THE ROSE GARDEN. 113 



it also encourages red spider. A too damp atmosphere is favourable to the pro- 

 duction of mildew, especially if the temperature should fall suddenly, from the 

 effect of atmospheric changes from without, or other causes. A dry air may be 

 remedied by syringing the plants copiously, and, if found necessary, by pouring 

 water on the floor of the house. A damp atmosphere is best remedied by giving 

 air. Unless the weather be very frosty, air should be admitted freely for the first 

 fortnight, to strengthen the growing buds ; but so soon as leaves are formed, it 

 will be necessary to keep the house constantly closed, except the air be very mild, 

 which it seldom is at this season of the year. By the admission of cold air, the 

 young leaves may, from their extreme tenderness, be blighted in an hour. The 

 plants being once fairly aroused, and their roots in action, the temperature may 

 be gradually raised till we reach 50 degrees by night, and 75 degrees by day. 

 A higher temperature than this should not, I think, be produced artificially. 

 Towards the spring, sudden bursts of sunshine will occasionally raise the house 10 

 degrees, without producing any injurious effects : still, if the weather be mild, we 

 would counteract this by giving air ; if keen and windy, by shading. A tempera- 

 ture of 90 degrees, or even 100 degrees, caused by sunshine, is, however, produc- 

 tive of less injury than a keen frosty air. 



In case of severe weather, as was experienced in February 1845, on the 12th of 

 which month the thermometer sunk as low as 6 degrees, there will probably be some 

 difficulty experienced in maintaining the temperature previously recommended. 

 Under such circumstances the plants will receive no injury from a slight decrease of 

 heat, which is indeed much to be preferred to a high forced temperature, produced 

 by great effort. If the house or pit is so constructed that it can be conveniently 

 covered up with mats or cloths, radiation is prevented, and the advantages are 

 very great : and this is desirable on the score of economy, for a great expenditure 

 of fuel is saved; but it is still more desirable for the health of the plants, because 

 the less artificial heat employed the better. 



In the early stage of growth, little water need be given : the plants may be 

 syringed occasionally with manure-water of moderate strength. I have some- 

 times used soot-water in lieu of the above, and the vigour of growth, the dark- 

 green hue of the foliage, and the prominence of the buds, sufficiently attest the 

 value of it. It may, however, be dispensed with so soon as the branches begin 

 to harden and the flower-buds are formed. It is advisable to syringe the plants 

 twice daily in the early stage of growth ; in the morning, just as the sun falls 

 upon them, and again in the afternoon. But should several cloudy or rainy days 

 follow consecutively, once syringing, and that in the morning, is sufficient. Dis- 

 budding should be practised here, as before recommended. We would not, in 

 forced Roses, destroy dormant buds, for they are of no injury to the growing 

 shoots, and in them we have embryo shoots, ready to be awakened, and capable 

 of producing flowers at our will. 



The Rose, when forced, has as much to contend with from the insect tribe as 



(Div. I.) u 3 



