236 THE ROSE BOOK 



plants are in full leaf it is necessary to look over them 

 every morning and to water those that need it. When 

 the flower buds show, tie the shoots to small sticks spread 

 outwards so that every leaf may get light and air. In 

 smoky districts sponge the leaves every other day. 

 Weak liquid manure may be given when the buds 

 appear, at first once a week, and twice weekly when 

 the buds are as large as marbles. When the colour of 

 the flowers shows the glass light may be removed and 

 canvas substituted, or the plants may be taken to a 

 room or cool conservatory. After the flowers are over 

 the plants should have all the fresh air possible ; in 

 fact, they may be placed outdoors, the pots plunged in 

 ashes or soil. 



In July or August repotting may be necessary, but 

 few will need repotting the first year. When the pots 

 are full of roots and the latter show through the hole 

 in the pot, then it is as well to shift them into rather 

 larger pots. This is best done in the summer, so that 

 the soil may be full of roots before winter. After turn- 

 ing the plants out of the pots remove the crocks, then 

 lay them on the bench and gently prod the ball of soil 

 with a pointed stick in order to remove some of the old 

 soil without damaging the tiny roots. Having reduced 

 it fully to half its size, it may be repotted as previously 

 described. Soil used for potting should be in such a 

 condition that on taking up a handful it will adhere 

 together without crumbling or being " pasty." After 

 repotting, place the plants out of doors and keep the 

 soil moderately moist. 



