J 36 



THE ROSE GARDEN. 



In reference to grafting Standard Roses, as they are invariably done in the open 

 air, March is the best season. As fine and mild a day as March is likely to afford 

 should be chosen. Grafting requires at all times an ordinary share of patience 

 and perseverance ; and if the practitioner be not possessed of more than an ordinary 

 share, he had better not attempt it out of doors on a true March day ; for to be 

 kept in one position five minutes at a time, with a cold wind whistling round one's 

 ears, is a trial of no common order. What a contrast between this and budding 

 in a sultry July day ! In grafting Standard Roses, the stock is of course consi- 

 derably larger than the scion, and Cleft-grafting is the mode I have pursued 

 with the greatest success. 



In grafted plants, as in budded ones, if the buds or eyes be allowed their natu- 

 ral course they break and form long single shoots. If these are stopped so 

 soon as they have three or four good healthy leaves, a bud from the axil of each 

 leaf will be developed, and a round bushy plant is formed. 



5. Layers. — This mode of propagating is not so commonly resorted to as the 

 others. Dwarf or bush Roses only are commonly laid. It is first necessary 

 to dig with a fork for some space around the bush, breaking the soil quite fine, 

 mixing in a little pulverized manure in the operation. The instruments wanted 

 are, a knife, a flat trowel, and some pegs. All things being ready, select some of 

 the best shoots, stripping off a few of the leaves at a distance varying from six 



No. 40. 



Laying. 



