30 THE ROSE GARDEN. 



the generality of soil*. It certainly increases the vigour of a plant, but seems to 

 act more favourably on the foliage than on the flowers. It may be said this is 

 due to the use of it in excess. But this I am not disposed to grant. In the 

 spring of 1846 I scattered guano, in variable quantities, over some newly- 

 forked beds of Roses, just as the buds were pushing forth. The soil where this 

 experiment was made is a dry loam, rather stiff, of excellent staple, but poor. 

 The subsoil, to the depth of twelve feet, is a yellow loam or brick earth. Below 

 this is gravel. In every instance where the guano was applied the growth was 

 more vigorous, and the foliage developed of extraordinary richness and beauty ; 

 but, mark ! it was at the expense of the flowers. Such were the consequences 

 attending its use to plants in full health on one soil : on soils otherwise constituted 

 the results might be different. 



Roses should have manure applied to them at least once a year. It should be 

 in a well pulverized state, and may be dug in, when the borders are dug, in spring ; 

 or laid on the surface afterwards, to be washed in by the rains. When manure is 

 applied in such state as to be capable of yielding immediate nourishment to a 

 plant, spring would seem the better season to apply it. The roots are then in full 

 action, and every shower of rain places an abundant supply of food within their 

 reach. If manure is applied in autumn, a great part of its nutritive properties 

 must be carried beyond the reach of the roots by the frequent and heavy rains of 

 winter. 



