MANURES. 97 



shovel), " and malt or kiln dust, to be obtained from any 

 malt-kiln, equal quantities. This, well mixed, should then 

 be spread out in a bed one foot thick, and thoroughly satu- 

 rated with strong liquid manure, pouring it over the com- 

 post gently for, say, two days — so that it is gradually 

 absorbed. The compost is then fit for a summer surface- 

 dressing, either for Roses in pots, in beds, or standard Roses. 

 It should be applied, say, in April, and again in May and 

 June, about an inch thick, in a circle round the tree, from 

 12 to 1 8 inches in diameter. This compost is not adapted 

 for mixing with the soil that is placed among the roots, 

 but is for a summer surface-dressing only ; and cai^e mnst 

 be taken that it is not placed in a heap or ridge after it has 

 been niixed^ for then fermentation is so violent that the smell 

 becomes intolerable^ 



So powerful is this confection, that I have found one 

 application quite sufficient ; and this I apply, when the 

 Rose-buds are formed and swelling, towards the end of 

 May, or, in a late season, the beginning of June. I wait 

 for the indications of rain, that the fertilising matter may 

 be at once washed down to the roots ; and it never fails to 

 act as quinine and Guinness to the weakly, and as generous 

 wine to the strong. During the extraordinary drought of 



