^ MANURES 83 



^ The manure is to be applied in early spring : imme- 

 diately after pruning would generally be soon enough 

 perhaps, but February would be better. It is to be 

 evenly scattered on the previously hoed surface, at the 

 rate of I lb. to the square yard, so that the Rose grower 

 can soon calculate how much he wants. In some cases 

 it might be difficult to procure it in small quantities, 

 unless some manufacturer could be found to make it on 

 speculation for such sale. If not, small Rosarians, who 

 have difficulties with natural liquid manure, should com- 

 bine to order it. A thoroughly trustworthy firm should 

 be applied to, as the adage " see that you get it " applies 

 very strongly to chemical manures. 



A 48 flower-pot full of manure may be taken 

 as 1 lb., which would suffice for a square marked 

 out by a six foot rod ; but, with observation and care, 

 the " rule of thumb " will soon come in and measurement 

 become unnecessary. It should be kept in a dry place 

 and used fresh if possible ; if caked together let it 

 be thoroughly crushed with the back of a dry shovel. 

 I should not advise watering it in, as no artificial 

 watering can equal the soaking power of gentle rain. 

 A second and lighter dressing, carefully avoiding the 

 foliage, may sometimes be given at the end of May, if 

 heavy rains have occurred, or nitrate of jDotash, the most 

 expensive item, may be used for that purpose, as men- 

 tioned above. 



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