112 ROSES FOR ENGLISH GARDENS 



leaving the remaining inch with its leaflets to peep 

 out above the compost. After the cuttings have 

 been planted they should for a time be kept close, 

 admitting a little air to prevent the leaflets damping 

 off. In severe weather the frame must be covered 

 with sufficient matting or other material to keep out 

 frost, or the cuttings will be lifted by its action on 

 the compost and so prevented from rooting. Early 

 in May in the following year they should be taken up 

 with a ball and potted, kept close for a time in a 

 frame, and then gradually exposed to the air and 

 sunshine. In August they will be ready to plant 

 out. The Roses which best answer to this treatment 

 are the stronger growing varieties, for the moderate 

 growers, if they succeed at all, take a long time before 

 they make good plants. 



Rose cuttings may be struck in the open ground 

 under a north wall or other shady spot, planting them 

 in sandy soil as above advised ; but owing to the 

 disturbing influence of frost and other causes the 

 percentage of successes will not be nearly so great 

 as when they are afforded the protection of frames. 



Grafting. — This method of propagation is scarcely 

 ever employed by amateurs, and it is therefore un- 

 necessary to describe it here. It is used by nursery- 

 men, principally for raising pot Roses and as a rapid 

 way of increasing the stock of any new or rare 

 variety. 



