112 THE ROSE GARDEN. 



a desirable point would be gained by omitting the centre stage, and forming, in 

 its place, a bed of good soil, in which standards and half-standards might be 

 planted ; say three or five rows — a row of tall plants along the centre, and shorter 

 ones on either side. 



I am induced to recommend this mode of culture, from having observed with 

 what luxuriance the Tea-scented and other Roses grow, when planted out in the 

 borders of conservatories. The flowers they produce under such circumstances 

 are often of extraordinary dimensions, and the season of flowering ceases but for 

 a short time. Treated thus, many kinds prove almost evergreen. I have a plant 

 of Tea Goubault now before me, which bloomed last March, and which has as 

 yet (January) made no preparation for casting the leaf. It has, of course, been 

 kept constantly under glass. If, however, flowers are wanted so early as 

 February, this system would probably not answer well. Pot-culture must 

 then be adopted. The high atmospheric temperature required to ensure their 

 production thus early, with no power of obtaining a corresponding increase 

 of bottom-heat, would cause a weak growth, and the flowers would be of little 

 beauty. 



In forcing Roses on a small scale, a pit with a span-roof may be constructed at 

 a very trifling cost ; and an Arnott's stove, proportioned to the size of the pit, 

 proves an effectual and wholesome heating apparatus. A pit 20 feet long, and 

 15 feet wide, of sufficient height to enable one to walk conveniently clown the 

 middle, will hold 100 large plants ; and to heat this structure a moderate-sized 

 Arnott's stove is sufficient. A pan of water should be placed on the top, to pre- 

 serve a proper degree of moisture in the atmosphere. Plants removed from the 

 ground will, if on their own roots, require to be grown one year in pots before 

 forcing. Their early treatment is the same as that of other Roses in pots, which 

 is fully described in the last chapter. To this, then, we need not revert, but will 

 suppose the amateur in possession of strong plants of at least two years' growth, 

 whether of his own raising, or purchased at the Nurseries. When about to force 

 Roses on their own roots, we should ascertain whether the pots are full of 

 sound healthy roots ; for if they are not, only partial success can be obtained. If 

 fine flowers are wanted, the last week in December, or the first week in January, 

 is early enough to commence forcing, and but little fire-heat should be given in 

 the first instance. This is their artificial spring, and a low night temperature must 

 necessarily be secured. The Rose is not a lover of a powerful heat : it must be 

 forced steadily, increasing the temperature by degrees, if flowers are required very 

 early. Where bottom-heat can be readily obtained, we think it advantageous, al- 

 though by no means necessary. A good point to start from in forcing is 50 to 55 

 degrees by day, and 40 degrees by night. The temperature of the house requires close 

 attention; and the state of the atmosphere, as regards its humidity, although 

 often overlooked, is equally important. Too dry an atmosphere causes a drain 

 upon the nutritive organs, and will cause the young leaves to wither and fall off; 



