48 MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



better than clear manure and should be well worked into the soil 

 around the roots ; work it in in a circle equal to the circumference 

 of the full spreading top. 



Budded roses sometimes send out suckers or shoots from the 

 stock ; in planting such, it is well to set them with the junction of 

 the stock and bud below the surface, so that the budded portion 

 ma}- form roots of its own, and thus become independent of the 

 stock. Watch for an}- indication of suckering, and rub out all 

 buds before growth is made. 



Pot Culture. If out-door culture of roses is comparatively simple 

 and easy the culture in the house, conservatory, etc., is generally 

 attended with many difficulties. For pot culture we select the tender 

 or monthly classes, though with care some other sorts maybe grown 

 with moderate success. I shall confine myself to dwarf and tender 

 varieties ; and these must be selected with reference to the care, etc., 

 which can be accorded them by the cultivator. And first, as to pots — 

 these should be clean, free from mould, and large enough to correspond 

 with the size of plant and roots to be grown in them. Potting 

 soil should be composed of old pasture turf, loam, and rotted cow 

 manure, in about equal proportions, or woods earth and sharp sand 

 may be substituted for turf or loam — say one part of sand, to three 

 or four of woods earth, and the same of manure. Provide good 

 drainage by placing potsherds or charcoal in the bottom, which 

 should have a hole in it, and be raised a little from the saucer so 

 as to allow the air to circulate ; cover the drainage material with 

 soil ; then place the plant in the centre of the pot with the roots 

 well spread ; fill in among the roots with fine soil, using every 

 care to bring the soil in contact with each root and every part 

 thereof, firming it moderately, after which give a gentle watering. 

 If this potting is done before it is desirable to place the plants on 

 the stand, the pots should be plunged out-doors in a somewhat shel- 

 tered position in sawdust, tan bark, or some like substance, to 

 prevent drying out, there to remain till desired to place in the 

 house or conservatory. When the plants are potted they should 

 be pruned, as a general rule shortening in about one-half. As a 

 general thing the temperature of our living rooms is subject to too 

 great variations and the atmosphere is also generally too dry for 

 successful cultivation of the rose ; to remedy these defects great 

 care should be used in parlor culture to keep an equable tempera- 

 ture, with suitable ventilation, and tlien to frequently shower the 



