THE ROSE GARDEN. 107 



the latter size: if the reverse, use the former. In reference to this, the judgment 

 at the time of potting is the hest guide. Placing the plants too low in the soil is 

 a great evil : always keep the roots near to the surface, as they are sure to strike 

 downwards. 



It is essential here that the pots he thoroughly drained, and the soil should be 

 well pressed or shaken down among' the roots. The heads may be thinned out at 

 the time of potting, leaving as many shoots as can be found properly situated to 

 form the plant handsomely. The shortening of the shoots may be deferred till 

 the plants are supposed to have made fresh roots ; remembering, however, that 

 the time of pruning regulates the time of blooming. The earlier they are pruned 

 the earlier they will flower. 



After potting, the plants should be placed in a cold pit, where they may remain 

 closed from the air for a few days. They should be syringed twice daily, or three 

 times, and shaded also, if sunny weather. If taken up in Sei^tember or October, 

 when the leaf is green, and kept in a close pit, well, syringed and shaded, they 

 will retain their leaves almost as fresh as if left in the ground, and soon renew 

 their hold of the soil. 



I have removed the Autumnals from the ground in June and July, just when 

 they had completed their first flowering, and, by treating them in the manner 

 above described, have obtained complete success. 



It is not necessary that they should remain in a pit for any great length of time. 

 After the first ten days or fortnight air may be admitted gradually to harden them, 

 when the hardy kinds may be plunged out of doors, in an airy situation, and the 

 tender ones kept in the pit, or placed by themselves where they may be sheltered 

 from severe frosts. The north side of a wall or fence will serve for this purpose, 

 erecting a temporary building, open on three sides, the top covered with felt or 

 fern, or any thing else that will exclude the rain and frost : the sides may then 

 be closed in with mats in severe weather. 



A few remarks on Roses grown in pots as climbers may not be altogether use- 

 less. If it be the wish of the cultivator to train a few upon this system, they 

 should be invariably chosen on their own roots. But perhaps it may seem strange 

 that we should suggest such a thing. What ! cultivate Climbing Roses in pots ! 

 The idea is absurd ! So it would be did we recommend the groups which are 

 ordinarily spoken of as climbers ; namely, the Ayrshire, Boursault, Banksian, 

 Musk, Sempervirens, &c. But such is not our intention. Magnificent as these 

 are when growing in the open ground, to the height of fifteen feet, covered with 

 their immense trusses of bloom, we are aware that their semi-double and transient 

 flowers render them unsuitable for Pot-culture. But where else are varieties found 

 that will climb ? This question will be replied to in the list given at the end of 

 this Work. 



We have now to point out the end in view, and the means by which it is to be 

 accomplished. Some kinds, which are indispensable even in a small collection, 



