137 
surface of the soil will effect this object. Hvapora- 
tion during hot and dry weather being thus 
prevented, the growth of the plant is encouraged, 
and possibly the loss of those not well rooted pre- 
vented. Should the weather be dry, give a good 
watering ; this, if done effectually where the plants 
are mulched, will not soon require repeating. Bear 
in mind, one thorough good watering is more 
beneficial than frequent small doses. Beds may 
now be prepared for planting the Tea-scented, 
China, and Bourbon Roses, grown upon their own 
roots. Choose for these a warm, dry situation: let 
the soil be prepared at least eighteen inches deep ; 
it should consist of one half good rotten turfy loam, 
the other half equal proportions of leaf-mould, rotten 
manure, and sharp sand. Plant, when the weather 
is suitable, towards the middle or end of the month, 
but let the plants be previously well hardened under 
a north border ; protect them also for a week or 
two after planting, by placing a few branches of 
evergreens amongst them. 
May.—The plants will now be making consider- 
able progress, and every opportunity should be 
embraced to examine and regulate the shoots, as 
well as to search for and destroy insects. The 
advantage of planting in open and dry situations 
will now be apparent. In such places the plants 
will be nearly free, or suffer very little from the 
attacks of green-fly, whereas those in confined situa- 
tions will require almost daily attention to keep 
them free from this pest. Disbudding is an impor: 
tant operation, and can be performed whilst examin- 
