ON RAISING ROSES FROM SEED. 219 



thin out the larger trusses of flowers, so as to leave about half a dozen 

 in a head of the plumpest buds. 



In the process of impregnation, just as the flowers to be impreg- 

 nated are expanding, I cut away the anthers therein by means of a 

 small pointed penknife or scissors, this prevents natural seedlings 

 being produced from the kind. Where I had a specific design in 

 the impregnation of any two kinds, after the operation had been 

 effected I tied a piece of fine gauze over the head of bloom to prevent 

 access by bees, &c. 



In Autumn, as soon as the side was ripe, I had it gathered and 

 placed in gauze bags, and so kept in the seed-vessel till required for 

 sowing. Early in Spring I sow the seed thinly in boxes, and place 

 them in a gentle heat in a common frame, keeping the soil moist, not 

 wet, till that portion which then pushes appears to have done entire 

 for that season. When the plants can be safely transplanted I have 

 them carefully taken up, and planted in a rich soil and warm situa- 

 tion in the open garden, where they remain to bloom. The general 

 quantity of the seed does not come up the first season, but remains 

 to the second. I therefore have the boxes kept just moist, till the 

 end of the summer, and then remove them into a dry place during 

 winter. Early in spring place them in a gentle heat, and all the 

 good seeds soon push forth plants, which are treated as before named. 

 Seed may be quite successfully treated by sowing in the open border, 

 having it in a warm situation, and keeping it moist by covering the 

 bed over with moss, &c. Two years are required here as in the 

 former named instance, to get up the whole. During winter I usually 

 spread dry leaves betwixt the plants that come up, and remain in the 

 seed bed, so they be secured from injury by frost, being yet tender ; 

 this protection is removed at the spring. Moss or tanners' bark may 

 be substituted for dry leaves where the latter are objected to. 



I have paid particular attention to crossing the most distant classes, 

 as well as to obtain kinds which will bloom the longest period, and to 

 get fine-coloured, fragrant, and very double Roses. The following 

 kinds I have found to seed freely. 



Hybrid Chinas. — Athelin, Celine, Princess Augusta, Duke of 

 Devonshire, Globe White Hip, Aurora, Ne plus Ultra, Henri Barbet, 

 General Allurd, and Chatelain. These, and others of the class, I im- 



