house can be held at 65 degrees, dropping after- 

 ward to 60 degrees, at which point it should remain during the season. 

 The day temperature should vary from 65 to 80, according as the day 

 is dull, half bright, or with bright sunlight. Syringing should be at- 

 tended to promptly, and the water applied with force if red spider is 

 to be kept in check; this should be done as early in the day as possi- 

 ble. Watering should never be neglected and frequent examinations 

 of the benches must be made. 



As soon as the plants are established, a light mulching of manure 

 may be applied to prevent too rapid drying out of the soil ; manure 

 water can also be used about once in ten days ; make it from horse or 

 cow manure, with an occasional change to sheep manure and chemi- 

 cals. As the sun gains power in spring, another mulching, composed 

 of equal parts of wBll-rotted manure and soil, with a liberal sprinkling 

 of bone flour can be applied. Manure water can be used oftener, 

 about once a week, or every five days, according to the strength of the 

 plants. 



Keep the plants properly tied and cleaned, and insects and dis- 

 ease will be much better kept in subjection. Use virgin sulphur or 

 Fostile for mildew, and tobacco in its many shapes for green flj'. 



65. What varieties bloom best indoors? 



Marschal Heil, Bon Silene, Catherine Mermet, La Pactole, Bride, 

 Papa Gontier, Hiphetos, Mad. Joseph Schwartz, La France. 



