ROSES IN GOLD FRAMES 237 



The same method of fumigating and exterminating 

 mildew as advised for plants in the greenhouse may be 

 adopted in the cold frame ; before fumigating, the cubic 

 measurement should be carefully taken. 



Skeleton houses deserve mention here, as they are 

 excellent for providing roses earlier than from outdoors. 

 Many of the blooms seen at the Temple show and in 

 florists' shops in May and June are grown with the help 

 of such houses. Strong wood three inches square is used 

 for the uprights, and the sides may be of wood or even of 

 stout canvas. Ordinary frame lights are used for the 

 roof. These, of course, are made secure against gales, 

 and are also movable for ventilation. No artificial heat 

 is necessary, although one row of four-inch pipes would 

 be an advantage. The roses are pruned in January 

 or February, and are in bloom in May, some even in 

 April. By pruning hard, fine long-stemmed blooms are 

 obtained. If the roses are planted out there is less 

 trouble in watering, and they have also a better chance 

 of developing into big plants. After the blooms are over 

 the lights may be removed and replaced in autumn to 

 protect the flower buds which will open even until 

 Christmas. The advantage of such a house lies in the 

 protection it affords from spring frosts and the ease 

 with which early blooms are obtained. Needless to 

 say, it should be erected in full sunshine, and the 

 soil must be suitable. 



