APPENDIX. 301 



July, 



we have the Rose-shows, of which I have said ray say ; 

 and after these we must bud our Briers with those varie- 

 ties which a keen and constant observation at home and 

 elsewhere, in our gardens and at the shows, has taught 

 us to admire the most. Ample instructions, with cleverly- 

 drawn illustrations, are given by writers upon the Rose 

 as to the art of budding; but an experienced gardener, 

 with a sharp knife and a hank of thick cotton, somewhat 

 resembling that used for lamps, of bast, China, or Raffla 

 grass, will teach the amateur far more quickly and ef- 

 fectively than he can possibly be taught by books. 



Should mildew make its appearance, remove the 

 leaves most affected, and cover the rest with flower of 

 sulphur when the tree is wet from shower or syringe, 

 giving them another good washing next day. Mr. Rivers 

 recommends soot as a remedy, and kindly sent me in a 

 letter, some years ago, the result of a successful experi- 

 ment. ''Have you mildew?" he asks — '^ try soot. 

 Some time towards the end of July a batch of Hybrid 

 Perjoetuals, fine plants in pots, were white with mildew. 

 Perry" (his foreman) "tried sulphur without end, and 

 at last in desperation smothered them with soot, in the 

 dew of the morning. This rested on them for four or 

 five days, and was then washed off. The effect was 

 marvellous : the mildew disappeared ; the leaves turned 

 to a dark green ; the buds opened freely ; and the flowers 

 were brilliant " 



