116 THE ROSE GARDEN. 



and thus are obtained specimens in the best condition for forcing. I have ob- 

 served plants, which have been forced for several years in succession, cease growing 

 about Midsummer, and shed a portion of their leaves shortly afterwards. If, from 

 much rain, the bark and soil become thoroughly moistened, they are aroused, a 

 second growth occurs, and the best wood is lost. To prevent this, the plants 

 should be pruned so soon as the wood is matured, and the pots laid on their sides 

 under a north wall or fence. The Autumnals removed from the forcing-house in 

 May will, if suffered, produce flowers again in September and October. But 

 this is working them rather hard ; and if we are anxious to secure good plants for 

 the next forcing season, the flower-buds should be nipped out so soon as formed, 

 and all gross shoots stopped back or destroyed. It is the shoots formed after 

 the first flowering that we are looking forward to for fine flowers the next year, 

 and the eyes on them must be kept dormant. Roses thus treated will flower well 

 forced several years in succession. 



It is not intended to be expressed that Roses newly-removed from the ground 

 will not bear forcing. If worked on the Dog-rose, or any free stock, they do not 

 absolutely require to go through the preparatory course recommended for plants 

 on their own roots. If taken up early in September, they may be forced the first 

 year with success, as far as regards the flowers, although they do not form regular 

 and handsome plants. For several years past it has been customary here to place 

 the new varieties in the forcing-house, to test their merit before offering them to 

 the public, and some tolerable flowers are thus produced ; certainly not in full and 

 perfect beauty, though sufficiently good to form an opinion of their value. But 

 this is treading on the very confines of the laws of nature, and is one of those 

 things which may be done, and not what should be recommended. Small plants, 

 established, are preferable to large ones newly-potted. In fact, the former, if in a 

 good state, will produce flowers equal to those of larger plants : the difference will 

 chiefly consist, not in quality, but in quantity. Plants of this description, after 

 havino- been in the house for a short time, should be shifted into 32 or 24-sized 

 pots, using a rich light soil, and taking care not to bruise the tender roots, or loosen 

 the ball of earth in the operation. With regard to the description of Roses 

 best suited for forcing, some varieties, which do not expand their flowers freely out 

 of doors, are beautiful when forced ; such are, Melanie Cornu, Prince Albert, and 

 others. Some kinds, of rare beauty in the garden, are of little worth for forcing ; 

 such are, Comte d'Eu, Labedoyere, and most of this strain. A list of the best 

 will be furnished hereafter. 



Many who might not have convenience or inclination for forcing Roses, would 

 vet willingly appropriate a pit to secure a good bloom in April and May ; and 

 this may be attained without much trouble. Let the plants be pruned and placed 

 in the pit early in November. Keep them as close to the glass as possible. Give 

 air abundantly in mild weather, covering the glass with mats or fern of cold nights, 

 or even during the day in the event of severe frost. 



