V MANURES 71 



(3.) And lastly, the food can be given just when it is 

 wanted, and withheld when it is not wanted. 



1. As to the first of these points, let the beginner 

 not only remember himself, but also diligently im- 

 press upon his assistant, that Roses drink but cannot 

 eat. The ordinary labourer will not believe in the 

 strength or virtue of a clear fluid — from perhaps a 

 hazy comparison with his own beer, he distrusts any- 

 thing that is not thick ; and he will be careful to apply 

 the dregs of the liquid manure cart or cask, " because 

 that's where all the good is." It should be pointed out 

 to him that what cannot be dissolved in water cannot 

 be assimilated by the Rose, and he should be told not to 

 put on the dregs, which may sometimes do harm. Of 

 course time, chemical changes, and the power of the 

 earth bacteria may and do eventually dissolve materials 

 which remain solid in ordinary water : but liquid 

 manure is as a rule for present immediate use, and 

 therein lies one of its great advantages. 



2. By liquid manure we can reach all the roots at 

 once without disturbing them in the actual time of 

 their most vigorous growth ; and we can supply the 

 Rose with what it wants, soil thoroughly stored 

 with food ready cooked as it were for immediate 

 absorption, rather than solid manure in the soil which 

 may or may not have all the materials ready in a soluble 

 state. 



3. To obtain fine fruit, from an apple, pear or peach- 

 tree, for instance, every gardener knows that manure 

 is wanted when the fruit is set and beginning to swell : 

 that earlier it may induce too much wood : and that a 

 tree which has no fruit is best without manure, as the 

 extra nourishment is more likely to produce wood than 

 fruit buds. Roses do not form quite an analogous case ; 



