98 A BOOK ABOUT ROSES. 



Again, Mr. Riv^ers, whom I have just quoted, 

 and to whom we must still give precedence, re- 

 membering what he has done in the Rosarium, 

 writes : "I have found night-soil, mixed with the 

 drainings of the dunghill, or even with common 

 ditch or pond water, so as to make a thick liquid, 

 the best possible manure for Roses, poured on the 

 surface of the soil twice in winter, from i to 2 gal- 

 lons to each tree ; December and January are the 

 best months : the soil need not be stirred till 

 spring, and then merely loosened 2 or 3 inches 

 deep with the prongs of a fork. For poor soils, 

 and on lawns, previously removing the turf, this 

 will be found most efficacious. Brewers' grains 

 also form an excellent surface-dressing: they 

 should be laid in a heap for two or three weeks to 

 ferment, and one or two large shovelfuls placed 

 round each plant, with some peat-charcoal to de- 

 odorize them, as the smell is not agreeable." 



I will quote in alphabetical sequence the other 

 distinguished public Rosarians who have expressed 

 their opinions, or proved their skill at all events, 

 in the matter. These are Mr. Cant of Colchester ; 

 Mr. Cranston of Hereford ; Mr. Francis of Hert- 

 ford ; Mr. Keynes of Salisbury ; Mr. Lane of 

 Berkhampstead ; Mr. Mitchell of Piltsdown ; Mr. 

 George Paul, the representative of Messrs. Paul 



