80 THE ROSE BOOK 



prepared soil. Turfy loam, obtained by chopping whole 

 turves, each into six pieces, with a spade, should form 

 the chief ingredient of the compost ; well-rotted manure, 

 to the extent of one-third of the whole, is mixed with the 

 loam, together with a double handful of half -inch bones 

 to each bushel of compost. This forms an ideal mixture, 

 but it may be said to be really essential to success with 

 choice climbing roses, though the extent of the special 

 preparation needed depends upon the quality of the 

 natural soil. The purpose in view would probably be 

 achieved by exchanging good soil from another part of 

 the garden for the clay or gravel dug out, if farmyard 

 manure and half-inch bones were intermixed, but it 

 remains true that turfy loam would be better. 



It is surprising how well climbing roses against walls, 

 even choice and somewhat difficult sorts, will thrive if 

 they are given a really good start ; this is, in fact, of 

 the first importance. By the time the roots have used 

 the good fare provided, a strong plant will have been 

 built up, and a rose that is established is, as a rule, very 

 well able to take care of itself ; it will triumph over 

 circumstances that would overwhelm a newly planted 

 or badly planted tree. When one remembers that some 

 of these roses may outlive the planter, it is apparent how 

 well deserving they are of initial care. An hour's atten- 

 tion at planting time is worth days of it afterwards, 

 for it is far simpler to give the rose a good start than 

 to bring it back to health from sickness. If well and 

 truly set, time will but add to its vigour, and the flight 

 of years enhance its attractiveness ; plant it badly, and 



