254 THE ROSE BOOK 



moving all lateral growths save three ; these should be 

 near the top unless others beneath are stronger. The 

 buds are now inserted in two of the three, leaving the 

 uppermost to be budded should either or both the others 

 fail. Of course, four shoots or more may be retained 

 and four different sorts budded upon one standard, but, 

 as a rule, three shoots are sufficient, and it is only advis- 

 able to bud one variety. 



Roses potted up in October, and since kept plunged 

 in soil, should now be given more room — about twelve 

 inches apart each way. The plants are plunged in the 

 soil to the rims of the pots, or, better still, ashes may 

 be placed around the latter. Weeds are then less 

 troublesome. Such plants may be allowed to flower, 

 but really they were potted with a view to forcing them 

 next winter. Tea roses that have been forced may now 

 be repotted, if they need it ; this can be determined by 

 an examination of the roots. If these are abundant, and 

 found making their way through the hole in the pot, re- 

 potting is needed. The best compost consists of turfy 

 loam two parts, well-rotted manure one part, with 

 a sprinkling of sand and bonemeal. Old plants in pots 

 that are not worth repotting will make fine specimens if 

 planted now. Soak the ball of earth previously, and 

 see that the soil has been well prepared for them. Do 

 not cut back, but just tie over the growths ; this will 

 induce shoots to start from the base. 



Roses to be planted out under glass ought to have 

 been obtained by now. Plant them about thirty inches 

 apart each way. Young grafted pot plants are by far 



