THE ROSE GARDEN. 110 



the development of those which surround it, and they bloom finer. It has even 

 been recommended to cut off" the early flowers of the Autumnals, on the ground 

 that there is an abundance of other Roses in June, and the practice causes a finer 

 and more certain production in autumn. Truly we cannot depend on the 

 Autumnals for fine Roses in June ; and this is the strongest flea me can urge for 

 the cultivation of Summer Roses. Yet we see no need for destroying the first 

 flowers of the former. Let them bloom ; and when the flowers drop, remove 

 the soil an inch or two deep for a good space around each plant, placing a spadeful of 

 manure there. Cover this over again with the soil, and water the plants twice or 

 thrice if the weather continue dry. This treatment will induce a fresh and 

 vigorous growth, ensuring, as a consequence, fine flowers. The secret of securing 

 a good bloom of Roses in autumn exists in keeping the Autumnals growing 

 during summer and autumn. Do this, and there is no fear of failure. 



The Autumnals perhaps give a better succession of flowers when grown on 

 their own roots, than when budded, because their growth is less regular : shoots 

 spring into life at shorter intervals. 



These are some of the operations necessary to be attended to previous to the 

 flowering season, in order to secure the well-being of our favourites. Some of them 

 may appear tedious, but to those who love flowers there is an interest felt in the 

 simplest operations of culture ; for he who plants a tree adopts it as his own, ap- 

 points himself its protector, and delights in administering to its wants. Every act 

 of labour bestowed increases his attachment to it, and every stage of progress 

 offers beauties to his sight. But as he wanders in the Rosarium, and sees the plants 

 covered with flower-buds, what agreeable anticipations does he indulge in, 

 heightened, perhaps, by the occasional recognition of a flower blossoming before its 

 time. Every succeeding walk shews him an increase in the number ; till at last 

 he beholds them flushed with blossoms, yielding a rich harvest for the labour he 

 has bestowed. Yes 



Well they reward the toil. The sight is pleased, 

 The scent regaled. * * * * 



Each opening hlossom freely breathes abroad 

 Its gratitude, and thanks him with its sweets. 



Annexed are engravings of two Standard Roses in flower. Thev are both 

 vigorous growers, and have been submitted to Long-pruning (see Chap. V. p. 62). 

 The habit of No. 31 is branching, that of No. 32 is erect : the latter has, by a little 

 variation in priming, been made to form a pyramidal head. 



What a delightful month is June for the lover of Roses ! and what time is equal 

 to the morning for inspecting the flowers? What floricultural enjoyment can 

 surpass that afforded by a walk in the Rosarium at grey dawn, when 



The lamps of heaven grow dim, and jocund day 

 Stands tiptoe on the misty mountain's top ? 



